6.1: GENERAL QUESTIONS
6.1.1: What is "Mecha"?
Why do I keep hearing it in reference to Robotech?
6.1.2: How does Protoculture
power mecha in Robotech?
6.1.3: How were the mecha
powered in the original anime?
6.2: ROBOTECH MACROSS MECHA
6.2.1: THE VERITECHS
6.2.1.1: Description
of the Veritechs
6.2.1.2: How are Veritechs
different from the original anime mecha?
6.2.1.3: Where is the
pilot located in battloid mode?
6.2.1.4: Why are there
intakes on the Veritech?
6.2.2: THE DESTROIDS
6.2.2.1: Description
of the Veritechs
6.2.2.2: How are Destroids
different from the original anime mecha?
6.2.3: ZENTRAEDI AND ZENTRAEDI
MECHA
6.2.3.1: How tall
are Zentraedi?
6.2.3.1: Description
of the Zentraedi Mecha
6.2.3.2: How are the
mecha different from the original anime mecha?
6.2.4: THE SDF-1
6.2.4.1: How is it
different from the Japanese Original?
6.2.4.2: Who built
it in the original Macross series?
6.2.4.3: Is the SDF-1
that appeared in the Macross Movie different from the
one in the series?
6.2.5: THE SDF-2
6.2.5.1: Where is
it? Why do we never see it in the TV series?
6.2.5.2: How do the
versions of the SDF-2 in the Japanese Macross TV series
and Macross 2012 differ?
6.2.6: THE SDF-3
6.2.6.1: Why do we
never see it in the original TV series?
6.2.6.2: Was there
ever an SDF-3 in ANY anime?
6.3: ROBOTECH MASTERS MECHA
6.3.1: SOUTHERN CROSS
MECHA
6.3.1.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.3.1.2: How are they
different from the Japanese Originals?
6.3.2: ROBOTECH MASTERS
MECHA (BIOROIDS)
6.3.2.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.3.2.2: How are they
different from the Japanese Originals?
6.4: ROBOTECH NEW GENERATION
MECHA
6.4.1: ROBOTECH EXPEDITIONARY
FORCE MECHA
6.4.1.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.4.1.2: How are they
different from the Japanese Originals?
6.4.2: INVID MECHA
6.4.2.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.4.2.2: How are they
different from the Japanese Originals?
6.5: ROBOTECH SENTINELS MECHA
6.5.1: ROBOTECH EXPEDITIONARY
FORCE DESTROIDS
6.5.1.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.5.1.2: Are these
designs based on Japanese mecha?
6.5.2: INVID MECHA
6.5.2.1: Description
of the Mecha
6.5.2.2: Are these
designs based on Japanese mecha?
6.1: GENERAL QUESTIONS
6.1.1: WHAT IS "MECHA"? WHY DO I KEEP HEARING IT IN REFERENCE
TO ROBOTECH?
"Mecha" originally derives for the word "mechanic", used
by Japanese animators to refer to technological elements
of the shows. It eventually came to be synonymous with 'giant
robot' both to the animators and fans, and to characters
within the shows themselves. Since many of the machines
in Robotech are based on the 'giant robot' mode, the word
'mecha' is commonly used.
6.1.2: HOW DOES PROTOCULTURE POWER MECHA IN ROBOTECH?
This is never comprehensively answered in the show. All
books and comics written after the McKinney novelizations
imply that protoculture is some sort of fluid that runs
throughout the mecha (and the traces of it in the Zentraedi).
This idea seems to be originally McKinney's. The earliest
comprehensive description of what protoculture actually
does in the generation of power is in Comico's _Robotech:
The Graphic Novel_. Zor says, "But look at these seeds!
The miracle of clean energy -- It never fails to astound
me. How each seed strives to divide -- but when placed in
a pressurized chamber, is arrested in mid-division... so
long as the pressure is precisely maintained, the seed radiates
heat, which we ultimately to energy." Since Carl Macek worked
closely with the author on the graphic novel (unlike the
novelizations, where Macek has implied McKinney was on his
own), we can take this as the closest to the original conception.
6.1.3: HOW WERE THE MECHA POWERED IN THE ORIGINAL ANIME?
Usually, the mecha were supposed to be fusion-powered.
The messy issue of how the heat gets converted into electricity
or motive power (in both the original anime and Robotech)
is neatly ducked. In Mospeada (New Generation) the fuel
cells were Hydrogen and Oxygen. In some scenes, 'HOH' can
be seen written on the cells.
6.2: ROBOTECH: MACROSS MECHA
6.2.1: THE VERITECHS
6.2.1.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE VERITECHS
The Veritech (a.k.a. VF-1 Valkyrie) resembles a U.S. F-14
Tomcat in fighter mode, but can convert into a 45-foot tall
giant robot (Battloid mode), and an intermediate stage called
Guardian (called GERWALK in the Japanese version) that resembles
a fighter plane's wings, fuselage, and cockpit, with the
engines/legs swung forward like the talons of a bird of
prey, and the arms sticking out the sides. The weapons include:
12 missiles under the wings, 1 to 4 lasers on the head (a
turret in fighter and Guardian modes), a 55mm rotary gun-pod
held in the hand (or on the underbelly in fighter mode).
