vf-1
A notable and popular mecha from the MACROSS series.
The VF-1 Valkyrie is Earth's three-form transformable aerospace multi-role combat mecha developed from alien overtechnology obtained from the SDF-1 "Macross" spacecraft. Its armaments include a modular gunpod, laser cannons and several different types of missiles. It can be equipped with modular attachments such as reactive armor and external fuel/thruster packs.
Thanks to its FF-2001 thermonuclear engines it can fly in both an atmosphere and outer space. The VF-1 can also transform into fighter, gerwalk and battroid (giant robot) modes.
There are several different variants of the fighter, called VF-1A, VF-1J, VF-1D, VF-1S, VF-1J Armored, SDP-1 Stampede Valkyrie, VE-1, VT-1, VT-1 Super, VF-1 Super and VF-1 Strike.
It first appeared in Choujikuu Yousai Macross (1982) where it was created by the U.N. Spacy to fight a race of humanoid alien giants called Zentradi. It was eventually succeeded by the far more advanced VF-4 Lighting III.
In real life the VF-1 was designed by Kawamori Shouji in the early 80s. The design of the mecha's fighter mode is loosely based on the F-14 combat jet and its name is a tribute to the XB-70, Kawamori's favorite aircraft.
This mecha was called the VF-1 Varitech in the ROBOTECH American adaptation of Macross.
