VF-171EX Nightmare Plus

Model number: VF-171EX
Code name: Nightmare Plus
Unit type: main variable fighter
Manufacturer: General Galaxy
Operator(s): NUNS (New U.N. Spacy); Xaos
Rollout: AD 2059
First deployment: AD 2059
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard canopy-style cockpit using EX-Gear system
Dimensions: overall length 15.52 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 12.95 metric tons; max gross unknown
Armor materials: SWAG/RA155 SWAG energy conversion armor (20% improved over standard VF-171)
Powerplant: 2 x Shinnakasu/P&W/Roice FF-2550F thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 662.18 kN (maximum thrust in space); many x P&W HMM-6B vernier thruster
Performance: Fighter mode: maximum level atmospheric speed at 10,000 meters: Mach 4.3+; maximum level atmospheric speed at 30,000+ meters: Mach 21+
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 10.42
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); improved ECCM performance; AA/AS/SF-06 unified sensor matrix
Fixed armaments: 2 x Bifors AMG-30 30mm heavy machine gun, mounted on head; 2 x Erikon AAB-9A 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; Sentinal AVM-11R 4 large anti-ship missile, stored in 4-shot rack mounted on left arm
Optional fixed armaments: AVPAGC/MEDC30-EX-A 30mm quantum beam gun (MDE anti-gravity particle beam), replaces Howard GU-14B gun pod; AAS-171 EX armored pack (team leaders); 6 x underwing hardpoint for 2 x Bifors AAMM-05D medium-range anti-air missile, or Sentinal FXA-60A 6-tube rocket pod
Optional hand armaments: SL-9B Dragunov electromagnetic rail sniper gun pod

When war broke out in 2059 against the super dimensional lifeforms known as the Vajra, NUNS’ VF-171 Nightmare Plus was completely outmatched. In response, General Galaxy and L.A.I. created an enhanced anti-Vajra variant called the VF-171EX. The VF-171EX’s cockpit was upgraded to support the EX-Gear system, and the fighter utilized improved engines. The VF-171EX’s armaments included a pair of 30mm heavy machine guns with armor-piercing ammo, two beam cannons and either a gun pod or an anti-gravity particle cannon developed by L.A.I. that used MDE (Micro Dimension Eater) ammo. It also featured a pinpoint barrier system, two micro-missile launchers and various options for anti-air/ship missiles. The VF-171EX could also expand its armaments by mounting a Super Pack. Introduced in the final phase of the Vajra War, two VF-171EX units were used by SMS pilots Alto Saotome and Luca Angeloni after they were left behind by the deserting Macross Quarter 25.

Pilot(s): Maruyama, Alto Saotome, Kite Kinjo, Washizaki, Zofitia Erlo, Jonah Gold, Guinness Mordler
First appearance: Macross Frontier (TV series)
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

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