This material was created, in part, with the assistance of Daniel HENWOOD. I therefore do not claim that it is a truly “new” concept.

VS-Ø1 TIGERSHARK-Class
Submersible Veritech

The original concept sheet, dictated to one Lance Corporal Talis MERRIL by Dr. Emil LANG himself, before even the construction of the SDF-ØØ1 began in earnest; “Lance Corporal Talis MERRIL” would latter be Sergeant Major Talis MERRIL, REF Marine

Originally conceived by Dr Emil LANG well before the advent of the VF-Ø1 Veritech Fighter, the VS-Ø1 was intended to supply the fledgling RDF with the ability to mount amphibious operations and defend against pirates and raiders lurking across Terra.

Dr LANG, in the earliest days of the RDF, didn’t realize how MUCH power Protoculture provided, nor did he realize the VF-Ø1 would easily be integrated with underwater capabilities. Before he’d even begun the engineering for the TIGERSHARK-Class in earnest, the United Nations Security Council decided that an aerial platform was far more critical for suppressing dissidents and malcontents; Fortunately, Dr LANG’S understanding of Robotechnology in general, and Protoculture in particular, had grown by leaps and bounds in just the few weeks that he’d been working on the project.

The RDF abandoned the TIGERSHARK-Class almost immediately, but after the First War, a realization was made for the use of submersible Veritechs, at least in small quantities, to escort civilian vsls being harassed by various malcontents. Indeed, the first deployment of Veritechs against submarines was a failed attempt to bring down Jack “Blackjack” JACKSON. It was a catastrophe. Of the 2Ø Veritech detailed, only one made it out intact- 19 pilots died.

That, was not going to happen again. The limited intelligence collected gave the RDF an idea of what they were up against, and the drawings of Dr. LANG’S original idea was dug up. (It was easier said than done; They had been sitting in an office desk drawer in the doctor’s apartment on Macross Island the day of the spacefold mishap; Fortunately, the desk itself had be recovered, though nobody had realized it at the time.)

From the crude original sketch (made by dictation by the doctor to a lance corporal during a raging headache, while he adapted to the effects of the Protoculture overdose he received) the engineering was reconstructed. Indeed, parts of the frame were still intact, though twisted badly during the transformation process that wrecked the City of Macross.

The first deployment of the TIGERSHARK-Class was aboard EDS SERENA, once again hunting Blackjack JACKSON. This time, all the mistakes made in the first hunt were ‘corrected’; 5Ø TIGERSHARKS were detailed (superior force), in addition to the use of a platform designed specifically for the environment (the TIGERSHARK), and finally a proper decoy, a real tramp freighter (rather than an RDF Freighter) was used (shadowed by SERENA). This time, the trap was a complete success. Queen Anne’s Justice was seen burning as she sank, and Queen Anne’s Justice was seen to sink (though rumors persisted for years after that Blackjack himself survived).

The TIGERSHARK-Class remains in service, but mostly on water-rich worlds, such as Winterall and Sullivan’s Landing; Terra is on the lower end of water coverage, being ‘only’ 75% water.

MAJOR VARIATIONS:

The only major variation of the TIGERSHARK-Class to date is the Flight Capable Delta-X variant utilized, in limited quantities, for a short period on Tirol in a pilot program. The aerodynamic qualities of the TIGERSHARK were very limited, however it was determined that they ‘could’ serve as strike bomber, then effectively protect itself during a return to base. However, the attack phase was pretty much a straight-and-level approach, with limited maneuvering. The program was abandoned and the grav pods removed, but there is no technical reason that individual RDF’s can not do the same thing themselves (with out UGC assistance). The flight speed was recorded at Mach 2.3, but the dodge was +2 and strike +5 at one attack per melee.

As an assault option, man-sized pods, similar in concept to Lifepods used in the MG-8 Phantom III Dustoff Medivac, can be loaded onto the TIGERSHARK-Class. Up to 4 of them can be loaded onto each wing. The pods can hold a full-scale Battler Cyclone inside. This allows force commanders the option to deploy Marines in small numbers with a Veritech in support immediately, resulting in a stealth landing; By the time the defenders realize there IS an attack, the attack is half over and the second wave is crashing in. These stealth landings can only be judged by effect; The UGC found a Tiresian encampment on Frander. 5 Marines, 4 in power armor and one in the TIGERSHARK, landed and managed not only to neutralize the radar, but trick it into believing a massive air-based attack was coming from the opposite direction. This, despite the fact that the camp was 2Ø miles in land.

