VF-31A Kairos

Model number: VF-31A
Code name: Kairos
Unit type: variable fighter
Manufacturer: Sūrya Aerospace
Operator: Xaos
Rollout: unknown
First deployment: unknown
Accommodation: pilot, in standard canopy-style cockpit using EX-Gear system; auxiliary seat for passenger
Dimensions: overall height 15.33 meters (Battroid mode). 3.85 meters (Fighter mode, without landing gear); overall length 19.31 meters (Fighter mode); wingspan 13.7 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 8.25 metric tons (without multipurpose container); max gross unknown
Armor materials: Sentinel SWGA-F20B energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x Shinsei Industry/P&W/RR FF-3001A Stage IIC thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 1,645.0 kN (maximum thrust in space); many x P&W HMM-10A high maneuverability vernier thruster
Performance: standard atmospheric cruising speed at 10,000 meters: Mach 5.5+; maximum airframe design load 28G
Thrust-to-weight ratio: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; capable of unassisted orbital velocity in an Earth-class planet; ISC (Inertia Store Converter); L.A.I. CCFD-11 chaff/flare dispenser; OTEC VPB-S24 pinpoint barrier system; ECS-09A active stealth system; AERIAL II flight control AI; VFX (Vortex Flow Controller); optional fold booster
Fixed armaments: Mauler ROV-127E 12.7mm beam machine gun, mounted on head; Howard LU-18A beam gun pod, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid mode, acts as turret in GERWALK mode; 2 x anti-projectile shield, mounted on arms; 2 x Ka-Bar OTEC AK/VF-M11 assault knife, reinforced with pinpoint barrier system, stored under arm shield blocks, hand-carried in use in Battroid and GERWALK modes; Bifors CIMM-3B internal micro-missile launcher, 36 missiles total, mounted in main body; 2 x Remmington LM-27s 27mm rapid-fire railgun pod, mounted on arms
Optional fixed armaments: 6 x underwing hardpoint; multipurpose container unit; optional Super Pack; optional Armored Pack
Optional hand armaments: none

The VF-31A Kairos was a variable fighter developed by Sūrya Aerospace in the 2060s. Based on the YF-30 Chronos, it was designed for use by local forces in the Brisingr Globular Cluster. The YF-30 featured a flight control AI, and the VF-31A implemented a version called AERIAL II. The VF-31A’s armaments included a beam gun pod, a beam machine gun, two assault knives, internal micro-missile launchers, two railgun pods, a multipurpose container unit and underwing hardpoints for mounting additional weapons. The VF-31A could also expand its armaments with optional Super or Armored Packs. In 2067, Xaos’ Ragna branch used the VF-31A as the main variable fighter for its Alpha, Beta and Gamma Flights. However, Delta Flight used heavily customized versions of the VF-31A redesignated “Siegfried” to support the tactical sound unit Walkure and their fight to suppress Var Syndrome.

Pilot(s): Arad Mölders, Mina Forte, Hans Schwalm, Fan Vernalotte
First appearance: Macross Delta (TV series) 
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Head

LU-18A beam gun pod