Difference between revisions of "General Galaxy VF-22 Sturmvogel II"

Latest revision as of 09:30, 18 July 2005

General Galaxy VF-22 Sturmvogel II

The following is by no-means meant to be all encompassing. The following are MRC specific MODIFICATIONS to stats that are preexisting. Note that the following should not be taken as canon. The following is an extrapolation and speculation from canon materials.

BACKGROUND

The VF-22 Sturmvögel developed out of the failed General Galaxy YF-21 Omega 1 design after the UN Armed Forces decision to not adopt the YF-21 as the main variable fighter at the conclusion of the Project Super Nova (AVF) competition. The engineers at General Galaxy refused to let the advanced fighter design die. They reevaluated and reworked the prototype, removing systems that did not perform well during the Project Super Nova trials, such as the Brainwave Control System (BCS) of the original YF-21, and added other improvements, such as space for internal standard pallets.

After initial testing, the new VF-22 was presented to the UN Spacy VF review board. The UN Spacy decided to adopt the VF-22S as a special operations fighter successor to General Galaxy’s VF-17 Nightmare in December 2042. Renamed the VF-22S Sturmvogel Stealth AVF, the fighter entered service for the UN Spacy in 2043.

The VF-22 Sturmvögel still closely resembles the YF-21 prototype from Project Super Nova, mostly due to the inclusion of a revised version of the inertia vector control system used in the Quimeliquola Quaedlunn-Rau battlesuit that was preserved from the YF-21. The Sturmvögel also preserved the active stealth technology of the YF-21, but the Brainwave Control Systems (BCS) and Brain Direct Imaging (BDI) systems were removed in favor of a more conventional control system. The BCS and BDI had led to unforeseen health problems and other complications in the YF-21 test pilot, and correcting these problems while preserving the benefits of the systems proved almost impossible. Instead the cockpit was redesigned to include a more complete set of conventional controls, and pilot visibility was increased using a traditional overhead spherical canopy equipped with HUD (heads-up display) projectors and several additional visual screens.

Highly valued for its combination of high speed, agility, fold booster mounting capability and stealth, the VF-22S Sturmvögel has quickly become a popular craft within the UN Spacy Special Forces. Unfortunately, the high cost of purchasing and maintaining the aerospace vehicle has limited its distribution, and most are assigned to special forces units on an as-needed basis. During the latter days of the Varuta War, the designs for the VF-22 Sturmvögel were transmitted to the Macross 7 Colonization Fleet and authorization was given to build two fighters to supplement the Macross 7's forces. The first VF-22 Sturmvögel was flown by Captain Maximilian Jeinus himself during Operation Stargazer, and the second VF-22 Sturmvögel was piloted by his wife, Mayor Miliya Jeinus, in the final assault against the Protodevlin homeworld in February, 2046. Both craft performed admirably during these battles, and the design will probably be produced in greater numbers in the future.

In the late 2040s and early 2050s, the VF-22 Sturmvögel is still being manufactured in an extremely limited rate. The prime reason is that after the conclusion of the Varuta War in 2046, no other major opponent has appeared to threaten the UN Government and the known (human) territories in the galaxy. Though Anti-UN terrorist activities have been increasing in the period, the use of the VF-22 Sturmvögel against them is extremely limited. Primarily because the prime weapon against the Anti-UN terrorists are highly visible deterrents – such as Destroid platoons or patrols of VF-11 and VF-19. The VF-22 Sturmvögel still has a niche, but at this time, that niche is very small.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type:

VF-22 (Advance production version with no additional series letter designation)

VF-22S (Production version adopted by United Nations as special operations fighter. First manufactured by Macross 7 fleet factory ship Three Star under experimental license for two fighters.)

