A colonization fleet en route to the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. The Macross Galaxy uses chemical plants, does not have Zentradi residents and is known for utilizing many new technologies which evolved as the fleet journeyed. These technologies manifested as advanced cybernetics and more than a few citizens of the Macross Galaxy fleet have cybernetic implants. The Macross Galaxy is also well known as the home of popular idol singer Sheryl Nome. In 2059, the Macross Galaxy fleet suffered a large-scale attack by a race known as the Vajra, just shortly after the Macross Frontier fleet was also attacked by the Vajra.
Designation for a colonization fleet lead by the 25th New Macross Class vessel, the Macross 25/Macross Frontier. Commanded by Captain Wilen, the 25th is a larger colonization fleet and home to the New United Nations Government administration lead by New UNG President Howard Glass. In March of 2059, the Macross Frontier fleet came under attack by the Vajra which began a large scale war involving New UNG colony worlds like Gallia 4 and other New UNG fleets like the Macross Galaxy fleet.
33rd Marine Battalion
The name for a New UN Forces, all-Zentradi marine battalion stationed at a base upon the planet Gallia 4. Commanded by Major Ogotai, this entire battalion along with the base and Gallia 4 were destroyed by a Dimension Eater unleashed upon the surface of the planet by Grace O'Connor, a covert agent of the Macross Galaxy Cybernetic Conspiracy who was acting as manager for pop idol Sheryl Nome.
37th Long-Distance Colony Fleet (Macross 7 Fleet)
Designation for a colonization fleet lead by the 7th New Macross Class vessel, the Macross 7. Commanded by Captain Maximillian Jenius, the 37th was the second UN Spacy fleet to encounter the hostile Varauta, later known as the Protodeviln. This encounter in March 2045 marked the beginning of The Protodeviln War which ended just less than a year later in February 2046. The 37th long-distance colonization fleet consisted of 1 x Battle 7/City 7 (Macross 7), 1 x Einstein Research Experimental Ship, 1 x Hollywood Amusement Ship, 1 x Riviera Resort Ship, 1 x Sunnyflower Agricultural Ship, 1 x Three Star Factory Ship, 1 x West Point Class Macro-Training Base Ship, one or more Mark Twain VII Resort Ships, 45 x Guantánamo Class Stealth Carriers (for use in space), 20 x Uraga Class Escort Battle Carriers (for use in air and space) and lastly 120 x Northampton Class Stealth Frigates (for use in air and space). The ship-carried aircraft/spacecraft for the entire fleet consisted of approximately 1,800 x variable fighters (mostly VF-11C Thunderbolts), 600 x variable attack craft, 9 x variable bombers, 120 x electronic reconnaisance fighters, 60 x cargo plane/freight transports and 100 x liason craft. Total fleet count is 194 large ships and 2,689 small craft.
67th Glruimual class branch Britai (Adoclass) Fleet
Designation for a Zentradi fleet commanded by Britai of the Zentradi Army. While Britai ordinarily commanded only a portion of this fleet, he was given command of some 1,200 Zentradi warships constituting the totality of the fleet just prior to the end of Space War I.
109th Branch Fleet's 7th Aerial Armored Division
Designation for a Zentradi Division brought into the early stage of Space War I to fight the UN Spacy. The fleet was commanded by Kamjin, an aggressively unhinged Zentradi warrior whose reputation garnered him the title "Ally Killer" for his tendency to conduct wildly hazardous operations to destroy the enemy that resulted in significant friendly fire casualties.
117th Research Fleet
The 117th Research Fleet in service some 11 years prior to 2059 (circa 2048) that met with an unfortunate accident. Publically described as a fold error that resulted in the death of over 1,000 people, this cover story masks an incident which in reality was the first attack by the Vajra. Ranka Lee was believed to be the only survivor of the attack that killed her mother, father and brother, though she suffers trauma that prevents her from remembering. The flagship SDFN-4 Global attached to the 117th fleet was discovered abandonded on Gallia 4 in 2059 just prior to the destruction of that world.
118th Bodol Zer Main Fleet (Golg Main Fleet)
The 118th Bodol Zer Main Fleet was the Zentradi Army's primary fighting force that participated in Space War I. For the majority of Space War I, only much smaller elements of this fleet actually participated in hostilities against the UN Spacy, such as 67th Glruimual class branch Britai (Adoclass) Fleet commanded by Britai and the 109th Branch Fleet's 7th Aerial Armored Division commanded by Kamjin. However, at the final battle of Space War I all 7,500,000,000 personnel (approximately) and 4,795,122 warships of the 118th Bodol Zer Main Fleet folded into the Sol Solar System. The combined barrage of all the Zentradi warships of this fleet annihilated the surface of planet Earth almost instantly and then proceeded to destroy the remains of the UN Spacy fleet and allies in the Adoclass fleet. However, with surprise on their side, the UN Spacy transmitted the singing of pop idol Minmay to the Bodol Zer Main fleet and the resulting culture shock stunned most of the culture-less Zentradi long enough for the allied fleet to fight their way to Gorg Bodolzaa's Fulbtzs Berrentzs Class Fleet Flagship and destroy it (along with help from the Grand Cannon on Earth, that annihilated almost one-fifth of the Bodol Zer Main fleet). With a significant portion of the 118th fleet destroyed, a larger portion culture shocked and their fleet command flagship destroyed, the remaining Zentradi forces fled the Sol System, ending Space War I.
A type of stealth technology that directly interacts with the electromagnetic radiation of radar/cross-dimensional radar to avoid detection. Active stealth systems can be built on any type of variable fighter and do not require the variable fighter to be shaped in any specific manner like passive stealth. The first variable fighters featuring an active stealth system were the VF-0 and SV-51 deployed in 2008.
AFOS
Codename designated for an extraterrestrial entity found near Mayan Island in 2008 by a deep-sea marine probe group. The AFOS was detected after PCS readings similar to those of the ASS-1 were observed using the Cyclops Radar system. Analysis of the AFOS indicated it was several tens of thousands of years old. The existence of the AFOS was classified a B-1 confidential matter. The Macross Chronicle has named the events of Macross Zero the "Bird Human Incident", which refers to the AFOS.
AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency And Destruction)
A specialized type of projectile available as an ordnance option for the VF-0 Phoenix GPU-9 35mm gun pod (circa 2008). The AHEAD projectile is a shell containing 152 heavy sub-projectiles (typically composed of tungsten or other dense material) and built with an electronic fuse. Based on a timer at the point of firing the AHEAD shell will release the sub-projectiles at a predetermined distance from the target. The sub-projectiles form a cloud of kinetic penetrators that greatly increase the odds of striking the target with multiple projectiles. The sub-projectile clouds are also an effective method for intercepting incoming missiles by either inflicting enough damage to prevent the incoming missile from striking its target or by destruction of the incoming missile itself.
Anima Spiritia
Name given to people of the Protoculture who possess influential powers over the Protodeviln. These Anima Spiritia become very significant in the war against the invading Protodeviln and eventually help defeat the Supervision Army, completely sealing the Protodeviln faction in special chambers. One such prison was created hundreds of thousands of years ago on an "ice planet" within what became known as the Varauta system in 2025.
Antares Squadron
Designation for a variable fighter squadron attached to the 52nd Galaxy combat air unit (Antares Unit), Macross Galaxy Fleet. Major Brera Sterne commanded the Antares Squadron in 2059, composed of VF-27 Lucifer variable fighters.
Anti-Armor Bayonet
An auxiliary weapon found on the early space models of the VF-11B Super Thunderbolt (circa 2040). The bayonet is a large retractable blade attached under the barrel of the standard 30mm gun pod and is designed as an anti-armor weapon for close combat.
Anti-U.N. (Anti-United Nations)
A loosely defined group of countries opposed to the United Nations world government. The Anti-UN was largely defeated at the end of the UN Wars in 2007, but some of the affiliated countries still conducted low profile operations against UN Forces up until 2008.
Anti-Vajra E.S.A. Munitions
Specialized projectiles that improve the penetrating power of the standard Valkyrie against heavy armor. These munitions were first utilized by the SMS Forces just prior to the second major engagement with the Vajra in 2059 as a measure against the nearly invulnerable energy converting armor of the large Vajra units. The acronym E.S.A. stands for Electronic Safe and Arm.
Artificial Intelligence
Often referred as the intelligence of machines, the concept of Artificial Intelligence may also imply the sciences and engineering of making intelligent machines. Although the exact date is unknown, a type of artificial intelligence had been discovered sometime prior to 2040 AD. The bio-neural computer chip was the tool that made this form of artificial intelligence possible, but sometime after discovery, the chip was deemed illegal due to certain unknown circumstances. The most infamous event involving artificial intelligence was the Sharon Apple Incident of 2040, in which a bio-neural chip was installed in the computer system controlling virtual popular singing idol Sharon Apple. Unfortunately, the bio-neural chip does not create a stable intelligent machine but rather one that is plagued by an intense self-preservation psychology. The result is a paranoid artificial intelligence dangerous to all others. Despite these problems, artificial intelligence is still rigorously researched and implemented in nearly all aspects of modern life, particularly military applications. Super AI systems are used to help manage the computers of advanced variable fighter craft such as the YF-19 and the most advanced unmanned Ghost Fighters feature true artificial intelligence hardware that is suspended just short of independent function via the Judah system. It is yet unknown whether stable artificial intelligence can be achieved long-term without safeguards.
Assault Knife
An auxiliary weapon included in the standard armament load for the VF-25 Messiah (circa 2059). The AK/VF-M9 Assault Knife is a 1.65 meter long bladed weapon stored underneath the dorsal rear fuselage (which becomes the left arm shield block in Battroid mode) and much like the anti-armor bayonet of the VF-11 Thunderbolt, the assault knife is designed as an anti-armor weapon for close combat. Built by the Gaabaa OTEC company, the assault knife is composed of super strong materials and when enhanced by the pin-point barrier system of the VF-25 Messiah, the blade can penetrate the strongest armor.
ASS-1
Acronym for Alien StarShip-One used to describe the Supervision Army gunboat that crashed upon South Ataria Island on Earth in 1999. It was from the exploration and research of this space vessel that humans discovered the secrets of OverTechnology (this term is a case in which the acronym leads to an unfortunate english translation)
A portmanteau of the words "Battle" and "Android" used to describe the humanoid robot configuration of a variable fighter.
BDI (Brain Direct Image system)
One half of the experimental HMI (human-machine interface) developed for the YF-21 variable fighter built by General Galaxy in 2040. The Brain Direct Image system consisted of a network of cameras built within the YF-21 that would relay visual information directly into the brain of the pilot. The system allowed an unobscured 360 degree view around the entire valkyrie and granted the pilot superior situational awareness.