There are also lasers in blisters on the nose in fighter
mode, but these are only seen in two episodes, and their
existence is a source of controversy among the more pedantic
breed of fan. The number of lasers on the head differentiate
the various models, and rank of the pilot.
Half-way through the Macross part of the show, we are
introduced to the Armored Veritech, which consists of a
standard Veritech in Battloid mode, with armor added to
every part of the body but the head, and enough bays to
hold almost 70 small missiles. There are two small booster
packs added to the back as well.
Towards the end of the Macross part of the show, we are
introduced to the Super Veritech. This is a standard Veritech
with armor/thruster packs added to the arms and legs, and
two large booster packs on the back. The front of the booster
packs have 4 launchers each for multiple small missiles.
Under the wings, one sometimes sees six very powerful and
large missiles. The addition of the armor does not (unlike
the Armored Veritech) inhibit transformation in any way.
6.2.1.2: HOW ARE VERITECHS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL
ANIME MECHA?
The biggest difference is that the Macross originals use
fusion power, where the primary power source of the Robotech
versions are powered by protoculture. In addition, the novels
introduce the idea of the 'thinking cap', through which
the pilot's thoughts translate into the Veritech's actions
to some extent. This idea is completely absent from the
original Macross Valkyrie.
6.2.1.3: WHERE IS THE PILOT LOCATED IN BATTLOID MODE?
The pilot is located in the center of the chest on all
Macross-era Veritechs, behind the plate that slides over
the canopy. We see this clearly when Breetai is involved
in a fist-fight with Rick's VF-1J in the episodes "Blind
Game" and "First Contact". Somewhere the misconception came
about that in the trainer (VF-1D according to Macross, VT-1D
according to the Palladium role-playing game), the pilot
sits in the head (this has appeared, among other places
in the comic _Invid War: Aftermath_). This is mistaken.
A close examination of the second episode (where Rick emerges
from the trainer and converses with Minmei) reveals that
the head folds completely forwards, and then the instructor's
and pilot's seats (in that order) emerge from deep inside
the torso.
6.2.1.4: WHY ARE THERE INTAKES ON THE VERITECH?
However one generates power, one still has to convert
it to thrust. The mecha designers for the Japanese TV show
realized this, and added intakes to the Veritech. In an
atmosphere, air is sucked in, heated in the fusion engine,
and jetted out as exhaust. It's a way of minimizing fuel
use in the atmosphere. Even in Robotech (with protoculture),
one still needs to spit mass out the back to accelerate
the plane, so Robotech's innovations do not make the intakes
obsolete.
6.2.2: THE DESTROIDS
6.2.2.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE DESTROIDS
The Destroids are generally seen only in the background
in the show, but several have grown very popular with fans.
Destroids are non-transformable Battloids, for the most
part similar in height to the Veritech. They are the RDF's
walking artillery platforms.
One type is the Excalibur. With 12 missiles on each shoulder,
a gun cluster near what passes for an arm pit, a machine-gun
on the nose, a launcher with six missiles over one shoulder
and a searchlight on the other, and two huge particle guns
that pass for arms, this Destroid is the workhorse of the
RDF.
Built on the same set of legs, the Spartan is much simpler
in design, boasting only a large missile drum for each arm.
This is the long-range artillery battery of the RDF.
Also on the same set of legs as the Excalibur is the lightest
of the Destroids, the Raidar X. This mecha is an air-defense
weapon, with two long laser cannons on each arm.
Rounding out the smaller Destroids is the Gladiator, a
compact mecha for close fighting. It is the only one with
hands, and can carry a club, or presumably a gun pod. It
is armed with a 12 missiles on each shoulder, a gun cluster
in the center torso, and a light anti-air laser on top.
The behemoth of the Destroids is the MAC II. In effect,
it's a 4-barreled 16 inch battleship turret with legs and
two tri-barreled laser cannon arms.
6.2.2.2: HOW ARE DESTROIDS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL
ANIME MECHA?
Firstly, the Destroids are fusion-powered in the Japanese
originals. In addition, the guns on the arms of the Raidar
X and the MAC II are not lasers, but respectively, 78mm
autocannon and missile launchers. Macek has commented that
in his view, all weapons in Robotech were beam guns (recall
that all of this was before the release of _Aliens_, which
brought conventional projectile weapons back in vogue in
American Sci-Fi, whereas they had been the rage in Japanese
anime for years, working alongside lasers and particle guns).
Finally, there are the names. While Destroid names are
rarely mentioned in the show, the Japanese ones seem to
be the ones most often used. (The exception is a reference
in the background to a 'Gladiator squadron'.) However, with
the release of the Matchbox die-cast Destroids, new names
were given. What Matchbox calls the Excalibur was originally
the Tomahawk, the Raidar X was originally the Defender,
the Gladiator was originally the Spartan, the Spartan was
originally the Phalanx, and the MAC II was originally the
Destroid Monster.
