Line #77 CoolPlane/Macross


1	Macross just isn't Macross without it's trademark [[TransformingMecha Valkyries]] (and other planes, naturally!), so it deserves a separate page.
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3	Page is currently under construction. AceCustom color schemes '''do not''' count as separate designs - the planes themselves have to be significantly mechanically different to qualify.
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6	!!Valkyries, scramble!
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10	[[folder: ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' and ''Do You Remember Love'']]
11	* No list of cool ''Macross'' aircraft would be complete without the legend itself, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1-vfmf.htm VF-1 Valkyrie]]. While it isn't as snazzy as a lot of the later Variable Fighters, the Valk was a revolutionary design back in the day, both in-universe and in RealLife, as it fundamentally shook the definition of the [[RealRobotGenre Real Robot]]. Coming in several varieties, specifically the RedShirt use [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1a-valkyrie.htm VF-1A]], the flight leader/squadron leader custom [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1j-valkyrie.htm VF-1J]] and the unique (in the [[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross TV series]] only) [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1s-valkyrie.htm VF-1S]], the Valkyrie is armed with a 55mm [[GatlingGood revolver cannon]], 1-4 head laser cannons (1 on the VF-1A, 2 on the VF-1J and the combat training use [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1d-valkyrie.htm VF-1D]], 4 on the VF-1S) and [[MacrossMissileMassacre 12 anti air missiles]] (or 6 [[NuclearWeaponsTaboo reaction missiles]]), the Valkyrie was a significant factor in humanity managing to even stand against the numerically vastly superior Zentraedi armada. Besides the baseline version, a [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1j-gbp.htm special set of armor]] and eventually the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1s-fastpack.htm FAST Pack]] were developed to improve range and firepower later on in the war.
12	** The [[Anime/MacrossDoYouRememberLove movie]] adds a couple new varieties of the Valk: a brand new [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossdyrl/vf-1s-strike.htm Strike FAST Pack]] that features a pair of high power laser cannons instead of missiles, and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossdyrl/vt-1-ostrich.htm VT-1 Ostrich/Super Ostrich]] which is an unarmed trainer intented for early stages of flight training.
13	** Some special use variations of the Valkyrie exist as well, specifically the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossdyrl/ve-1-elintseeker-valkyrie.htm ELINT Seeker Valkyrie]], an electronics warfare version, from the movie and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vefr-1.htm VEFR-1]] as its' TV series counterpart.
14	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/sf3a-lancerii.htm SF-3A Lancer II]] is the very first human fighter to fire in the entire franchise. It's a simple SpacePlane with no aerodynamicity whatsoever, preventing athmospheric combat. The Lancer doesn't have much firepower either: a pair of laser cannons and two reaction warheads are all it has. The fleet of Lancer [=IIs=] stood valiantly against the Zentraedi in the first battle of the war, managing to take down some Zentraedi forces... even though the Zentraedi losses it inflicted ammounted to little more than a needle prick in the long run.
15	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/qf3000e-ghost.htm QF-3000E Ghost]] is one of the better known AscendedExtra planes, as its' descendents would feature prominently into Anime/MacrossPlus and Anime/MacrossFrontier. The Ghost is very notable as one of the earliest realistic depictions of an AttackDrone in fiction - it predates the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator Predator drone]] by a full 12 years. Even more funny is the fact there is a RealLife equivalent of the Ghost now - the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_Avenger Avenger]] which first flew in... '''2009''', the same year SDF Macross actually takes place chronology wise. About the only thing the ''Ghost'' didn't get right is the fact it has cannons, something practically no drones have as of this writing. [[HilariousInHindsight Hilarious]] or HarsherInHindsight? You decide.
16	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/catseye.htm ES-11D Cat's Eye]] is one of the few non combat aircraft to feature prominently in the series, as a fateful piloting of one by Misa sets in motion the major events that would eventually lead to human triumph. It's, again, a rather simple AWACS design, but it still manages to look cool, what with the slightly forward swept wings and large engine pylons.
