MACROSS MECHA DESIGNS
FAST PACK BOOSTER UNITS RPG STATS

(Version 0.8 - Last modified: 07/25/98 19:39)
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Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs are external fuel, weapons, and sensor modules designed to increase the performance capabilities of variable fighters in missions with unusal requirements. The first FAST packs were developed in 2009 by the UN Spacy to increase the performance of the original VF-1 Valkyrie in space. Additional customized packs were later manufactured for recon and training missions as the designers realized the flexibility that FAST packs provided variable fighters. Today many different types of FAST packs are manufactured for UN Spacy fighters, and many of these packs are interchangable between different VF designs.

FAST packs are primarily used only in space, or in space-to-surface assaults. In an atmosphere the FAST packs generate extra drag on the fighter, resulting in decreased maneuverability. Because most FAST packs are explosive (due to the rocket fuel they contain), all packs are designed with blow-away capability, allowing them to be ejected from the variable fighter within a second (1 melee action). In addition, the VF's onboard computer will automatically eject the FAST pack if it is damaged and in danger of exploding.

All FAST Packs provide the following bonuses and penalties when equipped unless otherwise noted in their individual descriptions:

 

Bonuses

Penalties

 

 

CONTENTS

Dorsal-mounted booster units

Arm-mounted booster units

Leg-mounted booster units

Special booster units

 

DORSAL-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

NP-BP-01 FAST Packs

Nr-bp-t1.gif (7921 bytes) These are the original booster packs developed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. In addition to the large rocket booster and six vernier engines, the booster contains four HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers (2 on each side) that hold up to 20 missiles total. The Valkyrie could carry two of these packs on its back, or could replace one or both packs with NP-BP-02 beam cannon FAST packs.

 

 

NP-BP-02 Beam Cannon FAST Packs

Np-bp-02.gif (11202 bytes) The NP-BP-02 FAST pack is an alternate weapon configuration of the NP-BP-01 developed in late 2009 for use by the VF-1S Strike Valkyrie. The unit replaces the HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers with a Mauler RO-X2A high-powered double-action beam cannon, but otherwise the stats are identical to the NP-BP-01. The recommended weapons configuration for the Strike Valkyrie was one beam cannon FAST pack and one missile FAST pack, but dual beam cannons can be used if desired.

 

 

NR-BP-T1 FAST "Trainer" Packs

Nr-bp-t1.gif (7921 bytes) The NR-BP-T1 FAST packs were originally developed as disposable booster rockets for VF-1 Valkyries and other combat/support aircraft. The boosters carry a full supply of rocket fuel inside of them as opposed to in separate leg units like the NP-BP-01 and 02 units. This allows fighters equipped with these FAST packs to carry weapon or sensor systems on their legs, or to combine the fuel in the legs with the fuel in the dorsal packs to greatly increase the VF's range (also useful for extended combat training that consumes lots of fuel). NR-BP-T1 packs carry no armament.

 

 

NR-BP-E2 FAST "Recon" Packs

Nr-bp-e2.gif (17234 bytes) The NR-BP-E2 FAST recon packs are virtually identical to the NR-BP-T1 trainer packs. The critical difference is that sandwiched between the two engines and extra fuel tanks are a number of advanced sensor systems, including a large sensor radome mounted above the FAST units. The sensor FAST packs were designed specifically for the VE-1 Elintseeker Recon Valkyrie; although the NR-BP-E2 can be used with some other VF designs, no fighter other than the Elintseeker can transform while the recon FAST packs are mounted. The NR-BP-E2 packs carry no armament.

 

 

NP-BP-10 FAST Packs

In 2025 the UN Spacy approved a program to update the original VF-1 Valkyrie (still in use on frontier worlds, militias, and reserve units) with modern VF technology. The NP-BP-10 FAST packs are part of the upgrade program. Designed specifically for the VF-1X-Plus Valkyrie but compatible with many other VF designs, the new fast packs are armed with redesigned launchers and are more durable and reliable than earlier versions.

 

 
 

NP-BP-11 FAST Packs

Np-bp-11.gif (19352 bytes) During the design of the VF-11 Thunderbolt a new FAST pack was developed from the ground up for the variable fighter. This booster pack was smaller than its predecessors but thanks to improvements in engine efficiency had more range and fuel capacity than earlier thrusters units. In addition the FAST packs were armed with new SRM launchers that provided a faster rate of fire than previous designs.