BDS (Brain Direct interface System)
The second half of the experimental HMI (human-machine interface) developed for the YF-21 variable fighter built by General Galaxy in 2040. The Brain Direct interface System responded to the brainwaves of the pilot allowing him/her to send control commands to the YF-21 at will. This system improved pilot response time considerably bypassing the delay of nerve impulses and instead responding to the commands of the pilot's brain directly. Unfortunately the BDS system proved unreliable and was never pursued for mass production. However, some advances gained by the BDS technology were eventually refined and integrated into future variable fighter HMI, such as the EX-Gear control system of the VF-25 Messiah and the cybernetic virtual cockpit of the VF-27 Lucifer.
Beam Gun/Cannon
A generic term used to describe non-laser directed-energy weapons that project some type of particle as opposed to a physical projectile. Beam weapons damage targets via kinetic force and heat and are also versatile weapons operable within an atmosphere, underwater or in space. The most common type of beam weapon is the converging energy beam cannon used as the main gun for many large military space ships (see Super-Dimension-Energy Cannon) or as weapons on variable fighters. Many different types of beam weapons exist such as the Mauler RO-X2A high-powered double-action beam cannon (found on the VF-1S Strike Valkyrie), large beam cannons (found on the VF-4 Lightning III), the Mauler REB-20G converging energy cannons (found on the YF-19), the small-bore rear anti-aircraft beam gun (found on the VF-19A, VF-19F and VF-19S Excalibur), the high-powered converging energy cannon (found on the VF-22 Sturmvogel II), the Mauler RÖV-217C coaxial 12.7mm beam guns or the Mauler RÖV-25 25mm beam machine guns (on the VF-25 Messiah) and the BGP-01β 55mm beam gun pod / high-powered beam grenade (on the VF-27 Lucifer). Beam weapons may also be described as simply "Beam Gun" or other names such as particle cannons and electron beam guns.
Bio-neural Chip
An advanced but unstable adaptive matrix that could create an unpredictable artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, the bio-neural chip also produces intense self-preservation psychology and thus creates a potentially hostile artificial intelligence. Ultimately the bio-neural chip was restricted as illegal to manufacture or distribute.
Blended Wing Body
A type of wing design in which the main body of the aircraft has a flattened shape similar to an airfoil and smoothly integrates with the main wings to form a single blended aerodynamic lifting surface. The VF-5000 Star Mirage is an example of a blended wing body variable fighter. Some advantages of the blended wing body include improved fuel economy in atmospheric flight and improved payload capability/interior space.
Block 6 Cockpit
The designation for an upgraded cockpit built into the VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighter. The Block 6 system signifcantly simplified the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for the VF-1 Valkyrie and improved the flight control with a true HOTAS system (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick). The Block 6 system introduced the single-panel main display and also improved target tracking/acquisition using an advanced holographic/volumetric imaging system inside the cockpit canopy. Most importantly, the Block 6 cockpit placed the variable fighter transformation control on the left stick, allowing the pilot to change vehicle modes by shifting the throttle laterally. The Block 6 cockpit was so successful that many elements of the control system are still found in the most modern variable fighters.
A term most often used for firearms, caliber refers to the approximate diameter of the projectile measured in metric as both millimeters and centimeters. In the case of beam weapons, the caliber measurement likely (but not certainly) refers to the inside diameter of the energy projecting barrel. The most common calibers referenced are those for the gun pods of the variable fighters. The gun pod calibers do not follow a linear progression over time and much like any weapon, the gun pod calibers increase or decrease as ballistic technology advances or the role of the weapon changes. Gun pods have been built in many different calibers such as the GPU-9 35mm gun pod (for the VF-0 Phoenix), the Gsh-371 55mm gun pod (for the SV-51), the GU-11 55mm gun pod (for the VF-1 Valkyrie), the 30mm gun pod (for the VF-11 Thunderbolt), the MC-17A 40mm gun pod (for the VF-17 Nightmare), the GA-22 60mm gun pod (for the VA-3 Invader), the GU-17A 58mm gun pod (for the VF-25 Messiah), the SSL-9B Dragunov 55mm sniper rifle (for the VF-171 Nightmare Plus and VF-25G Messiah) and the BGP-01β 55mm beam gun pod / high-powered beam grenade (for the VF-27 Lucifer). The calibers are also known for many other famous guns such as the Viggers 40cm rail guns (on the HWR-00 Monster Mk II and VB-6 König Monster) and the massive 178cm rail cannons (on the SDF-1 Macross).
Canard
The wing configuration of an aircraft in which the horizontal stabilizer (or tailplane) is built to the front of the main wing rather than to the rear. The advantages of a canard configuration can be increased lift and reduction of lift-induced drag while some of the disadvantages can be reduced wing root efficiency and reduced lift efficiency of the main wing. In high-performance military fighters and particularly variable fighters, the aerodynamic instability of the canard is a desirable effect that allows for the design of highly maneuverable aircraft.
Cloning
The process of creating multiple copies of a defined DNA sequence. Specifically, cloning refers to the Protoculture technology of organism cloning, which deals with creating a new multi-cellular organism, genetically identical to another. Cloning is thus an asexual method of reproduction. The Zentradi and Meltrandi races were both created via cloning and reproduced through those same means, despite possessing the ability to reproduce sexually. Following Space War I, humanity enthusiastically embraced cloning in an effort to repopulate the human race following near extinction of the species in the final days of the war. Much of the newly cloned population also served as citizens aboard colonization fleets. Mass cloning began in May 2010 but was ceased in December of 2030 due to an increase in hereditary childrens disease brought about from the overuse of cloning. NOTE: Even with the prevalence of cloning by both humans and Zentradi, no identical named characters were featured in any Macross production until Macross Frontier was released in 2008. Major Ogotai, his aid and the Zentradi rebel Temjin appeared to be clones or direct genetic descendants of Britai, Exedol and Kamjin – the Zentradi seen in the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross series. Some fans have speculated these characters in Frontier are direct clones, suggesting that some Zentradi still reproduce via cloning.
Close-Range Colonization Fleet
Colonization fleets that began launching in April of 2013. As the name suggests, these fleets were designed to for close range colonization of other planets, specifically those within 100 light years of Earth. The planet of Eden was one such colony founded by a Close-Range Colonization Fleet and was discovered in November of 2013 some 11.7 light years from the Sol Solar System in the Groombridge 1816 Star System.
Chaff/Flare Countermeasures
A combination of both aerial radar and aerial infrared countermeasures designed to foil radar-guided/heat-seeking missiles. Chaff is typically released via a specialized dispensor designed to create a cloud of small, thin pieces of aluminium, metallised glass fibre, plastic or other materials. This cloud creates a swarm of secondary targets on any radar screen or masks the area by providing multiple returns detected on radar. Decoy flares are launched to attract the attention of incoming missiles, while the targeted vehicle turns away from the direction of the flares and attempts to produce as little heat from the engines as possible. These systems can help to defeat hybrid missile tracking systems.
Colonization Fleet
Following the end of Space War I, the new United Nations Government came to terms with the near extinction of the human race and adopted a plan titled the Humanity Seeding Project to help ensure the survival of the species would never again depend upon the fate of a single planet. Hence, the UNG built the colonization fleet to carry humans across the stars and establish new human habitation upon distant worlds. The first of these colonization fleets was the Super Long Range Emigration Fleet Number One, lead by the Megaroad-01 Class colonization ship, which launched on September 2012 carry some 80,000 colonists. Close-Range colonization fleets followed in 2013 (one such fleet discovering and colonizing planet Eden) and in 2030 the enormous New Macross Class Colonization Fleets departed carrying in excess of one million people. As of 2059, the highly decentralized New United Nations Government continues to build colonization fleets and many of the large independant fleets have become nation-states in their own right, such as the 10 million people of the Macross 25/Macross Frontier fleet (designated the Island Cluster Class).
Composite Material Wing
Based upon OverTechnology of the Macross, composite materials capable of increasing or decreasing the wing cross section and area compose the wings of the YF-21 prototype variable fighter. When utilized with the BDS brainwave control system, the shape and size of the main wings could be altered instantly for superior control during atmospheric flight. Unfortunately the high cost and difficulty constructing such complex wing structures ensured this technology would never be intended for mass production.
Control-Configurable Vehicle
Describes those aerospace craft specifically designed such that the distribution of the vehicle mass provides maximum maneuverability.
Cross-Dimensional Radar
An advanced form of radar technology that propagates electromagnetic waves through fold space. This technology allows effectively "faster than light", real-time electronic detection of distant objects without the significant time delay of light speed limitations for electromagnetic waves in real space. The Battle 7 cross-dimensional radar, in conjunction with the song energy detection system, was utilized to instantaneously locate City 7 on the far side of a red giant star.
Cybernetics
The interdisciplinary study of various sciences such as control systems, mechanical engineering, evolutionary biology and neuroscience. Most often the term is used to describe the technologies developed by cybernetics as they apply to modifying/augmenting the human body. Cybernetics is common aboard the Macross Galaxy fleet which aggressively developed such technologies during the long colonization voyage. Sheryl Nome's manager Grace O'Connor has cybernetic implants in her eyes.
Cybernetic Conspiracy
The Cybernetic Conspiracy is a loose term referring to those
directors of the Macross Galaxy Fleet involved with 117th Research
Fleet survivor Grace O'Connor in a plot to initiate hostilities
between the Vajra and the New United Nations government. In addition to
this intial goal, the Cybernetic Conspiracy's ultimate goal was to achieve a state of collective consciousness throughout the galaxy as a combined cybernetic civilization utilizing the Vajra's method of communication through fold waves in super dimension space.
The motives behind this cabal of cybernetic cohorts remains unclear,
but it is clear Grace O'Connor and the rest of the conspiracy were willing to take the most drastic measures they needed to achieve their interconnected utopia. The Cybernetic
Conspiracy also sought destruction of the United Nations human/zentradi civilization and once Grace had subsumed the Vajra Queen on their homeworld, she sent forth the Vajra in a massive
attack against all the colonies and fleets of the New United Nations Government. Through the efforts of Sheryl Nome, Ranka Lee, Alto Saotome and the
Macross Frontier fleet, Grace O'Connor was killed shortly after seizing control of the Vajra Queen. This act freed the Vajra and thus
ceased hostilities between them and the New UN Spacy, bringing an end to the Vajra War in 2059.
Cyclops
The name for cross-dimension radar systems developed with OverTechnology that can detect PCS readings.
A Zentradi/Meltrandi expletive statement often spoken to communicate the feeling of shock (typically in context of the Protoculture). Included within the books for the Macross: Do You Remember Love? limited edition remastered DVD set is a list of Zentraedi/Meltrandi words and the Japanese/English translations. "De culcha" is translated as "stupid thing" or "terrifying thing". By themselves, "de" means "no" or acts as a negative prefix, and "culcha" means "wonderful thing". The closest english approximation would be the phrase "What the hell" in response to experiencing something shocking or bizarre. The phrase has since been adopted by the human/zentradi culture for use in a positive context, often spoken as a meme in popular culture.
