VF-171 Nightmare Plus
From Macross Compendium
General Galaxy VF-171
Contents |
Program
- Manufacturer: General Galaxy
The VF-171 is the main variable fighter used by the New U.N. Spacy in 2059. General Galaxy developed it from the VF-17 Nightmare as a multipurpose heavy variable fighter. It is used aboard the Macross Frontier fleet as a manned variable fighter/bomber. Even average pilots can pilot it in multiple roles well. Since the VF-17 Nightmare proved difficult to mass-manufacture, the VF-171 has been comparatively downgraded. However, it also received various improvements and modifications to extend the unit's service including improved aerodynamic characteristics and enhanced maneuverability. Its low cost, ease of piloting, and variety of optional equipment have made it highly versatile and cost-effective in the long-run.
Variants
- VF-171: Normal version.
- RVF-171: Early-warning version that is equipped with a radome.
- VF-171EX: Anti-Vajra version with extended nose, equipment improvements, strengthened armor, adoption of EX-Gear, enhanced engines, and MDE armaments. There is also an electronic-warfare version that is equipped with a radome based on the RVF-171.
Design Features
Increased canopy field-of-view and redesigned leg improves aerodynamic characteristics compared to VF-17.
Avionics
VF-171EX incorporates EX-Gear control system.
Armament
- VF-171EX
- Optional large-size beam gun or standard gunpod.
- Heavy-armament protector equipment available for team leaders.
Appendices
Appearances
- Macross Frontier "Close Encounter"
- Macross Frontier "On Your Marks"
- Macross Frontier "Bye-Bye Sheryl"
- Macross Frontier "First Attack"
- Macross Frontier "Friendly Fire"
- Macross Frontier "Mother's Lullaby"
- Macross Frontier "Ranka Attack"
- Macross Frontier "Goodbye Sister"
- Macross Frontier "Fold Fame"
- Macross Frontier "Diamond Crevasse (Macross Frontier episode)"
- Macross Frontier "Northern Cross (Macross Frontier episode)"
Background
- Designer: Shoji Kawamori
According to Kawamori, the VF-171 appears as the standard main variable fighter in the 2059 timeframe of Macross Frontier because the previously designated U.N. Spacy main variable fighter, the VF-19 Excalibur, looks too much like a "hero" unit for the role. He also wanted a fighter that was clearly distinguishable from the hero unit of the series, the VF-25.
