1:100 VF-1A "Valkyrie" Battroid of SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"/Alaska Guard (Macross)

Dizzyfugu · August 16, 2021, 02:17:42 AM

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Some background:
The VF-1 was developed by Stonewell/Bellcom/Shinnakasu for the U.N. Spacy by using alien Overtechnology obtained from the SDF-1 Macross alien spaceship. Its production was preceded by an aerodynamic proving version of its airframe, the VF-X. Unlike all later VF vehicles, the VF-X was strictly a jet aircraft, built to demonstrate that a jet fighter with the features necessary to convert to Battroid mode was aerodynamically feasible. After the VF-X's testing was finished, an advanced concept atmospheric-only prototype, the VF-0 Phoenix, was flight-tested from 2005 to 2007 and briefly served as an active-duty fighter from 2007 to the VF-1's rollout in late 2008, while the bugs were being worked out of the full-up VF-1 prototype (VF-X-1).

The space-capable VF-1's combat debut was on February 7, 2009, during the Battle of South Ataria Island - the first battle of Space War I - and remained the mainstay fighter of the U.N. Spacy for the entire conflict. Introduced in 2008, the VF-1 would be out of frontline service just five years later, though.

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Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The VF-1 proved to be an extremely capable craft, successfully combating a variety of Zentraedi mecha even in most sorties which saw UN Spacy forces significantly outnumbered. The versatility of the Valkyrie design enabled the variable fighter to act as both large-scale infantry and as air/space superiority fighter. The signature skills of U.N. Spacy ace pilot Maximilian Jenius exemplified the effectiveness of the variable systems as he near-constantly transformed the Valkyrie in battle to seize advantages of each mode as combat conditions changed from moment to moment.

The basic VF-1 was built and deployed in four minor variants (designated A, J, and S single-seater and the D two-seater/trainer) and its success was increased by continued development of various enhancements including the GBP-1S "Armored" Valkyrie exoskeleton with enhanced protection and integrated missile launchers, the so-called FAST ("Fuel And Sensor Tray") packs that created the fully space-capable "Super" Valkyries and the additional RÖ-X2 heavy cannon pack weapon system for the VF-1S "Super Valkyrie".

After the end of Space War I, the VF-1 continued to be manufactured both in the Sol system and throughout the UNG space colonies. Although the VF-1 would be replaced in 2020 as the primary Variable Fighter of the U.N. Spacy by the more capable, but also much bigger, VF-4 Lightning III, a long service record and continued production after the war proved the lasting worth of the design.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In the course of its career the versatile VF-1 underwent constant upgrade programs. For instance, about a third of all VF-1 Valkyries were upgraded with Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems from 2016 on, placed in a streamlined fairing in front of the cockpit. This system allowed for long-range search and track modes, freeing the pilot from the need to give away his position with active radar emissions, and it could be used for target illumination and guiding precision weapons. Many Valkyries also received improved radar warning systems, with receivers, depending on the systems, mounted on the wingtips, on the fins and/or on the LERXs. Improved ECR measures were also mounted on some machines, typically in conformal fairings on the flanks of the legs/engine pods. Specialized reconnaissance and ECM sub-versions were developed from existing airframes, too.

The VF-1 was without doubt the most recognizable variable fighter of Space War I and was seen as a vibrant symbol of the U.N. Spacy even into the first year of the New Era 0001 in 2013. At the end of 2015 the final rollout of the VF-1 was celebrated at a special ceremony, commemorating this most famous of variable fighters. The VF-1 Valkryie was built from 2006 to 2013 with a total production of 5,459 VF-1 variable fighters with several variants (VF-1A = 5,093, VF-1D = 85, VF-1J = 49, VF-1S = 30, VF-1G = 12, VE-1 = 122, VT-1 = 68). However, beyond this original production several "re-built" variants existed, too, and remained active in many second line units and continued to show its worthiness years later, e. g. through Milia Jenius who would use her old VF-1 fighter in defense of the colonization fleet, even after 35 years after the type's service introduction!