Delta Wing
A type of main wing designed in the shape of a triangle and typically built without horizontal stabilizers (tailplane). The VF-17 Nightmare is an example of a delta wing variable fighter (called a sawtooth delta wing). The advantages of the delta wing are simplicity of manufacture, superior structural strength and greater internal volume for fuel, missiles and other equipment.
Destroid
A portmanteau of the words "Destroy" and "Android" used to describe the humanoid war machines built with advanced OverTechnology. The destroid is a non-transforming AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) with heavy armor and firepower that far surpassed a variable fighter. Research and development of the destroid was supported by the UN Army in contrast to the variable fighter which was supported by the UN Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
Do You Remember Love? (1984 animated film and 2031 fictional movie)
As the anime production: Released in 1984, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross The Movie: Do You Remember Love? animated film is an alternate retelling of the original Macross television series (1982). Creator Shoji Kawamori originally stated Do You Remember Love? (DYRL) was an equally legitimate interpretation of the historical (fictional) events of Space War I first seen in the Macross television series. When Macross 7 (1994) was released, the status of DYRL changed to a "work of complete fiction (movie) within the fictional Macross world", yet character/setting/design elements from DYRL appear as part of the official events within the Macross sequels. Fans have commented on these contradictions and sought clarification. As of this writing there is none, thus Macross fans must simply accept that Shoji Kawamori and the Macross creative teams will use preferred elements from both Macross (1982) and DYRL (1984) while disregarding any continuity problems that may arise from merging series/film elements. As fiction within the Macross world: A movie that premiered in February 2031 about Space War I and Lynn Minmay. The movie became an enormous success and revived the Minmay Boom the same year. It influenced later protrayals of Space War I and inspired many United Nations citizens including Basara Nekki, a pivotal figure in the Protodeviln War (March 2045 - February 2046). For propaganda reasons, the movie deviated from the historical events. Zentradi female commander Moruk Laplamiz was intentionally protrayed as a commander of an entire "Meltrandi" main fleet separate from the Bodol Zer Main Fleet, in order to emphasize the existence and danger of main fleets besides the Bodol Zer Main Fleet. (The movie popularized the Zentradi term "Meltrandi" in reference to female Zentradi.) The movie also employed the East River training ship to portray Bodol Zer's mothership, using holography to alter the ship's outer appearance. Notes on the film as fiction within the Macross world:Macross 7 episodes 11 ("Minmay Video") and the third unaired episode ("Fleet of Strongest Women") excerpted the Do You Remember Love? movie. This movie purportedly produced within the Macross world has several differences from the similarly named film, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross the Movie: Do You Remember Love? (1984). The 2031 movie in the Macross world has Max and Milia fighting in space, which did not occur in either the 1984 film, or the first Macross series (1982). It also portrays Max and Milia's marriage which was not included in the 1984 film.
Dimension Eater
The name for an extremely high-energy strategic fold bomb roughly two meters in height. The weapon harnesses fold faults to unleash a mass destructive effect similar to that of a black hole (the level of destruction may surpass the original Grand Cannon). In 2059, a dimension eater was unleashed on Gallia 4 resulting in the destruction of a New UN Spacy battalion, the base and nearly one-quarter of the planet itself.
A planet in the Groombridge 1816 (Helios) solar system that was colonized in November 2013. The planet grew into a substantial colony world and became home to the New Edwards Test Flight Center in 2020. Eden is 11.7 light years away from Earth in the Sol System.
Ecological Mapping
An exhaustive list that accounts for all flora and fauna within the ecological closed system of a colony fleet. Access to the Ecological Mapping is made publically available to all colonists.
Ecological Protection Act
The name for legislation enacted aboard most New UN Spacy colony fleets that protects the environmental integrity of the colony. Due to the finite supply of such resources as water, vegetation and animals on a colony fleet, the closed system is protected from abuse by prohibiting damage to the environment and ownership/domestication of any wild animal. Citizens violating the Ecological Protection Act can be arrested and forced into community service.
Energy Conversion Armor
An OverTechnology which redirects excess power generated by a vehicle engine into the specially designed armored hull of the vehicle, resulting in a significant increase in armor strength. Early variable fighters relied upon overtuned conventional engines producing enough power to increase armor strength to that comparable to a tank. Later variable fighters utilized similar energy converting armor, but featured far more powerful thermonuclear reaction engines. In 2059, the Vajra appeared utilizing a form of Energy Converting Armor so powerful it was nearly invulnerable to all but the heaviest of weapons. Although first mentioned as official fact in Macross Zero (2002), creator Shoji Kawamori publicly described the general technology of energy converting armor before Macross Zero and actually conceived it longer before. A video interview with Shoji Kawamori featured in the 1999 Mixx software Macross U-Print game for Windows 95/98 makes mention of ECA. Early variable fighters, like the VF-0 Phoenix, could only use Energy Conversion Armor in Battroid mode. In later variable fighters, advancements in engine power generation allowed partial use of ECA in fighter mode (Great Mechanics.DX 9 article).
EPM (Electronic Protective Measures)
The term for the degree of protection against electromagnetic jamming. A rating is often used to designate the required level of protection against any given attack. Unmanned craft controlled via AI computers are especially susceptible to electromagnetic jamming of sufficient strength and thus the reality of jamming on the modern battlefield necessitates continued human operation of military vehicles.
Evil Series, Zentradi (pronounced Eh-vil)
Advanced (Zentradi) biological weapons built by the protoculture hundreds of thousands of years ago. Development on the Evil Series was halted because the power of the weapons exceeded the fighting capability requirements, but discovery of super dimension energy from the sub-universe (as well as internal conflicts within the Stellar Republic) revives the program. Utilizing biological super dimension organs that harvest vast amounts of super dimension energy, seven Evil Series weapons of seven types are completed. Notable are the highly mobile, humanoid "Sivil" for search-and-destroy functions and a super-scale, high-powered "Glavil" for fleet warfare. Tests of the Evil Series begin, but at the same time the biological super dimension organs overload and release extradimensional energy. The Evil Series are inhabited by the Protodeviln from the sub-universe and the invasion of the Stellar Republic begins.
EX-Gear
A two-part exoskeleton and g-suit equipped with two variable geometry wings and two hybrid jet/rocket engines fitted to rest on the back of the pilot. EX-Gear includes mechanical hardware for the head, torso, arms and legs to assist in take off/landing, improving overall pilot mobility and enhancing pilot endurance against acceleration. EX-Gear is used to familiarize the operator with flying and is integrated into the cockpits of the newest VF-25 Messiah variable fighters. Civilian units built to the same standard as military issue equipment are used to train students in flight schools, such as the aeronautics program at Mihoshi Academy. When the EX-Gear is integrated with the Inertia Store Converter (see ISC) in the new VF-25 Messiah variable fighter, the pilot is protected from the harsh effects of high acceleration. The EX-Gear integrate with the flight computer of the VF-25 to allow the Messiah to be controlled by the EX-Gear's unique HMI (human-machine interface). The EX-Gear monitors the nerve impulses in the pilot's muscles and controls the VF-25 fighter through a continuous link to the pilot's thoughts (conceptually similar technology to the old BDS built for the YF-21; see Brain-Direct interface System). The name "EX" is short hand for "Extender".
Acronym for Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs. Many FAST Packs are built in form factor (conformal) sections to reduce negative effects on variable fighter aerodynamics but some FAST Pack systems are specifically designed for use in space only. Other FAST Packs may be trans-atmospheric and serve different functions (example, YF-19 and YF-21). Virtually all FAST packs are designed with a blow-away capability allowing spent sections to be instantly ejected from the variable fighter either by the pilot or automatically by the onboard computer. While primarily adding fuel and sensor hardware, a large number of FAST packs also provide additional missile or beam weaponry. As time went on, many FAST Pack systems were described using different nomenclature when the acronym no longer accurately detailed the equipment function. Terminology such as Super Packs/Super Parts are often used as well as Boosters/Trans-atmospheric Boosters, or combination of both.
Faster-than-light
A term which refers to the propagation of matter or energy at speeds faster than that of light. Sometimes also refered to as "superluminal" or by the acronym "FTL", the term is most often described in relation to interstellar travel (see Fold). Faster-than-light technologies are required for efficient space travel and communications because the distances between stars are so far that without these technologies a space craft would take years to travel between the closest stars and communication would be similarly impractical. OverTechnology solved the problems of space travel through the introduction of many faster-than-light technologies that have impacted propulsion, radio (see Fold Communications) and radar (see Fold Wave).
Fold
A short hand term for the OverTechnology of super-light-velocity spatial displacement. Fold travel allows a spacecraft to enter super dimension space and traverse vast interstellar distances nearly instantaneously. A fold first swaps the location of the spacecraft with super dimension space and then swaps super dimension space with the space at the destination, depositing the spacecraft in the process. During the events of Super Dimension Fortress Macross, First Lieutenant Misa Hayase describes the passage of time during a fold as an hour passing in super dimension space equivalent to the passage of approximately ten days in normal space. When initiating a fold to super dimension space the term "fold in" is used. When a spacecraft arrives at the destination by departing super dimension space the term "defold" (or "fold out") is used. Space craft typically measure space folds in light-years, such as the 1,000 light year fold conducted by the Macross Frontier fleet to reach the Vajra homeworld in 2059.
Fold Booster
A small-scale fold device capable of displacing a space vehicle such as a fighter through super dimension space, allowing interstellar travel. First utilized in 2040, early fold boosters were not small enough to be internalized within a variable fighter and required mounting upon the exterior of the craft. The fold booster was also designed for short range travel and not certified for performing beyond a one-way 20-light year trip through fold space for reasons of safety (though UN Spacy records do indicate successful folds beyond that limit). Despite these disadvantages, the fold booster enabled deployment of variable fighters across interstellar distances without the need for a carrier vessel. (see also Super Fold Booster).
Fold Communications
Describes the process of using fold space to propagate electromagnetic signals "effectively" faster than the speed of light. This permits real-time communication between parties seperated by vast interstellar distances that would normally make such communication impossible.
Fold Fault
A phenomena appearing in super dimension space which adversely affects space folding. In 2059, the Vajra first displayed the technology to safely fold in the midst of fold fault surface.
Fold Quartz
A material mined and harvested by the Vajra. The Vajra mine Fold Quartz from dead stars and biomechanically process them along with the V-Type micro-organisms. This grants fold quartz the potential to respond to fold waves in super dimension space. Fold waves are used as a manner of faster-than-light communication through super dimension space, something the New UN Spacy achieves via technology but that the Vajra achieve naturally through the use of fold quartz. Humans/zentradi infected with the V-Type virus can communicate through fold waves and those possessing fold quartz on their person (such as Sheryl Nome's Fold Quartz earring) can send/receive fold quartz signals.
Fold Sickness
Adverse effects on the human body due to the space-time folding effect, the common method of interstellar travel. Symptoms of fold sickness are described as similar to that of motion sickness.
