The following material is an adaptation of a mecha from MACROSS XV, an internet RPG, based on the sequels to the original Japanese MACROSS TV series (which became Robotech here in the U.S.). Please feel free to use, copy, and distribute it as you see fit. All I ask is that you give proper credit to us and do not claim that it is your own work. Comments and suggestions are welcome. 

VF-14U1 SUPER HUNTER

HEAVY TACTICAL VARIABLE FIGHTER

RPG Stats by DAVE DEITRICH (deitrich@mcs.com)
And ammended by JOHN HOLCOMB ( Llano-the-Heretic@postoffice.worldnet.att.net ) for the -U1 variant
Background info provided by the MACROSS ONLINE COMPENDIUM

BACKGROUND


The VF-14 Heavy Tactical Variable Fighter was the first successful mecha design produced by General Galaxy, a new aerospace company competing against Shinsei Industries for dominance of the military mecha industry. The VF-14 was submitted in response to the need for a valkyrie that could carry more ordinance and greater firepower than the then-standard VF-4 Lightning III valkyrie, but could hold its own in mecha-to-mecha combat unlike the VA-3 Invader valkyrie bomber. The new fighter could absorb tremendous amounts of damage, far more than the VF-4 could, and had a greater variety of onboard weaponry, though the VA-3 still outclassed it in terms of ordinance capability. The VF-14 was approved by the UN Spacy in 2021 and was stationed in moderate numbers on most bases and colony missions by 2025. However, in 2030 due to budget cuts and restructuring in UN Spacy forces the VF-14 was phased out along with the older VF-4 in favor of the cheaper and more versatile VF-11 Thunderbolt from Shinsei Industries, which could be manufactured in greater numbers.

This would have been the end of the VF-14's history were it not for the rise of the Varuta empire. In 2025 the Megaroad-13 colony mission was taken over by the Protodeviln, a race of extradimensional beings of great power who had been imprisoned in the Varuta system since the fall of the Stellar Republic some 380,000 years ago. The Protodeviln enslaved the colonists, forming the Varuta empire, and began building a large war fleet using the resources of the Megaroad-13. The Varuta used several UN Spacy mecha designs, including the VF-14, as a basis for their own combat mecha, eventually leading to the birth of the FZ-109 Elgerzorene, the main combat mecha of the Varuta forces. When the Varuta encountered and delcared war on the Macross 7 colony mission in 2045, the VF-11 Thunderbolts of the Macross 7 met the enhanced versions of the VF-14 in combat and were initially outclassed by them. To the shame of the Macross 7 Intelligence Staff no one made the connection between the FZ-109 and the VF-14 until several weeks into the war, causing great initial confusion as to who the Varuta were and how they possessed technology that was greatly similar to UN Spacy valkyries.

Production of the Elgerzorene stopped when the Varuta were defeated at the end of the Macross 7/Protodeviln war in 2046. There are still a fair number of these fighters still unaccounted for, probably roaming the galaxy in surviving Varuta fleets looking for UN Spacy targets. The VF-14 has not been produced since 2030 and can now only be found in museums, air shows, and some reserve forces on the frontiers of human space.
UN Spacy however resurrected the design as a special ops craft in mid-2048 after encounters with the forces of a Varuta Warlord named Tiamet. The craft was equipped with enhanced engines as well as the latest in armament and defenses. A limited production run is currently under way....However this craft won't ever be widely distributed, as the VF-22 Sturmvogel II is preferred.  3 of these fighters are assigned to the Marauder Squadron aboard UNS ETRAKIS.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type:
VF-14A (Standard version)
VF-14T (Two-seat Trainer Version)
VF-14U1 ( Advanced Technology Variable Fighter/Bomber-ATVFB )
Class: Tactical Variable Fighter/Bomber

Manufacturer: General Galaxy
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System.
The VF-14T has an expanded cockpit that can support two pilots in full TLS gear.
MDC BY LOCATION ( given for VF-14U-1 only ): 
    Head Lasers (2)                              25 each

