VF-11B Thunderbolt (Unmanned)

Model number: VF-11B
Code name: Thunderbolt (Unmanned)
Unit type: unpiloted variable fighter
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industry
Operator: U.N. Spacy
Rollout: unknown
First deployment: unknown
Accommodation: unknown
Dimensions: overall height 3.49 meters (Fighter mode); overall length 15.51 meters (Fighter mode); wingspan 11.2 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 11.2 metric tons; max gross unknown
Armor materials: SWAG energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x Shinsei Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2025G thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 28,500 kg (2 x 279.69 kN); 2 x vertical two-dimensional vectored exhaust nozzle; 2 x dorsal auxiliary thruster pod; many x P&W HMM-5B high maneuverability vernier thruster
Performance: Fighter mode: maximum level atmospheric speed at 10,000 meters: Mach 3.5+, maximum level atmospheric speed at 30,000+ meters: Mach 8.2
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 6.33
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: unknown
Optional hand armaments: none

The VF-11B Thunderbolt (Unmanned) was a variant of the standard VF-11B. In this unpiloted version, the cockpit was replaced with an automatic control module. In addition, the nose was redesigned and extra sensors were mounted across the body. This variant was also equipped with FAST Packs for increased maneuverability in space. In early 2040, these unpiloted units were used as targets during the development of a next generation unmanned fighter, the AIF-X-9 Ghost. As part of the testing, scores of unpiloted VF-11Bs were destroyed in Earth orbit by the advanced AIF-X-9.

First appearance: Macross Plus
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

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