Fold Wave
A naturally existing energy wave in super dimension space that travels effectively Faster-Than-Light (FTL). Fold waves are used to achieve Faster-Than-Light communication over vast interstellar distances and also allow FTL detection using fold wave capable radar. The RVF-25 Messiah utilizes enhanced electronic warfare Aegis that can detect targets via fold waves with a maximum detectable distance of one light-day (see Light-year).
Forward-Swept Wing
A type of wing design in which the main wing root is mounted rearward with wings that sweep forward rather than traditional main wing roots that are mounted forward with the wings swept rearward. The YF-19 and the VF-9 Cutlass are examples of variable fighters with forward-swept main wings. The forward-swept wing's primary advantage is improved maneuverability at transonic speeds (around the speed of sound). A common misperception is forward-swept wing designs are unstable, but this is not the case; relaxed stability is not an inherent part of forward-sweep and is due to other intentional design factors.
Frontier Presidency
The name of the administration that directs the Macross Frontier fleet in 2059. Situated aboard Island 1 of the Macross 25 itself (Macross Frontier), the administration is lead by Howard Glass, the president of the New United Nations government.
Full Barrier System
An improvement of the original Pin-Point Barrier system which can completely encircle a ship in an energy sphere of Super Dimension Energy. The sphere acts as a total barrier, stopping most energy and matter from crossing the shell, including that directed from the protected ship. The full barrier was typically utilized in conjunction with properly timed weapon salvos, activating only after a ship has fired all weapons. The barrier system would overload after subjected to sufficiently powerful exposure from enemy fire and would itself explode in a violent reaction.
A trans-galaxy communication network utilized by the United Nations Government (UNG). Built upon satellites and relays equipped with fold communication systems, the Galaxy Network Signal allows all the colony planets of the UN to remain in real-time contact with each other. The many colonization fleets of the UNG also use the galaxy network signal to remain in contact, often using specialized communication ships disguised as resort vessels (such as the Hollywood Amusement Ship attached to the 37th long-distance colonization fleet lead by the Macross 7).
Galaxy Standard Value adjustment
An adjustment for time displacement that occurs when a vessel travels within, and then exits, fold space. While fold travel is nearly instantaneous for the crew of a folding space craft, time passes much slower in real space and long distance fold travel requires that space craft re-synchronize their onboard chronometers to adjust for this difference. Typically the adjustment is measured in hours. When Alto Saotome in his VF-25F Messiah escorted pop idol Sheryl Nome travelling aboard a space transport to Gallia 4 in 2059, both craft adjusted their onboard chronometers upon defold by +172.25 hours (Macross Frontier, Episode 12).
Gallia 4
A colony world of the New United Nations, the fourth planet in the Gallia binary star system. Since the solar revolution cycle corresponds to rotational period, it is divided into day and night-sides. The Gallia binary star system consists of a large main star and a large companion star and a strong solar wind blows within the system. Gallia 4 was home to the Zentradi 33rd Marine Fleet commanded by Major Ogotai. This world was the unfortunate site of a Dimension Eater detonation in 2059 which destroyed the Zentradi marine battalion, the base and over one-quarter of the planet itself.
General Galaxy
An aerospace design and manufacturing company founded 2017. Former Bodol Zer Main Fleet technician Algus Selzer had just earned his doctorate in flight and bio-electronic engineering when he was invited to be the chief project advisor at General Galaxy's founding. General Galaxy produced numerous variable fighter designs during the early years (including the VF-14 Vampire along with Messer, a fighter now infamous for a role in the Protodeviln War) but is most famous for building the VF-17 Nightmare heavy variable fighter. In the 2030s, General Galaxy was one of two demonstration/validation phase contractors to participate in the Project Super Nova Advanced Variable Fighter (AVF) competition. Unfortunately General Galaxy's YF-21 variable fighter lost in the Project Super Nova AVF, though debate continues about the significant impact the Sharon Apple Incident had upon the AVF competition. Despite these setbacks, the YF-21 would give birth to the VF-22 Sturmvogel II special operations fighter and General Galaxy would be awarded the coveted main variable fighter contract to the New United Nations Spacy with their redesigned VF-171 variable fighter/bomber (in active service as of 2059).
G.E.R.W.A.L.K. (GERWALK)
Acronym for Ground Effective Reinforcement of Winged Armament with Locomotive Knee-joint. It refers to the mid-conversion mode of a variable fighter in which the aircraft partially transforms into the humanoid Battroid mode. In GERWALK mode, the variable fighter possesses some functions of a fighter jet aircraft and some functions of the humanoid battroid mode. Most often the GERWALK is used as a low-level air combat unit, similar to the traditional role of an attack helicopter.
g-force (g)
The g is a unit of measurement used to describe the acceleration of an object. While g is a measurement of acceleration, g-force refers to the inertial forces an object experiences when it changes speed and direction. Pilots experience g-force when operating combat aircraft and human tolerance to g-force is often one of the limiting factors in manned aircraft. Prior to the introduction of OverTechnology, trained pilots wearing g-suits could typically handle 9-10g without a loss of consciousness. As variable fighters advanced, the craft themselves were soon able to withstand dozens of g making the pilot the critical factor in maintaining high maneuverability in close combat. At one point in the 2040s fighter combat doctrine very nearly embraced unmanned fighter craft (Ghosts) to overcome the limitations of manned maneuvering. However, the unstable nature of AI systems (see Artificial Intelligence) and the vulnerability of computers to strong electromagnetic jamming (see EPM) necessitated continued human operation of variable fighters. With the introduction of the Inertia Store Converter/EX-Gear system in 2059 (see ISC and EX-Gear), the effects of g-force from acceleration upon the human body is no longer the limiting factor in combat maneuvering.
GGV (GiGaVolt)
A measure of output of 10 to the power 9 volts. It is used as a rating in Zentradi OverTechnology reactors.
Gravity Control
An OverTechnology which creates gravity aboard space ships. While the primary function of a gravity control generator is to produce an environment in which the crew can operate comfortably, a gravity generator also allows large space vessels to launch from and land upon the surface of a planet efficiently and safely.
Gun Pod
A powerful projectile gun that is one of the core offensive weapons of nearly all variable fighter armaments. The gun pod contains an automatic cannon, ammunition, a self-contained power source and a sensor system. Some gun pods also feature a retractable handle for the Battroid manipulator (hand), an aerodynamic shape (with sliding exterior) for mounting in Figher mode as well as optional features such as foldable stocks, straps, stealth covers, retractable cooling covers and anti-armor bayonets. Gun pods are highly versatile weapons utilized within an atmosphere, also capable of operation in the vacuum of space and fire high speed munitions that can intercept incoming missiles. The first gun pod mounted on the original VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighter was the Howard GU-11 55mm three-barrel gatling gun pod with 200 rounds fired at 1,200 rounds per minute. Numerous variants of the gun pod exist for all operational requirements such as the Gun Pod Beam Adaptor (found on the VF-17S Nightmare), the GU-XS-06 Long-Range High-Piercing-Round Gun Pod (found on the VF-11C Thunderbolt APS-11 Protect Armor Pack), the optional non-lethal Shock Gun Pod (found on the VF-5000G Star Mirage) or Speaker-pod-firing Launcher Pod (found on the VF-19 Excalibur Custom), the SSL-9B Dragunov Anti-Armor Sniper Rifle (found on the VF-171 Nightmare Plus and VF-25G Messiah) and the BGP-01β 55mm beam gun pod / high-powered beam grenade (found on the VF-27 Lucifer). While firepower of the gun pods is unknown, a GU-17 58mm gun pod (VF-25 Messiah) loaded with armor piercing ammunition was shown to have superior penetrating power to that of the 105mm tank cannon on a Beatrice (Macross Frontier, Episode 1 and Episode 7, comparative effectiveness against the large Vajra units).
A powerful type of energy beam weapon that began to see increased use in 2059. A heavy quantum reaction cannon was built as the main gun of the Macross Quarter. Though similar to the super-dimension-energy cannon of the SDF-1 Macross and the super beam cannon of the Battle 7, the exact function and capabilities of this new weapon is as yet unknown. The heavy quantum reaction cannon could also be built much smaller and was used as the primary gun pod for the VF-27 Lucifer.
High-Maneuver Missile
An advanced type of OverTechnology missile developed in the late 2030s. An improved propulsion system with vernier thrusters created a much more maneuverable missile capable of engaging even the fastest moving targets. The AIM-225 high-maneuver missile was a common example of the new style high maneuver missile that could be launched at any range. Despite these advancements the early high-maneuver missile could be foiled if the relative speeds of the missile and the target were too fast to activate the promixmity detonators (reference: deployment against the YF-21; Macross Plus, OVA Episode 1).
Holography/Volumetric Images
Numerous technologies involving the use of holograms and volumetric images significantly advanced by the introduction of OverTechnology. Holography and volumetric imaging is used in everyday life but is most extensively utilized for military applications and within the entertainment industry. One of the first major music performers to utilize stage shows with advanced holograms and volumetric images was pop idol Lynn Minmay in 2009. Since then numerous music acts have used holographic and volumetric technology such as virtual idol Sharon Apple, the rock band Fire Bomber and vocalist Sheryl Nome. In military applications, holographic/volumetric images are used in nearly all command and control systems aboard ships of all types. Holography and volumetric imaging are also used extensively in variable fighters, first introduced in 2009 for VF-1 Valkyries equipped with "Block 6" cockpits. The VF-1 used advanced holographic/volumetric image systems inside the cockpit canopy for tracking/targeting and later variable fighters used such systems for image magnification and hands-off audio/visual communications systems.
HOTAS
Acronym for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick which refers to the design of the cockpit controls in a variable fighter. The HOTAS concept allows the pilot to keep his "hands on the throttle-and-stick" by placing all or most of the variable fighter controls upon the stick and throttle. This cockpit control design eliminates the need for the pilot to take his hands off the controls to access various functions, significantly improving situational awareness and reaction time. During high-g maneuvers, combat, turbulence and other stressful circumstances, easy access to the controls can grant the pilot many advantages.
Humanity Seeding Project
The name for the policy instituted to colonize the Milky Way Galaxy shortly after the end of Space War I. Space War I resulted in the death of almost the entire human race due to the destruction of the planet Earth. The intention of the Humanity Seeding Project was to guarantee the survival of the human species by spreading human colonies across the galaxy and thus ensuring that the destruction of a single world would never again threaten the entire race with extinction.
Hypercarbon (described in Macross The Movie: Do You Remember Love? - 1984)
A material possessing properties of superior structural strength that composed the hull of the ASS-1/SDF-1 Macross.
A technology built for the VF-25 Messiah variable fighter that helps protect the pilot from the negative effects of acceleration. The ISC (also known as the "inertia buffer") is a two-part system that links with the new EX-Gear system, allowing a pilot so equipped mobility and combat capability beyond the normal limits of manned maneuvering. The new ISC/EX-Gear system has allowed human pilots to at last realize the full potential of the variable fighters and no longer is acceleration upon the human body the limiting factor in combat maneuvering.
