VF-3000 Crusader

Model number: VF-3000
Code name: Crusader
Unit type: mass production variable fighter
Manufacturer: Stonewell Bellcom (later Shinsei Industry)
Operator: U.N. Spacy
Rollout: AD 2012
First deployment: AD 2012
Accommodation: pilot and passenger, in standard canopy-style cockpit
Dimensions: overall length 15.5 meters (Fighter mode); overall width 16.1 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 11.95 metric tons; max gross unknown
Armor materials: space metal frame; SWAG energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2450A thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown; 6 x auxiliary nozzle
Propulsion: 2 x 22,500 kg (2 x 220.73 kN); many x vernier thruster
Performance: Fighter mode: maximum level atmospheric speed at 10,000 meters: Mach 3.1+
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 3.77
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: 2 x Mauler ROV-22 anti-aircraft laser machine gun, mounted on head; large-bore laser gun, mounted on head; Howard 3-barrel GU-11 55mm Gatling gun pod, mounts 200 rounds, fires at 1200 round/min, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid and GERWALK modes; 6 x underwing hardpoint
Optional hand armaments: none

The VF-3000 Crusader was a variable fighter developed by Stonewell Bellcom. Intended to serve as a successor the VF-1A Valkyrie, the VF-3000 featured a similar design, but with an elongated body. However, this elongated body introduced a design flaw that caused joints to slip when transforming to Battroid and GERWALK modes. The VF-3000’s armaments included a large-bore laser gun, a pair of Mauler anti-aircraft laser machine guns, a Howard 55mm Gatling gun pod and options for missiles/bombs. Starting in 2012, the VF-3000 was the first variable fighter manufactured by Shinsei Industry, a company newly formed by the merger of Stonewell Bellcom and Shinnakasu Heavy Industry. Ultimately, U.N. Spacy decided to adopt the VF-4 Lightning III as its next main variable fighter, and Shinsei used data from the VF-3000 in the development of their next unit, the VF-5000B Star Mirage.

Pilot(s): Maximilian Jenius, Milia Fallyna Jenius
First appearance: Macross M3
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori
Note: Based on the VF-3000 Crusader from Advanced Valkyrie.

Head

Rear view (Battroid mode)

Underside view (Fighter mode)