HISTORY OF THE VERITECH TRANSFORMABLE FIGHTER
The discovery of the SDF-1 provided mankind with great, new, technological theories, science and advancement. It also established that man was not alone in the universe. Under the potential threat of invasion by giant aliens, the new, united world government began to develop war machines, utilizing the new technology, to combat any extraterrestrial threats. The obvious combat nature of the fallen SDF-1 implied that it was created by a race of giants well versed in the ways of war. Should they ever come to Earth to retrieve the spacecraft, mankind must be ready to repel a potentially hostile invader from a distant star. Thus, the Veritech and Destroids were developed. The Veritech was the Robotech design team's unique solution to satisfy two, essential, combat conditions: aerial combat and ground combat. Rather than developing a machine that was little more than a wheeled airplane, they came up with a machine that could actually transform to accommodate both required operations.
The basic combat pattern of the Veritech was conceived to, first, be in aerial combat mode (Jet Fighter) and to raid by missiles and machine guns:
Second, it would change its form into a more appropriate ground combat mode, that of the soldier or Battloid mode, a humanoid configuration. In this mode it could carry out a severe mop-up operation. The Guardian mode, three modes in all, was not part of the initial design.
The immediate problem was the execution of a quick, metamorphic process that would never place the vehicle in a vulnerable stage, even while changing. The secondary problem was to incorporate high mobility and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.
The folding torso system was applied in the VTOL system, which was necessary in order to land while it changed. During this intermediate stage, the Veritech assumes the Guardian mode, slowing to a hover as the VTOL system is engaged.
Originally, the Guardian mode of the Veritech's conversion was to be used only for landing. However, it was soon discovered that the Guardian mode provided extreme mobility, using the vertical take-off system to hover and move about at great speed. While not as fast or airmobile as the Jet Fighter mode, nor quite as suitable to rough terrain and hand to hand combat as the Battloid mode, the Guardian transition provides the pilot with a wonderful blend of the two. In the Guardian mode, the Veritech can hover, jet about at speeds of up to 670mph, have the advantage of legs for walking/standing and landing in small areas and rugged terrain, and the flexibility of arms/hands; the use of the GU-11 gun pod and limited hand to hand combat.
The final transition is the Battloid mode, which is a 42 foot, humanoid robot or soldier. In this mode the Veritech can run, climb, leap, kick, roll and engage in hand to hand combat. When all three modes are used in tandem it creates a device of incredible versatility.
The Veritech Fighters are hybrid machines which incorporates traditional technology and power systems with small protoculture-based engines salvaged from alien mecha discovered in the wreckage of the SDF-1. Although the humans do not fully understand the principles of Robotechnology or protoculture, they are able to successfully utilize it. In essence the humans are able to tap into an energy source (protoculture) that they do not understand the hows or whys of, but that can be easily adapted into existing technology. Future studies and contact with the Zentraedi would ultimately lead to a more complete understanding and development of the protoculture- based science of Robotechnology. However, the true secrets of Robotechnology would elude mankind for many generations.
One of the truly unique aspects of Robotechnology is that man and machine share a symbiotic relationship, linking pilot with mecha. It is a bond that provides the mecha's immediate response to commands/controls, mobility, and almost human agility. Rather than the pilot operating a mere machine, a tool, both complement and supplement each other's abilities with astonishing ease. It is this same aspect which allows for the smooth, technologically engineered, transformations of the Veritech. The differences between the four major types or models, VF-1A, J, S and VT-1D, are relatively small. Much of the obvious differences are purely stylistic, cosmetic variations, while the unit itself is basically unchanged.
The VF-1A is the standard Veritech Fighter. Its most distinguishing feature, other than markings, is that it has one laser mounted on its head. G.M. Note: The VF-1A is the model that players will normally begin with. The other models are reserved for officers and aces.
The VF-1J has a twin laser unit mounted on its head and is the standard model consigned to proven aces and low ranking officers (up to lieutenant).
The VF-1S is exclusive to squadron leaders, commanders and squadron captains (second in command).