The name for a software system that governs the computer hardware of the AIF-7S Ghost fighter. The Judah System is normally set to receive constant commands governing the behaviour of the artificial intelligence systems of the Ghost fighters via a command and control craft (such as the RVF-25 Messiah). However, the pilot of the command and control craft may choose to release control of the Ghost fighters by activating the full autonomous mode of the Judah System, thus allowing the AIF-7S Ghost fighters full independent action in combat. The Judah System was the same software program that governed the Ghost X-9 Fighter in 2040 during the infamous Sharon Apple Incident. Near the end of the Vajra War in 2059, Luca Angeloni released the Judah System to full autonomous control in his three AIF-7S Ghost fighters (named Simon, John and Peter) to grant them an advantage in counter attacking the Ghost V-9 fighters controlled by the Battle Galaxy.
The knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour and is typically used to measure the speed of a craft traveling in water. An internationally recognized nautical mile 1.852 km in length (1.150 imperial miles) and thus one knot is 1.852 kmph. The knot is typically abbreviated as kn, but can also be abbreviated as kt.
Five points in space where a small object under the influence of gravity can theoretically be stationary relative to two larger objects (such as a satellite with respect to the Earth and Moon). In November 2011, the UN Spacy successfully captured a Zentradi Military Factory Satellite and placed it at a Lagrange point.
L.A.I. Corporation
An aerospace company and defense contractor that built the VF-25 Messiah using the Shinsei Factory on the Macross Frontier Fleet. They also made significant innovations in fold technology, building the first Super Fold Booster, nearly ten times faster than old fold boosters and posseses the capability to travel through fold faults.
Laser
Acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser emits light in a narrow, low-divergence beam with a narrow wavelength spectrum and is used in numerous applications from optical storage to rangefinding. After discovery of OverTechnology, practical laser weapons became a reality and were made standard on nearly all variable fighters. The Mauler RÖV-20 Laser Cannon on the VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighter is a typical high-powered laser capable of destroying most armored mecha, ideal for point defense and a potent anti-aircraft weapon. Pulse Lasers are another type of laser weapon found on the VF-5000 Star Mirage and the VF-11 Thunderbolt.
NOTE: Macross, like most other science fiction, uses the term "laser" as an easily recognizable directed-energy weapon that most audiences will understand when described in dialog. However, real lasers are ordinarily invisible in space, travel at the speed of light and do not have any kinetic force. In the context of Macross, it is understood the term "laser" refers to OverTechnology weapons that fire visible energy beams, may propagate much slower than light speed, may fire in bursts or continuous beams and may produce destructive effects that are unlike those of real lasers.
Light-Year
A light-year is a unit of length equal to 9,460,730,472,580.8 kilometers (5,878,630,000,000 miles) and represents the distance light travels in a year. The light-year is ideal as a unit for measuring distance in space both because the speed of light is constant in a vacuum (equal to 299,792.458 kilometers per second) and because interstellar distances are so vast, a large unit of measure is required. Space craft typically measure space folds in light-years, such as the 1,000 light-year fold to reach the Vajra homeworld conducted by the Macross Frontier fleet in 2059. The speed of light is also used for relatively smaller units of measure in space such as light-day (25,902,068,371.2 kilometers) and light-second (299,792.458 kilometers). The Moon is 1.3 light-seconds away from the Earth.
Linear Actuator
A new type of transformation technology introduced in the VF-25 Messiah in 2057. The linear actuator prevents contact between the majority of moving parts in a variable fighter by allowing the parts to shift using electromagnetic force. The revolutionary linear actuator technology has shortened transformation time by two-thirds, improved reliability through fewer malfunctions and reduced maintenance time. All those advantages have been achieved by replacing most of the fragile mechanisms of traditional transformation systems. As a result of the linear actuator, the durability of the Battroid mode has also been improved.
The ratio of the speed of an aircraft relative to the speed of sound in the liquid medium (atmosphere) through which the aircraft is flying. These speeds relative to the medium are represented by the term "Mach", in honor of the late 19th century physicist named Ernst Mach. The speed of sound varies based on altitude and temperature, but roughly 330 m/s or 1,100 f/s is considered Mach 1 on Earth (Mach speeds will vary from planet to planet). Subsonic flight is below Mach 1, transonic flight is nearly equal to Mach 1, supersonic flight is beyond Mach 1 and hypersonic flight is Mach 5 or faster. High hypersonic speeds (Mach 25+) are commonly achieved during atmosphere re-entry.
Mass Production
The production of large amounts of standardized products. The advantages of mass production are typically faster production speed and reduced human error through automation. The disadvantages are the inability to vary standardized products and the high cost/time needed to change production once begun. The destroids and variable fighters were examples of mass produced vehicles. The VF-1 Valkryie was produced from 2006 to 2013, producing 5,459 VF-1 variable fighters (published in Variable Fighter Master File VF-1 Valkyrie Vol. 1, 2009)
A conglomerated group of science and technology companies in 2040 involved in building virtual idol Sharon Apple and contributed to the X-9 Ghost fighter built by the UN Spacy.
Mayan (Island)
A solitary island in the South Pacific Ocean. Mayan Island was formerly the site of secret VF-0 Phoenix flights and in 2008 the United Nations government discovered the AFOS beneath the island. The events at Mayan Island are kept secret for at least five decades.
MBS (Macross Broadcasting System)
A news and entertainment television broadcasting company that formed aboard the SDF-1 Macross in October 2009. The MBS (particularly the Miss Macross Contest) was pivitol in promoting the career of then emerging popular music idol Lynn Minmay and also helped the 58,000 civilians stay informed of the latest Space War I news. It is noteworthy that the real Mainichi (Daily) Broadcasting Station in Japan also shares the same acronym.
MDE (Micro Dimension Eater)
A type of warhead specification designed in 2059 for use against the Vajra. The Micro Dimension Eater warheads (such as those used in specially designed variable fighter micro-missiles) are based upon the principles of the Dimension Eater fold bomb and can damage or destroy even the most powerful Vajra armor by unleashing a small scale effect similar to that of a black hole. MDE ammunition is manufactured using the armored shells of recovered Vajra and granted superior penetrating power to gun pods armed with such shells. In the case of the VF-25 Messiah variable fighter, the MDE loaded gun pods were known as the GU-17V gun pod.
Mecha
A word derived from the Japanese abbreviation for the english word "mechanical." In a narrow definition, mecha refers to any type of giant bidpedal robot vehicle with a humanoid shape. In the much broader, more accurate definition, mecha is defined as all that which is mechanical in nature. Such a definition includes all fantastic mechanized creations like giant robots and spacecraft as well as mundane mechanical items like computers, motor vehicles and firearms.
Meltrandi
The designation for the female gender of the Zentradi species. The terms Meltran referred to female Zentradi while Zentran referred to male Zentradi. A note about Zentradi/Meltrandi: The term "Zentradi" is still utilized in the greater Macross continuity to refer to both Zentrans (male) and Meltrans (female) as the same species. However, the terms Meltrandi/Meltran are also still used to differentiate the female Zentradi and the word "Meltrandi" is still used to describe a female Zentradi as both female and as a different species than human (despite the near 100% genetic similarity with humans).
Miclone (Micloning/Miclonization)
A term used by the giant-sized Zentradi/Meltrandi to describe humans in terms of their natural height and weight. The term "micloning" refers to the mechanical and biological process through which a full-sized Zentradi/Meltrandi (roughly five times the size of a human) is transformed into a human-sized being. Micloning (also known as Miclonization) is a near-perfected process allowing the Zentradi to change size conveniently and without negatively impacting their mental or physical functions. Both humans and zolans appear able to be macronized through the micloning process (see Macross: Do You Remember Love? and Macross Dynamite 7). The physical structure of the Zentradi/Meltrandi when in miclone form is almost identical to that of an Earth human. However, when macronized to giant form, the position, function, etc. of their internal organs changes in order to give them a more powerful physical form suitable for battle. It is when macronized by the Miclone System that the Zentradi/Meltrandi unique genetic differences become apparent. During the micloning process the organs and general constitution are scaled up and body-strengthening is applied. Though the Zentradi/Meltrandi are now able to procreate through sexual means as a result of coexistence with humans, many Zentradi/Meltrandi are still created by cloning on Factory Satellites. In some very rare cases, micloning has resulted in an unfortunate transformation. Due to a genetic anomaly, an adult Meltrandi pilot aboard the Macross Frontier fleet in 2059, experienced unusual side effects from the micloning process which reduced her body to that of an adolescent. The abnormal effects of Klan Klang's genetic anomaly would abate upon returning to giant size and her body would again assume adult proportions.
Micro-Missile
A weapon made possible via OverTechnology that contains an advanced tracking system, a high-velocity thruster and a powerful warhead inside a high-maneuverability missile no larger than 28 centimeters in diameter (11 inches). First introduced in 2008, the micro-missile has become one of the most widely used self-propelled weapons. The small size and weight of the micro-missile allows a single craft to carry more than fifty of these explosive projectiles. Micro-missiles are carried inside FAST/Super Packs, within special hardpoint pods like the UUM-7 or launched from internal missile bays within the body of a variable fighter. Micro-missiles are most often used for short range attack but have also been used at medium range and are capable of destroying all but the most heavily armored vehicles (reference: first deployment of the VF-1J GBP-1S Armored Valkyrie; SDF Macross, Episode 9).
Mihoshi Academy
A comprehensive, multi-level academy operating aboard Island 1 in the Macross Frontier fleet. The Academy has several departments including Aeronautics, General Technology, Information Science and Entertainment studies. Students at Mihoshi Academy's high school are able to enroll in the pilot training course. The main campus building of Mihoshi Academy resembles the iconic SDF-1 Macross and a VF-1A Valkyrie is on display atop the building. The Mihoshi Academy is also inspired by real landmarks; the main gate is an homage to Sather Gate at University of California, Berkeley campus. The park, where many of the Macross Frontier characters meet, is inspired by the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
Model Numbers
A brief descriptive alpha-numerical code used to easily identify and describe a given vehicle. Below is a listing of model numbers followed by the meaning of each acronym.
In ballistics, muzzle velocity is the speed at which a projectile leaves the muzzle of a gun. Typically measured in meters per second, muzzle velocities in modern ballistic weapons range from subsonic speeds of 300 meters per second in some hand guns (roughly 1,000 feet per second) to high speeds of up to 1,800 m/s in most advanced conventional tank cannons (roughly 6,000 feet per second, nearly the limit possible via chemical propellants). OverTechnology not only brought about practical rail guns (weapons that fire at roughly 3,500 m/s or more), but has also significantly advanced the muzzle velocity of conventional projectile weapons. While the muzzle velocities of most weapons in Macross are unknown, the 78 mm high-speed automatic cannons of the MBR-04-Mk X Destroid Defender have been given an officially published muzzle velocity of 3,300 m/s. In 2009, the Macross Chronicle provided several additional muzzle velocities for two gun pods. In Macross Chronicle issue # 22-22, the GPU-9 35mm gun pod for the VF-0 Phoenix has a muzzle velocity of 1,100 meters per second. In Macross Chronicle issue # 35-04, the SSL-9B Dragunov Anti-Armor Sniper Rifle for the VF-25G Messiah has an initial muzzle velocity 6,200 m/s which increases to 7,490 m/s when fired in space.