(1) Head                                        110

    Hands (2)                                    60 each

    Arms (2)                                    130 each

    Shoulders/Missile Launchers (2)             160 each

    Legs & Thrusters (2)                        250 each

    Rapid-fire laser clusters (2, chest)         40 each

(2) Main Body                                   400

    Wings (2)                                   180 each

    Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod     150

    GU-15 Gun Pod (2, -U1 only)                 100 each
(3) Pin Point Barrier (-U1 only)                100
(4) External Fold Generator (-U1 only)          100
NOTES:
(1) Destroying the head of the VF-14 will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all optical systems (infrared, nightvision, and thermal). Radar and communications will be unaffected.
(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 mecha's main computer.
(3) The PPB shield regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per melee round, even if completely destroyed the shield will regenerate within 2 melee rounds.  The shield is usually generated on the Super Hunters right arm.
(4) The External fold Booster Developed for Use with Project Super Nova. This unit becomes Non-Functional(but Repairable) after suffering 25 MD damage.  It is rendered useless (Beyond Repair) when its MDC is totally depleted.

SPEEDS:( given for VF-14U-1 only )

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
80 mph
LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
40 ft (6 m) high or 60 ft (9 m) long without thrusters.
FLYING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
400 mph (640 kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.
FLYING, GERWALK CONFIGURATION:
Mach One (670 mph/1072 kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.
FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:
Mach 3.8+(2,546mph/4,074kmph)max speed at 10,000 meters orless above sea-level.  Mach 9.0+(6,030mph/9,648kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters-30,000 meters above sea-level.  A sustainable Mach 20+(13,400mph/21,440kmph) max speed at 30,000+ meters above sea-level.  The VF-14U1 is fully transatmospheric and can attain orbit above an earth-type planet without extra booster assistance.  G-Limits are +36.5 and -20.5 Standard Earth Gravities.  Maximum rate of ascent is 50,000 meters a minute.
MAX ENGINE THRUST:
78,950kg x2

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:
56 ft (16.97 m) in soldier configuration.
26 ft (7.88 m) in gerwalk configuration.
13 ft (3.94 m) in fighter configuration.
WIDTH:
34.5 ft (10.8 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.
57.5 ft (18.0 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings at maximum extension.
LENGTH:
11.9 ft (3.7 m) in soldier configuration.
43.7 ft (13.7 m) in gerwalk configuration.
54.6 ft (17.1 m) in fighter configuration.
WEIGHT:
12,200 kg
PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
Equal to a P.S. of 60
CARGO:
Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.
POWER PLANT:
Two Shinnakasu/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2550J thermonuclear turbine engines, equipped with three-dimensional convergent/divergent vectored exhaust nozzles for enhanced V/STOL performance and maneuverability, as well as hexagonal underfuselage air intakes for use in an atmosphere. Several additional Pratt & Whitney HMM-7 high-maneuverability vernier thrusters for additional mobility are mounted at key positions along the mecha's hull.

WEAPON SYSTEMS ( for VF-14U-1 only ):