6.2.3: ZENTRAEDI AND ZENTRAEDI MECHA
6.2.3.1: HOW TALL ARE THE ZENTRAEDI?
If you believe the dialogue, 50 feet. However, in the
original Macross, the average Zentraedi was just shy of
10 meters (33 feet), and this is how they are drawn in the
show, relative to the humans and the Earth mecha.
6.2.3.2: DESCRIPTION OF THE ZENTRAEDI MECHA
The Zentraedi use a wide array of mecha. Most common is
the Regult Battle Pod, which looks like a giant bird egg,
with only the legs protruding. It is armed with two particle
gun, two smaller forward-firing anti-personnel auto-cannon,
and two rear-firing anti-aircraft lasers. This mecha is
around 50 feet tall.
There are three variants of the Battle Pod. Two sacrifice
the top-lasers with light and heavy missile batteries, respectively.
The third sacrifices all weapons and is a recon unit.
The Zentraedi Officer pilots the Glaug Officer's Pod.
It is similar to the Regault, but the torso is more stretched,
it is larger, and has arms. Armed with a top-mounted particle
gun, a particle cannon and an impact cannon on each arm
and two light anti-personnel cannon, this is a formidable
weapon. The Glaug can be attached to a rocket sled for additional
speed and flight capabilities.
The alternate pod for male Zentraedi is the Nosjaedul-ger
power armor. Humanoid in shape, the Zentraedi wears it like
an over-sized suit. It is armed with an impact cannon in
the chest, a particle gun on the shoulder, and a hand-held
laser cannon.
The Zentraedi's most lethal weapon is the Quaedluun-rau
power armor, worn by female officers. Larger than the male
power armor, it is faster and more deadly. It is armed with
two impact cannons on the chest, a tri-barreled particle
gun in each forearm, and a launcher with 17 small missiles
on each hip, and on the top of each side of the thruster-backpack.
The female power armor is also gifted with enormous maneuverability
and acceleration.
The Zentraedi air forces consist of the Fighter Pod, essentially
an elongated three-sided pyramid with engines on the bottom.
There is a dual missile launcher on each side, and a cluster
of particle guns in the nose.
The Zentraedi employ other vessels, most notable being
the Quel-Qualie Theater Recon Scout pod. Far larger than
any other mecha, this large craft is mainly used for intelligence,
though it is well-armed with missiles and cannon. The Zentraedi
also use a saucer-shaped landing vessel, to deliver Battle
Pods to the theater of engagement.
But don't think the Zentraedi is helpless out of his war
machine. He can wear either a light or heavy combat armor,
and is issued a large gun pod, equivalent to that on the
Veritech. And a 35-foot tall (or 50, depending on your preference
- footage or dialogue) warrior is no slouch with his bare
hands, either. Breetai (taller than most Zentraedi) knocked
around Rick's Veritech with little effort.
6.2.3.3: HOW ARE THE MECHA DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL
ANIME MECHA?
The main difference is that in Robotech the mecha are
powered by protoculture, where in the Japanese original,
they are fusion powered.
6.2.4: THE SDF-1
6.2.4.1: HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINAL?
Robotech's SDF-1 is fairly close to the one from the original
TV series. The original version possessed several capabilities
that the Zentraedi were very eager to possess, including
self-repairing systems and an advanced fold drive system.
The original was powered by overtechnology reactor systems
instead of protoculture systems used by the Robotech version.
Also, the original SDF-1 did NOT have anything resembling
a Protoculture Matrix hidden aboard the vessel. The Zentraedi
wanted the vessel itself, and not anything contained in
its hull.
6.2.4.2: WHO BUILT IT IN THE ORIGINAL MACROSS SERIES?
The Japanese SDF-1 was built by an unnamed race that were
also enemies of the Zentraedi. The actual identity of the
builders is never revealed in the series, though they are
presumably humanoids somewhat similar in size to humans.
The Japanese SDF-1 was NOT constructed by the Robotech Masters,
or the Zor Lords from "Super Dimensional Calvary Southern
Cross".
6.2.4.3: IS THE SDF-1 THAT APPEARED IN THE MACROSS MOVIE
DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE IN THE SERIES?
Yes, slightly. The SDF-1 in the Movie had a slightly different
body styling, including squarish booms for the main guns
instead of the tapered look of the TV series. The movie
SDF-1 also had two Armor-type weapons platforms for arms
instead of naval warships. The movie design for the SDF-1
is actually closer to the TV SDF-2 design than the TV SDF-1
design.
6.2.5: THE SDF-2
6.2.5.1: WHERE IS IT? WHY DO WE NEVER SEE IT IN THE TV
SERIES?
In the original TV series, the SDF-2 was being constructed
on the Moon to take advantage of the lower gravity there.