Class: UNS Special Operations Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: General Galaxy
Customer: UN Spacy.
Design Features: Implementation of Zentraedi technology (due to the implementation of a revised version of the Quimeliquola Quaedluun-Rau battle suit's special inertia vector control system, the VF-22 has a similar silhouette to the battle suit in Battroid mode); low observablity stealth configuration and construction; stealth/agility trade-off decided by design team; two flight configuration modes (cruise and high speed) achieved via varying the cant of the wing and tail surfaces; supersonic cruise and maneuvering in region of Mach 5+ below the stratosphere; sufficient thrust for attaining orbital velocity over a Earth-class planet; vertical T-O and landing (VTOL); fighter-carried pin-point barrier system (PPV); trapezoidal combined variable-cant tail stabilizing surfaces; active stealth system; three-dimensional thrust vectoring with three independently pivoting exhaust nozzle flaps on each engine; head unit and legs enhanced from earlier YF-21 design; under-fuselage micro-missile launchers and gunpods internalized; option of external fold booster.

Crew: Pilot only in General Galaxy/Marty & Beck specially-developed g-endurance zero/zero ejection seat and wearing Tactical Life Support System with upper and lower g-suits and pressure breathing. The VF-22 is equipped with a completely shielded, pressurized cockpit with external view maintained by overhead spherical canopy, one forward panel, and two side panels in cockpit hatch; conventional digital flight control system with side-stick controller.

MDC BY LOCATION

NOTES:

¹ Destroying the head of the VF-22 will knock out the mecha's main sensor systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal). Backup sensor systems will provide standard vision for the pilot in soldier mode. Radar and communications will be unaffected. Note that on a called shot, the main sensor faceplate will be hit. It has an MDC of 45. Its destruction disables the sensors.

² Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha. The pilot and cockpit section/escape pod will be automatically ejected from the doomed mecha before it explodes by the VF-22'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 to full strength within 2 melee rounds. The shield is usually generated on the right or left arm of the VF-22.

SPEEDS

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION: 120 mph (192 Kmph)

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION: 50 ft (15 m) high or 70 ft (21 m) long without thrusters.

FLYING, GERWALK/SOLDIER CONFIGURATION: 0 Kmph to Mach One (670 mph/1072 Kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION: Cruising speed, at 10,000 m, is usually Mach 5.06 for the VF-22, and Mach 5.07 for the VF-22S. The maximum cruising speed at 30,000+ m is Mach 21 for the VF-22 and Mach 22+ for the VF-22S. The VF-22 is VTOL capable in all modes. The VF-22 can vary the configuration of its wings and control surfaces to provide greater speed or control as the situation requires.

The VF-22 is capable of launching into satellite orbit over a Earth-class planet without additional rocket assistance. Maximum rate of ascent is 61,900 meters/minute. The structural G limits are +60 to -45.

MAX ENGINE THRUST: 65,200 kg of thrust, x 2 maximum instantaneous thrust. In an atmosphere, the engines use atmosphere as a coolant, but due to problems of cooling efficiency (caused by exceeding output and melting the core) the maximum thrust is limited to 40% to 60% of thrust in space.

STATISTICAL DATA:

Note: numbers given in m (metres) only are confirmed on the Macross Compendium. Numbers with both ft and (m) are unconfirmed.

HEIGHT:

46.52 ft (14.54 m) in soldier configuration.

25.59 ft (8.00 m) in gerwalk configuration.

4.04 m in fighter configuration.

WIDTH:

20.80 ft (6.50 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.

15.36 m in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings at maximum extension.

LENGTH:

14.29 ft (4.47 m) in soldier configuration.

41.69 ft (13.03 m) in gerwalk configuration.

19.62 m in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

VF-22 is 9,550 kg and the VF-22S is 9,340 Kg empty. Maximum takeoff weight in an atmosphere is 39,207 kg, and maximum weight in space with optional fold booster is 48,305 kg (weights beyond that exceed theoretical safe limit for fold booster).

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 60

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two 65,200 Kg class (maximum instantaneous thrust in space) Shinnakasu Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2450B thermonuclear engines. In atmosphere, the engines use air as coolant/propellant, but due to problems of cooling efficiency (caused by exceeding output and melting the core) the maximum thrust is limited to 40% to 60% of thrust in space. Two trapezoidal air intakes with retractable shutters for Battroid mode or space use and four dorsal overflow outlets. Three-dimensional independent turning exhaust nozzle vanes, for enhanced V/STOL performance and maneuverability. Four dorsal sub-nozzles above main exhaust nozzles. Two banks of pivoting underfuselage slits acting as main nozzles for VTOL hovering in GERWALK mode. P&W HMM-6J high-maneuverability vernier thrusters. Special equipment hard point station for optional external fighter fold booster on special pylons.