1: Fixed Micro-Missile Launchers(8): The VF-14U1 replaces the Hunter's Original SRMs with Little Rock Micro-Missile Launchers in a hope to increase the VF's combat endurance.  Four of these Launchers are mounted on each engine nacelle/shoulder section of the mecha.  The Payload of each launcher is 15 micro-missiles and each can fire 1-3 missiles per round (including reload time) so volleys of 8-24 missiles are possible.  HMMMs are standard issue, but any UN Spacy micro missile types may be used if available.
       Primary Purpose: Assault/Dog-fighting
       Missile Types:     Any type of UN Spacy micro-missile may be used, including High-Manueverablity types.
       Range:                Varies with missile type, typically 1 mile
       Damage:             Varies with missile type, typically 1D4x10 MD
       Rate of Fire:        Volleys of 1-24 missiles, typical volley size is 6-8 missiles.
       Payload:              15 missiles per launcher,120 total
2. Leg Mounted Rockwell Medium Range Missile Launchers(2): Each leg of the VF-14U1 is equipped with a concealed missile launcher bay that can hold up to 8 medium-range missiles. When armed the missile launcher assembly rises out of the leg units allowing all 8 missiles to be fired at once if necessary.  These missiles may be fired in any mode.  Any type on UN Spacy MRM may be used ( except the new Intermediate Range High Manoeuverability Missile ), High Explosive is standard issue.
       Primary Purpose:  Assault
       Range:                 Varies with missile type,typically 40 miles
       Damage:              Varies with missile type,typically 2D6x10MD
       Rate of Fire:         Volleys of 1-8 missiles per launcher, one volley counts as one attack.  All 16 may be fired in 2 attacks.
       Payload:     8 missiles per launcher,16 total
3. Head Lasers: The VF-14U1 mounts a pair of high-power lasers for defensive and utilitarian use, similar to the ones mounted on the original VF-1 Valkyrie.  The lasers are mounted on the head of the mecha in soldier mode and on the bottom of the aircraft behind the cockpit in fighter/gerwalk modes.
       Primary Purpose:     Defense
       Secondary Purpose: Cutting tool
       Range:                    2,000ft (600m)
       Damage:                 1D6 MD each, 2D6 MD for a Simultaneous Blast
       Rate of Fire:           Up to the Pilots Maximum number of Combined Hand to hand actions.
                                     They may also be fired in 1 long extended blast against stationary targets
                                     (1D6x10 MD Full Melee).
       Payload:                  unlimited
4. Chest Mounted Mauler REB-23 Laser Guns: The Super Hunter is equipped with 2 semi-fixed laser guns for use in medium and short range combat against mecha and ground forces.  These lasers are identical to the ones Mounted on the VF-19 Excalibur.  They are located in the lower chest of the mecha in soldier mode and on the rear fuselage in fighter/gerwalk mode.  These cannon have a 45 degree arc of fire in all modes (to the rear in Fighter/Gerwalk and to the Front in soldier.).
       Primary Purpose:         Anti-mecha/Anti-missile
       Secondary Purpose:     Anti-Dog Tail
       Range:                        4,000ft(1200m)
       Damage:                     1D4x10 MD per Laser
       Rate of Fire:               The laser may be fired in rapid pulses of up to 4 blasts per round.  A rapid
                                         fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4 shots.
       Payload:                      unlimited
5. Fore Arm Mounted Mauler REB-22B Laser Guns(2): 2 semi-fixed laser gun clusters are mounted on the VF-14U1.  In fighter mode these laser clusters are mounted rearward near the wing hard points.  In gerwalk/soldier modes they are mounted in the lower arms of the mecha. These are Dual Port lasers (identical to the VF-22 Sturmvogel II).  In fighter mode they have a 30 degree arc to the front and rear of the craft.  In gerwalk/soldier modes they can be aimed in any direction simply by moving the mecha's arm.
       Primary Purpose:     Anti-Mecha
       Secondary Purpose: Defense
       Range:                     4,000ft (1200m)
       Damage:                  1D4x10 MD per laser
       Rate of Fire:             the laser may be fired in rapid pulses of up to 4 blasts per round.  A rapid fire blast counts as   a burst of up to 4 shots.
       Payload:                   unlimited
6. Body/Wing Hard Points: The VF-14U1 is equipped with si  x fixed hard points for missiles,bombs,and other types of ordinance.  One hard point is on each wing of the aircraft and four are mounted on the underside of the m  ain body.  1 LRM,1 MRHMM,3 MRMs,3 SRHMMs,5 SRMs,or 6 bombs may be carried per hard point.  LRMs or MRHMMs are normally standard issue.
       Long Range Missiles
       Missile Type:     Any UN Spacy LRM may be used
       Range:              Varies with Missile type
       Damage:           Varies with missile type
       Rate of Fire:      1-6 missiles
       Payload:            1 per hard point,6 total
       Intermediate Range High Manueverability Missiles
       Range:             80 miles (128.7km)
       Damage:          5D4x10 MD
       Rate of Fire:     1-6 missiles
       Payload:           1 per hard point,6 total
       Medium Range Missiles
       Type:              Any UN Spacy MRM type may be used
       Range:            Varies with missile type
       Damage:         Varies with missile type
       Rate of Fire:    1-3 per hard point
       Payload:          3 per hard point,18 total
       Short Range High Manueverablity Missiles
       Range:              6 miles (9.6km)
       Damage:           3D4x10 MD
       Rate of Fire:      1-3 per hard point
       Payload:            3 per hard point,18 total
       Short Range Missiles
       Type:               Any UN Spacy SRM type may be used
       Range:             Varies with missile type
       Damage:          Varies with missile type
       Rate of Fire:     1-5 per hard point
       Payload:           5 per hard point, 30 total
       Standard Bombs
       Purpose:          Ground Assault/Anti-Fortification
       Type:               Standard UN Spacy bombs, Typically HE or Frag
       Damage:          1D6x10 MD
       Rate of Fire:     1-10 bombs per attack
       Payload:           6 per hard point, 36 total
       NOTES: Bombs may be guided or unguided.  Unguided bombs are at -4 to strike stationary targets,-6 to strike moving targets, and -10 to strike small moving  targets. Guided bombs do not have these penalties, but require a spotter equipped with a  laser designator to illuminate the target.  If the designator loses sight of the target the  previous penalties apply.
7. Howard GU-15 Multi-Purpose Gun Pod(2):These gun pods are mounted on a special hard point below the VF-14U1 in fighter mode and are hand held in gerwalk and soldier modes.  The GU-15 is clip fed instead of using a self contained ammo supply stored in the barrel.  One spare clip for each GU-15 is stored in each leg of the mecha (or 2 spare clips if the pilot only carries 1 Gun Pod).
       Primary Purpose:    Assault
       Secondary Purpose:Anti-Mecha
       Range:                   4,000ft (1,200m)
       Damage:                4D6 MD Short burst,1D6x10 MD Long burst,2D6x10 MD Full Melee Burst.
       Payload: Each Clip holds 400 rounds, equivalent to 40 short bursts,20 long bursts,or 10 full melee bursts. Replacing a clip takes 2 actions and may only be done in gerwalk and soldier  modes.
 
