Project Phoenix

That's very interesting. A man named Focker and he commands VF-19Ps and 22es? That is pretty badass. I guess I'll have to read novels real quick when it finally arrives. Thanks for the info Gubaba.

*cough* I'm waiting for him to clarify which Focker he is talking about.

What Gubaba said. I figured "Macross 13" is probably a codename for Earth's secret defenders kinda like Power Rangers only without the cheese. It's cool to me that they have this hidden fleet stashed away in case another extra-terrestrial force comes along and decides to wipe out Homo Sapiens again.

I'm still waiting for kreshpy's reply but I guess he is busy.

That is what most long time fans have been waiting for actually. So far, I don't see an answer coming soon.

Thanks Gubaba. I feel so silly now that I know what it means. So even in Macross, they avoid using number 13 when numbering the fleets. I can see why they eventually named them like Galaxy and Frontier as opposed to numbered fleets like 7. Looks like the curse came through somewhat. Thanks for posting that kreshpy. Now I see what you mean. So Battle 13 was Earth's secret defender eh? And the novel even deliberately left it vague if it has anything to do with VF-X2. Figures. So was I right in guessing the Focker you mentioned earlier was Aegis?

Kreshpy, are you telling us that the novels retconned everything? I'm sorry, I'm very confused now so please bear with me: Macross 13 is a secret fleet in 2059? Again, is this a newly reestablished fleet or a rewrite, ignoring the events of VF-X2? Did you mean to say Aegis Focker, the hero of VF-X2, was Ozma's commander in 2059? Then again, was Ozma ever part of the VF-X Ravens in the first place prior to his quitting and joining SMS? Finally, what is Triskaidekaphobia?

I think Kreshpy meant Macross Frontier's Novel Vol.4. If I'm not mistaken he is telling us in the same volume Kim supposedly became Macross 13's captain with the rank of Lt. General and she commanded Battle 13 to fight the Vajra in 2059. I haven't read the novel so I'm not sure but I thought Battle 13 was destroyed during the event of VF-X2 back in 2053? Then again, it could be a newly rebuilt Battle 13.

Be glad they didn't sing Kumbaya at the end.

No. They are lost near the center of the galaxy and that is how HFH wants it and that is how I want it as well. No Gundam-esque rehash please.

Roy Focker: Skull One is counted under the 5093 VF-1As produced even though it was later converted into an S type. You are right, S types were only produced in Block 3 runs onwards and even then they are rare with about 30 produced. Roy's custom VF was a unique machine since it was not build as an S type from the ground up. His VF is commonly known as "Roy Focker Special". Just a quick note here: the book lists Block 1~6 as early types and everything after that as late types. Following the final battle against Bodolzer's main fleet in February 2010, the only surviving VF-1 squadrons were the ones on board the Macross, ARMD carriers, Moon base and the L-5 station. Everyone else was annihilated. I am glad you guys appreciate it. Please let me know if you need something explained and I'll try my best to help out.

