X-9
From Macross Compendium
Ghost X-9
Program
- Government: United Nations
The Ghost X-9 was developed as an unmanned combat aerial vehicle for use within and outside of atmosphere to replaced the manned aircraft VF (Variable Fighter). It possesses incredible maneuverability and firepower with no restriction of a living pilot and boasts the performance that exceeds in all areas of the next generation variable fighters (AVF). Furthermore, the Sharon-type artificial intelligence (AI), a completely autonomous-control-type AI applied from the Sharon Apple core was mounted, demonstrating combat ability unlike earlier with Ghosts equipped with conventional semi-autonomous AI, like the QF-3000E Ghost.
The unmanned combat aerial vehicle with the nickname "Ghost Bird", which the U.N. Spacy was further developing in the shadow of the next main variable fighter selection trail, "The Supernova Project". Senior UN leadership, led by General Gomez, pushed development in secret on Earth achieving favorable results in tests. It is equipped with an autonomous-type artificial intelligence adapted from data obtained from the virtual idol Sharon Apple and demonstrates acceleration performance and combat ability exceeding manned aircraft. Since it performed with favorable results in simulated combat, it was designated unofficially as the next main fighter for the UN Forces with with plans to reveal to the public in 2040, following the conclusion of the 30th Anniversary Space War I Memorial Ceremony. It was manipulated by Sharon Apple who controlled the UN Command central functions including communication facilities, but 2 test aircraft descended to Earth (YF-19 and YF-21) and engaged in combat. It was shot down, receiving a ramming (suicide) attack from the YF-21, which released its limiter. Because dependence on artificial intelligence was reviewed after this case, adoption of the X-9 was canceled, but development of unmanned aerial combat vehicles was continued afterwords.
Design Features
Lightweight with high maneuverability to design limits due to elimination of pilot protection functions. Engine block is a 3-slit nozzle arrangement in line with the tail. Super parts, which serve as armaments and boosters, available for use outside of atmosphere, mounted on both sides of the upper rear fuselage with slit-like booster nozzles.
Flying Controls
Hypersonic lifting body structure. Although wing-span is small, it is sufficient to generate lift. Ventral fin and wings arranged at the rear of the fuselage. Folding main wing changes fuselage control for high-maneuverability or outer space.
Avionics
Sharon-type artificial intelligence (AI). Sensor system built in the nose.
Armament
- Five laser guns, mounted on the right and left sides and on the lower part of the nose. Independent or tandem-use is possible.
- Built-in missile launcher with 29 high-maneuver missiles. Each missile can adjust the firing angle, forward or back, by 15-degrees.
- Chaff dispensers
- Four micro-missile launchers, located in booster pods of Super parts.