SV-51
In the Macross Zero anime science fiction series the SV-51 was the only variable fighter developed by the Anti-U.N. forces. This top secret fighter was constructed in a collaboration between Sukhoi, IAI and Dornier with the use of alien Overtechnology obtained illicitly from the U.N. variable fighter development under undisclosed circumstances.
Design
Like the VF-0, it is an advance trial production model equipped with conventional engines, developed before planned variable fighters with thermonuclear turbine engines. However, despite being a prototype, the SV-51 was designed from the beginning for actual combat. Therefore its practicality and stability in combat situations was higher than the VF-0's. Due to its larger dimensions and mass, it had relatively more underpowered transforming actuators and longer transformation times than the VF-0's. It featured high air combat maneuverability inherited from the Sukhoi design team's legacy, but a shorter cruising range than the VF-0's. The SV-51's ACTIVE stealth system achieved higher efficiency and output compared to the VF-0's system. Unlike the VF-0, it had VTOL capabilities without needing to transform from Fighter to GERWALK mode.
Operational history
It was deployed in 2008 during the last days of the U.N. Wars. Two SV-51γ participated in the Mayan Island incident in the South Pacific Ocean one year before Space War I, piloted by Nora Polyansky and D.D. Ivanov.
Variants
- SV-51α (single-seat variant): Mass production type. An estimated 32 units manufactured.
- SV-51 (two-seat variant): An estimated 6 units manufactured.
- SV-51γ: Specially tuned version. Flown by Anti-U.N. aces Nora Polyansky and D.D. Ivanov.
- SV-52: a modified version of the SV-51α. 12 were converted.
Several units have been modified for underwater launching capabilities from converted ballistic missile submarines. Launch was performed at a depth of up to 30 m underwater by using rocket motors, once airborne, the aircraft switched to standard turbofan engines. These units have been modified with improved waterproofing, pressure resistance, and folding wing construction to make them compact enough for stowage in the submarine launching docks.
Specifications
Fighter mode:
- Length overall: 22.77 m
- Max speed at 11000 m: Mach 2.81
with twin boosters at 11500 m Mach 3.22
- Cruising range: with standard micro-missile launcher/auxiliary tank composite pods 910 km
with twin boosters and standard micro-missile launcher/auxiliary tank composite pods 1250 km
- Service ceiling: 22500 m
Armament
- One (two in SV-51γ) fixed Gsh-231 12.7 mm mini-gun.
- One standard Gsh-371 55 mm gun pod with 120 rounds and one standard spare magazine stowed in unit's special aft gun pod rack.
- Six underwing hard points with four micro-missile launcher/auxiliary tank composite pods (with 18 Turopov SA-19M I/IR-guided micro-missiles), two R-33D Amos+ medium-range maneuvering missiles, or a combination of the above.
- Two to four auxiliary pods and two Amos+ medium-range maneuverability missiles on wingtip hard points.
- Capable of mounting most former Warsaw Pact military standard aviation weaponry as well as an air blast bomb nicknamed "Daisy Cutter."
Behind the scenes
The SV-51 was designed by Shoji Kawamori and Junya Ishigaki who worked on the cockpit's design. It was influenced by the Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighter. The creators did not state that the SV-51, despite the participation of Sukhoi, was made in Russia or the former Soviet Union, which is a member of the new U.N. government, although Russian separatists and rebels aligned with the Anti-U.N. were present.
Toys
Yamato Toys
- Macross Zero 1/60 SV-51γ Ivanov Type (2007)
- Replica of the black Anti-UN variable fighter piloted by D.D. Ivanov.
- Macross Zero 1/60 SV-51γ Nora Type (2007)
- Magenta version of the Anti-UN variable fighter.
- Macross Zero 1/60 SV-51α (Alpha) (2007)
- Replica of the tan-colored mass-production unit.
External links
ja: SV-51 zh: SV-51