Stonewell Bellcom VF-4 LIGHTNING III

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.

Stonewell Bellcom VF-4 LIGHTNING III

BACKGROUND

The VF-4 Lightning III was developed by Stonewell Bellcom in late 2009, and was promoted as the "next generation" variable fighter for the UN Spacy by the company. The VF-4 is faster, more maneuverable and could generate more thrust than the standard VF-1 Valkyrie and is armed with dual beam cannons. Early models of the VF-4, designated VF-X-4 Prototypes, were produced on Earth for testing purposes in 2010, just as Space War One started to increase in magnitude. The VF-X-4 prototypes were heavily based on the VF-1 Valkyrie design; 35% of the VF-X-4's components were directly taken from the VF-1 Valkyrie, including the entire nose and forward fuselage section.

Unfortunately, almost all of the initial VF-X-4s were destroyed along with Stonewell Bellcom during the Zentraedi attack on Earth during 2010. The design itself would have also died in the attack if it weren't for a team of Stonewell Bellcom technicians who were stationed on the SDF-1 Macross when the final attack came, working on maintenance upgrades for the Macross' VF-1 Valkyries. Rallying under Dr. H. Takachihoff, one of the original designers of the VF-1, the technicians refounded Stonewell Bellcom after the Macross landed on Earth and continued work on the VF-4. More VF-X-4s were constructed and tested by a number of UN Spacy pilots, including Skull Team leader Hikaru Ichijyo. In 2012 the final design for the VF-4 Lightning III was completed and mass production of the new fighter began.

The first VF-4 squadrons were issued to the Skull and Iron Chiefs Squadrons, which accompanied the SDF-2 Megaroad-01 on her colonization mission in late 2012. After the Megaroad left production of the VF-4s continued, and in 2020 the Lightning III officially replaced the VF-1 Valkyrie as the main tactical fighter of the UN Spacy and the UNSMC. A grand total of 8,245 VF-4s were produced for the UN Spacy between 2012 and 2030.

When the VF-4 design was replaced in 2030 by the VF-11 Thunderbolt as the main tactical fighter, it was sold en masse to colony self-defense forces. However, a significant number were retained by UN forces to act as trainers, aggressors fighters, in addition to a rather large proportion remaining in active duty positions around the fleet, as the VF-4 had, and arguably still has the best ground-launched space interception capabilities of all VFs produced to date. The UNSMC retained the VF-4 as its fighter of choice well after the rest of the UN forces converted their main tactical fighters to the VF-11.

With the changing nature of hostilities in the galaxy and the decision to proceed at a very slower rate of conversion from the VF-11 to the VF-19, the VF-4 has seen its service life extended in the fleet. In order to maintain the VF-4 fighter’s ability to compete with other, relatively newer designs in the fleet, an upgrade programme was implemented in the mid-2040s on the VF-4s remaining in active service in the fleet. The programme included new engines, avionics and the inclusion of an anti-aircraft head laser. This upgrade, called the VF-4G, has extended the life span of the VF-4 considerably.

RPG STATS Vehicle Type: VF-4 "Lightning III"
VARIANTS:

VF-X-4: Trial-produced variable fighter built using 35% VF-1 Valkyrie parts, including the nose and forward fuselage section.

VF-4A – Production model for the UNS.

VF-4B – Production model for the UNSMC. (slightly larger fuel tanks for increased trans-atmospheric operations.)¹

VF-4C – 2 seat trainer version.¹

VF-4D – Colony Defense Force variation (slight reduction in intra-system auto-pilot capabilities.)¹

VF-4E – Mid-2030’s upgrade of the avionics to keep the VF-4 up-to-date with advancements in VF technology.¹

VF-4F – Mid-2030’s upgrade of the avionics to keep the Colony Defense Force variation up-to-date.¹

VF-4G - Production version in service in 2047 with engines replaced and upgraded for increased thrust, upgrading the head with an anti-aircraft laser and advances in avionics.

¹ Speculation. However, given the available information, the theory of the various models is valid. The order may not be.

Class: Tactical Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Stonewell Bellcom and Shinnakasu Industries
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System

MDC BY LOCATION:

Location	MDC
Head¹ Head Mounted Lasers² Hands (2) Arms/Beam Cannons (2) Shoulders/Engine Nacelles³ (2) Legs/Main Thrustersºº (2) Main Bodyº¹ Canard Forward Wings (2) Main Wings (2) Tails (4) Reinforced Pilot's Cockpitº² GU-11 Gun Podº³	45 15 25 each 60 each 75 each 135 each 225 30 each 70 each 30 each 150 100

NOTES:

¹ Destroying the head of the VF will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal). Radar and communications will be unaffected.