Construction of the ship did not begin until after Kamijn
(Khyron) destroyed the SDF-1 Macross, and thus the SDF-2
never appeared in the original footage of the final episode
of Macross. The SDF-1 is the only ship in the New Macross
lake during Kamijn's attack.
Carl Macek explained that the vessels were back-to-back,
but no pictures or footage supported this claim until the
Comico adaptation of Robotech. Macek wanted to include the
SDF-2 in the final battle to help explain the three mounds
seen in Southern Cross, thus creating continuity between
the two sagas.
6.2.5.2: HOW DO THE VERSIONS OF THE SDF-2 IN THE JAPANESE
MACROSS TV SERIES AND MACROSS 2012 DIFFER?
The SDF-2 in the Macross TV series was much closer in
design to the original SDF-1, retaining the same basic shape
and the ability to transform between two different modes
of operation. The TV SDF-2 was 1620 meters in length, 420
meters larger than the SDF-1. The SDF-2 also had two Armor-type
weapons platforms for arms instead of the warships incorporated
into the SDF-1. In the original TV series, the SDF-2 was
intended to repace the SDF-1 as the flagship of the Earth
defense fleets.
The SDF-2 from Macross 2012 is MUCH different from the
TV version, however. Instead of being a warship, the 2012
SDF-2 is a colony ship intended to help the survivors of
the Earth/Zentran/Meltran War find a new home. The 2012
SDF-2 is restricted to one form and can NOT switch into
a humanoid mode. The front 2/3rds of the ship encloses a
complete city for colonists aboard the ship. The general
shape is vaguely like the SDF-1 in flight mode, but much
larger with large wing-like structures on the sides for
troops and mecha. Although the exact size of the SDF-2 is
not given, it is about 50% larger than a Zentran Nupetiet-vernitzs
flagship; somewhere around 7,500 meters long.
6.2.6: THE SDF-3
6.2.6.1: WHY DO WE NEVER SEE IT IN THE ORIGINAL TV SERIES?
The concept for the SDF-3 was an original creation by
Carl Macek to explain why the main characters from the Macross
saga didn't appear in Southern Cross or New Generation.
The SDF-3 never actually "existed" in any of the original
Macross, Southern Cross, or Mospeada footage and thus never
made into the footage that made up Robotech. This also explains
why the SDF-3 had to "vanish" while folding from Tirol to
Earth; the ship didn't exist in the footage of the Mospeada
battle sequences. The SDF-3 appears only in the Sentinels
and in Eternity's comic book adaptations for Sentinels.
6.2.6.2: WAS THERE EVER AN SDF-3 IN *ANY* ANIME?
No, the SDF-3 is unique to Robotech and the Sentinels.
Neither it nor any ships similar to it have appeared in
Japanese animation.
6.3: ROBOTECH MASTERS MECHA
6.3.1: SOUTHERN CROSS MECHA
The Armies of the Southern Cross have at their disposal
various transformable & non-transformable mecha as diverse
as the 15 branches themselves. The vehicles are perfectly
adapted for the elements of air, land, space, & water
offering excellent performance, maneuverability, & a
host of deadly & accurate weapon systems that make the
Armies of the Southern Cross a formidable force to be reckoned
with.
6.3.1.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
The following are the transformable mecha:
LOGAN - A second-generation veritech fighter developed
specifically for the Armies. Much smaller & lighter
than the original VF-1 series, it offers greater speed &
maneuverability. The most striking feature of this new fighter
the availability of TWO modes instead of three: fighter
& guardian. It is primarily designed for fast, aerial
& battlefield combat, not for prolonged battles. The
primary weapon system of the Logan are two forward-firing
high-powered lasers mounted into the "shoulders" of the
fighter, a rapid-fire particle beam tri-cannon mounted in
the nose, and the E-20 Gun Pod. For defense the Logan's
wings, composed of complex alloys and ceramics can be used
as arm shields for parrying missiles or other forms of attack.
AJACS (Ajacs Veritech Attack Helicopter) - An extremely
maneuverable vehicle designed primarily for space combat,
although in fighter mode it resembles a helicopter. Like
the Logan, it too has only two modes: helicopter & battloid
configurations. It is extremely agile in all environments
& can nearly outmaneuver anything in space, thanks to
a host of maneuvering thrusters built into its feet, arms,
& helicopter blades. The weapon systems include a forward
laser built into the nose/head of the helicopter, a pulse
laser mounted on the right arm resembling a gun pod (although
it can be detached if necessary & mounted on the other
arm), optional use of the EU-11 & E-20 gun pods (not
normally carried), & a missile pod on each wing carrying
up to 8 medium-range missiles each.
HOVER TANK (Veritech Hover Tank [VHT]) - Toughest &
most powerful mecha in use by the Armies. Much smaller than
previous Destroid & Veritech fighters, the VHT is a
land vehicle. In tank mode, the vehicle is a highly-maneuverable
armored transport riding off the ground on jets of air.