17	* Episode 33 shows off several new designs as part of a flashback to the Unification War (which would be later depicted in a much greater depth in Anime/MacrossZero). First off, we have the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/dragonii.htm F-203 Dragon II]], which is essentially a F-15 Eagle fitted with Overtechnology derived improvements. The [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/karyovin.htm MiM-31 Karyovin]] is a blatant expy of the [=MiG=] -31 Firefox in name, but design wise it actually has surprisingly little in common. It served as the main fighter aircraft of the antiglobalist forces and had much of the same Overtechnology derivations as the F-203 (due to a case of technology theft which was, again, depicted in ''Macross Zero''). Then we have the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-x.htm VF-X]], a non-transforming prototype that eventually led to the developmemt of the VF-0 Phoenix. And last, but not least, we have the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/disksensor.htm EC-33B Disk Sensor]] which is a more traditional AWACS aircraft in comparison with the Cat's Eye above.
18	* Compared to the human side of the conflict, the Zentraedi armada is much less reliant on aircraft, as they tend to use MiniMecha instead. Even so, they do have a cool plane design in the form of the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/gnerl.htm Gnerl Fighter]], a rather unusually shaped SpacePlane that, unlike the Lancer II, can actually fly in the athmosphere, and at a very high speed at that. It causes many in-universe cases of a GoddamnedBats reaction just for the fact they are continuously deployed in the hundreds, if not ''thousands'' at the same time.
19	* Hikaru Ichijo's last known fighter, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/flashback2012/vf-4.htm VF-4 Lightning III]], started a trend of increasingly cool and unusual fighter designs. The VF-4 takes liberal inspiration from the SR-71 Blackbird, and it's characteristic shell-like Battroid mode stands out all the more. It's also the first Variable Fighter in the franchise to have beam cannons instead of traditional shell-fired cannons. Sadly, the plane is a OneSceneWonder, appearing only in the ''Flashback 2012'' OVA, specifically in one of the two planned movie endings.
20	* Even though the civilians do not operate aircraft in a major capacity, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/fanracer.htm Fan Racer]] and it's rebuild, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/fanliner.htm Fan Liner]] are sleek and elegant, featuring flowing surfaces and a ducted fan (something that's very rare on most present day aircraft). They gain bonus points for actually being [[http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/sociedad/2015/prototipo-avion-desarrollado-oaxaca-1096028.html reproducible]] in RealLife, unlike pretty much any other craft on this list!
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24	[[folder: ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers Again'']]
25	* The VF-2 family, despite not being featured as prominently as the original Valkyrie was in it's own series, is more than a worthy successor to the VF-1, even if it is not canon. It comes in two basic varieties:
26	** The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/vf-2ja.htm VF-2JA Icarus]] is the version suited for athmospheric combat, and it actually has somewhat decent armament in its' baseline form compared to its' space counterpart (it has the now-traditional head laser cannons, a gun pod and additional cannons in the nose section). However, the Icarus is also frequently launched with [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/vf-2ja-mpack.htm Missile Packs]] that provide a total of 4 missiles per fighter; not all that much, but still enough to cause an [[MacrossMissileMassacre Itano Circus]] when a squadron fires their missiles simultaneously.
27	** The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/vf-2ss.htm VF2-SS Valkyrie II]] is the main fighter of the UN Spacy in 2092. It's white coloring serves as an homage to the original Valk, but mechanics wise the two are radically different. The VF-2SS doesn't have any armament besides the head cannons. How does the VF-2SS fight? By equiping the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/vf-2ss-sap.htm Super Armour Pack]] which turns it into an absolute monster of a plane. The pack has 54 micromissiles, 6 long range missiles (which are all, naturally, launched in an [[MacrossMissileMassacre Itano Circus]]), a long range plasma railgun, a short range plasma railgun and ''bits''. Yes, bits, as in [[Franchise/{{Gundam}} Gundam]] AttackDrone bits, something no other Macross series has attempted since.
28	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/va-1ss.htm VA-1SS Metal Siren]] is the planned successor to the [=VF-2SS=]. Compared to the [=VF2-SS=], it doesn't carry as many armaments, but it isn't absolutely helpless without an add-on pack either. It's knightly looks are also a rarity for variable fighters, making it stand out all the more. The Metal Siren [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/va-1ss-replica.htm got a showcase replica]] which has an eyecatching color scheme, but no weapons.
29	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/vc-079-valkyrie.htm VC-079 Valkyrie]] is Hibiki's personal plane. While it has no armaments and it cannot transform into a Battroid mode, it's wide cockpit and unique wing design still make it very distinct.