Vehicle Types: Variable Amphibious Destroid.
Class: TIGERSHARK.
Manufacturer: United Nations/United Earth Government/Robotech Defense Force.
Crew: One.
Passengers: None, though man-sized pods could be loaded to the wings (see discussion, above).
MDC by Location:

Hull-
Upper Legs (2)-
Lower Legs (2)-
Upper Arms (2)-
Lower Arms (2)-

3ØØ
2ØØ each
12Ø each
1ØØ each
15Ø each

Head-
Wings (2)-
Missile Pod-
Torso/Dorsal Shields (2)-
Reinforced Pilots Cockpit-

5Ø
1ØØ each
75
15Ø each
15Ø

Notes:

Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the Mecha. The pilot will be automatically ejected from the doomed Mecha before it explodes by the Mecha’s main computer.

Speed and Statistical Data:

Speed:

Running: 4Ø mph (64 kph) on land, 1Ø knots (16 underwater).

Surfaced on the water: 2Ø knots (23 mph/37 kph).

Under Water: 3Ø knots (34 mph/54.7 kph).
Maximum Dive Depth:

Ship Mode: 2ØØ feet.

Battloid Mode: 5Ø feet.
Height:

Ship Mode: 18 feet.

Battloid Mode: 7Ø feet.

Length:

Ship Mode: 8Ø feet.

Battloid Mode: 2Ø feet.
Beam/Width:

Ship Mode: 3Ø feet.

Battloid Mode: 3Ø feet.
Weight: 5Ø tons.
Physical Strength: Equal to a P.S. of 6Ø.
Cargo: A small compartment behind pilot’s seat for personal belongings.
Powerplant: A single thermonuclear reaction furnace.

Weapons Systems:

1. GU-13 Gun Pod: An experimental gun pod designed specifically for the TIGERSHARK. It was a disappointment, but was the only one that would work with the Mecha.
MD: Does 3D6 M.D. per short burst, 6D6 M.D. per long burst, or 1D6×1Ø M.D. for a full melee burst.
Range: 4ØØØ ft (12ØØ m).
Rate Of Fire: 4 short bursts (1Ø rounds each barrel) 2 long bursts (2Ø rounds barrel) 1 full melee burst (4Ø rounds barrel).
Payload: 6ØØ round ammo drum, with a total of 5 ammo drums.
Penalties: The gun has a 25% chance of jamming each time it is fired; Each jamming event has a 5Ø% chance of being a critical failure, permanently ruining the gun.

2. Six Tube Medium-Range Missile Launcher: For fire support during beach landings the TIGERSHARK-Class features a missile launcher pod in the mid-hull; This is amidships dorsal in Ship Mode, center chest in Battloid Mode. It can be used in either mode, but is easiest to utilize in Ship Mode at about 3Ø feet.
MD: 1D6×1Ø per missile.
Range: 2 miles (3.2 km).
Rate Of Fire: 1 or 2 per attack.
Payload: 6 missiles.

3. Laser Guns (2): Head mounted laser guns provide additional punch to the TIGERSHARK-Class. The lasers are the exact same as those used in the VF-Ø1. The laser emitters appear as malformed “eyes” that stick out, like a man wearing a Multi-Optics Helmet.
MD: 2D4 MD per laser for a single shot, 2D4×1Ø MD for a burst (counts as one attack).
Range: 4ØØØ feet (12ØØ m).
Rate Of Fire: Single shots or bursts only.
Payload: Effectively Unlimited.

4. Torpedo Tubes (2): The TIGERSHARK-Class are equipped two torpedo launchers. These are the TIGERSHARK’S main underwater weapon. Although not capable of doing as much damage as torpedo’s from more conventional submarines, the Mecha was designed as a strike craft, able to fire at relatively unprotected area’s of its target.
MD: 4D4×1Ø MD.
Range: 6.8 Miles (11 KM).
Blast Radius: 15 feet.
Rate Of Fire: 1 or 2 per round.
Payload: 4 (2 per side).

