VF-17T KAI SOUND FORCE NIGHTMARE
(Custom VF-17 Nightmare Variant)

(Version 1.0 - Last Updated: Friday, 18-Jan-08 02:59:01 PST)

RPG Stats by DAVE DEITRICH (deitrich@mcs.net)
Background info provided by the MACROSS ONLINE COMPENDIUM

BACKGROUND

Unlike the Fire Valkyrie and the VF-11MAXL Custom, which were both designed as high-performance interceptors, the VF-17T Custom was built to serve two functions in addition to spiritia combat; squadron command fighter and weapons transport. Ray Lovelock was assigned as commander of Sound Force due to his past military experience prior to joining the rock group Fire Bomber, and the VF-17 was given improved communications and sensor systems equal to a VF-17S Squadron Commander Nightmare in order to help him coordinate the team's attacks. The fighter was also equipped with special hardpoints for transporting custom weaponry, including the giant Speaker Pod Gamma launcher that was used by Basara during the battle above planet Lux. However the VF-17 stopped carrying custom weaponry into battle after the development of the Sound Booster units, which made such weaponry obsolete.

The VF-17T was the least modified of the three custom designs. The VF design retained most of the major systems of standard VF-17 Nightmares, including the FF-2100X thermonuclear turbine engines. The head was redesigned and most of the VF-17's weaponry was dropped in favor of the Sound Energy System and other spiritia combat systems. Like the other two Sound Force VFs the VF-17's controls in the front cockpit were replaced with a "keyboard-stick" control system that allows skilled pilots such as Ray to actually play music while flying the plane. The rear seat also contained an emergency set of controls integrated into a high-quality electronic drum set, however in order for the rear pilot to take control of the VF she would have to stop drumming. The VF-17T was also equipped with speakers and a holograph system that allow it to create spectacular stage displays and pyrotechnics during a performance. The fighter also retained some design benefits of the basic VF-17, including the radar-absorbing construction materials and highly-angled surfaces that give the fighter stealth capability (though "stealthy" would seldom describe Sound Force's style of attack).

Ray Lovelock and Veffidas piloted the VF-17T Custom together throughout the second half of the Varuta war and proved to be very capable pilots, although Ray occasionally had trouble as team leader keeping Basara under control. Sound Force became a symbol of the emotional and spiritual strength of the Macross 7 colonists, and helped to inspire both civilians and military personnel throughout the war. The VF-17T survived the final battles of the war with only minor damage, and still serves as a key part of Sound Force.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Types:

The VF-17T Kai Sound Force Custom is a custom aircraft designed, built and used by the Macross 7 colony fleet (though other fleets may develop similar craft using the same schematics).

Class: Custom Tactical Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Three Star Industries/Macross 7 Special Technologies Group
Crew: Two pilots wearing Tactical Life Support Systems

(1) Head                                          100
    Hands (2)                                      50 each
    Arms (2)                                      120 each
    Shoulders (2)                                 120 each
    Legs & Thrusters (2)                          240 each
(2) Main Body                                     350
    Main Wings (2)                                150 each
    Speaker Gun Pod                               100
    Reinforced Pilots' Compartment/Escape Pod     175
(3) Pinpoint Barrier Shield                       100

NOTES:

1. Destroying the head of the VF-17T Kai will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal). This will also knock out the projector for the Sound Energy System, forcing the mecha to rely on the external Sound Booster for Spiritia attacks. Radar and communications will be unaffected.
2. Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha. The pilots and cockpit section/escape pod will be automatically ejected from the doomed mecha before it explodes by the mecha's main computer.
3. The pinpoint barrier shield regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per round. Even if completely destroyed the shield will regenerate within 2 melee rounds. The shield is usually generated on the left or right arm of the VF-17.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

100 mph (160 kmph)

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

30 ft (9 m) high or 50 ft (15.2 m) long without thrusters.

FLYING, GERWALK/SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

Mach One (670 mph/1072 kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:

Mach 1 (670 mph/1,072 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 4 (2,680 mph/4,288 kmph) max speed at 10,000-42,000 meters above sea level. Mach 21+ (14,070 mph/22,512 kmph) max speed at 42,000 meters or higher above sea level. The Nightmare is capable of achieving orbital velocity over an Earth-class planet without additional rocket assistance. Maximum rate of ascent is 42,000 meters/minute. G limits are +33.5 to -18.0 standard Earth gravities.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

59,500 kg x2

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:

50.08 ft (15.65 m) in soldier configuration.

30.36 ft (9.49 m) in gerwalk configuration.