30	* While the Marduk follow in the Zentraedi's footsteps of using mostly humanoid mecha, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross2/variablefighterpowerarmor.htm Variable Armor]] is the first antagonist TransformingMecha in the franchise. It's characteristic asymmetry when in fighter mode makes it all the more alien-looking. Their armament is no slouch either, as seen by Nexx fighting off a few in his Metal Siren in episode 5.
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35	* The canon successor to the VF-1 and the VF-4 is the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/vf-11b.htm VF-11B Thunderbolt]], which is also featured prominently in the [[Anime/Macross7 concurrently produced TV anime]]. Not unlike the [=VF2-JA=] above, the Thunderbolt lacks missiles, so it needs the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/vf-11b-super.htm Super Packs]] to become fully viable... and oh boy it is viable. The VF-11 is noteable for being the first variable fighter to completely ditch traditional missiles, instead going for a micro-missile only loadout. [[MacrossMissileMassacre The reason is obvious]]. All this is cool, but not ''as cool'' as....
36	* '''Project Supernova''', which gave the two ''definitive'' [[CoolPlane Cool Planes]], not just for the franchise, but possibly for the anime industry as a whole. Meet the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-19.htm YF-19 Alpha One]] and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-21.htm YF-21 Omega One]]. The duo had a set of improvements which provided a quantum leap in terms of fighting capability, manoeuvrability and overall surviveability. Both fighters feature [[DeflectorShields pin-point barriers]] (something that only full size spaceships previously had), integrated missile pallets (2 for the YF-19, 4 for the YF-21), which means they can [[MacrossMissileMassacre Itano Circus]] '''without''' any external packs with ease (although [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-19-fastpack.htm both]] [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-21-fastpack.htm fighters]] still have them, but only for more Itano Circusing since the engines do not require any external fuel tanks either), reloadable autocannons and additional forward-facing laser cannons (besides the usual turret on the head). Oh, and they can also '''[[FasterThanLightTravel Space Fold]]''' with an [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-19-foldbooster.htm adequate]] [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/yf-21-foldbooster.htm external booster]]. Since the armaments on both are extremely close in terms of overall firepower, the main competition laid in the command system and wing structure: the YF-19 had traditional controls, a panoramic HUD cockpit and forward swept wings, which allow for superior manoeuvrability on low speeds (as proven in RealLife by the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_X-29 Grumman X-29]] and the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-47 Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut]] - which was, hilariously enough, revealed about 3 years after ''Macross Plus'' started releasing) and the YF-21 had an innovative [[BrainComputerInterface Human-Machine Interface]] and morphable variable sweep wings. [[spoiler: As it turns out, the YF-19 won the competition and was eventually produced as the VF-19 Excalibur in time for the events of Anime/Macross7.]]
37	* The [[spoiler: secret]] third contestant for the UN Spacy's new mainline fighter was the non-variable [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/x9-ghost.htm X9-Ghost drone]]. A descendant of the QF-3000E mentioned above, this Ghost doesn't have as many fancy features as the Project Supernova fighters had, but what it does have makes it an extremely nasty piece of work for [[spoiler: Guld]]. The Ghost is armed with 5 laser cannons and 29 micro-missiles in a single central palet, with the ability to carry 4 more in the form of it's own Super Packs (the only drone in the franchise to feature such a system). Not bad, but still not up to the cut for the manned fighters' weapons systems. However, being a drone means it has no needs for an [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_attack alpha limiter]], which essentially means it can perform manoeuvres no human could at the time (it took until Anime/MacrossFrontier for variable fighters to get their own [[InertialDampening inertia store converters]], which alleviated the issue). [[spoiler:This means poor Guld had to disable the alpha limiter on the YF-21 and [[RammingAlwaysWorks ram]] [[HeroicSacrifice the sucker]] to take it down.]]
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42	* The trio of Sound Force Valkyries just scream SuperRobot. In a series where most mecha are reasonably realistic, this makes them stand out all the more.
43	** [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19custom.htm Basara's VF-19]] is known for being the single greatest asset in his "music wins all battles" strategy. Even though it has some missiles and a pair of head laser cannons, those are for emergency use only: what brings ruin [[spoiler: and eventual [[HeelFaceTurn redemption]]]] to the Protodeviln are the speakers in the shoulders, it's speaker pod gun and eventually [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19custom-booster.htm the Sound Booster]].