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

General characteristics:
All-environment variable fighter and tactical combat Battroid, used by U.N. Spacy, U.N. Navy, U.N. Space Air Force. 3-mode variable transformation; variable geometry wing; vertical take-off and landing; control-configurable vehicle; single-axis thrust vectoring; three "magic hand" manipulators for maintenance use; retractable canopy shield for Battroid mode and atmospheric reentry; option of GBP-1S system, atmospheric-escape booster, or FAST Pack system

Accommodation:
Single pilot in Marty & Beck Mk-7 zero/zero ejection seat

Dimensions:
Battroid Mode:
Height 12.68 meters
Width 7.3 meters
Length 4.0 meters
Fighter Mode:
Length 14.23 meters
Wingspan 14.78 meters (at 20° minimum sweep)
Height 3.84 meters

Empty weight: 13.25 metric tons
Standard take-off mass: 18.5 metric tons
MTOW: 37.0 metric tons

Power Plant:
2x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001 thermonuclear reaction turbine engines, output 650 MW each, rated at 11,500 kg in standard or in overboost (225.63 kN x 2);
4x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry NBS-1 high-thrust vernier thrusters (1 x counter reverse vernier thruster nozzle mounted on the side of each leg nacelle/air intake, 1 x wing thruster roll control system on each wingtip);
18x P&W LHP04 low-thrust vernier thrusters beneath multipurpose hook/handles

Performance:
Battroid Mode: maximum walking speed 160 km/h
Fighter Mode: at 10,000 m Mach 2.71; at 30,000+ m Mach 3.87
g limit: in space +7
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 3.47; standard TOW 2.49; maximum TOW 1.24

Transformation:
Standard time from Fighter to Battroid (automated): under 5 sec.
Min. time from Fighter to Battroid (manual): 0.9 sec.

Armament:
1x Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon in the "head" unit, firing 6,000 pulses per minute
1x Howard GU-11 55 mm three-barrel Gatling gun pod with 200 RPG, fired at 1,200 rds/min
4x underwing hard points for a wide variety of ordnance, including
12x AMM-1 hybrid guided multipurpose missiles (3/point), or
12x MK-82 LDGB conventional bombs (3/point), or
6x RMS-1 large anti-spaceship reaction missiles (2/outboard point, 1/inboard point), or
4x UUM-7 micro-missile pods (1/point) each carrying 15 x Bifors HMM-01 micro-missiles,
or a combination of above load-outs and other guided and unguided ordnance

The kit and its assembly:
After a long time, I found enough mojo to tackle another ARII 1:100 VF-1, but this time in Battroid mode. Unlike the simple Fighter mode kits, ARII's Battroid kit of the iconic Valkyrie is more demanding and calls for some structural modifications to create a decent and presentable "giant robot" model – OOB, the model remains quite two-dimensional and "stiff". The much newer WAVE kit in 1:100 scale is certainly a better model of the VF-1, but I love the old ARII kits because of their simplicity.

The kit is a "Super Valykrie" model, but it donated its FAST pack extra parts to a space-capable VF-1 Fighter build a long time ago and has been collecting dust in The Stash™ (SF/mecha sub-department at the Western flank) since then. The complete Battroid model was still left, though, even with most of the decals, and when I recently searched for artwork/visual references for another Macross project I came across screenshots from the original TV series of a canonical VF-1 that I had been planning to build for some years, and so I eventually set things in motion.

The kit was basically built OOB, but it received some upgrades. More severe surgery would be necessary to create a "good" Battroid model – e. g. creating vertical recesses around the torso – but this is IMHO not worthwhile. These updates included additional joints in the upper arms and legs, created with styrene tubes, as well as a new hip construction made from coated steel wire and styrene tube material that allows a three-dimensional posture of the legs - for a more vivid appearance and more dynamic poses. Other small mods that enhance the overall impression are "opened" exhausts inside of the feet and a different, open left hand. The GU-11 pod/handgun was taken OOB, it just received a shoulder belt created with painted masking tape. The single laser cannon on the head received a fairing made from paper tissue drenched with white glue.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Even though the model kit itself is not complex, it is a very early mecha kit: the VF-1 Battroids already came with vinyl caps (some of the contemporary ARII Macross models did not feature these useful items yet), but the model was constructed in an "onion layer" fashion that makes building and painting a protracted affair, esp. on arms and legs. You are supposed to finish a certain section, and then you add the next section like a clamp, while areas of the initial section become inaccessible for sanding and painting inside of the new section. You can only finish the single sections up to basic painting, mask them, and then add the next stage. Adding some joints during the construction phase helped but building an ARII VF-1 Battroid simply takes time and patience...