Conversion into transport (or guardian) mode raises the
main platform on its feet & extends the main cannon
& triple-barreled auto cannon. Although this mode makes
the VHT the most vulnerable because of its severely restricted
mobility (maximum speed is 8 mph), the amounts of damage
it can unleash are tremendous. There is a controversy between
the Robotech Mailing List & Palladium as to the nature
of the Main Cannon. According to Palladium, the weapon is
a rapid-fire ion cannon firing powerful energy blasts up
to 30 times in succession, at which point the pilot will
have to wait for the ion generator to recharge the weapon
at a rate of 10 blasts per hour. According to the Robotech
Mailing List, animation footage indicates that the blasts
travel in an arc, suggesting the use of projectiles. As
such the group has come up with stats for various types
of shells, ranging from armor-piercing to high explosive
to smoke carried in various combinations depending on mission
type or availability. Whichever system is correct is strictly
up to the individual fan or game master. The triple-barrelled
auto cannon fires 32mm rounds in rapid bursts with enough
ammo for 5 reloadings for a total of 200 bursts. Conversion
into battloid mode produces a highly-agile robot with tough
arm shields allowing it to parry huge amounts of damage
thanks to hi-tech armor. It is armed with the EU-11 energy
gun pod, which is stowed in the forward center of the vehicle
in tank mode. In tank mode, the gun pod can be used although
the entire vehicle has to be moved in order to aim it. The
main cannon can also be fired during battloid mode, but
it takes a long time to extend it out of its arm-shield
& aim it, making the VHT vulnerable during this period.
The non-transformable battloids are all giant mecha of
humanoid shape with the same basic design but specially
adapted for various uses in the 15 branches. Their primary
purpose is rescue, recovery, & reconnaissance. They
are all agile, possess great strength, excellent sensors,
& can handle most tasks better than normal construction
or earth moving equipment.
GLOBAL MILITARY POLICE MULTIPURPOSE BATTLOID - Most powerful
& heavily armed of the class. The mecha can function
well in all environments & has limited flight capabilities
enhanced by a detachable jet pack. Its reinforced forearms
function as shields & a spotlight in the chest. Weapons
include laser cannons in the head and use of the EU-11 &
E-20 gun pods for added fire power.
TACTICAL CORPS RECON BATTLOID - Used for rescue, reconnaissance,
& recovery. The mecha has an enhanced sensor array,
radar & video system. Less heavily armored, combat is
restricted to troop support & scouting, but it is still
formidable. Weapons include twin heavy-duty head lasers
& optional use of gun pods (EU-11 usually carried).
COSMIC UNIT SPACE BATTLOID - Specifically designed for
space, the mecha can also operate underwater. A jet-pack
enhances mobility in addition to standard directional thrusters.
It also features a chest-mounted towline launcher for hauling
up to 30 tons of material using a variety of attachments.
There are no built-in weapon systems, but the E-20 gun pod
is normally carried & the EU-11 can be used.
CIVIL DEFENSE CORPS LIGHT BATTLOID - Designed for urban
combat, law enforcement, & riot control. It includes
heavy arm shields, a head spotlights & jet thrusters
for leaping, jumping, & underwater operations. It is
used by the mecha pilot grunts. Weapon systems are 2 mini-head
lasers, the E-20 gun pod, & optional use of the EU-11
gun pod.
CIVIL DEFENSE CORPS BATTLOID - A more heavily armored
version of the Light Battloid operated by officers. Differences
include a redesigned head, head lasers, & larger mass.
It offers greater protection, but is heavier & slower.
Weapon systems are the head lasers, the EU-11 gun pod, &
optional use of the E-20.
Southern Cross mecha are smaller and more efficient than
their RDF predecessors. Most of the new mecha are powered
by fusion reactors instead of Protoculture systems, due
to the scarcity of Protoculture on Earth after the SDF-3
left. There are three major mecha that are featured prominently
in the Masters chapter of Robotech:
The Logan
The Logan is a new generation veritech fighter that makes
up the majority of the Earth air forces. It is MUCH smaller
than the original VF-1 Veritechs; only 6.29 meters compared
to the VF-1's 14.23 meters. Also, the Logan is only capable
of TWO modes of operation, a jet mode and a half-battloid/half-gladiator
mode. The Logan is rowboat shaped with small wings and a
large domed cockpit. Armament consists of a tribarrel laser
cannon on the nose/head, missiles on the wings, and a gun
pod that is handheld in battloid mode.
6.3.1.2: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINALS?
The main Southern Cross mecha in Robotech are very similar
to the original designs. The Hovertank was orignally named
the "Spartan" and the AJACS was orignally named the "Auroran".
Also, most mecha weaponry in the original series were projectile
weapons instead of energy weapons. Other than that most
stats and weaponry are the same.
Many of the SC Battloids featured in Palladium Games'
adaptation of Southern Cross are based on single sketches
or brief descriptions, so weaponry and specs may not be
accurate. There is also strong evidence that what Siembeida
calls EBSIS Mecha are actually powered suits used by the
Southern Cross armies. The EBSIS soldier battloid for example
is probably an undersea powered armor suit, based on sketches
included in "This is Animation #10: Southern Cross".