44	** Mylene eventually gets [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11maxlcustom-booster.htm her VF-11 MAXL Thunderbolt]] as a way to join the fight against the Protodeviln herself. Besides reusing the basic frame of the Thunderbolt, it is otherwise a brand new plane: alongside featuring the sound based tech Basara's VF-19 has, it's also equipped with a new set of wings and a pinpoint barrier system which the baseline Thunderbolt lacks. And naturally it eventually receives it's [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11maxlcustom-booster.htm own Sound Booster]].
45	** Ray and Veffidas pilot the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17tcustom.htm VF-17T Custom]] which is somewhat of a bit player in the Sound Force, but it still isn't less awesome in terms of design. As with the rest of the Sound Force planes, it receives [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17tcustom-booster.htm a Sound Booster of its' own]] which proves useful [[spoiler: in the final battle against an awakened Geppelnich]].
46	* The VF-17 is the one brand new fighter for the United Nations in the TV series, but oh boy is it a cool one. Heavily inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk, it features angled surfaces, radar absorbing paint and a whole lot of cannons. Specifically, two in the nosecone/Battroid chest, two in the arm manipulators, and the traditional head cannons: [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17d-nightmare.htm two for the grunt VF-17D]] and [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17s-nightmare.htm four for the VF-17S squadron leader version]]. Besides these integrated weapons, it's prime handheld weapon is an [[GatlingGood gatling gun pod]] which can be adapted into a beam cannon with a special adapter part. It eventually gets a reverse engineered Spiritia absorption pod just in time for the final battle, and it can use [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17d-foldbooster.htm fold boosters]]. Besides the two base versions, there is also a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-17d-radome.htm AEW&C version]] and a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossplus/vf-17t-nightmare.htm trainer version]] that cameo'd in the CompilationMovie for Anime/MacrossPlus.
47	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-14-m7plus.htm VF-14 Vampire]] is a direct descendant of the VF-4, and much like it's ancestor it was a OneSceneWonder appearing in one of the ''Macross 7 PLUS'' omake that were tacked onto some of the main series' episodes for the home video release. And the nickname turned out to be a really nasty in-universe case of HarsherInHindsight, as the ''Vampire'' got reverse engineered by actual [[OurVampiresAreDifferent space vampires]] into the Varauta line of variable fighters.
48	* The VF-19 line continues the legacy of the YF-19 and as such shares pretty much all the features with the YF-19. Variants of specific note include the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19f.htm VF-19F]] and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19s.htm VF-19S squadron leader custom]]. For the surgical strike on Varauta IV, the Emerald Force Excaliburs get a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19s-superbooster.htm athmosphere modification]]. The only major changes compared to the YF-19 are additional guns on the sides of the head unit. As noted above with the YF-19, the VF-19 ended up a major case of AwesomeButImpractical and ended up being retired after just a short service in the UN Spacy.
49	** The Zolans also produce a version of the Excalubur, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-19p.htm VF-19P]] which is a VF-19F additionally equiped with the speaker technology derived from Basara's Valkyrie.
50	* The VF-11 gets several new variants besides the MAXL as well:
51	** The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11c.htm VF-11C]] mostly differs from the B variant mentioned in the ''Macross Plus'' section above by the reduced number of hardpoints. Besides the multiuse variant, a few episodes show a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11c-radome.htm AEW&C variant]] and a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11c-superatmosphere.htm version optimized for athmospheric flight]]. The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11c-protectarmor.htm Armored Thunderbolt]] deserves a mention as well, thanks to [[spoiler: being the centerpiece in Col. Kinryu's [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ADeathInTheLimelight spectacular death]] ]].
52	** [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-11d.htm The Jamming Bird Custom Thunderbolt]] was an attempt to marry the surviveability and fighting capability of a Thunderbolt with the Sound Force speaker technology. Due to the singers being extremely afraid of the constant explosions, they don't work all that well [[spoiler: until the very finale when Mylene manages to get the Jamming Birds to sing from their hearts]].
53	* The YF-21 got cancelled, too bad for such a nice design... [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-22.htm SIKE!]] The VF-22 is essentially a redesign of the YF-21 that does away with the extremely clunky thought control system. What remains after that is an extremely effective multi-purpose fighter that managed to prove itself time-and-time again in special attack roles; a few lines of dialog in Anime/MacrossDelta confirm that upgraded VF-22s fly as late as ''2067'', nearly three decades after the development of the YF-21 started. Even though Isamu got the girl, Guld did, in a way, win Project Supernova - the VF-22 mananged to outlive the VF-19 by many, many years.