The title that refers to the command structure for the New United Nations Spacy and other military sections. The New United Nations armed forces are under the administration of the NUAC which reports directly to the New United Nations Frontier Presidency.
New United Nations Government (New Unity Government)
The New United Nations Government in SDF Macross: Originally, the New United Nations Government was first mentioned in the original SDF Macross series (1982). It was the administrative body that succeeded the United Nations Government after the Zentradi attack that annihilated the Earth in March of 2010. At the time of SDF Macross this name for the governing body of Earth was given the title "New" (capitalized) as a way to distinguish it. The title "New Unity Government" was also used at various times to refer to this new government. The New United Nations Government post-SDF Macross: While the "New United Nations Government" was spoken when referring to the Earth government immediately after Space War I and for the remainder of the SDF Macross series, the sequels Macross Plus (1994) and Macross 7 (1995) instead revert back to the phrase "United Nations Government" or "United Nations Spacy". NUNS acronym in Macross II: In 1992 the OVA sequel Macross II was produced and utilized the title "NUNS" in several sequences throughout the series. However, the acronym "NUNS" does not refer to the government or military (This is Animation Special #5 clearly refers to the military of the Macross II world as the UN Spacy and the acronym UNS can clearly be seen on military uniforms in the anime). The acronym "NUNS" is a news station in the Macross II world (the NUNS logos can be seen on microphones used by news agents) however the full name for the acronym is never revealed. The New United Nations Government in Macross Frontier: In 2007 the sequel Macross Frontier was produced and began utilizing the "New United Nations Government" title for an administration that ruled human civilization not from Earth, but from aboard the mobile colony fleet Macross Frontier. However, in this sequel, the private military contractor Strategic Military Services (SMS) has come to play a very prominent role in the defense and military policy of this new government. Creator Shoji Kawamori has stated (interview from Otona Anime magazine #9) the New U.N. is a newly organized and decentralized government of the human colony fleets and colony worlds. Kawamori states that Earth is no longer able to directly control the hundreds of colony world and fleets given the vast interstellar distances involved. This change in government was not a coup or revolution, but a realigning of the galaxy at large. Thus U.N. colonies and fleets became self-governing but belong to the New United Nations as members.
NUNS or N.U.N. Spacy (New United Nations Space agency)
The title for the newest organized military space agency of the New United Nations Government operating in 2059, sharing an obvious organizational history with the older UN Spacy military establishment.
A high performance mode in the thermonuclear reaction turbine engines of a variable fighter that doubles the effective thrust. Overboost can be used to dramatically increase speed/acceleration and can be very advantageous in combat situations. Overboost was first utilized in the original VF-1 Valkyrie and has been included in many later model variable fighters like the VF-17 Nightmare.
OverTechnology
Any of a number of highly advanced sciences and technologies which humanity discovered upon researching the crashed ASS-1/SDF-1 Macross in 1999. The OverTechnology of the Protoculture transcended the technology humankind had developed to date.
The technology that uses passive techniques to protect a vehicle against detection via radar. Passive stealth systems can employ radar absorbent materials on the hull of a vehicle or the hull can be shaped in such a way that it reflects radar signals away from the radar return detectors (aka Low-Observability). The VF-17 Nightmare is an example of a variable fighter designed for passive stealth.
Pineapple Salad
A meal that no one will eat followed by a desert menu featuring the death of your favorite character.
Pink Pecker Team
A rather outrageous designation for an elite UN Spacy unit operating during the 2030s. The unit consisted of garish pink colored VF-11B Thunderbolt variable fighters flown by Ray Lovelock, Kinryu and Stephan.
Pin-Point Barrier System
An innovation of OverTechnology which creates small spheres of Super Dimension Energy that can be stabilized and manipulated. These energy spheres are used as a defensive system in combat, moved across the hull of a ship to intercept and defeat incoming fire.
Pixie Team
The name for an all-Meltrandi SMS combat team operating aboard the Macross Quarter in 2059. Klan Klang leads Raramia Rerenia and Nene Rora in this team of full-sized Meltrans operating Queadluun-Rea battle suits. The Pixie Team is part of the Macross Frontier colony fleet.
Protoculture
An advanced interstellar civilization whose species is considered the first sentient race to evolve in the universe. The protoculture existed hundreds of thousands of years before humanity achieved space flight and was responsible for guiding the evolvution of Humans and creating the Zentradi. After Space War I, the new human/zentradi civilization lead by the New United Nations Government is often considered the legacy of the Protoculture, even mistaken as the Protoculture itself by other remnants or races (Zentradi, Protodeviln, etc).
Protodeviln
A spiritual energy life form that evolved in a sub-universe adjoining our own. The Protodeviln crossed over into our universe hundreds of thousands of years ago by inhabiting the bodies of the Protoculture's advanced (Zentradi) all-enivron biological weapons named the "Evil Series" (pronounced Eh-vil). In order to survive as extra-dimensional beings in this universe, the protodeviln covet spiritia, the life energy generated by protoculture and zentradi. The Protodeviln invade with their army of controlled Protoculture and Zentradi people (Supervision Army) and feed off this spiritia to sustain themselves. The ensuing war with the Protoculture destroys over 85% of all life in the Stellar Republic. Though the Protodeviln are eventually defeated, they remained in our universe and were subsequently revived hundreds of thousands of year later. Soon after this brief revival of the Protodeviln they discovered a method of self-producing spiritia. The Protodeviln departed known space to explore the universe.
Protodeviln War
A conflict between the UN Spacy and the Protodeviln that began in March 2045 and ended in February 2046. Hostilities first began in 2043 when the Megaroad-13 research fleet surveys an "ice planet" within the Varauta system and scientists discover a mysterious energy field beneath the ice surface protecting an undisturbed legacy of the Protoculture. Experiments begin to deactivate the field, eventually dropping the field strength and awakening the Protodeviln heretofore unknown to be imprisoned inside. The Protodeviln seize control of the Humans and Zentradi (including Ivane Gyuntar who later becomes Gepernich) and begin building their own civilization and military. In 2045, the Macross 7 ventures near the Planet Varauta. Despite the warnings of Exedol Folmo not to approach the planet, Captain Maximilian Jenius does not heed these warnings and the fleet encounters a mysterious enemy (the Varauta Army). The war continues until the Protodeviln are defeated and agree to depart the Milky Way Galaxy.
An electrical weapon that accelerates a conductive projectile along a pair of metal rails. The advantage of the rail gun over a traditional gas expansion weapon is the extremely high muzzle velocity (roughly 3,500 m/s or more) offering greater range, superior kinetic energy and the capability to shoot down high-speed missiles. Since OverTechnology introduced practical rail guns they have been deployed on both space craft (SDF-1 Macross) and Destroids (HWR-00 Destroid Monster and VB-6 König Monster). Some Valkyries also make use of rail guns, like the SSL-9B Dragunov Anti-Armor Sniper Rifle, which features ultra-high-speed armor-piercing shells boosted by electromagnetic rails for maximum acceleration. The SSL-9B fires projectiles at an initial muzzle velocity of 6,200 m/s which increases to 7,490 m/s when fired in space.
Reaction (Engine/Weapon)
The term "reaction" is used in reference to a type of OverTechnology described as pair-annihilation. The Reaction Engine (often called thermonuclear reaction engine) is an excellent power source of extreme efficiency since it is not necessary for the fuel to be nuclear material and the reaction is easily maintained in a plasma state through the use of super dimension spatial theory. Reaction weapons using pair-annihilation via OverTechnology produce high energy destructive effects even greater than those of nuclear weapons. The use of nuclear weapons was considered a taboo for Japanese television at the time of the original Macross television series (1982) so the term "reaction" was used instead since, as Shoji Kawamori noted, there can be no protestors to pair-annihilation weapons since they do not yet exist.
Reactive Armor
A type of vehicle armor that reacts to the impact of weapon fire, typically using explosive layering to repel ballistic projectiles. Reactive armor is used as an optional armor configuration in the VF-0S Phoenix variable fighter. When struck by weapons fire the reactive armor explodes toward the projectile reducing the effective penetrating power of the attack. Direct hits upon reactive armor effectively expend the useful protection and thus the armor is typically ejected once damaged.
Acronym for Super Dimension Fortress-One Macross, the official designation given to the vessel rebuilt from the remains of the crashed Alien StarShip One (ASS-1)
SDF-2/Megaroad
Originally the SDF-2 was a class of warship larger than the SDF-1. However, progress was halted due to the final conflict of Space War I. Construction resumed but the mandate for the vessel was changed to that of a colonization vessel and was redesignated Megaroad.
Sharon Apple Incident
The events surrounding the installation of an illegal bio-neural chip into the virtual idol Sharon Apple in 2040. Once installed with the bio-neural chip, Sharon Apple began forming an artificial intelligence and subsequently a dangerous self-preservation psychology. Sharon took over control of the SDF-1 Macross, the X-9 Ghost fighter and hypnotically enthralled most of the population of Macross City. The X-9 Ghost was eventually destroyed in combat along with Guld Bowman in the YF-21 variable fighter and Isamu Dyson in the YF-19 variable fighter terminated Sharon by destroying the computer core the virtual idol inhabited inside the SDF-1 Macross.
Shield (Anti-Projectile Shield)
A hard defensive device built into the variable fighters beginning in the 2030s. The standard bulletproof, anti-projectile shield is built as the center rear dorsal fuselage of a variable fighter which is then deployed for use in GERWALK/Battroid configurations following transformation of the left arm. The anti-projectile shield is typically a defense option of last resort, used to intercept incoming attacks that cannot be shot down or avoided. The anti-projectile shield has proved an indispensable feature since introduced with the VF-11 Thunderbolt and is standard on the YF-19/VF-19 Excalibur, the YF-21/VF-22 Sturmvogel II, the VF-25 Messiah and the VF-27 Lucifer.
Shinsei Industry
An aerospace design company founded in 2012 by the merging of aerospace development divisions between Stonewell Bellcom and Shinnakasu Heavy Industries. Shinsei Industries first development project and mass-produced variable fighter was the VF-5000 Star Mirage and from there Shinsei would enjoy great success designing the VF-11 Thunderbolt (mass produced December 2030). In the 2030s, Shinsei Industry competed in the Project Super Nova Advanced Variable Fighter (AVF) competition with their YF-19 variable fighter. Though Shinsei was eventually awarded the contract to supply the VF-19 Excalibur as the next main variable fighter of the UN Spacy, debate continues to this day regarding the impact of the Sharon Apple Incident on the outcome of the Project Super Nova AVF.