²VF-4G ONLY!

³ Destroying the shoulders/engine nacelles will severely reduce the VF-4's propellant fuel supply. In addition, with the loss of one or both engine nacelles, the VF-4’s rocket thrusters will no longer be an option for transatmospheric flight.

ºº Destroying the legs/thrusters will severely damage the VF-4's engines. Destruction of either leg will reduce speeds by 50%. However, if the engine nacelles are undamaged, the pilot has the option of using them to maintain propulltion. However, this is not recommended as the thrusters are best used for straight line flight. If both main engines and one of the engine nacelles are destroyed, the Lightning will have insufficient thrust to remain airborne and must land. If all four engines are destroyed the variable fighter will lose main power and the pilot will have to make a controlled crash attempt (or be sent adrift on its last heading if in space powered only by the maneuvering rockets.)

º¹ Destruction of the main body will completely destroy the mecha.

º² The listed 150 MDC is only in battroid mode and/or when the blast shield is lowered over the cockpit. Otherwise, 50 MDC for the canopy and 100 MDC for the remainder of the cockpit. Requires a called shot to hit the canopy.

º³ Optional. Not standard issue during it’s initial deployment.

SPEEDS:

FLYING IN AN ATMOSPHERE:

Mach 3.02+ (2023 mph/3237 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 5.15+ (3451 mph/5221 kmph) max speed at 10,000-30,000 meters above sea level. The VF-4G is Mach 3.25+ max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 5.33+ max speed at 10,000-30,000 meters above sea level.

The VF-4 is fully transatmospheric and can attain orbital velocity above an Earth-type planet under its own power. (This is achieved either via using the rocket thrusters or main engines. The rocket thrusters have a superior fuel consumption rate, however they are best suited for single vector flight at high velocity. The main engines are capable of transatmospheric flight, however they will burn through virtually all of the VF-4’s fuel load to reach orbit over an Earth sized planet. Thereafter, the VF-4 is ineffective for fuel-consumption heavy combat maneuvers. The VF-4 should proceed to a refueling station as soon as possible.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:

45.5 ft (13.76 m) in soldier mode.

24.3 ft (7.34 m) in gerwalk mode.

12.3 ft (3.72 m) in fighter mode.

WIDTH:

16.5 ft (5.00 m) in soldier mode.

47.1 ft (14.28 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration (max wingspan).

LENGTH:

14.8 ft (4.48 m) in soldier mode.

28.3 ft (8.58 m) in gerwalk mode.

49.2 ft (14.92 m) in fighter mode.

WEIGHT:

13,950 kg

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 50

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two 14000 kg class Shinnakasu/P&W/Roice FF-2011 thermonuclear turbine engines with two-dimensional exhaust nozzles. Several Pratt & Whitney HMM-1A high-maneuverability vernier thrusters at key locations along the VF-4's hull for added mobility.

The VF-4G has 16500 kg class Shinnakasu/P&W/Roice FF-2011(+) thermonuclear turbine engines with two-dimensional exhaust nozzles.

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

Technically none. However, if warranted, the Vf-4 can have the following dorsal mounted FAST packs. However, the VF-4 cannot transform until they have been ejected: NP-BP-01, NP-BP-02, NR-BP-T1, NR-BP-E2, NP-BP-10

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. LARGE-CALIBER HIGH-POWERED BEAM CANNONS

The main weapon of the VF-4 Lightning III is a pair of high-power beam cannons mounted on the engine nacelles of the aircraft. The cannons can be fired together or individually, and are fed directly from the power generated by the FF-2011 engines. The cannons are slightly adjustable and can be aimed to fire anywhere in a 30º arc in front of the aircraft. In gerwalk and soldier modes the beam cannons are mounted on the backs of the mecha's arms, and can be fired in any direction the arms are pointing. Note that the cannons are based on the Zentraedi Regult’s particle beam cannons, and in a lot of cases are the actual cannons.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Aircraft
• RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D8x10 M.D. (Per Cannon)
• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the pilot's combined number of attacks. Cannons may be fired separately or linked together (both blasts count as one attack.
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

2. CONFORMALLY MOUNTED LONG-RANGE MISSLES

The VF-4 is also equipped with twelve fixed hard points for missile loads and other ordinance. The twelve hardpoints are mounted on and under the main body. These hardpoints can be used to hold a variety of different ordinance types.

LONG RANGE MISSILES

• Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Long-Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: One to twelve (all) missiles.
• Payload: One per hardpoint, 12 maximum.