54	* Unlike the Zentraedi and their PowerArmor philosophy of designing mecha, the Protodeviln immediately went with Variable Fighters to combat the UN Spacy. All the types featured in the series have integrated Spiritia absorption beams by default.
55	** The Elgerzorene/[[SpellMyNameWithAnS Elgersohln]] family of variable fighters proved to be a massive source of NightmareFuel for the pilots of the Macross 7 Colonial Fleet. Unlike the rather lanky UN variable fighters, the Protodeviln fighters are bulky, [[MoreDakka armed to the brim with guns]] [[MacrossMissileMassacre and missiles]], and they can also ''steal your soul'' in no small part thanks to the Spiritia absorption technology. While they are not much more than your ordinary mook later on in the series, the first part made them scary for a reason. [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/fz-109a.htm The FZ-109A]] are used early in the series by Gigil's subordinates, while Gigil himseld uses a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/fz-109f.htm FZ-109F]].
56	** Gavil's subordinates use the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/az-130a.htm AZ-130A Panzerzorene/Panzersohln]] which is a very heavily upgraded VF-14 Vampire in its' core, but otherwise looks quite similarly to the FZ-109, sharing a rather similar outer armor and many of the armament systems.
57	** Gavil himself uses the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/fbz-99g.htm FBZ-99G Saubergeran]], a rare case of the AceCustom trope being played completely straight in the franchise. Despite the fact it was based off a reverse-engineered bomber design, the Saubergeran is a very tough nut to crack even for fighter Valkyries. Eventually, Gamlin's VF-17 gets the beam gun attachment for the gunpod... and the Saubergeran starts getting blasted about OncePerEpisode. Yet Gavil ''keeps coming back'' with more of the same unit. He's probably got a whole stash of these lying around the Protodeviln ship just for himself considering how narcissistic he is.
58	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000g.htm VF-5000G Star Mirage]] is a rather old fighter, being introduced as the athmosphere-specialised counterpart of the VF-4 all the way in ''2013'' (in the ''Macross'' universe, this means it was one of the first post-VF-1 valkyries developed, about a year after the chronological ending of [[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross the original anime]]). It still finds service with the Zolan Defence Force, which created a few new equipment options and a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000tg.htm two-seater variant]] as part of the technological exchange with Earth. The new equipment are [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000g-superbooster.htm FAST packs]] and [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000g-speaker.htm speaker boosters]] (and it can [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000g-superbooster-speaker.htm field them both]] at the same time)
59	* The space whale poachers also have some rather neat planes, specifically the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/va-3c.htm two]] [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/va-3c-custom.htm versions]] of the VA-3C Invader, the very first fighter-bomber Valkyrie design to appear on screen. The Invader has been a notoriously hard opponent for the Zolans, as the fact that the Zolan Star Mirages have to be authorized to fire any weapons besides their missiles makes it very difficult to intercept and fight off the Invader. And that is only made harder by just how many of them are deployed in the first place.
60	* And last but not least, the original VF-1 design has found its' way into the civilian service, mostly as [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-1a-whalehunter.htm whale]] [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vt-1c.htm hunting]] [[http://macross2.net/m3/macross7/vt-1c-hoyly.htm units]].
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65	* The Northrop-Grumman VF-0 Phoenix, as a pre-production version of the VF-1 is naturally legible to qualify. Much like the VF-1 it comes in 3 versions: the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/vf-0a.htm VF-0A]], the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/vf-0d.htm slightly modified VF-0D two-seater]] and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/vf-0s.htm VF-0S "Skull Leader" custom]]. Besides eschewing the usual BlandNameProduct producer name, it is in most respects identical to the VF-1 barring traditional turbofan engines in place of the nuclear-pulse drives featured on the VF-1. And that still doesn't stop it from ''diving underwater'' for a few minutes. Roy's VF-0S was also shown to equip the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/vf-0s-reactivearmor.htm PWX-0 reactive armor]] (which naturally allows for [[MacrossMissileMassacre Itano Circusing]]).
66	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/qf-2200d-a-ghost.htm QF-2200 Ghost]] family is the very first chronologically developed drone in the franchise. Besides serving as a CallForward to the QF-3000, X9 and the QF-4000, this Ghost also serves as a makeshift FAST Pack for the VF-0.
