VF-1J GBP-1S Armored Valkyrie

Originally commissioned only for special operations, the GBP-1S nonetheless saw first operational deployment in space for a routine patrol on October 2009. Then Second Lieutenant Hikaru Ichijo launched from CVS-101 Prometheus in a GBP-1S equipped VF-1J Valkyrie on a deep space reconnaissance mission to determine possible Zentradi incursion. Very little useful information on performance was gained from the deployment of the GBP-1S during Hikaru's mission, mostly due to poor tactical maneuvering. Although flight records do indicate the GBP-1S functioned as designed, both offensively and defensively, the effectiveness of the unit was left in question. Some UNS analysts critical of the October 2009 deployment suggest the poorly conceived near-simultaneous launch of the full GBP-1S ordnance allowed the enemy to intercept a few initial missiles resulting in the sequential, premature detonation of most the munitions before they were able to impact. These same analysts also note the successful defensive performance of the GBP-1S, resulting in the initial counter of several direct hits from enemy fire before the system was ejected from Lt. Ichijo's VF-1J.

Despite the less than ideal initial deployment of the GBP-1S, the system was not abandoned and further designs continue to find use in successive variable fighters, most notably the Protect Armor system found on the VF-11 Thunderbolt.

Type	GBP-1S Ground-combat protector weapon system
Manufacturer	Shinnakasu Heavy Industry
Introduction	October 2009
First Deployment	October 2009
Accommodation	Pilot only in Marty & Beck Mk-7 zero/zero ejection seat
Dimensions	Battroid Mode: height 14.1 meters; width 9.8 meters; length 4.8 meters
Mass	16.2 metric tons GBP-1S system; 37.1 metric tons standard operational mass (VF-1J 18.5 metric tons T-O mass plus GBP-1S and fuel)
Structure	Space metal frame, SWAG energy converting armor, GBP-1S Reactive Armor
Power Plant	Two Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001 thermonuclear reaction turbine engines, output 650 MW each
Propulsion	11,500 kg [x g] x 2 (23,000 kg [x g] x 2 in overboost) (225.63 kN x 2 overboost); GBP-1S - 2 x assist thrusters (output unknown); 10 x low-thrust vernier thrusters beneath multipurpose hook/handles
Thrust-to-weight ratio	Unknown
Performance	Battroid Mode: maximum walking speed 160 km/h Fighter Mode: at 10,000 m Mach 2.71; at 30,000+ m Mach 3.87 GERWALK Mode: maximum walking speed 100 km/h; flying 500 km/h
G Limit	In space +7
Design Features	3-mode variable transformation; variable geometry wing; vertical take-off and landing; control-configurable vehicle; single-axis thrust vectoring; three "magic hand" manipulators for maintenance use; retractable canopy shield for Battroid mode and atmospheric reentry; GBP-1S Ground-combat protector weapon system
Transformation	Min time from Fighter to GERWALK (automated): approx. 1.5 sec. Min time from GERWALK to Battroid (automated): under 2 sec. Standard time from Fighter to Battroid (automated): under 5 sec. Min time from Fighter to Battroid (manual): 0.9 sec.
Armaments	Guns 2 x Fixed Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannons, firing 6,000 pulses per minute each 1 x Howard GU-11 55 mm three-barrel Gatling gun pod with 200 rds fired at 1,200 rds/min Bombs & Missiles 56 x 28-cm-diameter Erlikon GH-32 Grenade Crusher high maneuverability micro-missiles (22 mounted in two shoulder launchers, 10 mounted in two chest launchers, 16 mounted in four side leg launchers, 8 mounted in four rear leg launchers) 18 x Erlikon GA-100 Crusher high-speed armor-penetrating projectiles (mounted in two lower arm launchers) 6 x Ramington H-22T large hand grenades (mounted on upper legs) Optional Armament N/A

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