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VF-1
The development of this machine heavily incorporated alien technology recovered from the Macross, such as its transformation system and new material sciences. It was also the first variable fighter of the U.N. Spacy to use thermonuclear reaction turbine engines. Unlike past turbofan engines that used fossil fuels, the thermonuclear reaction engines directly heat intake air in the combustion section before expelling it. Therefore, within an atmosphere, it does not need to carry the fuel required by conventional aircraft, and its operational range is significantly increased. The fuselage of the VF series fighters all use "SWAG Energy Conversion Armor," which utilizes the energy generated by the thermonuclear reaction engines to strengthen the airframe. This allows the originally thin and light fuselage to possess armor as tough as a heavy tank. In addition to greatly enhancing the Valkyrie's own defensive capabilities, it also allows the Valkyrie to withstand the stress of transforming during high-speed atmospheric flight without being torn apart.
In addition to its Fighter mode, this machine also has the following two forms:
Battloid Mode: This form was developed for ground combat and close-quarters combat against giant soldiers. In the atmosphere, this is the machine's slowest and least maneuverable mode. However, in space, its limbs provide considerable agility.
GERWALK Mode: This was an accidental discovery resulting from a test flight accident, caused by an incomplete transformation. In that incident, the pilot brought the partially transformed aircraft back in this state, unexpectedly revealing its utility. Subsequent experiments confirmed the effectiveness of this mode. In this form, it provides stability at low speeds and can be used for STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing). (In the "Macross: Do You Remember Love?" movie, the female protagonist, Lynn Minmay, was rescued by a Valkyrie in this mode just as she was about to perish). This mode was later given the official designation of "Ground Effective Reinforcement of Winged Armament with Locomotive Knee-joint." However, it is popularly nicknamed "Gerwalk" (a pun on "walking chicken" in the original Japanese). In this mode, the VF-1's maximum speed is limited to 500 km/h, with a bipedal walking speed of 100 km/h.
In other aspects, the VF-1's design incorporated a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) setup, allowing the pilot to select weapons without taking their hands off the control stick and throttle. The three-mode transformation is selected via a control panel built onto the control stick (in later improved models, it is controlled directly by the stick). Additionally, it made extensive use of large, color multi-function displays (MFDs) to replace traditional instruments. By today's standards, such a design is standard equipment for new-generation fighters. And its single large MFD configuration is not as convenient as modern aircraft. However, at the time, this "glass cockpit" concept was a very futuristic design, both in the real world and in science fiction.
In Battloid Mode, it stands approximately 21 cm tall. Accessories mainly include optional hands, a gun pod, "gap filler" parts, and a display stand. It features a near-perfect transformation, with the main body in the traditional white and red color scheme. The panel lining, markings, and overall craftsmanship are exceptionally detailed. The internal mechanics of the landing gear and cockpit are also faithfully recreated. Furthermore, it reacts to blacklight, revealing a luminous effect, which adds greatly to its playability!
The appearance and articulation in Battloid Mode are the best in history; I almost thought it was supervised by Masami Obari himself... As a Macross fan, this was an unavoidable purchase for me...! The knee joint design is ingenious. Additionally, the central metal frame and hip joints use metal supports, ensuring sufficient sturdiness during transformation! Furthermore, the VF-1J also includes the gun pod strap from the anime. The transformation between Fighter, GERWALK, and Battloid modes is quite smooth, making it highly playable. Even as a transforming figure, the articulation in Battloid mode surpasses that of other manufacturers. In GERWALK Mode, the arms and thighs are not hindered by the position of the wings. Some joints are quite tight, so be careful not to apply force incorrectly and break them. Collectors should be mindful of this when handling the figure. An area for improvement is the loose wrist ball joints, which can be easily fixed by applying a small amount of Blu-Tack to the ball joint. Also, the gun pod strap comes off easily, so special care is needed when posing it with the gun! That's all!
Considering its retail price, the value for money is excellent. Another D.M.S. Best Buy of 2025! If you, like me, have a preference for the Battloid Mode, this is a must-buy! And then there's that upcoming Tomahawk armor set...
D.M.S. Play Scoring
Look (40) 35
Articulation and Poseability (20) 15
Accessories and Gimmicks (20) 15.5
Quality Control (QC) (10) 7
Price (10) 6.5
Total Score: 79