67	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/sv-51.htm Sukhoi/IAI/Dornier SV-51]] is the antiglobalist competitor to the VF-0. Compared to the VF-0, the SV-51 is rather lanky and spindly, serving as somewhat of a foreshadowing for the new philosophy of Valkyrie designs in Anime/MacrossFrontier and Anime/MacrossDelta (which features its' distant descendant, the SV-262 Draken III). It is also the only variable fighter to feature actual RealLife missiles and have a definitive RealLife plane as its' basis (for all that matters, the micro-missiles are apparently a derivation of the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2K22_Tunguska 9M311 missiles]] used on the Tunguska AA system, while the long range missiles are a modified set of [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-33_(missile) R-33 missiles]] as used on the [=MiG=]-31 Foxbat, which also grants the engines and targeting electronics to the SV-51). Besides having the missiles, it also features a few Gryazev-Shipunov cannons in the Battroid hips (which have, yet again, became a popular place of Kawamori to add guns to in his recent designs) and the traditional gunpod. It can also perform bombing duties [[spoiler: as shown by the fuel-air bombs leaving a nasty set of potholes on Maiya Island]] and [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrosszero/sv-51-booster.htm be equipped with a pair of vectorable wingtip booster engines]].
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71	[[folder:''Macross Frontier'', ''The False Songstress'' and ''The Wings of Goodbye'']]
72	* The VF-25 Messiah is the next step in the evolution of the variable fighter. Developed from the failed [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/yf-24.htm YF-24 Evolution]] prototype, the 25 is an incredibly flexible fighter with the prime emphasis on modularity. The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25f.htm F variant]] can equip, in order: [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25f-fullarmor.htm the Armor Pack]] (which, in a first for variable fighters, can transform with the fighter; it also carries a whopping [[ExaggeratedTrope 210]] [[MacrossMissileMassacre missiles]] which allows for one helluva Itano Circus); the more traditional [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25f-super.htm Super Pack]] and [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25f-super-fold.htm fold booster]] options, and in the movies it can carry the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25f-tornado.htm TW1 Tornado pack]] (essentially an armored pack with a pair of [[{{BFG}} quantum beam guns]]). The flight leaders of the SMS operate the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25s.htm S variant]], which has the traditional head cannon count upgrade and a prototype tactical AI unit installed. Naturally, the S can equip [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25s-fullarmor.htm the Armor]] and [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25s-super.htm Super]] packs. Other specialized variants include the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/rvf-25.htm RVF-25]] (which has an adapted version of the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/rvf-25-super.htm Super pack]]), a AEW&C version that also serves as a slaving center for up to six QF-4000 Ghost drones and, for the first time in the franchise, a dedicated sniper variant, the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25g.htm VF-25G]] which also has the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-25g-super.htm Super system compatibility]]. Besides the usual streamlining of existing systems, the 25 family introduces several novel concepts: the EX-Gear command system which allows for far greater surviveability in the case a pilot gets shot down, the [[InertialDampening Inertia Store Converter]], which allows for manoeuvres at far higher Gs without any risk for the pilot, and the rather small but sometimes lifesaving update to the armamenr systems in the form of a combat knife, which allows for an alternate melee option once the ammo runs out.
73	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-27.htm VF-27 Lucifer]] is the Galaxy fleet's main combat unit. A four-engined hulking monstrosity of a plane, the Lucifer is only matched by the YF-29 Durandal from the second movie in terms of sheer power. The Lucifer is a descendant of the same Evolution platform as the Messiah (geddit now?), but the weapons systems of the Lucifer far and away beat anything the Messiah has to offer. The main armament is a quantum beam gunpod that has two modes - a regular rapid firing one and the WaveMotionTuningFork mode. Yes, the Lucifer has a freaking '''[[ExaggeratedTrope MACROSS CANNON]]''' as its' main gun. Besides that it also has 4 micro-missile launchers that can ItanoCircus the hell out of everything, it goes far faster than the Messiah can, it has a panoramic cockpit that provides a far superior field of view when compared to the Messiah... the winner all around is obvious. However, there is one major flaw with the Lucifer: it needs a cyborg pilot to get the most out of it's impressive capabilities. (Un)fortunately, the red one that appears frequently has such a pilot, in the form of Brera Sterne. Oh, and it has a [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-27ysp.htm unique Super pack]] that can also become an AttackDrone.