17.18 ft (5.37 m) in fighter configuration.

WIDTH:

20.93 ft (6.54 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.

77.52 ft (24.22 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings at maximum extension.

LENGTH:

12.50 ft (3.91 m) in soldier configuration.

41.12 ft (12.85 m) in gerwalk configuration.

50.02 ft (15.63 m) in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

12,200 kg

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 50

CARGO:

Small compartment below pilots' seats for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/Pratt&Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2100X Custom thermonuclear turbine engines, designed for space use but with concealed air intakes for optional use in an atmosphere. 2D horizontal independent convergent/divergent vectored nozzles on engines for thrust vectoring as well as enhanced V/STOL performance and maneuverability. Over 30 P&W HMM-6D high-maneuverability vernier thrusters for additional mobility are mounted on the wingtips, vertical stabilizers, upper and lower surfaces of the nose, and other key locations.

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

Dorsal: NP-BP-17

Leg: NP-FB-17

Special: Sound Booster

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. SPEAKER GUN POD: Like the Fire Valkyrie and VF-11MAXL, the VF-17T Custom is armed with a custom-built speaker gun pod, the signature weapon of Sound Force. Instead of firing munitions, the gun pod instead fires large-caliber autocannon shells that each contain a high-definition speaker and radio receiver. (!) The shells are armor-piercing and can usually penetrate even the toughest armor, but once embedded in armor plate the speaker pods transmit sound waves into the mecha's body, filling the pilot's cockpit with loud rock music. In addition to their use as a distraction, the speaker pods have been known to cause spiritia reactions in the minds of brainwashed Varuta pilots, occasionally permitting them to defect to the UN Spacy.

   Due to the large size of the speaker pods only a limited amount can be carried in the VF-17T's gun pod. One spare clip of speaker pods is contained in the left leg of the mecha, which can be ejected and replaced for the spent clip in two melee actions. Switching clips can only be done in Gerwalk or Soldier mode.

   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Spiritia Warfare
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Distraction
   • RANGE: 6000 feet (1800 m)
   • DAMAGE: A speaker pod does 1D4x10 M.D. on impact from armor penetration. Once embedded in a target's armor, the pod will extract anchors and adhere itself to the mecha's hull. The only way to remove a speaker pod is to physically cut it off a plane back at base.
   • SPECIAL EFFECTS: The loud music played by the speaker pods is very distracting; pilots forced to listen to it in combat suffer a -2 penalty to their initiative rolls, and a -1 to strike and to dodge. In addition, the music may cause a spiritia reaction in the minds of brainwashed Varuta pilots (see the Spiritia RPG rules for more details).
   • RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the number of combined attacks of the pilot.
   • PAYLOAD: Each clip holds 12 pods. One extra clip is stored in the left leg of the VF-17T Custom.

2. INTERNAL MISSILE LAUNCHERS (4): The only weapon system from standard VF-17s that is preserved on the VF-17T Custom are four concealed internal missile launchers, two mounted on each shoulder. Each launcher contains 4 short-range missiles, for a total of 16 for the entire mecha. Any type of SRM may be use, but armor-piercing are standard issue. The missiles may be fired in any mode.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Short Range Missile can be used.
   • RANGE: Varies with missile type; typically 5 miles (8 km).
   • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type; typically 1D6x10 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1, 2, 3, or 4. One volley counts as one attack.
   • PAYLOAD: 4 missiles per launcher; 16 total.

3. MAIN BODY LASER GUNS: Two semi-fixed laser guns are mounted in the nose of the VF-17T custom as backup for the missile launchers. These lasers are mounted facing forward and can only be fired in fighter and gerwalk modes directly in front of the nose of the mecha. The pilot must maneuver the aircraft in line with the target in order to aim the lasers.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
   • DAMAGE: 1D4x10 M.D. per laser.
   • RATE OF FIRE: The lasers can be fired in rapid pulses up to 4 blasts per round. A rapid fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4 shots.
   • PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

4. HOWARD PBS-03F PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM: The VF-17T Custom is equipped with a new mecha-scale pinpoint barrier system for defense. The system can generate a single pinpoint barrier that can be moved anywhere on the mecha and used as a shield against incoming attacks. The barrier provides 100 MDC of protection, and regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per round when damaged. Even if destroyed by combined attacks, the shield will regenerate itself within 2 rounds. In order to use the shield, the pilot must make a successful parry roll to intercept an incoming attack.
   • Primary Purpose: Defense
   • Protection: 100 MDC total
   • Regeneration Rate: 50 MDC per round.
   • Size: The barrier can be up to 10 ft (3 m) in diameter.
   • Duration: Unlimited.

5. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the pilot of the VF-17 can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The variable fighter is extremely agile and can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, jump kicks, leap attacks, rolling with impacts, etc.

   DAMAGE:

   • Restrained Punch: 1D4 M.D.
   • Full Strength Punch: 2D6 M.D.
   • "Booster" Punch: 3D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
   • Tear or Pry with Hands: 1D6 M.D.
   • Kick: 1D6 M.D.
   • Leap Kick: 2D6 M.D.
   • Body Flip/Throw: 1D4 M.D.
   • Body Block/Tackle: 1D6 M.D.
   • Stomp: 1D6 M.D. (only effective against small objects)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE
VF-17T KAI SOUND FORCE CUSTOM:

• AUTO-PILOT: The VF-17T Custom is equipped with a computerized auto- pilot, allowing the pilot to relax or even sleep during long voyages. The auto-pilot can be programmed with a single destination or a complex flight plan involving multiple speeds, directions, and destinations. The onboard computer will alert the pilot when the fighter is near its destination, and can also be set to automatically signal when sensors detect objects near the mecha. The auto-pilot was designed with long intra-system space journeys in mind.
• COMBAT COMPUTER: The VF-17T is equipped with an advanced AI combat computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces. Data collected by the combat computer is continually displayed and updated on the virtual environment cockpit of the mecha. The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 10,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 250 targets simultaneously.
• ESCAPE POD: The entire reinforced cockpit of the VF-17 Custom is a detachable escape pod that can be jettisoned when the mecha is destroyed. The ejected cockpit does not contain thrusters, but does contain a powerful locator beacon and an integrated life support system that can support both pilots for up to 24 hours after ejection. The pod is also equipped with parachutes in case of ejection in an atmosphere. The combat computer is programmed to automatically eject the escape pod if the mecha is destroyed (main body MDC reduced to 0), but this can be overridden if the pilots are feeling suicidal for some reason.
• EXTERNAL AUDIO PICKUP: Range: 300 ft (91.5 m). A sound amplification system that can pick up normal conversation up to 300 feet away.
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS: Special shielding prevents the penetration of life threatening heat and radiation. A radiation detection and alarm system are linked with the shields and will sound an alarm if there is a rupture in the shields and what the levels of radiation are.
• HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTORS: Each shoulder of the VF-17T Custom has a built-in holographic projector. Primarily designed for impressive stage pyrotechnics, the projectors aren't powerful enough to generate coherent images or "cloak" the mecha to hide it from view. However, they can be used to "dazzle" an enemy pilot temporarily. When used, any enemies looking directly at the Thunderbolt suffer a -3 to initiative and to hit rolls for one round; after that, they will accustom themselves to the display and no longer be affected.
• HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the VF-17T Custom is equipped with a homing device that enables rescue teams to locate a disabled craft or ejected life pod. The range of the signal is 400 miles (640 km). Most UN Spacy ships and variable fighters can locate and track homing signals, and the onboard computers will automatically notify their pilots if such a signal is detected.
• KEYBOARD-STICK CONTROL SYSTEM (FRONT SEAT): Like the Fire Valkyrie, one of the strangest and most unique features of the VF-17T Custom is its control system. The front cockpit of the mecha completely eliminates the standard pilot controls in favor of a specially constructed musical "keyboard" that provides all the controls necessary to fly the plane. This allows skilled pilots of the VF-17T to fly the plane in combat WHILE PLAYING MUSIC! The new controls do take a little getting used to, however, and anyone flying the VF-17T will suffer a -2 penalty to hit and to dodge until he or she accustoms himself/herself to the new arrangement. The rear seat of the VF-17T does not have a keyboard-stick; instead it has a traditional set of VF controls in addition to a sound plate percussion setup (see below).
• LASER TARGETING SYSTEM: Range: 100 miles (160 km). Used for increased accuracy in the striking of enemy targets and is partly responsible for the mecha's strike bonus.
• OPTICS: INFRARED: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). This optical system projects a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye, but detectable by the mecha's sensors. The system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed objects by their IR reflectiveness. The beam will be visible to anyone with IR sensitive optics, however.
• OPTICS: NIGHTVISION: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). A passive light image intensifier that emits no light of its own, but relies on ambient light which is electronically amplified to produce a visible picture.
• OPTICS: THERMAL IMAGER: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). A passive optical heat sensor that detects infrared radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-color visible image. The system enables the pilot to see in the dark, in shadows, and through smoke, and also adds a +10% bonus to pilots using a tracking skill.
• RADAR: 200 mile (321 km) range.
