VF-171 Nightmare Plus

Model number: VF-171
Code name: Nightmare Plus
Unit type: main variable fighter
Manufacturer: General Galaxy
Operator(s): NUNS (New U.N. Spacy); Xaos
Rollout: AD 2046
First deployment: AD 2050
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard canopy-style cockpit
Dimensions: overall length 15.65 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 12.15 metric tons; max gross unknown
Armor materials: SWAG/RA155 SWAG energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x Shinnakasu/P&W/Roice FF-2110A thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 445.9 kN (maximum thrust in space); many x 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 21+
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 7.48
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; pinpoint barrier system; ASS/PS 155 third generation active stealth system; chaff/flare dispenser; active stealth; optional radome; optional fold boosters; variable setting EPM (Electronic Protective Measures)
Fixed armaments: 2 x Mauler REB-22 beam cannon, mounted on head; 2 x Erikon AAB-7B beam cannon, mounted in torso; Howard GU-14B gun pod, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid and GERWALK modes; 2 x Bifors BML-02S micro-missile launcher, mounted near wings
Optional fixed armaments: General Galaxy MC-17C gun pod, replaces Howard GU-14B gun pod; AAS-171 EX armored pack (team leaders); 6 x underwing hardpoint for additional missile pods or 2 x reaction missile
Optional hand armaments: SSL-9B Dragunov electromagnetic rail sniper gun pod; AVPAGC/MEDC30-EX-A 30mm quantum beam gun (MDE anti-gravity particle beam)

In 2041, U.N. Spacy formally adopted the YF-19 prototype as its next main variable fighter. However, within several years, the wide-scale rollout of the VF-19 Excalibur was cancelled for multiple reasons, including production costs, a lack of skilled pilots and arms exports controls placed on emigration fleets and colony worlds. U.N. Spacy turned to General Galaxy for replacement, and in 2046 the military contractor introduced the VF-171 Nightmare Plus, a lower cost, redesigned version of the VF-17 Nightmare. Initially designed as a special operations fighter, the VF-17 was reconfigured as a mass production main variable fighter. Compared to the original version, the VF-171 featured a longer nose and enlarged canopy for improved field of view. The fighter’s aerodynamics were improved, and it was modified for enhanced maneuverability. The VF-171 was also designed to be easy to use by average pilots.

Its armaments included two different pairs of beam cannons, a gun pod, a pinpoint barrier system, two micro-missile launchers and six underwing hardpoints that could mount two reaction missiles. Starting in 2050, the VF-171 was widely rolled out for use in emigration fleets and colony worlds. By 2059, the VF-171 was the main variable fighter of the NUNS forces in the Macross Frontier emigration fleet. When the super dimension lifeforms known as Vajra began attacking Macross Frontier, the VF-171 was ill-suited to fighting this powerful new enemy. The anti-Vajra variant VF-171EX was created with various enhancements to give the NUNS forces a fighting chance. In 2067, the VF-171 was still widely used by the NUNS forces in the Brisingr Globular Cluster, and it was technologically outmatched by the newly aggressive Kingdom of Windermere.

Pilot(s): Ariela, Machida, Jessica Blanc, Ozma Lee, Hayate Immelmann, Alberto Larrazabal, Robert Kino, Hans Schwalm, Fan Vernalotte, Guinness Mordler
First appearance: Macross Frontier (TV series)
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Rear view (Battroid mode)