74	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-171.htm VF-171 Nightmare Plus]] is the cannon fodder for both this series and Anime/MacrossDelta. Based off the VF-17 Nightmare, the Plus completely forgoes the passive stealth system of its' ancestor (as active systems became the norm by that point in time) and instead offers a simple, but very effective and cheap platform that quickly replaced the rather AwesomeButImpractical VF-19 in service of both the New UN Spacy and the many [[PrivateMilitaryContractors PMCs]] that were formed after the deregulation of military authority by the Earth Government. Besides that, an [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/rvf-171.htm AEW&C version]] also exists.
75	** Late during the Vajra conflict, the VF-171 received a major refit in form of the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-171ex.htm VF-171EX]], which gets new engines derived from those on the VF-19, a completely new avionics suite derived from the VF-25, an EX-Gear compatible cockpit and the ability to equip anti-Vajra weapons: [[UnrealisticBlackHole MDEs]] in the TV series, implant bullets and missiles in the movies. It also gained the ability to [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vf-171ex-super.htm be equiped with additional manoeuvring nozzles]] for improved mobility. [[AllThereInTheManual Side material]] implies that the Block III, as the EX refit without MDE capability is known, is actually the variant of the VF-171 shown to be used by NUNS in Anime/MacrossDelta, although the series never really explicitely states anything about that.
76	* How do you make the resident EnsembleDarkHorse mecha, the Destroid Monster, even cooler? Well by making it into a TransformingMecha, of course! Enter the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/vb-6-konig-mf.htm VB-6 König Monster]] (or for you who do not know German, the King Monster). Although the mecha [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossga/vb-6-konig.htm isn't a newly created design]], that unique Destroid factor is still present, with the usual heavy [[ShoulderCannon shoulder-mounted railguns]] and arm-shield missiles of the previous Destroids being the main armaments. Compared to the original ''VF-X2'' version, the Frontier König Monster is implied to be a major refit, including amongst other things a new pinpoint barrier system and lighter armor made from the same material as the armor of the VF-25, which allows it to actually be rather fast compared to the usual MightyGlacier status of Destroids.
77	* The [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/yf-29.htm YF-29 Durandal]] is probably the single most [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill overkill]] plane in the franchise alongside the Lucifer above. The YF-29 is a four engined development of the Tornado-pack equiped Messiah, and as such most of the armament systems are the same as on the Tornado Messiah, barring a new gunpod featuring the same Macross Cannon-derived tech as the Lucifer's. For that note, the Durandal easily holds the record for the biggest single-craft ItanoCircus not just in the history of the franchise, but likely in anime as a whole: 100+ micromissiles launched from a whopping 12 missile ports, which easily gets cranked up to over 200 once 4 additional launchers are equiped as part of its' super packs. While most of the avionics stay the same as on the VF-25, the 29 features a brand new 4-point central fold quartz architecture that allows integratrion of all the avionics into one singular whole, which persumably (as shown with the next aircraft to have that architecture, the VF-31 Siegfried from Anime/MacrossDelta) allows the plane to go into a SuperMode which engages the afterburners on the engines, in turn granting about 15-20% higher output to all systems when compared to the baseline stats.
78	* The Ghost [[AttackDrone drone]] family returns in not one, but two different flavors.
79	** The QF-4000 Ghost, as used by the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/ghost-sms.htm SMS]] and the [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/ghost-nuns.htm NUNS]] mostly stems from the QF-3000 in terms of development, but it also has a unique slaving system that requires a RVF-171 or the RV-25 to operate, which was implemented to prevent another [[Anime/MacrossPlus Sharon Apple incident]]. Luca operates three of these, specifically ''Simon'', ''John'' and ''Peter'', as named after Biblical figures. Once unslaved however, the QF-4000 is shown to far surpass even the Ghost X-9 in terms of sheer manoeuvrability and speed.
80	** [[http://macross2.net/m3/macrossf/ghost-9v.htm The AIF-9V]] of the Galaxy fleet, however, takes fsr more after the X9 than the NUNS equivalent. Besides that, the V9 also has a far more powerful gunpod compared to the QF-4000 and a much looser slaving system that mostly relies on friendly identification to differentiate friend from foe, which overall makes it a very nasty enemy after [[spoiler: Grace O'Connor takes over the Vajra Queen/merges the Battle Frontier with said queen (depending whether you watch the TV series or movies)]].
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83	[[folder:''Macross Delta'', ''Passionate Walküre'' and ''Absolute Live!!!!!!'']]
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85	[[/folder]]

Context CoolPlane / Macross