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

The VF-21 can mount the following FAST Packs in any combination:

• Dorsal: (2) Shinsei Industries Dorsal Aerodynamic Booster Units or (2) SES Aerodynamic Booster Units

• Special: 1 full set of YF-21/VF-22 FAST packs.

In addition, the VF-21 can mount one of the two radomes available (VF-11 or VF-17) or the OTEC FBF-1000A External Fold Booster over top of the dorsal mounted FAST packs. But, in all cases, the additional equipment must be ejected prior to transformation. Note that the FAST packs do not inhibit transformation.

WEAPON SYSTEMS

1. ERLIKON AAB-7.5 FIXED HIGH-POWERED CONVERGING ENERGY CANNON

The VF-22 mounts a single, fixed high-powered converging energy cannon mounted rearward on forward dorsal fuselage in Fighter and GERWALK modes or on head turret in Battroid mode. The energy cannon can only fire to the REAR of the fighter in fighter and GERWALK modes - it cannot be turned to fire along another arc. The energy cannon is used in air combat skirmishes and for defensive purposes.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-aircraft
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile/defensive
• RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D4x10+5 M.D.
• RATE OF FIRE: Single shots only.

2. MAULER REB-22 CONVERGING ENERGY CANNONS

The VF-22 has two semi-fixed converging energy cannons with forward and rearward barrels, mounted underneath tail stabilizers in fighter mode or in the lower arm section in GERWALK and battroid modes. They can fire either to the front or the rear of the mecha in any mode. In fighter mode the lasers can only be aimed along the direction of travel. In GERWALK and battroid modes they can be aimed in any direction by moving the vehicle’s arms.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Air-to-ground strafing runs
• RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D6x10+10 M.D.
• RATE OF FIRE: Single shots only. The cannons can be fire-linked so that firing both cannons at the same time counts as one attack (does double damage).
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

3. BIFORS BML-02S ALL-ENVIRON RAPID-FIRE MICRO-MISSILE CLUSTERS

The VF-22 is armed with four internal BML-02S missile launchers that were built exclusively for it. The launchers are mounted in the forward dorsal section of the craft, to the sides of the engines, and have exit ports on the ventral fuselage to the rear of the engine nacelles in Fighter mode or on leg storage bay cover panels in GERWALK and Battroid modes. Any type of UN Spacy dogfight missile can be used by the launchers, however the BMM-24 missile is standard.

BMM-24 MISSILES (standard Dogfight Missile stats if loaded with them.):

• Primary Purpose: Assault
• Range: 5 miles (8 km).
• Damage: 1D8x10 M.D.

• Rate of Fire: Volleys of 1-4 missiles per launcher, per round. One volley counts as one attack. If necessary, all 48 missiles can be fired in a single round by expending two attacks.
• Bonuses: The BMM-24 micro-missiles have a +6 to strike.
• Payload: 12 missiles per launcher; 48 total.

4. HOWARD/GENERAL DYNAMICS GV-17L GUN POD(S)

For a main external weapon, the VF-22 contains two internally carried cartridge-less gattling gun pods, each with retractable grip and retractable stealth cover, produced by Howard/General Dynamics. These gun pods are exclusively designed for the VF-22 and are mounted in specially designed storage bays located either in the underside of the craft in fighter mode or in the leg storage bay cover panels or in the manipulators in GERWALK and Battroid modes. The GV-17L is similar to the gattling gun used by the VF-17 Nightmare. In GERWALK or battroid modes, the gun pods can be ejected from their bays and used by one or both of the YF-21's hands. The gun pods can fire in any mode - they fire out of a special concealed port when stored away in fighter mode.

Like the original GU-11 gun pod used by the VF-1 Variable Fighters, the GV-17L gun pods do NOT use clips of ammo, but instead have a large internal supply of ammo stored in the barrel of the gun pod. This allows the users of the GV-17L to bypass the need to reload while in the field.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
• RANGE: 6000 feet (1800 m)

• DAMAGE: 1D10 per round. 10 round burst, single target – 1D10X10 MD. 25 round burst, single target - 2D10X10 MD. Note, for bursts using greater then 25 rounds, increase the damage by a scale of 1D8X10 per 10 rounds OR refer to the modern weapons rules for machineguns.

