Graham

A few different theories on why the 2059 era VF-25 & VF-171 are shown carrying external ordnance on the wings, when in the 2040s’ internal weapon bays were standard: - Even if the VF-25 & VF-171 have stealth capability, perhaps the bugs have some method to easily detect them anyway, rendering Stealth useless. Thus the VFs might as well carry more weapons externally, rather than just be limited to what is in their internal weapon bays. Perhaps by 2059, advances in active stealth technology allow for carriage of external weapons while still maintaining stealth. Stealth technology may be restricted to UN military forces only and forbidden to civilian defense organizations, such as SMS. Thus it makes sense to carry more weapons externally as you don't have to worry about compromising stealth if you don’t have it. Graham

I'm calling it a "J' for the moment, rather than a "D", to avoid confusion, as not every member here has watched Macross 7, where as probably everyone has seen SDFM TV. Besides, the side view pic of the head I posted quite resembles a "J" IMO. It's even got the pointy chin. Graham

Some thoughts on stealth in the Macross universe. The VF-0 series was designed as a testbed for Overtechnology designed for future variable fighters. Presumably the active stealth system was part of this Overtechnology being tested. IMO It is most unlikely that the VF-1 series featured an active stealth system. I do not think that all VFs have stealth, unless it is specifically stated. This means that only the SV-51, VF-0, YF-19, VF-19, YF-21 & VF-22 feature active stealth systems and only the VF-17 and possibly the YF-21 & VF-22 feature passive stealth. We know extremely little about the Cyclops radar, other than what the Compendium states, which is: “Cross dimension radar developed with Overtechnology which can detect PCS readings”. Where are people getting that Cyclops can detect VFs that are using active or passive stealth? Even assuming that a Cyclops radar or other advanced system can to some degree detect Stealth VFs, I would imagine that the detection ability varies depending on the technology level and power of the stealth system Vs. the technology level and power of the stealth-detection system. i.e. a VF with a more technologically advanced and powerful Stealth system, such as the YF-21, could probably slip by an older less advanced and less powerful detection system, whereas a newer detection system may have a greater chance of spotting it. Possibly stealth capability is restricted to UN forces only by law and civilian fleet defense forces are forbidden from possessing this capability. In the event that a colony fleet rebelled against the UN, their not having stealth would give the UN forces who did have stealthy VFs a huge advantages in battle. Spiritia detection systems such as possessed by the Varauta seem to render both passive and active stealth systems ineffective. Graham

Surprised that nobody has commented on the "J" head side view shown in the MBS banner (see pic below). I really like the look of the head from the side. Graham

The VF-17 was designed with passive stealth, i.e. it achives stealth characteristics by shaping and materials. The SV-51, YF-19 & YF-21 on the other hand use an active stealth system, details of which have not been published, but presumably uses some sort of electronic means. This does not seem to be dependant on the shape of the aircraft. I've never heard the comment that the F-117 has the radar cross section of a "flock of birds" before. I've always heard that it is similar to a small bird in the best case scenario. As for why the new VF-25 and VF-171 are shown carrying external stores, I presume this is beacuse if they use an active stealth system, it is now good enough that it also renders the stores stealthy as well. Or it could just be beacuse you can carry far more weapons externally, than you can on the internal pallets. I've always thought the YF-19 and VF-17 were rather light on missile armament. Quite liking the new VF-25J head shape, but not the colour scheme of the head. I think it would have been better without the black on top, just all white with the red stripe. Graham

Heh, you are a little bit late to the party, those pics were also posted and discussed here in the old super thread nearly a month ago on Nov 17. You might also want to check out the link in my signature for lots more pics. Graham

Well, buying the January issue of Animedia was a waste of HK$57! There's only a tiny little Macross Frontier article in the top-left 1/9th of one of the pages (see attached pic). I think I'm going to stick to buying only Newtype from now on and give Animedia and Animage a miss, unless Macross Frontier is specifically mentioned on the covers. Graham

http://www.mbs.jp/macross-f/macrosshis.shtml It's at the bottom of the main MBS page in red. Graham

Couple of requests: - 1) Am I missing any info from my Frontier page, such as character or staff info, magazine translations etc? Please let me know. 2) Could Zinjo or Polidread please work on an updated logo with the new red F. Thanks, Graham

Hi Kresphy, Do you have scans of the Animage Jan? I don't remember seeing them. I'll try to pick up the Animmedia today. Graham

From the MBS page, first ever picture of the white & red VF-25 in Gerwalk mode. Graham

Both pages together. Unfortunately, the scanner is not quite big enough to fit both pages, so some of the text from the edge of page 33 is missing. Graham

Bigger scans of the January 08 Newtype pages. Graham

Interesting, if correct. Now we just have to wait to see what exactly the VF-24 is like. Graham

Perhaps the private military is a Blackwater type outfit. Graham

Many, many posts ago, I theorised that the bugs (for want of a more accurate term) in M3 may well be connected to the bugs in Macross frontier. Can anybody remember if there was ever an explanation given as to what exactly the bugs in M3 are? My memories of the M3 story are rather sketchy, as it's years since I last played the game (I should dig my Dreamcast out of storage). Having a private (non-UN Spacy) military force could be the reason why they have the VF-171 as the main fighter rather than an advanced version of either the VF-19 or VF-22, which may still be restricted to UN Spacy use only and/or too expensive for a non-UN colony fleet to buy in sufficient numbers. It also leaves the door open for an apperance later in the show by the VF-19 or VF-22, should the UN military make an appearance. Graham

In some of the screen shots, Ranka looks about 10 years old! In the January Newtype, I'd say perhaps 15. Graham

Kresphy posted the scan of the Jan Newtype with fan service several pages back. I've also uploaded it to the magazine section of the Frontier image page (link in my sig). Graham

IMHO, the world would be a much nicer place if cute chicks danced around in bondage gear and/or wore ultra-short Chinese dresses all the time! Graham

I think that's the character Matsura Nanase. Graham

Just checked several stores and still no Newtype here in HK yet . I'm damn curious to know how Kresphy got that scan so early, before it's even out in Japan. Something to consider as well, is that those Newtype pics may not be 100% representative of how the characters look in the anime, or the pics may show how the characters appear in one specific scene or episode, rather than their general apperance throughout the whole TV series. Graham

I want consistency with Yamato 1/60 VF-25 & VF-171 toys. Graham

At least nobody has broken out the HG Robotech swimsuit Max pic yet! Graham

Current thinking based on information known so far (or extrapolted from screen captures), is the that VF-171 is the latest advanced variant of the VF-17, the differences so far known are: - 1) Reshaped longer and rounder nose. 2) Redesigned canopy with greater visibilty for pilot. 3) Ability to carry wing-mounted ordnance. 4) Reshaped wing trailing edge(?). Graham

Just wondering should I tidy up the Frontier Image Page and remove all the duplicate lower resolution smaller pics, or should I leave everything there for posterity? Graham