 

 

NP-BP-12 FAST Packs

Np-bp-12.gif (11763 bytes) In 2040 the NP-BP-11 FAST packs were upgraded along with the introduction of the new VF-11C Thunderbolt variant. The engines were refitted with a more rectangular exit port as opposed to the funnel-shaped nozzle of the NP-BP-11, and the missile launchers were replaced with a design that had a lower rate of fire but held a greater number of missiles.

 

 

NR-BP-E7 FAST "Recon" Packs

Nr-bp-e7.gif (17798 bytes) By 2038 it was clear that a new recon FAST pack design was necessary. UN Spacy forces had been without a dedicated recon platform since the VE-1 Elintseeker was retired from service almost 20 years earlier. Although the NR-BP-E2 FAST packs could be used on more modern VF designs, the technology was outdated by modern standards. The new NR-BP-E7 design was based on the NP-BP-12 FAST packs for the VF-11. In addition to the advanced sensors the E7s kept their missile launchers (although with reduced payload), providing defensive capabilities that the VE-1 sorely lacked.

 

 

NP-BP-17 FAST Packs

Np-bp-17.gif (52607 bytes) The VF-17 Nightmare is an extremely unique variable fighter due to its passive stealth construction, but because of this it is incompatible with almost all FAST pack designs available to other fighters. However, like other VFs the Nightmare occasionally requires extra thrust and firepower for heavy assault missions, so a new FAST pack was designed specifically for the VF-17. The NP-BP-17 was built to complement the passive stealth design of the Nightmare, thus preserving the fighter's stealthy nature. The dorsal units are armed with beam cannons (not missiles), also making them different from typical FAST pack designs. The NP-BP-17 FAST packs are usable by the VF-17 Nightmare ONLY!

Np-fb-17.gif (64275 bytes)

 

NP-BP-19 FAST Packs

Np-fb-19.gif (66898 bytes) The NP-BP-19 FAST packs are the newest booster designs to be developed by the UN Spacy and will probably shortly become the standard FAST pack design for all VF-11, VF-19 and VF-22 variable fighters. The NP-BP-19s are significantly larger than the previous NP-BP-12 packs but provide much greater thrust, more vernier engines, and larger missile payloads than their predecessors.

 

 

NP-BP-19-SES FAST Packs

Np-bp-19.gif (44167 bytes) The NP-BP-19-SES FAST packs are a variant of the standard NP-BP-19s produced by the Macross 7 colony mission in order to combat protodeviln. The new FAST packs contain Dr. Chiba's revolutionary Sound Energy System that amplifies and projects spiritia energy, allowing the pilot to use his spiritia powers in combat. The packs were designed specifically for Colonel Burton's Jamming Birds custom VF-11 variants, but can also be used by more modern fighters such as the VF-19 and VF-22 with some modifications.

 

 

 


ARM-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

NP-AR-01 FAST Missile Launcher Pods

These are the original arm missile pods designed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. Originally designed to provide extra protection for the arms against possible missile strikes, the missiles were added as an afterthought to give the VF-1 extra punch. Each launcher carried 3 medium-range missiles.

 

 

NP-AU-T1 FAST Arm Units

These trainer arm pods were developed for use with the VT-1 Valkyrie Trainer in introducing trainees to combat. They do not contain missiles like the NP-AR-01 units, but instead have targeting sensors for use in mock combats and training exercises.

 

 

NR-SR-E3/NR-SL-E3 FAST Arm Sensor Units

Nr-bp-e2.gif (17234 bytes) The NR-SR-E3 and NR-SL-E3 are additional sensor units designed specifically for the VE-1 Elintseeker to augment its recon and electronic warfare capabilities. Although there are two separate sensor pack designs, the units are designed to be used together (the NR-SR-E3 goes on the right arm of the Valkyrie, and the NR-SL-E3 goes on the left arm). The sensor packs contain HF, VHF, and VLF antennae in addition to other electromagnetic sensors, allowing the Elintseeker to monitor radio traffic, detect strong electrical/magnetic fields, and even jam communications if necessary.

 


LEG-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

 

NP-FB-01 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

The NP-FB-01s are the original conformal propellant tanks developed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. They were designed to provide the extra fuel needed by the NP-BP-01 FAST pack boosters to operate for extended periods of time, and also included additional vernier jets for better maneuverability in space. The original propellant tanks did not include chaff/flare dispensers; these were not added to propellant tank designs until much later. The Valkyrie's computer system will automatically eject the propellant tanks if they are breached and/or in danger of exploding.

