AIF-X-9 Ghost

Model number: AIF-X-9
Code name: Ghost
Unit type: unpiloted all environment fighter
Manufacturer: U.N. Spacy
Operator: U.N. Spacy
Rollout: March AD 2040
First deployment: March AD 2040
Accommodation: none
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: many x high-maneuverability vernier thruster
Performance: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; AI control system; optional Super parts
Fixed armaments: 5 x laser gun, mounted on main body; 29 x high-maneuverability missile, mounted on ventral missile launcher
Optional fixed armaments: 4 x micro-missile launcher, mounted on Super parts

Dating as far back as the Unification Wars of the early 2000s, the U.N. forces had a long history of deploying Ghost drone fighters. By 2040, the next generation of drone fighter was secretly under development in the form of the AIF-X-9 Ghost. The secrecy surrounding the AIF-X-9 was due to U.N. Spacy’s goal of replacing all manned variable fighters with drones. Due to its unpiloted nature, the AIF-X-9 was capable of superior maneuverability that exceeded the limits of what a human body could tolerate. The AIF-X-9’s armaments included five laser guns and 29 high maneuverability missiles. It could also mount Super parts that add for micro-missile launchers. The AIF-X-9 utilized an AI control system that borrowed components developed by Marge Gueldoa for the virturoid idol Sharon Apple. Unbeknownst to anyone, Marge added an illegal bio-neural chip to Sharon’s system on planet Eden, which had the effect of making her emotionally unstable. In March 2040, Sharon’s system was brought to Earth to perform a concert in Macross City as part of the festivities for the 30th anniversary of the end of Space War I. With her system out of control, Sharon took over the AIF-X-9 and launched it from Macross City to intercept YF-19 pilot Isamu Alva Dyson and YF-21 pilot Guld Goa Bowman. Guld decided to take on the AIF-X-9 alone and was able to do so, but at the cost of his own life. Following the Sharon Apple Incident, the successor model AIF-7S Ghost implemented software that ensured a human pilot was always in control.

First appearance: Macross Plus
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Rear view