Painting and markings:
As mentioned above, this Valkyrie's livery is canonical and it depicts a so-called "Alaska Guard" VF-1, based at the U.N. Spacy's headquarters at Eielson Air Force Base in the far North of the United States around 2008/9. Several Battroid mode VF-1s in this guise appear during episode #15 of the original Macross TV series and offer a good look at their front and back, even though close inspection reveals that the livery was – intentionally or incidentally – not uniform! There are subtle differences between the VF-1s from the same unit, so that there's apparently some room for artistic freedom.

However, this rather decorative livery IMHO works best on a VF-1 Battroid model, because the green areas, esp. on head and arms, mostly disappears when the Valkyrie transforms into Fighter mode – in the original TV livery the VF-1 is completely white from above, just with green wing tips and rudders on the V-tail.

A full profile of an "Alaska Guard" VF-1 with more details concerning markings and stencils can furthermore be found in Softbank Publishing's (discontinued) "Variable Fighter Master File VF-1 Valkyrie" source book, even though these drawings show further differences to the original TV appearance. In the book the unit is identified as SVF-15 "Blue Foxes", evolved from the real USAF's 18th Aggressor Squadron in 2008. Looking at the VF-1's colors, this unit name appears a bit odd, because the livery is basically all-white with olive-green trim? This could be a simple translation issue, though, because "blue" and "green" are in written Japanese described with the same kanji (青, "ao"). On the other side, the 18th Aggressor Squadron was/is nicknamed "Blue Foxes"? Strange, strange...

To ease painting, the model was built in sub-assemblies (see comments above) and treated separately. To avoid brush painting mess with the basic white, the sub-sections received a coat of very light grey (RAL 7047 Telegrau) and a pure white tone, both applied from rattle cans with an attempt to create a light shading effect. The green trim and further details were added with brushes. I used Revell 360 (Fern Green, RAL 6025), because it is a strong but still somewhat dull/subdued tone that IMHO matches the look from the TV series well. Some detail areas like the air intake louvres, the hollow of the knees and the handgun were painted in medium grey (Humbrol 140), so that the contrast to the rest was not too strong. The "feet" received an initial coat of Humbrol 53 (Iron) as a dark primer.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) - WiP by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

In "reality", parts of the VF-1's torso in Battroid mode are actually open – the kit is very simplified. To create an optical illusion of this trench and to visually "stretch" the rather massive breast section, the respective areas were painted with dark grey (Humbrol 79). There are also many position lights all around the hull; these were initially laid out with silver, the bigger ones received felt tip pen details, and they were later overlaid with clear acrylic paints.

Once the basic painting had been done, a light black ink washing was applied to the parts to emphasize engraved panel lines and recesses. After that the jet exhaust 'feet' were painted with Humbrol's Steel Metallizer and some post-shading through dry-brushing was done, concentrating on the green areas. This was rather done for visual plasticity than for a worn look: this Valkyrie was supposed to look quite bright and clean, after all it's from a headquarter unit and not an active frontline vehicle.
The feet received a thorough graphite treatment, so that the Metallizer's shine was further enhanced. Some surface details that were not molded into the parts (esp. around the shoulders and the covers of the main landing gear) were painted with a thin black felt tip pen.

Stencils and markings were taken from the kit's OOB decal sheet. The thin bands around the arms and legs were created with generic 1mm decal strips and all the vernier thrusters (sixteen are visible on the Battroid) were created with home-printed decals – most of them are molded into the parts and apparently supposed to be painted, but the decals are a tidier and more uniform solution.

Before the final assembly, the parts received a coat with matt acrylic varnish. As final measures some black panel lines were emphasized with a fineliner and color was added to several lamps and small windows with clear paints.

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1A "Valkyrie"; aircraft "202" of the U.N. Spacy SVF-15 "Blue Foxes"; Eielson Air Force Base (Unified Forces Headquarters), Alaska, late 2009 (Modified Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

I can hardly remember when I built my last VF-1 Battroid, but tackling this one after a long while was a nice distraction from my usual what-if builds. I am pleased that this model depicts a canonical Valkyrie from the original TV series beyond the well-known "hero" liveries. Furthermore, green is a rare color among VF-1 liveries, so that it is even more "collectible". Not a stellar result, but it turned out well. While the vintage ARII kit is a rather limited affair, adding some joints considerably improved the model's impression, even though there are definitively better kit options available today when you want to build a 1:100 Battroid — but these do certainly not provide this authentic "Eighties feeling".