VF-11B Thunderbolt

Model number: VF-11B
Code name: Thunderbolt
Unit type: mass production variable fighter
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industry
Operator(s): U.N. Spacy; civilians
Rollout: AD 2028
First deployment: AD 2030
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard canopy-style cockpit
Dimensions: overall height 12.92 meters (Battroid mode), overall height 3.49 meters (Fighter mode); overall length 15.51 meters (Fighter mode); wingspan 11.2 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 9.0 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; optional Super Parts unit; 2 x optional solid-fuel rocket booster; optional Protect Armor system
Fixed armaments: fixed rear anti-aircraft pulse laser gun, mounted on head; standard external multipurpose 6-barrel 30mm Gatling gun pod, features anti-armor bayonet, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid and GERWALK modes; standard bulletproof shield, mounted on left forearm
Optional hand armaments: none

The VF-11B Thunderbolt was a mass production third generation variable fighter manufactured by Shinsei Industry for U.N. Spacy. Shinsei began development in 2022, with test flights on the YF-11 conducted in 2028 by ace pilot Milia Fallyna Jenius of the Dancing Skull Squadron. When U.N. Spacy began Project Nova to select its next main variable fighter, Shinsei’s prototype beat out a design from General Galaxy. In contrast to its direct predecessors, which focused on either atmospheric or space use, the VF-11 was a multi-environment successor to the VF-1A Valkyrie. New design elements included forward canard wings and a bulletproof anti-projectile shield, which later became a standard feature in variable fighters. The VF-11’s armaments included an anti-aircraft pulse laser gun and multiple hardpoints for mounting missile launchers. The VF-11 placed a new focus on close-range combat, which was possible due to its 30mm Gatling gun pod incorporating an anti-armor bayonet. The VF-11 could also equip an optional Super Pack or Protect Armor system, each of which featured additional armaments. Mass production of the VF-11 began in late 2030, with the variable fighter widely deployed to colony planets and emigrant fleets. A decade later, U.N. Spacy began Project Super Nova to select the VF-11’s successor, which again pitted Shinsei against General Galaxy. At the same time, existing VF-11B units were upgraded into the improved VF-11C type, which continued to be deployed with migrant fleets into the late 2040s.

Pilot(s): Isamu Alva Dyson, Aegis Focker, Ray Lovelock, Stephan, Kinryu, Milia Fallyna Jenius, Aegis Focker, Suzie Newtlet, Syun Tohma
First appearance: Macross Plus
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Gun pod

Rear view (Battroid mode)

Rear view (Fighter mode)

Rear view (GERWALK mode)