3. (Optional) GU-11 55mm MULTIPURPOSE GUN POD

Due to limited resources, the VF-4 wasn’t originally envisioned to carry a gun pod. It was deemed that the arm/nacelle mounted beam cannons were more then sufficient to deal with the main foe of the UNS during the Vf-4’s development and initial deployment: the Zentraedi. However, as time changed, so did the required armaments. Later era VF-4 loadouts, especially in colony defense forces, see the GU-11 or other more modern gun pods as been standard issue for the VF-4. The VF-4 can carry one or two GU-11 Gun Pods, identical to the ones used by the original VF-1 Valkyries. However, the gun pods are mounted on wing hardpoints when not being held in the mecha's hands. When mounted each GU-11 takes up one hard point on a wing, reducing the number of missiles the Lightning can carry. Note that the GU-11 is mechanically preset to fire in burst of either 10 or 25 rounds, or until the pilot releases the trigger or the magazine is emptied.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
• RANGE: 4000 ft (1200 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D6 per round. 10 round burst, single target – 1D6X10 MD. 25 round burst, single target – 2D6X10 MD. Note, for bursts using greater then 25 rounds, increase the damage by a scale of 1D6X10 per 10 rounds OR refer to the modern weapons rules for machineguns.

The Gun Pod can be used for sprays: 10 round spray – 1D6 MD, affects 1d4 targets. 25 round burst spray – 1D6 MD, affects 2d4 targets with a 50% chance of hitting bystanders. Longer duration sprays (up to limits of the magazine): 2D4 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 200 rounds. Any variation can be fired (it is recommended to stick to multiples of 10 for ease of damage resolution.)
• PAYLOAD: 200 rounds. Note: The GU-11 CANNOT be reloaded in the field.

4. WING HARD POINTS

The VF-4 is also equipped with four fixed hard points 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 or medium range missiles. One long range or 3 medium range missiles can be mounted per hardpoint. Usually long-range missiles are used.

LONG RANGE MISSILES

• Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Long Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: One to four (all) missiles.
• Payload: One per hardpoint; 4 maximum. Note: reduce by 1 per every gun pod carried.

MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES

• Primary Purpose: Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Medium Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: 1-3 missiles per hardpoint.
• Payload: Three per hardpoint; up to 12 maximum. Note: reduce by 3 per every gun pod carried.

5. 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.

6. MAULER ROV-20 ANTI-AIRCRAFT LASER CANNON

Mounted on the head when in Soldier mode, but located on the upper fuselage when in Gerwalk and Fighter mode. In battroid, the laser have a 360º horizontal rotation and a 90º vertical arc of fire. In jet and gerwalk modes, the ROV-20 is limited to firing only on targets either directly behind or overhead of the VF-4.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defense
• RANGE: 2000 feet (600 m)
• DAMAGE: VF-4G (only!): 1D4x10+5 MD.
• RATE OF FIRE: Effectively Unlimited.
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

7. HAND TO HAND COMBAT

If necessary, the pilot of the VF-4 can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The Lightning 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: 4D6 M.D.
• "Booster" Punch: 6D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
• Tear or Pry with Hands: 1D6 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: 1D6 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 VF-4 LIGHTNING III:

• AUTO-PILOT: The VF-4 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 W/HUD DISPLAYS: The VF-4 is equipped with a combat computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces. Data readouts and stats can be displayed either on the cockpit's HUD display or on the dashboard monitors of the aircraft. The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 1,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 75 targets simultaneously.
• 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.
• HOMING SIGNAL: The VF-4 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 300 miles (480 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.
• 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.
• LOUDSPEAKER: A loudspeaker system is built into the craft, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 90 decibels.
• 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-4's self-destruct system, which will cause the fighter to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by the 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.
• 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.)
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The VF-4's cockpit is pressurized, and also provides additional air feeds to the pilot's flight suit that provides him 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 blacking out in combat.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF-4 LIGHTNING III VF TRAINING:

BASIC VF-4 LIGHTNING III VF COMBAT TRAINING

Basic training for non-pilot military personnel.

• 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 to strike.
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in soldier mode, +2 in gerwalk, +4 in jet mode.
• +1 to roll with a punch or move 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 VF-4 LIGHTNING III VF COMBAT TRAINING

Advanced training for pilots specializing in the VF-4 Lightning III.

• 3 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels three, six, eleven, and fifteen.
• +1 on initiative.
• +3 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 move with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• 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.

Increases for the VF-4G:

• +1 initiative
• +1 parry
• +1 dodge
• +1 roll

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

"Doe's All The Worlds' Mecha Guide: VF-4 LIGHTNING III "
Macross: Flashback 2012
Macross VF-X Missions
The Macross Compendium
Based off of the VF-4 Lightning III stats at Steelfalcon.