The VT-1D is the Veritech Trainer. It is primarily used for the flight training of new recruits. The VT-1D is the only Veritech Fighter that seats two pilots; the trainee in the front and the instructor in back. The two head mounted lasers operate independently, with one controlled by the trainee and the other by the instructor.
A sort of a fifth style or model is the Super Veritech. It is basically a souped-up version of the standard VF-1A, J and S models, made to more easily withstand the rigors of space and space combat. Additional armor plates on legs, chest and forearms; booster rocket pack to attain orbit from ground launches, additional multi-missile capability, and enhanced speed, mark the major modifications. The Super Veritech is generally used for space patrols and heavy combat situations.
A variation available to all Veritech Fighters, except the Super Veritech, is the addition of special armor and short range armaments. See the Armored Veritech description for details. Another supplemental item, available to all Veritech Fighters, is a disposable rocket sled or booster pack which enables it to reach deep space orbit.
Some Technical Notes About the Veritech
There are a total of 57 controls involved in the various modes of the Veritech. Legs are controlled by foot pedals, accurately simultating walking. The "G" lever initiates the Guardian mode. The "F" lever initiates the Fighter mode. The "B" lever initiates the Battloid mode. The "C" lever engages a sudden reverse thruster manuever when in Guardian mode only. The Veritech can change modes while in motion/ flight.
The nose or pilot's compartment/jet nose can be detached when the overall Veritech has suffered debilitating damage. In many cases this allows the pilot to be safely retrieved from the wreckage of his Veritech. Note: All Veritech Fighters are spaceworthy.
STANDARD SENSORS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VERITECH MECHA
FUEL CAPACITY
The Veritech Fighters are extremely durable. The use of protoculture, micronized reactors and the science of Robotechnology, gives the Veritech an average, useful life span of 12 years before needing a new energy system. With constant use, the life span is cut by half.
RADAR
Range 200 miles (321.80km); can track up to 48 targets simultaneously.
MOTION DETECTOR & COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
Close range: 200ft (61m); sounds alarm and red light warns pilot of impending collision and/or immediate target.
RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS
Wide band and directional, radio and video telecast capabilities. Range is 600 miles (965.4km) or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
LASER COMMUNICATIONS
Long range, directional, communication system. Effective Range: 150,000 miles.
LASER TARGETING SYSTEM
Range: 200 miles
COMBAT COMPUTER
Calculates, stores and transmits data onto the cockpit computer screen or Head Up Display (H.U.D.). Patches in with targeting computer.
EXTERNAL AUDIO PICKUP
Sound amplification listening system. Range: 300ft (91.5m)
LOUDSPEAKER
Loudspeaker system that can amplify the pilot's voice up to 90 decibels.
EXTERNAL VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
A video camera relays images to a cockpit monitor. 360 degree rotation. Range: 300ft (91.5m). Telescopic capabilities: 6x magnification.
TELESCOPIC OPTICAL ENHANCEMENT
Range: 1600ft (488m). Field of vision: 20ft (6.1m)
SHOULDER HEADLIGHTS/SPOTLIGHTS
Range: 300ft (91.5m)
HYDRAULIC PILOT CHAIR
Can rise out of the Veritech 10ft (3.0m) and retract back inside.
EJECTOR SEAT
In case of emergencies the pilot seat can be instantly ejected.
UTILITY ARMS
This is a set of small, retractable arms housed in the right forearm, to perform delicate work and to effect repairs. Each of the three arms has an A.R. of 6 and 3 M.D.C.
SELF-DESTRUCT
A last ditch effort to prevent capture of the Veritech unit (usually preceded by the pilot's ejecting from the Veritech). Explosive damage is fairly contained — 10ft radius (3m); does 2D4 x 10 M.D.
HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS
INDEPENDENT OXYGEN AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
DETACHABLE PILOT'S COMPARTMENT
This is the reinforced pilot's compartment (jet's nose) which can be detached and mounted onto another Veritech's arm for ease of carrying (or carried by any Destroid).