The Gun Pod can be used for sprays: 10 round spray – 1D10 MD, affects 1d4 targets. 25 round burst spray – 1D10 MD, affects 2d4 targets with a 50% chance of hitting bystanders. Longer duration sprays (up to limits of the magazine): 2D10 MD, affects 4d4 targets. Chance of hitting bystanders is 70%.

• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the pilot's combined number of attacks. Note that firing of the GU-11 isn't limited to only 10, 25 or 400 rounds. Any variation can be fired (it is recommended to stick to multiples of 10 for ease of damage resolution.)
• PAYLOAD: 800 rounds. The VF-22 carries two GV-17L gun pods. Once exhausted, the gun pods can only be reloaded by trained personnel using the right reloading equipment.

5. BODY/WING HARD POINTS

The VF-21 is also equipped with four fixed hard points (two per wing) for missile loads and other ordinance. Two hardpoints are mounted on each wing of the aircraft. These hardpoints can be used to hold a variety of different ordinance types, including long, medium, short range missiles, medium-range high-maneuverability (MRHM) missiles (after 2040), UUM-7 Micro-missile pods, RMS-1 reaction missiles and even MK-82 LDGB conventional bombs. Usually only long-range or medium range missiles are used.

NOTE: Due to the location of the hard points, ALL missiles must be fired or ejected before the YF-21 can convert into soldier mode. For this reason the missiles mounted on the hard points are usually fired within the first few passes of an attack.

Hardpoint and Missile Details

6. Two Internal Pallets

Each lower rear section of the fuselage of the VF-22 contains an enclosed Standard Internal Pallet, which can be customized for different mission objectives and carry a variety of different missile types. When activated the internal pallets open and slightly extends from the sides of the legs, allowing all of their payload (usually missiles) to be activated at once, if necessary. The payloads can be activated in any mode.

6.I Stonewell/Roice B-7 Standard Internal Pallet

The B-7 standard internal pallet can be equipped to hold up to 9 Bifors BMM-24 All-Environment High-Maneuverability Dogfight Missiles, 9 bomblets, additional sensors (avionics) OR additional cargo, each. In order to carry different types of munitions and/or payloads, the launchers must be exchanged at a UN Spacy base prior to loading.

• SRM/BMM-24 MISSILES:
  • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
  • RANGE: 8 km.
  • DAMAGE: 1D8x10 MD
  • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1-9 missiles per launcher, per round. One volley counts as one attack. If necessary, all 18 missiles can be fired in a single round by expending two attacks.
  • BONUSES: The BMM-24 dogfight missiles have a +6 to strike and +5 to dodge, and get 3 attacks per round until they hit or are destroyed.
  • PAYLOAD: 9 missiles per launcher, 18 total.

6.II Stonewall/Royce B-11A Specialized Reaction Weapon Internal Pallet

The VF-22 can be loaded with two B-11A Internal Weapons Pallets that hold one RMS-1 Reaction Weapon (or other large scale missle), each.

• RMS-1 REACTION CRUISE MISSILES: The missiles are AI-guided, thus they receive a bonus of +5 to strike, +4 to dodge and have two attacks per melee until it hits. The missiles will always strike the center (or main body) of their target.
  • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-Spacecraft
  • RANGE: 804 km
  • MISSILE SPEED: Mach 1 (1072 Kmph at sea level.)
  • MDC OF MISSILE: 25
  • DAMAGE: 4D8x1,000 MD at ground zero. Reduce damage by a factor of 10 for every 750m the object is away from ground zero. (E.g.: 4D8x100 M.D. at 750 m distant, 4D8x10 M.D. at 1,400 m distant, etc.)
  • RATE OF FIRE: 1 per B-11A Internal Weapons Pallets. The two launchers can be fire linked.
  • PAYLOAD: 1 per B-11A Internal Weapons Pallets for a maximum of 2.