6.3.2: ROBOTECH MASTERS MECHA (BIOROIDS)
The Robotech Masters use Bioroids, 7 meter tall humanoid
robots, as their mecha of choice. All bioroid designs are
very similar; bubulous and flared armor with muscular arms
and broad, three-toed feet. Differences between the units
can mainly be determined by the heads, which are styled
differently for different units. The main types of bioroids
used by the Masters are:
Worker Bioroid (unarmed worker unit) Blue Bioroid (standard
combat unit) Green Bioroid (higher ranking combat unit)
Red Bioroid (squadron leader) Invid Fighers (Red-Bioroid
variations that work in teams of three)
Bioroids are piloted by clones. The lower units such as
the Worker Bioroid and the Blue Bioroid can be piloted by
nonhuman clones which are little more than primitive brains
in a fleshy support system. Higher bioroids require humanoid
clones to operate at full efficiency.
All Bioroids are unarmed. Instead, they are provided with
a series of hand-held weapons for attack and defense, as
well as a very fast and heavily armed anti-gravity platform
for increased mobility. Bioroids are usually controlled
from a separate Robotech Master Attack Craft; a heavily-armed
shuttle that can transport bioroids to a combat zone and
then transport them away after the battle.
6.3.2.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
6.3.2.2: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINALS?
The main difference between Robotech Bioroids and SC Bioroids
is that SC Bioroids could be piloted by brainwashed humanoids
instead of clones. This meant that the Zor Lords (Robotech
Masters) could use captured humans instead of clones to
attack the armies of the Southern Cross. The SC Bioroids
are also powered by a fusion-like power source instead of
protoculture. Other than that, the Robotech Bioroids are
extremely close to their original versions.
6.4: ROBOTECH NEW GENERATION MECHA
6.4.1: ROBOTECH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MECHA
6.4.1.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
The mecha of Mospeada, or Robotech: The New Generation
is very different from the mecha of the two previous generations.
On the side of earth are three transformable mecha unlike
any seen before in Robotech, and for the first time the
primary enemy is not a humanoid species. In addition, there
is very little space combat as the Invid control the earth
and most of the fighting is on the ground.
Cyclones The Cyclone is more of a battlesuit than a full
mecha, consisting of a transformable motorcycle and body
armor onto which it mounts. The Cyclone comes in three forms,
the VR-038-LT Light Cyclone, the VR-041-H Saber, and the
VR-052A/B Battler. Armament is as follows: The LT has no
built-in weapon systems, but mounts an RL-6 rocket cannon
on the right front end in cycle mode and on the right arm
in battloid mode. The Saber mounts twelve RPGs, six housed
on each side of the chest in battloid mode and on the front
end in cycle mode. In addition, although never seen in the
footage there is a retractable vibroblade mounted in each
front wheel housing, which is mounted on the arm in battloid
mode. The battler cyclone comes in two varieties; the first
mounts 2 missiles on each forearm while the second mounts
a particle cannon on the right forearm.
Alpha Fighter The VAF-06 Alpha Fighter is the New Generation's
equivalent to the original VF-1 series. It's primary weapon,
however, is missiles. A grand total of 60 missiles are carried
internally; 8 on each shoulder, 10 on each forearm and 12
on each leg. The Alpha also carries a 35mm tri-barreled
cannon which is usually mounted outside the undercarraige
in fighter mode. The Alpha is smaller than the VF-1, standing
only 28ft high or so, and is slightly slower, but is considerably
more maneuverable. It also is not capable of achieving orbit
of any kind by itself, although it is filly transatmospheric
when paired with a Beta Fighter. Later versions of the Alpha
carry what is known as a "shadow device", which allows them
to not be seen on the Invid's protoculture sensors, and
a "destabilizer", which allows the alpha to create holes
in the force fields that surround invid hives.
Beta Fighter The VBF-1 Beta fighter is something of an
enigma in the series, as its function is never fully explained
in the series. It is a large heavy fighter, looking something
akin to a brick with wings in fighter mode, and a short,
squat destroid in battloid mode. Unlike the alpha, it is
a two form veritech, but it also has the ability to link
up with an alpha to form a single, large unit capable of
transatmospheric flight. The beta is often seen linked up
with no pilot; the pilot of the alpha can control the whole
system as a single unit. While linked up, the alpha can
transform into battloid mode giving the alpha pilot greater
flexibility in combat. The beta carries a wide range of
weapon systems: 3 cannon, fixed firing forward in fighter
mode, 2 sets of missile launchers - one in the chest and
the other popping up from the shoulders, and 2 tri-barreled
particle cannon (one mounted on each wrist). The beta is
also one of the most heavily armored mechs in Robotech,
able to take a direct shot from an invid plasma cannon and
not get scratched. The beta also has a shadow version, but
this is only seen used in conjunction with a shadow alpha.