SMS (Strategic Military Services)
A private military company run by Richard Birla with operations aboard the Macross Frontier fleet. The SMS provides highly trained and experienced civilian paramilitary units operating the most sophisticated modern military hardware to undertake missions for their customers. On board the Macross Frontier fleet, the Frontier Presidency directs the SMS when they require their services. While Strategic Military Services operates much like any other company, SMS employees can be compelled to serve the company under special circumstances via Exception Clause B in the SMS enlistment contract, which states: If the government with whom the SMS has its main contractural obligation should enter a state of war or similar crisis, the right to refuse orders, as well as the freedom for discharge during the specified period, will be forfeit.
Sniper Rifle
A special type of ballistic weapon built for a variable fighter that uses electromagnetic rails to propel projectiles to maximum acceleration (see Rail Gun/Cannon). The SSL-9B Dragunov Semi/Fully-Automatic Anti-Armor Sniper Rifle is a common example of this type of heavy weapon designed for long-range precision shooting. Such sniper rifles were used for variable fighters such as the VF-171 Nightmare Plus and the VF-25G Messiah. The SSL-9B rifles feature targeting assist balancers that deploy prior to firing and grant the weapon an impressive error margin of less than 10 centimeters at a firing distance of 20 kilometers. The Dragunov sniper rifle fires SP-55X 55mm ultra-high-speed armor-piercing ammunition boosted by electromagnetic rails (ultra-hard-metal jacketed, ultra-dense alloy bullets) that is propelled at an initial muzzle velocity 6,200 m/s, or 7,490 m/s when fired in space.
South Ataria Island
An island located at the southernmost tip of the Ogasawara Islands in the North Pacific Ocean on Earth (coordinates: 24N, 141E). In 1999, South Ataria Island was the crash site of the Supervision Army Gunboat designated the Alien StarShip-1/SDF-1 Macross
Space Metal (Material)
A fictional lightweight material of superior structural strength used to build the internal frame of a variable fighter. Although little is known about this fictional material it is known Macross creator Shoji Kawamori is a fan of Mobile Suit Gundam and this material is most likely an homage to luna titanium.
Space War I
A conflict that began in February 2009 between the United Nations Government and the Zentradi military (Bodol Zer Fleet). The war ended in March 2010 resulting in billions of human and Zentradi casualties, making Space War I the most devastating human-involved conflict in history.
Space Whale
The space whales are immense space borne organisms that can travel through fold space naturally. They travel near the planet Zola on a rough migratory cycle and also frequent a burial ground on the surface of the planet. Space whales are as large as many of the biggest space ships and are immensely powerful. The largest of the known space whales encountered (the white whale) was able to survive the detonation of a reaction warhead without serious injury.
Speed of light
The velocity at which light travels in a vacuum (299,792,458 meters per second). The speed of light (denoted by the letter c) is an important physical constant for measuring interstellar distances using units such as the Light-year.
Spiritia
Spiritia is only vaguely defined as life energy common to all living beings in this universe. It became known to humanity when a race known as the Protodeviln began extracting spiritia from humans by force. Since the Protodeviln were from a parallel universe, they required spiritia from native live forms in order to continue to exist in this universe. Certain individuals, known as Anima Spiritia, can generate a pure form of spiritia that cannot be absorbed.
Stabilizer (Horizontal/Vertical)
A small type of wing located at the rear of an aircraft to provide stability during atmospheric flight. The horizontal stabilizer (aka tailplane) controls the pitch of the aircraft (up-and-down) while the vertical stabilizer (aka fin) controls the yaw of the aircraft (side-to-side).
Stellar Republic (Galactic Republic)
A great empire stretching across the Milky Way Galaxy established by the Protoculture, the first sentient life in the universe. The Stellar Republic was born roughly 500,000 years ago but several conflicts of immense destruction eventually destroyed the Republic. Many years after, the Protoculture itself eventually suffered near total annihilation.
STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing)
Acronym that describes the capability of certain aerospace craft to launch with very short runway requirements.
Stonewell Bellcom
An aerospace manufacturing company specializing in variable aerospace craft and responsible for building the original VF-1A Valkyrie variable fighter. Originally two seperate companies, Stonewell and Bellcom subcontracted along side Shinnakasu Heavy Industry and Centinental to build the VF-1 Valkyrie and by 2011 Bellcom had merged into an aircraft development division of Stonewell. That same year, Stonewell Bellcom and Shinnakasu Heavy Industry collaborated in a joint project for a general-purpose lightweight air superiority variable fighter that would eventually be called the VF-5000 Star Mirage. By 2012, Stonewell Bellcom and Shinnakasu aerospace development divisions merged to form the new company Shinsei Industry and would go on to develop the VF-5000 as their first development project and mass-produced variable fighter. Using real world inspiration, the name Stonewell was a variation on Rockwell International while Bellcom grew from Bell Aircraft Corporation (or Bell Helicopter Textron), a well known helicopter design and manufacturing company.
Super Dimension Energy
The energy derived and utilized from a sub-universe parallel to our own. Super dimension energy is utilized in various OverTechnologies including fold systems, super dimension energy cannons and reaction engines.
Super-Dimension-Energy Cannon
A high-energy beam cannon most commonly built for gunboat class space vessels as an anti-ship weapon. The super-dimension-energy cannon collimates super dimension energy during a brief charging period and then fires a broad energy beam toward the target. These weapons are so large they often occupy a third or more of the space craft's forward hull and they are incredibly destructive, delivering damage via both high-energy kinetic force and intense heat. There are few defenses against a super-dimension-energy beam, pin-point/full barriers being one such partially effective counter measure (exception: the Protodeviln Glavil). The maximum yield and range of the super-dimension-energy cannon is currently unknown. The first combat use of the SDF-1 Macross super-dimension-energy cannon fired two beams at an effective range of roughly one light-second (reference: 280,000 kilometers; SDF Macross, Episode 1). First combat firing of the Battle 7 super beam weapon, fired at only 80% of full power, destroyed as many as a half dozen warships in close formation (reference: destroyed one-third of Gigile Fleet of 18 Varauta warships; Macross 7, Episode 16). This weapon is designated a Heavy Converging Energy Beam Cannon in Zentradi and Meltrandi warships.
Super Dimension Space
A sub-universe parallel to our own. Super dimension space is integral to many OverTechnologies originally discovered by the Protoculture. In particular, fold naviagtion relies upon manipulation of super dimension space. This sub-universe is also used for super dimension energy cannons and makes it possible for extremely efficient reactors using super dimension spatial theory.
Super Fold Booster
An innovation of the original small-scale fold device that permits a small space vehicle (such as a variable fighter) to achieve interstellar travel by displacing the craft through super dimension space. Developed by L.A.I. in 2059, the super fold booster could navigate through hazards like Fold Faults and allowed travel through fold space so fast there was no lag between experienced time and proper time. It was stated the galaxy would effectively become one-tenth the size (in the context of space travel) when super fold boosters became the norm.
Super Parts/Super Packs
Super Parts are additional hardware added to a variable fighter that provides more thrust and additional firepower. Super Parts are similar in function to FAST Packs.
Supersonic Cruise (Supercruise)
The capability of an aircraft to maintain flight beyond the speed of sound without using afterburners (or overboost, in the case of variable fighters). All variable fighters are capable of sustained supercruise of Mach 1.75 at 10,000 meters or faster.
Supervision Army
The name given to Protoculture and Zentradi people mentally controlled to fight for the Protodeviln, a race of spiritual energy life forms from a sub-universe outside the known universe. Eventually the Supervision Army and the Protodeviln are defeated, but remnants of the Supervision Army still exist even to the present.
(see "Reaction" entry above) A type of OverTechnology similar to nuclear fusion. However, unlike nuclear fusion the Reaction Engine is an excellent power source of extreme efficiency since it is not necessary for the fuel to be nuclear material and the reaction is easily maintained in a plasma state through the use of super dimension spatial theory.
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
The thrust-to-weight ratio is a dimensionless figure of merit for aircraft that describes the ratio of thrust produced relative to the weight in a single numerical parameter. Basically, the greater the thrust-to-weight ratio, the greater the acceleration of the aircraft. Aircraft with higher thrust-to-weight ratios produce more thrust for a given weight than those aircraft with lower ratios and thus such superior aircraft can accelerate faster. Based on thrust alone (no wings) a craft's thrust-to-weight ratio must be more than one to takeoff from the surface of Earth. The thrust-to-weight ratio is useful as a benchmark for quantitative comparison between vehicle designs. When using the thrust-to-weight ratio, it is understood as a ratio, so the figure is often only one number without the colon or "1" (thus 5:1 is expressed as a T-W ratio of 5, representing newtons of thrust per newton of weight). All other factors being equal, the thrust-to-weight ratio is numerically equal to the g-force that a vehicle can pull. However, some earlier variable fighters could sustain more g-force than the maximum acceleration the engines could provide; the VF-22S Sturmvogel II could sustain 60g but could only produce a thrust-to-weight ratio of 13.96. Comparatively, the most advanced variable fighters have thrust-to-weight ratios that go beyond the structural limitations of the craft itself; the VF-25 Messiah has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 39.09 but a maximum airframe design load of only 27.5g. The following is a list of the thrust-to-weight ratios for the various valkyries:
NOTE: After the VF-1 Valkyrie, none of the Thrust-to-Weight ratios detailed below account for additional thrust via "overboost". However, official line art for the VF-17 Nightmare confirms overboost is still a feature in variable fighters beyond the VF-1 Valkyrie. Hence, the figures below (with the exception of the VF-1 Valkyrie) do not reflect the thrust doubling effect of overboost and must be considered low-end estimates only.
The capablility of an aerospace craft to angle the thrust of the engines in directions other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the craft. Thrust vectoring can help an aerospace craft achieve STOL or VTOL (short/vertical take-off and landing) and also allow the Valkyries to perform maneuvers with less dependence upon control surfaces. All variable fighters possess thrust vectoring engines; most utilize single-axis thrust vectoring by default (in variable fighters where the main engine is also the foot unit) while others employ three-dimensional thrust vectoring.
Transformation
The mechanical process made possible via OverTechnology wherein a vehicle alters configuration from one mode to another. Transformation can be designed for a small variable fighter or even a large space ship. OverTechnology makes it possible to build cheap, low-maintenance transformable vehicles that gain advantages by changing to the most ideal configuration for a given situation. Transformation technology is also known for speed and field reliability even in harsh conditions or when a variable fighter has suffered damage. For variable fighters, transformation control is almost always initiated by turning the lateral angle of the throttle control, typically 90 degrees to the right with a quick twist of the wrist. Space War I ace pilot and Protodevlin War hero Maximillian Jenius was notable for his singularly brilliant piloting skills, constantly changing his variable fighter configuration in the midst of battle to maximize the combat capabilities of each mode as circumstances changed. Transformations are often so fast that changing modes can allow a skilled pilot to alter the target profile of his variable vehicle almost instantaneously to avoid incoming enemy fire (reference: Ozuma Lee, Macross Frontier, Episode 2). While most valkyries transformed via specialized mechanisms, the VF-25 Messiah was the first valkyrie to use Linear Actuators, a technology which prevented contact between the various moving parts of the valkyrie by shifting them with electromagnetic force. For larger craft such as large military space ships, the speed advantages of transformation are lost and in some situations the lengthy transformation time for large vessels can be as much a disadvantage in battle as an advantage.
