1:100 VF-1D "AF 502" of U.N. Spacy SVF-145 (Macross)

[Dizzyfugu]

Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/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 fully functional VF-1 prototype (the VF-X-1).


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Introduced in 2008, the VF-1 would be produced en masse within a short period of time, a total of 5,459 airframes were delivered until 2013. 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. From the start the VF-1 proved to be an extremely capable and versatile 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 deployed in four sub-variants (designated A, D, J, and S) and its success was increased by continued development of various enhancements and upgrades. The VF-1D was a two-seater, originally developed as a trainer for conversion duties. It shared almost all systems of the single-seaters, though, was fully combat-capable, and only differed through an extended cockpit section that offered space for a second seat behind the standard pilot seat, under an extended canopy.


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


As a novelty the VF-1D's forward fuselage (the so-called "Cockpit Capsule") functioned as an escape system that was furnished with an independent life support system, rescue transponder, a hypo-metabolic system, and a simple emergency medical system. Not only were then internals altered by exchanging parts, but it was also designed with emphasis on improving the pilots' chance of survival. The Cockpit Capsule could be carried by a VF-1S Valkyrie, too, but not other single seater fighters.

Another unique feature was the armament of two Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon in the Valkyrie's head unit, which could be aimed and fired separately by the pilot and the instructor, thanks to a twin visual sensor. Even though the VF-1D was initially only used for training and pilot conversion it was quickly adopted for aggressor air-to-air combat training and joined first-line units in combat missions. Its airframe was, thanks to the additional space for the second crew member, furthermore used to develop several specialized VF-1 variants like the VF-1G AWACS version (which eventually led to the VE-1 "Elintseeker" with an even more modified airframe) or the VF-1W "Wild Weasel" radar and anti-aircraft suppression version.


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


After the end of Space War I, production on Earth was stopped but 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 its persistent production after the war in many space sectors proved the lasting worth of the design.

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. 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 several major variants (VF-1A = 5,093, VF-1D = 85, VF-1J = 49, VF-1S = 30), sub-variants (VF-1G = 12, VE-1 = 122, VT-1 = 68) and upgrades of existing airframes (like the VF-1P).
Despite its relatively short and intense production run the fighter remained active in many second line units and continued to show its worthiness even years later, e. g. through Milia Jenius who would use her old VF-1 fighter in defense of the colonization fleet - 35 years after the type's service introduction!


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/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 and U.N.S. Marine Corps

Accommodation:
Pilot and trainee in Marty & Beck Mk-7 zero/zero ejection seats

Dimensions:
Fighter Mode:
    Length 14.23 meters
    Wingspan 14.78 meters (at 20° minimum sweep)
    Height 3.84 meters

Battroid Mode:
    Height 12.68 meters
    Width 7.3 meters
    Length 4.0 meters
Empty weight: 13.25 metric tons
Standard T-O mass: 18.5 metric tons
MTOW: 37.0 metric tons

Powerplant:
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 225.63 kN in overboost
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 T-O 2.49; maximum T-O 1.24

Design Features:
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

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

Armament:
2x Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon, firing 6,000 ppm
1x Howard GU-11 55 mm three-barrel Gatling gun pod with 200 RPG, fired at 1,200 rpm
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-ship 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


The kit and its assembly:
Another vintage 1:100 VF-1 model, and this project had been lingering on my "to do" list for roughly 30 years! It was based on a profile drawing in a source book, namely "This is animation: Macross PLUS", which comes with a profile catalogue for a wide range of Variable Fighters, and naturally the classic VF-1 was featured prominently. I have already built several models on this source's basis, but this pretty VF-1D trainer never materialized because of its uniform white color and the use of yellow – always a challenge. However, after I had inherited recently a bunch of 1:100 VF-1 kits, which included a VF-1D, I decided to eventually take action and turn my year-old plans into hardware.
Thanks to modern, A.I.-supported technology I was able to translate the short description in the source book, which identifies the aircraft as being part of SVF-145 "Easy Riders":


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D (Block X) 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' aggressor/conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The small text say: The aggressor unit of SVF-1 [Roy Fokker's famous Skull Squadron] was deployed to the Atlantic Ocean, and each unit conducted model conversion training while underway. For the purpose of the mission, all vernier thrusters were used. The entire surface is painted white, the nose, rear canopy, tail, main wing tips, etc. are green, and the tail lettering is black with a yellow border, making it colorful.

