VF-25 Messiah

The VF-25 Messiah is a fictional space-capable variable fighter, seen in the anime Macross Frontier (set in the year 2059 A.D.) of the Macross series. The craft was developed onboard the space colonization fleet Macross Frontier from the YF-24 Evolution prototype whose blueprint was delivered via the Galaxy Network. Within the series, it has not been officially rolled out, rather being distributed to the private military company S.M.S. (Strategic Military Services) to evaluate its performance under field conditions first.

Description

In fighter mode the VF-25 resembles a single-seater, twin-engine jet aircraft. It has variable-sweep wings alongside canted twin tails, with the "tailplane" roughly mirroring the twin tails on the fuselage's underside. Assisting the onboard flight control surfaces is an array of vernier thrusters that allow precision maneuvering. Mounted externally underside is a gatling gun gun pod, found between the craft's two intakes. Similar in length, engine placement and nose shape to the real-life Sukhoi Su-27 it also has features common to the F-14 Tomcat, where the fuselage's topside appears flattened out and connected to variable wings. In addition to the external gun pod, built-in weapons include beam weaponry, head-mounted lasers and a large knife (for use in GERWALK or Battroid modes) that can be enforced by the fighter's own pin-point barrier system.

External equipment (FAST Packs and the like) can be added on to improve craft capabilities in some manner. Of note is that the real-life mechanical designer, Shōji Kawamori, deliberately gave the VF-25 a slim profile to allow transformations to GERWALK or Battroid modes occur with full armor packs still attached ; this is in stark contrast to most of the earlier variable fighter designs, in which they had to be ejected first due to being physically obstructive. Functioning as the "ejection seat" is the pilot's worn flight-capable EX-Gear powered exoskeleton, which usually stays linked to the cockpit systems.

Copying real-world nomenclature, the deployed variants of the VF-25 have differing designations, outlined below.

Variations

• VF-25F: Baseline model. Can be equipped with either a Super pack or an Armored pack. Originally piloted by Henry Gilliam, the VF-25F is commandeered by rookie Alto Saotome after Gilliam is killed by a Vajra on episode 1.

• VF-25G: Sniper variant, with different head design. Gatling gun replaced with a sniper rifle-like weapon. Harpoon system present for latching onto suitable surfaces. Can be equipped with a Super pack. Piloted by Mikhail "Michel" Blanc until his death on episode 20. During the final battle between the Macross Frontier fleet/SMS Macross Quarter and the Battle Galaxy/Vajra forces on episode 25, a micronized Clan Clang pilots the VF-25G after her Queadluun-Rau is severely damaged.

• VF-25S: Commander variant, with upgraded systems across the board. Can be equipped with an Armored pack. Piloted by Ozma Lee throughout the series.

• RVF-25: Electronic warfare variant, with such systems found onboard including a rotating rotodome radome. Head design also differs from standard. This fighter can be used to control AIF-7S Ghost drone fighters. Can be equipped with a Super pack. Piloted by Luca Angelloni throughout the series.

Toys

Bandai

• Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-42 1/60 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2008)

This replica of the VF-25S marks Bandai's first new Macross toy since the Macross 7 series in 1995. Transforms into Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid modes. Comes with Gun Pod and combat knife.

• Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-43 1/60 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2008)

Same as the VF-25F, but molded in gray and with a different head sculpt.

• Macross Frontier DX Chogokin GE-44 1/60 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom (2009)

Molded in blue with a different head sculpt. Comes equipped with FAST Pack, sniper rifle and display stand.

• Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom (2009)

Molded in turquoise and dark gray with a different head sculpt. Comes equipped with FAST Pack and radome.

• Macross Frontier DX Chogokin 1/60 VF-25S Armored Messiah Ozma Custom (2009, not yet released)

VF-25S, with armor pack.

• Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2009)

A smaller-scale version of the VF-25 Messiah toy. Transforms into all three modes, but requires parts removal or swapping.

A second release features the FAST Pack and improvements to the structural design.

• Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2009)

Smaller version of Ozma's VF-25S. This toy addresses the problems collectors faced with the 1/100 VF-25F Alto Custom - namely, the joints on the connectors used for Gerwalk mode. The plug-type connector, which rendered the toy very unstable on many poses, is replaced with a ball-joint connector.

• Macross Frontier 1/100 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom (2009, not yet released)

Smaller version of Michael's VF-25G.

Model kits

Bandai

• Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom (2008)

A snap-fit model kit that transforms into Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid modes. Like the current Gundam model kits, the parts are color-molded to minimize the need to paint the assembled model.

Also available in a Super Messiah package.

• Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom (2008)

Similar to the VF-25F, but with predominantly gray and white parts and a different head sculpt.

Also available in a Super Messiah package.

• '''Macross Frontier Super parts for 1/72 VF-25 Messiah'' (2009)

An add-on set for use on any VF-25 kit. Consists of the FAST Pack parts.

• Macross Frontier 1/72 RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom (2009)

Molded in turquoise and dark gray with a different head sculpt and equipped with a radome. Comes with three Ghost units.

• '''Macross Frontier 1/72 VF-25G Messiah Michael Custom'' (2009)

Molded in blue with a different head sculpt. Comes with sniper rifle.

References

ja:メサイア (マクロスシリーズ) zh:VF-25彌賽亞