mecha database | Macross Saga | Earth Forces

Veritech VF-1A

Also known as: Cannon Fodder, "Brownies"


Standard Veritech Fighter of the first Robotech War. The workhorse that defended Macross City and the SDF-1 from the Zentraedi

Designation: VF-1A
Mecha Class: Veritech fighter, aerospace capable
Crew: 1 pilot
Weight: 13.3 metric tons (dry)

FIGHTER MODE
Length: 14.2 m
Height: 3.8 m
Wingspan: 8.3-14.8 m
Max speed at sea level: Mach 1.4
Max speed at 10,000m: Mach 2.71
Max speed at 30,000m: Mach 3.87

GUARDIAN MODE
Length: 11.0 m
Height: 8.7 m
Wingspan: 8.3-14.8 m
Max speed at all altitudes: 500 kph

BATTLOID MODE
Height: 12.7 m
Depth: 4.0 m
Breadth: 7.3 m
Max speed at all altitudes: 194 kph
Max walking speed: 160 kph

ARMAMENT
1 x 3-barreled 55mm gatling cannon in a gun pod
1 light laser cannon, mounted on the head/turret
2 x light lasers in the nose (upgrade from sensors, only for Veritech fighters aboard the SDF-1)
4 wing hardpoints (2 per wing) each capable of carrying:
- 3 x 300mm medium range missiles, or
- 1 (inner) or 2 (outer) x 533mm long range missiles, or
- 1 x short-range multiple ejection 150mm missile launcher containing 15 missiles

The VF-1A in action

A pair of VF-1A Valkyries fend off Zentraedi attackers

The VF-1A in guardian modea.

The Veritech VF-1 is Earth's first transformable trans-atmospheric fighter. Powered by fusion engines, the VF-1 is fully space-capable, and is carried in great numbers on the SDF-1 as well as the Armor series of carriers. The VF-1 supports 3 modes of operation: fighter mode for aerospace superiority missions, guardian mode for close air support missions, and battloid mode for ground combat missions.

By itself, the VF-1 performs well in a variety of atmospheric operations, due to its sizable, variable-sweep wing surface area and high thrust-to-weight ratio. The VF-1 uses its wing hardpoints to mount a significant number of missiles as well as a gun pod for close range combat.

Though the VF-1 is capable of reaching lower Earth orbit, it is unable to attain escape velocity on its own. Various booster and armor systems were devised to extend its range and/or combat performance.

Though young ace pilots were assigned VF-1A fighters with mostly-white color schemes, most recruits were issued a standard model with a light brown color scheme. These VF-1A "Brownies" were jokingly refered to as "Cannon Fodder" by Zentraedi because they were identified as easier targets, due to the relative inexperience of their pilots. Starting in 2014, all VF-1A fighters remaining in the Robotech Defense Force were gradually upgraded to VF-1R models to improve their survivability in combat.

First Appearance:
Episode 1 - "Boobytrap"

Also available on Robotech.com:
- Masterpiece Vol.2: Ben Dixon's VF-1A
- VF-1 Super-deformed Morphers gift set
- Macross VF-1 Super-poseable figure set