Here ya go. I apologize if mistranslates anything as I am doing this on the fly. Block 1: The first mass produced VF-1A equipped with Shinnakasu Heavy Industries, P&H and Royce's FF2001A-0 Thermonuclear Turbine Engine was unveiled in a ceremony at Canada's UN Forces HQ in Nov. 7 2008. The first unit was painted in gloss white with blue and gold striping as well as a red valkyrie figure painted on the tail. On this day, the machine was officially named Variable Fighter-1 (VF-1) "Valkyrie". The unit's demonstration flight was performed by Major Roy Focker which later will become Focker's assigned machine. This machine was later powered up by having its engine upgraded to a FF-2001D and modified into the S type. Block 2: 3 VF-1A of this Block was completed at the same time as the Block 1. Outwardly and structurally it is similar to the Block 1. Once they are adopted for use, the three were sent to the Industrial Station on Lunar Orbit's L-5 point in February to test the VF's Outer Atmospheric Booster System. One of the units was sent to England's DeHaviland Co. to be license build and was returned 2 months later and assigned to CVS-101 Prometheus. Block 3: Block 3 consists of the two-seater D type, J type and S type and were produced from Shinnakasu's factory in Japan as production test types. All 3 units were ferried to UN Forces HQ in Canada to be used in various data gathering purpose. Block 4: While the D, J and S types were being produced by Shinnakasu, production of the A and G type were being handled by Stonewell Bellcom and Centinental with an estimation of 180 VF-1s entering service by January 2009. 12 of the Block 4 run will be the G type for development of the VE-1 as well as to complete the Outer Atmospheric Booster System's development. The D type is mainly used for pilot transitional training while the A, J, S and G types were assigned to Alaska base, the SDF-1 Macross and CVS-101 Prometheus. Block 5: Similar in design with the Block 5 with an approximate production run of 250 units. (Something about increased production efficiency.) This Block includes the 30 VF-1A units produced by DeHaviland. Half of the completed machines were sent to space and assigned to the ARMD-1 and 2. Block 6: L-5's Industrial Station produced the Block 6 VE-1 Elintseeker and VT-1 Ostrich. The units were produced along with the Outer Atmospheric Booster Systems. This Block introduces new cockpit layout as well as several changes to the VFs. The engine is still the FF-2001D. This Block run emphasis on outer atmospheric operations and this was seen in the design shift. Block 7: Using the new cockpit layout as the Block 6, Block 7 units also gains an update on the avionics. Counter-verniers and sensors in the nose were changed as well. The Block 7 was produced by factories in L-5 and the Apollo factory on the lunar surface in a rush to deliver 600 units. By late October 2009, the produced units were assigned to the 6 ARMD class space carriers. At the same time, both the L-5 and Apollo factories began mass producing the Outer Atmospheric Booster Systems (aka FAST packs, I presume) along with changes to the avionics in order to use the system. Initially, UN Forces called for a total of 1000 VF-1s to be delivered with the current Block being the final production run. After the incident of February 2009 the number was increased to 1030 units (includes Block 1~3 and Block 6 machine) from the 800 VF-1s in service by February 2009. Block 8: Essentially the same type as the Block 7, the Block 8 was rushed into production but due to delays into resource allocation, their production numbers were limited. Until production facilities on the surface were destroyed, 180 were produced within 3 and half months once Space War I broke out. Production of VF-1s stopped at this point. Of the 180 that was in service, about half were destroyed. Block 9~12: 8 months after Space War I ended, factories in L-5 and the Apollo lunar base began reproducing the VF. Based on the previously established standards, the new VF-1s were produced along with some redesigned and upgraded avionics. Externally these new Block runs resemble Block 4~8 VFs. However, the vertical stabilizers and ventral fins were reinforced while the FCS were updated along with increasing additional hard points on the wings. 3380 units were produced with the Block 12 having the least number produced. Block 13~16: Changes to these Blocks include the dorsal antenna being modified into a flat panel type. Externally it is no different from any other produced Blocks except for some minor changes (the diagram shows miniaturization of the antennas, different fuselage panels, modified panel lines and single-piece ventral fins). These Blocks uses the same FF-2008 engines as the Block 9~12. The 5000th VF-1 produced was a Block 13. The commemorative unit was painted in special markings and went on a memorial flight around Macross City and Apollo factory in May 2013. Block 17: The VF-1's final production lot was the Block 17. It is the same standard as the Block 13~16 units. Additional IR sensors in the nose were installed but details are unknown. I hope this helps. It's not perfect but at least you'll get an idea what's going on.

I am working on the Block numbers section. Gimme a few hours and it'll be posted here. I can work on the squadron listing as well. Those are easy.

The book reads like one of the Squadron books or a tech manual so I was able to discern quite a bit. It is a heavy read if you are into the actual nuts and bolts of the VF-1. I pick and choose sections for reading to be honest. I have not finished reading the entire book but I could understand quite a bit of it. My Japanese is rusty and that slowed me down quite a bit. I have not read the interview near the end of the book though. But from what I glanced, it is an interview of a veteran of Space War I and his thoughts flying the VF-1. Anyone need help in understanding sections of the book, I'm more than happy to help. Just don't expect a perfect translation.

Me too. They even explained where they were stationed. Only the Zentradi squadron's name is not English and therefore made no sense to me. What the book excited me the most was the history of the VF-0. There was some interesting stories behind it as well.

Gubaba: I'm tempted to say the "N" stands for New or Neo but that's just my deduction given that the valks were given "new" engines. Roy Focker: I am guessing that as well given Block 17 was the final production type which mounts the FF-2008 engines. Keep in mind also the various colony fleets and worlds also produced their own licensed VF-1s. The Block and variant type produced outside the Solar System are unknown as this time. What we do know from the book is that 2013 is the final year the VF-1s were being produced in any number. By then, the VF-4 would have been the mainstay of the U.N. Spacy. Side Note: SDF-3 is actually Virlithwai's flagship.

You can't have everything, Graham. It's like buying Yamato valks. You can't always expect them toys to be assembled perfectly before you purchase them. I'm just grateful they're doing the Macross Chronicles. It's the closest thing to a bible for us fans.

It's an updated A-type with the FF-2008 engine. In 2019, valks from Blocks 9 to 10 were modified into this variant. Outwardly, the N variant resembles the A-type. The same Block 9-10 valks' J and S-types were given the same engine upgrades and are later called J+ and S+ types. In other words, the VF-1N is just an updated variable fighter. I've simplified the explanation from the book's text just FYI.

The Minmay Special is still on a 'coming soon' status.

You're welcome. And that is an understatement. But not all of them are like that.

Here ya go.

They should have the CFs released as well.

I think I just heard my wallet commit suicide by jumping out the window. The VF-22S is the only one worth getting IMO. I had too many VF-1 repaints already.

I love my 1/48s. 'Nuff said.

Mmm...VE-1 ver. 2.0 finally... AmI too greedy to ask for the Stampeed Valkyrie?