8. Howard PBS-03F Pin-Point Barrier System: The VF-14U1 is equipped with a new mecha scaled pin-point barrier system for defense.  The system can generate a single PPB that can be moved anywhere on the mecha and be used as a shield against incoming attacks.  Unlike The VF-17 and Other fighters upgraded with the PPB system, The Super Hunter Is equipped with an advanced power relay system allows the VF-14U1 to Fire its Lasers while the PPB is Active.
       Purpose:     Defense
       Protection:  100 MDC
       Regeneration Rate:     50 MDC Per Round
       Size:        Up to 10ft in diameter
 
9.Hand to Hand Combat: If necessary the Pilot of the VF-14U1 Super Hunter can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon.  The variable fighter is extremely agile and can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves such as punches,jump kicks,leap attacks,roling with
impacts,etc.
        Restrained Punch: 1d6 MD
        Full Strength Punch:3d6 MD
        Booster Punch:    4d6 MD (Counts as 2 attacks)
        Tear or pry with Hands: 2d4 MD
        Kick:        2d4 MD
        Leap Kick:   3d6 MD
        Body Flip/throw:  1d6 MD
        Body Block/tackle:     2d6 MD
        Stomp:       2d4 MD (useful against small objects)
STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-14U1 SUPER HUNTER: STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-14U1 SUPER HUNTER:
 
