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?
6.2.3.2: Description of the Zentraedi Mecha
6.2.3.3: 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?
6.4.1.3: Do we ever see any Destroid mecha
in Mospeada?
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
variations is a couple of them. The majority of them are insectoid
or crab-like in shape, armed with claws and plasma "annihilation
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 anything, 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 green 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 hand-to-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 climbing 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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