6.4.1.2: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINALS?
In the original Japanese show, the cyclone was referred
to as the M.O.S.P.E.A.D.A., which was an acronym for Mobile
Operation Soldier Protection Emergency Aviation Drive (or
Dive) Auto. The alpha fighter was referred to as the Legios,
although that name was also used for the linked alpha/beta
combo, and the beta was known as the "Tread". Instead of
being a separate combat mecha counterpart to the Legios,
the Tread was primarily an unmanned booster, designed to
increase the capability of the Legios. In addition, all
mecha ran on fusion power, not protoculture.
6.4.1.3: DO WE EVER SEE ANY DESTROID-LIKE MECHA IN MOSPEADA?
No, there are no destroids in Mospeada. This is because,
unlike the other two series the primary purpose is attack,
not defense, and while good at defending a set location,
destroids are not very good at fast attacks and movement.
In addition, destroids require large landing craft to get
them to the planet's surface, and large vessels have been
shown to be sitting ducks against the invid.
6.4.2: INVID MECHA
6.4.2.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
Invid mecha: The invid use 5 primary mecha types, with
minor vairations is a couple of them. The majority of them
are insectoid or crab-like in shape, armed with claws and
plasma "anhiallation disc" weapons, and are capable of flight.
Invid Scout/Armored Scout: This is the most common mecha
in the Invid arsenal, a small (about the size of a modern
car) red crab-like mecha whose primary armament is its large
strong claws that are capable of ripping open mecha and
starships alike. The Armored Scout version adds a pair of
plasma cannon mounted on the shoulders. Their primary weak
point is their sensor "eye", mounted directly in front of
the cockpit. A direct hit will break through and kill the
pilot.
Invid Trooper/Shock Trooper: This is the primary soldier
mecha of the invid, a large (almost 20 feet tall) purple
mecha that looks like a beetle on steroids. It too uses
its claws as its primary weapon, with greater effectivness
due to their size and weight. The Shock Trooper, like the
Armored Scout, adds a pair of plasma cannon over the shoulders,
though where the Scout's cannon are simple bolt-on pieces,
the Shock Trooper's weapons are large and in separate housings
capable of vertical motion. The primary weak point, like
the scout, is the sensor, "eye", although the troopers seem
to know this and will block aimed shots with their large
claws.
Pincer Command Unit: This is the largest of the Invid
insectoid mecha, only seen in the second half of the series.
it is about 22 feet tall, mounting large heat cannon over
the shoulders and smaller plasma cannon on either side of
the "eye", and a mix of light blue and white. Its primary
purpose is command of a large group of Invid troops, but
it is seen as a frontline combat unit during the battle
of Reflex Point. It gets its name from the grasping "fingers"
it has on each arm. The heat cannon can fire either a convergent
beam, capable of melting almost anthing, or twin beams for
greater area destruction. Its primary weak point is also
its "eye".
Hive Guard/Enforcer: This is the smallest and least common
of the Invid mecha. Just slightly taller that a normal human,
its primary purpose is guarding valuable locations and urban
investigation where larger mecha is less than desirable.
its only armament is a laser cannon mounted on the back
of the wrists, and it is not known to be capable of flight.
it comes in 2 color schemes: Dark greyish-blue and white
for the hive guards, and a light greean and off-white for
urban enforcers. They are not very well armored, and a single
shot will usually kill them.
Royal Command Battloid: This is the largest of the Invid
mecha, standing 26 feet tall (the same size as an Alpha)
and piloted by an Invid in human form. In a departure from
standard Invid weaponry, in addition to an arm mounted plasma
cannon and head laser, the RCB mounts a missile pack on
each shoulder blade. The RCB is heavily armored, but it's
cockpit is covered by a clear canopy, and thus is it's major
weak point. The RCB is roughly equivalent to an Alpha fighter,
both in purpose and capability.
6.4.2.2: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM THE JAPANESE ORIGINALS?
The only difference between the Robotech version of the
Invid mecha and the original Japanese mecha is their name.
The Scout was called the Iigaa, the Armored Scout was called
the Iigau, the Trooper and Shock Trooper was called the
Gurab, the Pincer was called the Gamo, the Hive guard was
called the Malar, and the RCB was called the Gosu.
6.5: ROBOTECH SENTINELS MECHA
6.5.1: REF DESTROIDS
6.5.1.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
The new REF destroids are the next generation of non-transformable
Earth mecha, redesigned based on advances made in Robotechnology
and mecha systems in the years following the first Robotech
war. Like the Alpha Fighters, the REF destroids have been
reduced in size by 30%, while increasing the amount of armor
and firepower contained by each model. One common modification
was that all REF destroids were equipped with some form
of hands and arms, to allow them to grab objects as well
as engage in handto -hand combat.
Excalibur MK VII
An upgraded version of the old RDF Excalibur/Tomahawk.