 

 

NR-FB-T1 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

Nr-bp-t1.gif (7921 bytes) The NP-FB-T1s were designed for the VT-1 Traniner variant of the original Valkyrie fighter. The propellant tanks contained more fuel than the NP-FB-01s at the price of some armor and had a slightly different vernier configuration, but were otherwise functionally identical to the regular FAST tanks.

 

 

NR-FS-E3 FAST Leg Sensor Units

A special set of propellant tanks were designed for use with the VE-1 Elintseeker which contained side-scan radar units in addition to vernier jets and fuel tanks. In combination with the NR-BP-E2's radome these radar units gave the VE-1 greater range and detection capabilities.

 

 

NP-FB-10 FAST Weapon Modules

When the VF-1X-Plus upgrade program was implemented in 2025 the need for the original NP-FB-01 propellant tanks decreased due to advances in propulsion technology and fuel efficiency. But instead of eliminating the leg FAST packs they were redesigned to include missiles instead of fuel. The new NP-FB-10 FAST packs contain 20 missiles that are concealed by armor plates that flip up prior to launch similar to missile launcher designs in newer VFs such as the VF-19 Excalibur. The NP-FB-10 modules do contain fuel, but it is used for the vernier jets only and not by the NP-BP-10 Backpack units.

 

 

NP-FB-11 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

Np-bp-11.gif (19352 bytes) The NP-FB-11s were the first conformal propellant tanks produced for VFs other than the original VF-1 Valkyrie in over 20 years. Like older designs, the NP-FB-11 provides additional fuel for the rocket thrusters in the NP-BP-11 boosters. However, the new tanks were also the first FAST modules to contain chaff and flare dispensers, which dramatically increased the protective capabilities offered by the extra additions. the NP-FB-11s do not contain missiles or other armaments.

 

 

NP-FB-17 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

Like the NP-BP-17s, the NP-FB-17s are unique propellant tank designs for the equally-unique VF-17 Nightmare fighter. The NP-FB-17s are designed with the same passive stealth construction techniques as the VF-17 itself and do interfere with the Nightmare's stealth bonuses when worn. The large FAST modules also include missile launchers to further augment the VF-17's weapon capacity during assault. The only disadvantage to the unusual propellant tank design is that it must be ejected prior to the VF-17 converting the gerwalk or soldier modes. Because of the design of the Nightmare it is impossible to transform while the tanks are attached.

 

 
 

 

NP-FB-19 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

The NP-FB-19 FAST packs are the newest propellant tanks designed to complement the new NP-BP-19 booster units. They are compatible with VF-11 and VF-19 variable fighters but NOT VF-22 stealth fighters (which should use the NP-ARFB-Y2 FAST propellant modules). The NP-FB-19s are not armed but retain the chaff/flare launchers of the older NP-FB-11 units.

Np-fb-19.gif (66898 bytes)

 
np-bp-19ses.gif (8460 bytes)

 


 

SPECIAL FAST BOOSTER UNITS

NP-ARFB-Y1 FAST Augmentation Modules

YF19fast.gif (22764 bytes) In 2040 during the Project Super Nova design contests both Shinsei Industries and General Galaxy experimented with new concepts in FAST pack designs for the YF-19 and YF-21. For Shinsei Industries, the radical new engines of the YF-19 produced so much thrust that extra rocket boosters were unnecessary, so no dorsal backpack thrusters were designed. Instead, modules that included missile launchers and more vernier thrusters were mounted on the legs, and extra armor was mounted on the arm shield and shoulder blades to help against missiles and cannon fire. The NP-ARFB is designed to not generate additional drag for the fighter, so there is no dodge penalty in an atmosphere. However, the YF-19 does not gain any speed bonus from the FAST packs since there are no booster rockets.

VF22fast.gif (45203 bytes) 

 

NP-ARFB-Y2 FAST Augmentation Modules

YF21fast.gif (21121 bytes) General Galaxy also experimented with new FAST pack designs during the Project Super Nova contest of 2040. For the YF-21 the problem of FAST modules was slightly more difficult due to the fact that the arms and legs of the mecha are located inside the fuselage and under the main engines when the AVF is in fighter mode. In the end, General Galaxy designers came up with a FAST augmentation pack that was mounted on the underside of the fighter along the wings and then connected to the folded wing modules in back of the VF in battloid mode. In addition, extra armor was added to the arms of the YF-21 to assist in parrying incoming weapons fire. Like the NP-ARFB-Y1, the Y2 addes weapons, armor, and vernier jets to the YF-21 but no rocket thrusters, so there is no speed bonus from the FAST packs.

 

 

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