The United Nations Government was a world government first proposed in December 1999 following the crash landing of the Alien Star Ship One as a response to possible alien invasion. Shortly thereafter the U.N. Wars plague the UNG until 2007. After the conclusion of Space War I in February 2010, the old UNG was annihilated along with most of Earth and a New United Nations Government was created in April 2010. Since that time, the UNG has governed the human race and all the colonies in the UNG sphere of influence.
U.N. Forces (United Nations Forces)
The title for the collective branches of the United Nations armed forces, including the UNAF (U.N. Air Force), UNN (U.N. Navy), UNS (U.N. Spacy), UNSAF (U.N. Spacy Air Force) and the UNSM (U.N. Spacy Marines).
U.N. Spacy (United Nations Space agency)
The space-based arm of the United Nations Forces. As probably the largest branch of the UN Forces, the UN Spacy is responsible for conducting all military space operations and commanding all the numerous colonization fleets.
U.N. Wars
A series of conflicts fought between countries that supported the formation of a United Nations world government and countries that opposed a single unified government. In July 2000, a dispute in the People's Republic of Garalia in the Middle East lead to an outbreak of armed conflict. From that point forward, frequent disputes and internal conflicts occurring in all areas of the world became collectively known as the U.N. Wars. The U.N. Wars continued for nearly seven years until concluding on January 20, 2007. However, even after the end of the U.N. Wars, Anti-U.N. forces continued certain smaller operations in various parts of the world, including the events around the Island of Mayan in 2008. Macross Chronicle Issue #4, Timeline page #07 states "After the Bird Human Incident, the nations who joined the Anti-U.N. Alliance announce their withdrawal (September 2008)." While not explicit, this entry may imply the U.N. Wars did not end in 2007 but rather in September 2008.
Name for a virus that is part of the biomechanical physiology of
the Vajra species. The V-Type virus consists of mostly harmless
micro-organisms that possess some chemical components of fold quartz.
Living organisms infected with the V-Type virus have the potential to
transmit and receive fold waves through super dimension space. While
harmless to the Vajra, the V-Type virus can result in the deaths of
other intelligent organisms should infection spread to the brain. However,
Ranka Lee was conceived in utero with the V-Type virus and maintained
the micro-organisms safely within her abdomen her whole life. Using
fold waves produced when she sang, Ranka Lee was able to communicate
with the Vajra.
Vajra
The name for a mysterious extraterrestrial life-form that attacked
the Macross Frontier fleet in March of 2059. The New United Nations
Government became aware of the Vajra 19 years prior to 2059 (circa
2040) but kept the fact of their existence a secret. Eleven years
prior to 2059 (circa 2048) the Vajra attacked the 117th Research
Fleet, an event that caused the deaths of nearly 1,000 people.
The Vajra are bio-mechanical in nature and the large red Vajra units
possess many advanced capabilities such as nearly impervious energy
converting armor, the ability to space fold and a powerful anti-ship
beam weapon. Individual Vajra operate with very little brain matter
and as a species the Vajra seem to operate via a collective
consciousness. The Vajra have no language and communicate with each
other through fold space, utilizing fold quartz inside the V-Type
micro-organisms in their blood. This communication method also keeps
the Vajra in constant contact and allows them to adapt quickly in
combat situations, even allowing them to evolve improved defenses as
more Vajra are born and/or undergo metamorphosis. The Vajra are
directed via the Queen and her subordinate Queens which often control
fleets of Vajra, Vajra carriers and a Vajra mothership (such as the
hive found on Gallia 4). The Vajra mate by transmitting a song called
Aimo when they encounter Vajra from other galaxies.
The Vajra as a race have appeared in 7 different forms during the
events of the Vajra War. The Vajra have appeared as Larvae, Flyers,
Walker, Small-Size, Large-Size, Semi-Queen and Queen. While some forms of Vajra
eventually grow into others (such as Larvae into Flyers) it is unknown
whether or not all Vajra Larvae have the potential to grow into Large
Vajra (Red) or Queens.
The Protoculture knew of the Vajra and feared, adored and deified
their power to the extent of imitating the Vajra by inventing space
fold drives, super dimension weaponry and even modeling some
mechanical constructs after the form of the Vajra Queen (see AFOS).
The Vajra lack the ability to communicate with other intelligent
organisms directly and have attempted to solve this problem by
infecting other organisms with the V-Type infection. Unfortunately,
the V-Type infection is fatal to most organisms if it reaches the
brain, but one such attempt succeeded when Ranka Lee was infected by
the V-Type virus in utero, allowing Ranka to communicate with the
Vajra via singing while the V-Type virus remained harmlessly localized
in her abdomen.
Vajra Queen
The central biomechanical organism which directs and controls the
Vajra species. While the individual Vajra appear to possess only
limited intelligence, the Vajra Queen appears to be highly intelligent
and is capable of complex thought and reactions. The Vajra
Queen's intelligence was of sufficient level to introduce the
V-Type infection into biological organisms in an attempt to overcome
her own inability to communicate with other intelligent species. The
Vajra Queen also conducted warfare upon the New UN Spacy and was shown
capable of understanding combat both tactically
and strategically. The Vajra do not appear aggressive unless strongly
provoked and appear to show a genuine benevolent interest in other
intelligent life.
Vajra War
A conflict that occurred between the Vajra and the New United Nations
government in 2059. Though at first the conflict appeared to be an
unprovoked attack by the Vajra upon the Macross Galaxy and Macross
Frontier fleets of the New UN Spacy, it is now known the Vajra were
manipulated into aggression by Grace O'Connor and her Cybernetic
Conspiracy cohorts in the Macross Galaxy Fleet.
Valkyrie
The name for the first VF-1 variable fighter and adopted as a generic term to subsequently describe all the following variable fighters.
Varauta (Army)
Humans and Zentradi that explored the fourth planet of the Varauta system in 2043 and were subsequently mentally controlled by a race called the Protodeviln (initially imprisoned upon that world). The Varauta Army is much like the Supervision Army that fought against the Stellar Republic in millennia past, brainwashed Zentradi and Protoculture people controlled by the Protodeviln.
Varauta (Solar System)
Name given to a solar system with an inhabitable planet discovered near the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Approached in 2025 by the Megaroad-13 colonization fleet the planet system is named Varauta and immigration begins. In 2043 the Varauta (UNG) research fleet surveys an "ice planet" within the Varauta system and scientists discover a mysterious energy field beneath the ice surface protecting an undisturbed legacy of the Protoculture. Experiments begin to deactivate the field, eventually dropping the field strength and awakening the Protodeviln heretofore unknown to be imprisoned inside. The Protodeviln seize control of the Humans and Zentradi (including Ivane Gyuntar who later becomes Gepernich) and begin building their own civilization and military. In 2045, the Macross 7 ventures near the Planet Varauta. Despite the warnings of Exedol Folmo not to approach the planet, Captain Maximilian Jenius does not heed these warnings and the fleet encounters a mysterious enemy (the Varauta Army).
Variable (Variable Fighter)
A term to describe a vehicle capable of converting from one configuration to another. It is most often exclusively used as variable fighter to describe a fighter jet aircraft that can transform itself into a humanoid robot configuration.
Variable Geometry Wing
Describes those aerospace craft with the capability to alter the sweep of the main wings into the optimal configuration for the speed at which the craft is flying. Swept wing configurations are good for high speed flight while unswept wings are better for flying at low speeds. While relaxed stability provides a better, more efficient way of achieving the same advantages of variable-sweep wing systems, variable geometry wings are integral to the transformation systems of almost all variable fighters and provide advantages in space flight using vernier thrusters mounted within the main wings.
Veil
A United Nations colony world. It is the home planet of Emilia Jenius and was the site of a brief battle between Nekki Basara of the paramilitary unit Sound Force and the Protodeviln in 2045.
Vernier Thruster
Small but powerful thrusters used to maneuver a vehicle in space. These verniers also act as a counter force to help decelerate a vehicle in space.
VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
Acronym that describes the capability of certain aerospace craft to launch vertically.
An advanced cockpit video monitor system first introduced in Shinsei Industries YF-19 variable fighter in 2040. The wrap-around imaging monitor mounts thin video panels on opaque sections of the cockpit interior displaying the environment outside the craft with perfect image quality. In conjunction with the cockpit canopy, the wrap-around monitors grant the pilot a nearly 360 degree field of vision. In Battroid mode, a polygon frame with many monitors surrounds the cockpit to provide a full video view of the exterior environment. After successful trials in the YF-19, the wrap-around imaging monitor system was included in most next generation fighters including the VF-17 Nightmare, the VF-19 Excalibur and the VF-171 Nightmare Plus. The VF-25 Messiah cockpit appears to bypass the wrap-around monitor system in Fighter and GERWALK modes (instead relying upon holographic targeting) but utilizes a slightly improved wrap-around monitor for the Battroid mode.
A race of giant humanoid beings (on average five times the size of a human) genetically created by the Protoculture as weapons of warfare. The Zentradi fought a war against the Supervision Army of the Protodevlin, a war so devastating it resulted in both the defeat of the Supervision Army and the destruction of the entire Galactic Republic of the Protoculture. After the war, the Zentradi continued a search and destroy mission throughout the galaxy for Supervision Army survivors and during this mission encountered humans in 2009. Prior to human contact, the average Zentradi possessed intelligence equivalent to that of human primary school children. After exposure to human society and knowledge, the Zentradi have shown a much greater potential intelligence. The average Zentradi/Meltrandi appears to be 8-10 meters tall, with males somewhat taller than females. Britai was a commander type Zentradi who was much taller than the average Zentradi (13.54 meters tall) as well as possessing greater strength and endurance than other Zentradi (Britai was also able to survive for short periods in a vacuum).
A note about Zentradi/Meltrandi: The term "Zentradi" is still utilized in the greater Macross continuity to refer to both Zentrans (male) and Meltrans (female) as the same species. However, the terms Meltrandi/Meltran are also still used to differentiate the female Zentradi and the word "Meltrandi" is still used to describe a female Zentradi as both female and as a different species than human (despite the near 100% genetic similarity with humans).
Zola
Zola is a planet on the far edges of the UNG sphere of influence. Very little is known about Zola, but the planet is part of the UNG and inhabited by a human-like race called Zolans.
Zolan
Zolans are a human-like race native to the Planet Zola. They appear nearly identical to humans except for their large, pointed ears and some males feature prominent hair covered forearms.