7. HOWARD PBS-03F PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM

The VF-22 is equipped with a fixed fighter-sized pinpoint barrier system for use in GERWALK and Battroid modes. The two fighter-mode tail stabilizers act as shields in GERWALK and Battroid modes in concert with the barrier system to 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.

NOTE: THE SYSTEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN GERWALK AND BATTROID MODES.

• 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.

8. CHAFF/FLARE DISPENSERS

Available in all modes. When used, they fire off a burst of chaff and/or flare to counter any incoming missiles. The burst of chaff and/or flares give a bonus of +3 to Dodge against the missiles.

• VFs carry a total of 10 bursts of chaff/flares.

9. HAND TO HAND COMBAT

If necessary, the VF-22 can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The AVF 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: 1D6 M.D.
• Full Strength Punch: 4D6 M.D.
• "Booster" Punch: 1D6x10 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
• Tear or Pry with Hands: 2D4 M.D. + additional ripping and frame damages.
• Kick: 4D6 M.D.
• Leap Kick: 2D6x10 M.D.
• Body Flip/Throw: 2D6 M.D.
• Body Block/Tackle: 2D6 M.D.
• Stomp: 1D6x10 M.D. (only effective against small objects) Note that for some objects, they will be instantly destroyed.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE YF-21:

• ACTIVE STEALTH SYSTEM
• AUTO-PILOT
• COMBAT COMPUTER W/ VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT COCKPIT DISPLAY: era iv.
• DETACHABLE LIMBS
• ESCAPE POD
• EXTERNAL AUDIO PICKUP
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS
• HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the YF-21 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 a homing signal, and the onboard computers will automatically notify their pilots if such a signal is detected.
• LASER TARGETING SYSTEM
• LOUDSPEAKER
• OPTICS: INFARED
• OPTICS: NIGHTVISION
• OPTICS: THERMAL IMAGER
• PILOT FLIGHT SUIT AND HMD HELMET: The VF-22 comes with a custom-designed flight suit for the pilot instead of the standard UN Spacy-issue design used by most VF pilots. This flight suit consists of an upper and lower g-suit that promotes circulation even during high-g turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking out in combat. The flight suit also comes with a specialized HMD helmet, which can display computer graphics and overlays over what the pilot sees, providing additional information. Although the system is not a great substitute for the BCS and BDI systems in the original YF-21 prototype, it does provide the pilot with additional information and helps combat battlefield confusion. The one disadvantage of the flight suit is that it is customized for the VF-22 and is NOT usable in other aircraft.
• RADAR era iv.
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION Era iv.
• SELF-DESTRUCT
• STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: Era iv.
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF-22 FIGHTER TRAINING

NOTE: Due to the Special Forces nature of the Sturmvögel, VF-22 Combat Training should not be available to characters as an initial skill selection. Instead, they should buy the skill when they gain enough experience to advance in rank and receive UN Spacy Special Forces combat training. Pilots flying the VF-22 Sturmvögel without training only get bonuses from Basic Variable Fighter Combat Training.

BASIC VF-22 COMBAT TRAINING

Basic training for non-pilot military personnel.

• 2 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot). Add one additional action/attack at levels three, nine, and fifteen.
• +1 on initiative (+3 when using Active Stealth System)
• +1 to strike (+2 when using Active Stealth System)
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in battroid 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 - 2D4 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round.

ADVANCED VF-22 COMBAT TRAINING

Advanced training for pilots specializing in the VF-22 Sturmvögel.

• 4 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot). Add one additional action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and ten.
• +2 on initiative (+5 when using Active Stealth System)
• +3 to strike (+4 when using Active Stealth System)
• +4 to parry
• +3 to dodge in battroid 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 of 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 - 2D4 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

Palladium Books Game Engine and MDC Rules
Design layout adapted from DAVE DEITRICH ([email protected])
Macross 7
Macross VF-X missions 1 & 2
Macross VF-X2 Official Visual Guide Book
Kazutaka Miyatake Design Works: Macross & Orguss
The Macross Compendium VF-22 listing
Based off of the General Galaxy VF-22 Sturmvögel II stats at Steelfalcon.