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (960 km) or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
• SELF-DESTRUCT: To prevent capture of a variable fighter by the enemy, the pilot can activate the VF-17's self-destruct system, which will cause the fighter to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by either pilot). The explosive damage is contained within a 20 foot (6 m) area and inflicts 1D6x10 M.D. to everything within the radius of the explosion. All internal systems are obliterated. The escape pod will be automatically ejected prior to the explosion unless the pilot overrides the ejection sequence.
• SOUND ENERGY SYSTEM: The VF-17T Custom is equipped with the revolutionary Sound Energy System (SES) developed by Dr. Gadget M. Chiba of the Macross 7 science team. The SES allows the pilots of the VF to focus their spiritia powers and use them for attack and defense. The SES allows the pilots of the Nightmare to conduct separate or combined spiritia attacks and defenses as outlined in the Spiritia RPG rules (coming soon), provided the characters have Spiritia skills. Consult the Spiritia rules for a full explanation of these powers and their effects.
• SOUND PLATE ELECTRONIC PERCUSSION SYSTEM: The control space for the rear seat of the VF-17T Custom is primarily taken up by a "Sound Plate" electronic percussion system consisting of various drum heads, drum plates and pedals that make up a well-equipped drummer's set. Although the system is of very high quality, it does not possess any unusual qualities or doubles as a control system for the aircraft. Interspersed among the drum heads are an abbreviated set of aircraft controls for the VF so that the copilot can take control if necessary. However, in order to use the controls the pilot must stop drumming (something Veffidas always seemed to have trouble doing :-).
• STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: All UN Spacy VFs come equipped with a portable survival kit. Inside the small reinforced box is a medium-sized flashlight, two hand flares, one rocket flare, a compass, infrared distancing binoculars, a small mirror, a pocket knife, dehydrated and concentrated food (can be stretched into a five day supply for one person) and basic first aid items (aspirin, bandages, disinfectants, etc.)
• STEALTH CONSTRUCTION: The VF-17T is designed with special materials and angled surfaces in order to help decrease the Nightmare's radar reflection, thus making it ideal for recon and surgical strike missions. These features provide a constant +2 to initiative rolls made during combat by the VF-17. Note that this is a PASSIVE stealth system, and not an active one like a cloaking device. The +2 initiative bonus will continue so long as the mecha is functional.
• STEREO LOUDSPEAKERS: A special loudspeaker is built into the chest of the mecha, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 300 decibels. The loudspeaker is normally used to project music during combat.
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The VF-17T's cockpit is pressurized, and also provides additional air feeds to the pilots' flight suits that provides them with pressurized breathing. The UN Spacy flight suit also contains an upper and lower g-suit that promotes blood circulation even during high-g turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking out in combat.
• VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT COCKPIT: The VF-17T is equipped with an innovative new cockpit layout that provides monitors below and around the pilot in addition to the HUD cockpit dome. In flight, these monitors display what is below and behind the aircraft, giving the pilot a tremendous field of view that is unparalled by any other aircraft (with the possible exception of the YF-21's brain-direct imaging system). This wide view in addition to the combat computer's cockpit overlays give the VF-17T a +1 to dodge and initiative rolls in addition to any other bonuses.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR NIGHTMARE VF TRAINING:

BASIC VARIABLE FIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING

• Basic training for non-pilot military personnel.
• 1 attack per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels three, nine, and fifteen.
• +1 on initiative (plus stealth bonuses, see above).
• +1 to strike.
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in soldier mode, +3 in gerwalk, +5 in jet mode.
• +1 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• No leap dodge.
• No leap kick.
• Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand.
• Body block/tackle/ram - 1D6 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round.

• Advanced training for pilots specializing in the VF-17T Custom.
• 4 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and ten.
• +2 on initiative (plus stealth bonuses, see above).
• +2 to strike
• +3 to parry
• +3 to dodge in solder mode, +5 in gerwalk, +7 in jet mode.
• +3 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• +3 to leap dodge. A leap dodge is an automatic dodge which causes no loss of attacks per melee. The new generation variable fighters are so maneuverable that the pilot can dodge an attack while moving to counterattack an enemy.
• Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand.
• Body block/tackle/ram - 1D6 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round.

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

• "Doe's All The Worlds' Mecha Guide: General Galaxy VF-17 Nightmare Entry"
• Macross 7 TV episodes 25-49
• This is Animation The Select: Macross 7 Animation Materials

http://www.mcs.net/~deitrich/index.html deitrich@mcs.net