VF-0D Phoenix

Model number: VF-0D
Code name: Phoenix
Unit type: limited pre-production variable fighter
Manufacturer(s): Northrop Grumman; Stonewell; Bellcom
Operator: U.N. Navy
Rollout: AD 2004
First deployment: September AD 2008
Accommodation: pilot and radar intercept officer, in standard canopy-style cockpit
Dimensions: overall height 14.0 meters (Battroid mode); overall length 18.69 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 16.805 metric tons
Armor materials: space metal material frame; titanium/carbon composite outer shell; AWAG/RA 105 SWAG energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x EGF-127 custom overtuned conventional turbofan jet engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 91.08 kN, 2 x 148.9 kN (afterburner); 3 x Shinnakasu ARR-2 maneuvering rocket motor
Performance: Fighter mode: maximum level atmospheric speed at 11,000 meters: Mach 2.62; cruising range 2,200 km; surface ceiling 26,500 meters
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 1.80
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; AN/ALE 55 flare and chaff dispenser system; AN/ALQ 220A IDECM. ASS/PS 110 active stealth system; wing hardpoints
Fixed armaments: Mauler laser cannon, mounted on head; Howard 3-barrel GPU-9 35mm Gatling gun pod, mounts 550 rounds, can use armor-piercing AHEAD ammunition, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid and GERWALK modes
Optional fixed armaments: 12 x Raytheon Bifors AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 I/ALH-guided medium-range air-to-air missile, mounted on hardpoint; 4 x GH-28A 8-tube micro-missile launcher, mounted on hardpoint; 2 x HAIM-95A medium-range maneuverability missile launcher pod; 24 x Raytheon Erlikon GH-30B I/IR-guided micro-missile, mounted on hardpoint
Optional hand armaments: none

The VF-0D Phoenix was a two-seat VF-0 variant produced in limited numbers. It featured larger wings for improved range, and their increased surface area allowed for a 20 percent higher maximum payload. The VF-0D’s armaments included a Gatling gun pod, a laser cannon and hardpoints for mounting missiles. In 2008, the VF-0D was deployed to the Mayan island in the South Pacific, where U.N. Spacy and the Anti-U.N. were competing for control of a mysterious Protoculture relic codenamed AFOS. U.N. Spacy pilots Shin Kudo and Edgar LaSalle, who were previously assigned to an old, non-transforming F-14A+2 Tomcat, transitioned to the newer VF-0D during the conflict.

Pilot(s): Shin Kudo, Edgar LaSalle
First appearance: Macross Zero
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Canopy

GPU-9 35mm Gatling gun pod

Rear view (Battroid mode in Shin Kudo colors)

Underside view (Fighter mode in Shin Kudo colors)

Underside view (GERWALK mode in Shin Kudo colors)