VF-25F Messiah

Model number: VF-25F
Code name: Messiah
Unit type: variable fighter
Manufacturer(s): Shinsei Industry; L.A.I.; Macross Frontier Arsenal Original Development
Operator: SMS (Strategic Military Services)
Rollout: AD 2057
First deployment: AD 2059
Accommodation: pilot, in canopy-style cockpit using EX-Gear system; auxiliary seat for passenger
Dimensions: head height 14.53 meters (Battroid mode, without beam guns), overall height 15.59 meters (Battroid mode, with beam guns), overall height 4.03 meters (Fighter mode); overall length 18.72 meters (Fighter mode); wingspan 15.5 meters (Fighter mode)
Weight: empty 8.5 metric tons; max gross unknown
Armor materials: SWAG energy conversion armor
Powerplant: 2 x Shinsei Industry/P&W/RR FF-3001A Stage II thermonuclear reaction turbine engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 2 x 1,620.0 kN (maximum thrust in space); many x P&W HMM-9 high maneuverability vernier thruster
Performance: Fighter mode: maximum level atmospheric speed at 10,000 meters: Mach 5.0+; maximum airframe design load: 27.5G at maximum acceleration for 120 seconds
Thrust-to-weight ratio: empty 39.09
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; capable of unassisted orbital velocity in an Earth-class planet; ISC/TO21 ISC (Inertia Store Converter); variable geometry wing; active stealth system antennae; boundary layer control (BSC); AA/AS/SF-06 integrated radar, mounted in nose; linear actuators; chaff/flare dispenser; optional super fold booster; pinpoint barrier system
Fixed armaments: 2 x fixed Mauler RÖV-127C coaxial 12.7mm beam gun, mounted on head; Howard GU-17A 5-barrel 58mm Gatling gun pod, stored under main body in Fighter mode, hand-carried in Battroid and GERWALK modes; standard bulletproof shield, mounted on left forearm; 2 x Remington ES-25A 25mm high-speed machine gun, mounted on hips; 2 x Ka-Bar OTEC AK/VF-M9 assault knife, reinforced with pinpoint barrier system, stored under shield, hand-carried in use in Battroid and GERWALK modes
Optional fixed armaments: 2 x Mauler RÖV-25 25mm beam machine gun, replaces ES-25A machine guns; 6 x underwing hardpoint, can mount anti-ship reaction missiles; SPS-25S/MF25 Super Pack; APS-25A/MF25 Armored Pack; TW1 Tornado Pack
Optional hand armaments: Howard GU-17V Gatling gun pod with anti-Vajra MDE warhead (Macross Frontier fleet only)

The VF-25 Messiah was a next generation fighter manufactured in 2059 as a joint project between Shinsei Industry, L.A.I. and Macross Frontier Arsenal Original Development as a successor to General Galaxy’s VF-171 Nightmare Plus that was widely used by NUNS. The VF-25 series was based on the earlier YF-24 Evolution prototype that introduced new technologies like the Inertia Store Converter, which reduced the effects of inertia on the pilot and allowed for mobility that exceeded previous generations of fighters. Design data from the YF-24 was also used in the VF-25’s direct prototype, the YF-25 Prophecy. The VF-25 also featured a new control system built around the EX-Gear suit worn by the pilot. The EX-Gear transformed into a control system when interfaced with the fighter, and it could also be used to remote control the fighter. The EX-Gear also served as an ejection system for the pilot thanks to its onboard rocket motor and deployable wings.

The VF-25’s armaments included a pair of 12.7mm beam guns, a 5-barrel 58mm Gatling gun pod, a bulletproof shield, a pair of machine guns (or beam machine guns), an assault knife, and a pinpoint barrier system. Its six underwing hardpoints could mount anti-ship reaction missiles or other equipment. The VF-25 could add to its arsenal by mounting Super or Armored Packs. As of 2059, the VF-25 was undergoing field testing by SMS in the Macross Frontier fleet and had not been formally deployed by NUNS. The VF-25F variant featured improved air combat ability over the standard mass production VF-25A. In March 2059, the Macross Frontier fleet was attacked by the super dimensional lifeform Vajra, initiating a long conflict. During the initial fighting, SMS VF-25F pilot Henry Gilliam by a Vajra Heavy Soldier, which forced civilian Alto Saotome to pilot the VF-25F to defend Ranka Lee. Afterward, Alto joined SMS and was formally assigned to the VF-25F.

Pilot(s): Alto Saotome, Henry Gilliam
First appearance: Macross Frontier (TV series)
Original mechanical designer: Shoji Kawamori

Canopy

Hand

Howard GU-17A 5-barrel 58mm Gatling gun pod

Ka-Bar OTEC AK/VF-M9 assault knife

Rear view (Fighter mode)