  • Active Stealth System: the VF-14U1 includes an active stealth system identical to the one used in theVF-22 Advanced Variable Fighter. Unlike the Passive System used by the VF-17, the VF-14U1's stealthsystem actually bends radar waves around the mecha instead of reflecting them.  Being as it is a system it can be destroyed.  When the Main Body of the Craft loses 50% of its MDC their will be a 50% chance offailure for the system with each additional hit scored.  Bonuses: +3 to inits and +1 to strike when activated.
  • Auto-pilot: The VF-14U1 is equipped with a computerized auto-pilot intended to allow the pilot to relax or even sleep on long voyages.  The auto-pilot can be programmed with a single destination or a complex flight plan involving multiple speeds,directions,and destinations.  The on-board computer will alert the pilot when the fighter is near its destination and can also be set to automatically signal the pilot when sensors detect objects near the mecha.
  • Combat Computer:The VF-14U1 is equipped with an advanced AI Combat Computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces.  Data collected by the computer can be displayed on the virtual enviroment cockpit of the mecha,which allows the system to display large amounts of data to the pilot and even highlight enemies and missile attacks with overlaid graphics.  The combat computer tracks and Ids specific enemy targets and has a database of over 15,000 images stored in its memory.  The computer can Id and track up to 400 targets simultaneously.
  • Escape Pod: The entire cockpit of the Super Hunter is a detachable escape pod that can be jettisoned when the mecha is destroyed.  The ejected cockpit doesn't contain thrusters, but does contain a powerful locator beacon and integrated life support system that can support the pilot for up to 24 hours after ejection.  The Pod is Also equipped with parachutes in case of an ejection in an Atmosphere.  The combat computer is programmed to automatically eject the escape pod if the mecha is destroyed,but this can be overridden if the pilot is feeling suicidal for some reason.
  • External Audio Pickup: Range=300ft(91.5m).  A sound amplification system that can pick up normal conversation up to 300ft away.
  • Heat and Radiation Shields:Special shielding prevents the penetration of life threatening heat and radiation.  A radiation detection and alarm system is linked with the shields and will sound an alarm if there is a rupture in the shields and what the radiation levels are.
  • Homing Signal:The escape pod of the VF-14U1 is equipped with a homing device that enables rescue teams to locate disabled craft or ejected life pods.  The range of this signal is equal to 400 miles(640km). Most UN Spacy ships and variable fighters can locate and track these Homing signals to their sources and the on-board computers will automatically notify their pilots if such a signal is detected.
  • Laser Targeting System: Range=100 miles(160km).  Used for increased accuracy in the striking of enemy targets and is partially responsible for the mechas's strike bonus.
  • High-Power Loud Speaker:A high powered loud speaker system is built into the craft which can be used to amplify the pilots voice up to 300 decibles.  It can also be used to project music from the cockpit mounted CD player for psychological and spiritia warfare purposes.
  • Optics:Infrared:Range=2,000ft(610m).  This optical system projects a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye,but detectable by the mecha's sensors.  This system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed objects by their IR reflectiveness.  The beam is visible to anyone with IR optics however.
  • Optics:Night Vision:Range=2,000ft(610m).  A passive light image intensifier that emits no light of its own, but instead relies on ambient light which is electronicalls amplified to produce a visible picture.
  • Optics:Thermal Imager:Range=2,000ft(610m).  A passive optical heat sensor that detects IR radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-color visible image.  This system allows the VF-14U1's pilots to see in the dark,in shadows,and also adds a +10% bonus to pilots using a tracking skill.
  • Radar: 200 mile(321km) Range.
  • Radio/Video Communication: Long range ,directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities.  Range:600 miles(960km) or can be boosted indefinitely using satellite relay.
  • Self Destruct: To prevent capture of the VF by the enemy, the pilot can activate the VF-14U1's self destruct system, which will cause the craft to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by the pilot). The explosion is contained to a 20ft(6m) area and inflicts 1D6x10 MD to everything in the radius of the explosion.  All of the VF's internal systems are obliterated.  The escape pod will automatically be ejected prior to detonation, unless the pilot overrides the ejection sequence.
  •  Standard Survival Kit: All UN Vfs come equipped with a portable survival kit.  Inside this small reinforced box is the following: a medium sized flashlight,2 hand flares,1 rocket flare,compass,IR distancing binoculars,a small mirror,pocket knife,a 5 day supply of dehydrated and concentrated food,and a small first aid kit.
  • Tactical Life Support System: The VF-14U1's cockpit is pressurized and also provides additional air feeds to the pilots flight suit that provide him with pressurized breathing.  The UN Spacy flight suit also contains an upper and lower G suit that promotes blood circulation during high-G turns, decreasing the possibility of a black out.
  • Virtual Enviroment Cockpit: The VF-14U1 is equipped with what is becoming the standard for new UN Spacy variable fighter designs.  A VE cockpit that provides monitors below and around the pilot in addition to the HUD cockpit dome.  In flight these monitors display what is below and behind the aircraft,giving the pilot a tremendous field of view that is unparalled by any other aircraft (Save for the YF-21's BDI/BCS System).  This wide view in addition to the computers cockpit overlays give the VF-14U1 a +1 to dodge and a +1 to initiative in addition to any other bonuses.


    •        BASIC VF PILOT TRAINING
           1 attack per melee plus those of the pilot
           add 1 attack at Levels 3,9,and 15
           +1 to strike
           +1 to parry
           +2/+3/+5 to Dodge (S/G/F)
           +1 to roll with punch/impact
           no leap dodge
           no leap kick,jump kick,or leap attacks
           Critical strike equivalent to pilots hand to hand
     

           ADVANCED VF-14U1 COMBAT TRAINING
           4 attacks per melee plus those of the pilot
           add 1 attack a levels 2,4,8,and 12
           +2 (+3) to Strike ( ) designates active Stealth.
           +3 to parry
           +3/+5/+8 to dodge (S/G/F) includes VR Cockpit Bonus
           +1 (+4) initiative
           +4 Roll with Punch/Impact
           +2 Leap Dodge
           Critical strike equivalent to pilots hand to hand
           Body block/tackle/ram-1d6 MD + a 50% chance of knocking the opponent down causing  him       to lose one attack and initiative that melee round.
     

    REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

    1