I took that as inspiration, and slightly modified the livery (see below).

The kit itself was built OOB, with the landing gear down and with an open canopy. As a standard upgrade I added some typical small blade antennae on the nose and on the spine, and in the cockpit, I added dashboards for the crew – even though these are so tiny at 1:100 that they can hardly be recognized, even with the (thick!) canopy lifted. Weapon stations and AMM-1 missiles were left away, for a clean configuration, just the standard GU-11 gun pod was retained; the latter was modified to hold a scratched wire display for in-flight pictures at its rear end.


Painting and markings:
Quite challenging, because Arii's VF-1D kit is traditionally molded in a beige tone – not the best basis for an overall white airframe, even more so if you would have to paint everything with a brush. To avoid that kind of mess I decided to use acrylic paint from a rattle can as an overall primer coat, and I did not use pure white but rather a very light grey, namely RAL 9002 (Grauweiß). On top of that the green highlights were added with Tamiya X-5, which turned out to be much darker than expected when fully cured, but I kept it that way. The yellow tail rudders were also done with Tamiya acrylic paint, X-8. Then the parts (cockpit, hull, legs, head and gun pod were built separately) received a black ink washing to emphasize the engraved panel lines. I also tried to add a light panel shading to the green and white/grey areas, but these turned out to be so subtle that they can hardly be recognized at all.
To add a little more color I decided to add thin yellow trim lines to the green highlights on nose and wing tips, made from 1mm decal stripes. These also had the benefit of covering the edges of the painted areas, rendering the need to mask them obsolete. While these are rather subtle and lack contrast to the white/grey, I think they add an elegant touch – and individual markings/decorations are a common canonical feature among Macross Valkyries.

The cockpit interior became standard medium grey (Revell 47) with black ejection seats with brown cushions (Humbrol 119 and Revell 84), and brown "black boxes" behind the headrest. The air intakes as well as the interior of the VG wings were painted dark grey (Revell 79). The jet nozzles/feet were internally painted with Humbrol 27003 (Steel Metallizer). The GU-11 pod became standard bare metal (Revell 91, Iron metallic).

Markings and stencils had to be improvised. The OOB decal sheet had gone sour and unusable, but I was lucky to find replacements among the many leftover sheet from other Arii VF-1 models I had built in the past. What became really tricky was the tail code, though. Even though I had some generic yellow letters at hand to create the "AF" code, these would not have been inclined and appear rather "static". It took a long safari through my spare decal sheet vault to eventually come up with a better solution: I found two sheets from Italeri's 1:72 A-4M Skyhawk kit, which feature markings for an USMC VMA-331 aircraft, a unit with the tail code "VL". These directionally inclined letters were then modified to create a handed "AF" code. Not 100% the font and style in the source book, but attractive and even with the same letters as the original – more than originally expected! The wings' leading edges were finished in medium grey, done with decal sheet material. The inspiring profile does not sport this detail, but I think that the VF-1 looks better with them and more realistic. Red warning stripes around the legs - also not seen on the model in the source book - were made from similar material. After the decals had been completed the model was sealed with a coat of not-100%-matt acrylic varnish from the rattle can, position and other lights were painted with translucent acrylic paint, and the model was finally completed.


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Macross +++ 1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1D 'Valkyrie', aircraft 'AF 502' (Bu. No. 2109850/1) of the U.N. Spacy SVF-145 'Easy Riders' conversion unit (attached to SVF-1); Wideawake Air Base (Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean), early 2010 (What-if/Arii kit) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


A pretty VF-1, based on a quasi-canonical profile. The simple livery suits the elegant VF-1 well, and finally another VF-1 project that I could tick off of my project list, after 30 years in the waiting loop! 

[zenrat]

Good job Dizz.

 

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you, glad you like it. Quite simple, but - finally - off of my project list! 

[su27rules]

    

[kerick]

Really nice job! I'm getting to like these Macross designs more and more.