Major changes include the replacement of the dual particle
cannons with a single more compact particle cannon on the
left arm; the right arm cannon is replaced with a Gladiator-style
arm and hand for grasping and HTH combat. The gun clusters
are replaced with a triple laser system on the cockpit,
and the single over-the-shoulder missile launcher is replaced
with two smaller units. The shoulder missiles of the older
unit are kept in the newer one.
Gladiator MK III
An upgraded version of the old RDF Gladiator/Spartan.
The Gladiator is one of the most changed destroids in the
REF version. The shoulder missile pods are replaced with
high-powered laser cannons, and the nose gun cluster is
replaced with a dual laser turret and missile launcher.
In addition the legs were redesigned to provide the mecha
with better climing abilities, and missile launchers were
added to the legs.
M.A.C. III
An upgraded version of the old RDF Mac II/Monster. The
new Mac II is lighter and faster, with a greater variety
of weaponry. The arm missile launchers were replaced with
individual particle cannons, and three artillery cannons
are mounted on top of the mecha instead of four. A missile
launcher was added to the center of the main body, and two
detachable plasma bombs are mounted on the sides of the
mecha. The Mac III is one of the only REF Destroids without
hands.
Raidar X Mark XI
An upgraded version of the old RDF Raidar X/Defender anti-aircraft
destroid. The dual autocannons on each arm are replaced
with tri-barrel rapid-fire laser cannons, and the radar
dish on top of the mecha is now mounted in the chest for
better protection. Two over-the-shoulder missile launchers
have been added, as well as a chest laser for antipersonnel
weaponry. The Raidar X is one of the only REF Destroids
without hands.
Spartan Mk XII
An upgraded version of the old RDF Spartan/Phalanx heavy
assault destroid. The new version retains the drum-shaped
arm missile launchers, but also adds a third missile launcher
in the chest of the mecha. Two concealed arms with hands
are also mounted on the arms of the mecha, to enable it
to grasp objects and engage in (limited) HTH combat.
6.5.1.2: ARE THESE DESIGNS BASED ON ANY JAPANESE MECHA?
No. The REF Destroids are 100% American mecha designs
and do not appear in ANY Japanese mecha series. They only
appear in the Sentinels RPG and the Sentinels comic books.
6.5.2: INVID INORGANICS
6.5.2.1: DESCRIPTION OF THE MECHA
Unlike the Invid Regis, who was concerned more with the
advancement of the Invid race, the Invid Regent only wanted
newer and better ways to kill and destroy. He developed
the Invid Inorganics as a new line of Invid Mecha with the
sole purpose of hunting down and destroying humanoids, Zentraedi
and Tirolians in particular. The Invid Inorganics are not
piloted mecha; instead, they are non-living robots with
simplistic artifical intelligences. The Inorganics are constructed
from an alchemy-like process, similar to how golems were
built in legend. When an Inorganic is "killed", it crumbles
to dust. Invid Organics are mostly incapable of independent
operations; they are usually controlled by an Invid Brain
hidden in a guarded hive. If the brain is destroyed, then
the Inorganics will freeze in their tracks. Inorganics are
usually used for reconnaissance, ocupation, and extermination
by the Regent and his forces. All Inorganics have a bulbulous
shape to them, and look almost insect-like in nature.
Invid Cougar
The cougar resembles a prehistoric sabertooth tiger. It
is primarily used for hunting and stalking prey, as well
as reconnaissance. It has no weapons, but possesses sharp
claws to tear into mecha armor (and mecha pilots). During
combat several cougars will work together to overpower a
foe and literally "dig" the pilot out of his mecha.
Invid Odeon
The most common invid Inorganic design. The Odeon is the
"grunt" of the Regent's military forces, with a huge barrel
chest and long powerful arms. The Odeon is a lumbering juggernaut
that relies on thick armor rather than speed to approach
its foe. The Odeon is also not equipped with weapons, but
sometimes carries an energy weapon in its hand.
Invid Scrimm
The Scrimm is designed specifically for killing humanoids.
Although smaller than the Odeon, it has three powerful arms
and two whip-like arms ending in spiked claws that can be
used to impale mecha or people. The Scrimm is faster than
the Odeon, and is equipped with two globes on its back that
can produce a deadly nerve gas that will quickly kill most
humanoids. The Scrimm does not have any other weapons.
Invid Crann
The Crann is designed especially for reconnaissance instead
of killing humanoids. The basic shape of the inorganic is
humanoid, with two long arms and a beak-like appendage under
the central eye. The Crann is the only inorganic besides
the Scrimm with internal armaments; the beak contains an
energy tongue that can be used as a whip, and a laser cannon
is mounted on the top of the mecha. The two arms of the
Crann can detach and function and independent reconnaissance
units (they somewhat resemble "face-huggers" from the movie
"Aliens").
6.5.2.2: ARE THESE DESIGNS BASED ON ANY JAPANESE MECHA?
No. The Invid Inorganics are 100% American mecha designs
and do not appear in ANY Japanese mecha series. They only
appear in the Sentinels video, the Sentinels RPG, and the
Sentinels comic books.
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