5. Melee Weapon Combat: Immediately it was understood the TIGERSHARK would probably have to engage in melee weapon combat while submerged, since only the forward torpedo tube would really work underwater. (The laser would work, but was of limited practicality.) Melee weapons were design specifically for theTIGERSHARK.

Knife: 1D4 MD. Per pilot’s attacks per melee.
Spear: 3D4 MD. Per pilot’s attacks per melee. 2Ø foot range. Can retract to 5 feet for storage.
Battle Mace: Very similar to the one carried by the Gladiator Destroid. 1Dd MD. Per pilot’s attacks per melee.
Rocks: Actually throwing rocks/small boulders. 1D4 MD. Per pilot’s attacks per melee. 2ØØ foot range.

6. Hand-to-Hand Combat: If necessary, the TIGERSHARK can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The Veritech is quite agile, and can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves, such as punches and kicks, rolling with impacts, etc.
Punch: 1D4 MD.
Kick: 1D6 MD.
Body block/tackle/ram - 1D6 M.D. plus a 5Ø% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round.
Stomp: 1D4 MD (only effective against small objects).

Features:

E.S.M.: Radar Detector. Passively detects other radars being operated.
Radar: Combat grade radar. Range 1ØØ miles, can track up to 5Ø individual targets. 95% reliability (24% against unfriendly stealthed vehicles).
Blue Force Tracker: Identifies friend from foe. Overlays the information on both the radar and HUD, ensuring that friendly forces are not accidentally targeted.
GPS: Standard tracking device. Ties into the Blue Force Tracker.
Anti-Jamming System: Reduces Electronics Countermeasure by ¾ (decrease skill level appropriately).
HUD: Displays maps, radar, targeting information, and any OTHER information the wearer wants directly in front of the user.
FLIR/SLIR: Forward and Side Looking Infrared. Allows pilot to get visuals on targets at night.
AJP: Active Jamming Pod. Causes -25% to detection but when it is active, other vehicles/bases can detect that it is jamming, and some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Jamming also causes a -4 penalty to all radar guided weapons.
Survival Pack: A pack of simpler emergency survival supplies: Pup tent, sleeping bag, black light, GPS, first aid kit (bandages, gauze, bandage tape, pads, antiseptic/analgesic), plasma torch (for small repairs and starting fires), repair kit (with M.D.C. Repair Spray), sewing kit (a small spool of thread and 5 needles), 7 star flares (25Ø’ apogee), 2 white parachute flares (1, 5ØØ’ apogee), 1ØØ’ of black or brown parachute cord (15Ø lbs tensile strength), 2-5 days rations, 2 gallons water, water purification kit- good for about 1Ø gallons.

Virtual Map: Displays a continuously-updating map of local terrain for the pilot. Takes data from and gives data to other friendly units in the area. Effective land navigation of 85% as updates come. Good to 5ØØ miles. Specific range can be adjusted in 1 mile increments.
AMC/FD (2): Anti-Missile Chaff/Flare Dispensers. Actually launches a glob of burning magnesium/aluminum alloy to confuse both radar AND heat sensory systems. Fires off Ø4 chaff/flares each time it is activated. The system is KNOWN to work on all KNOWN radar and infrared systems, but concerns continue that somewhere out there their MIGHT be a system that will be totally unaffected by the system. Reduce effects by 2Ø% against smart missiles (add +2Ø% to rolls for smart missiles.)
Effect:
Ø1-5Ø Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud- Missiles are all destroyed.
51-75 Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in wrong direction (may lock onto another target).
76-ØØ No effect, missile is still on target.
Also note that the chaff cloud will also blind nearby heat sensors (and optically based sensors at night) for 1 melee. They will suffer the following penalties: Reduce melee attacks/actions, and combat bonuses by half.
Duration: 1D4 melee rounds.
Payload: 6Ø chaff/flares. Each time the system is engaged, the system fires off Ø4 chaff/flares.
Video Camera: Records from the HUD. 5Ø hours of recording available.
Full range optic sensory suite: Infrared, ultra violet, Magnification, night sight, color filters, thermal imager. Range is about 2ØØ miles for MOST sensors.

Combat Bonuses for TIGERSHARK-Class Combat Training Elite:

Flight Capable Model:	Standard Model:
2 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot). Add one additional action/attack at levels three, six, eleven, and fifteen. +1 on initiative in water or from waterside in amphibious operations. +2 to strike, parry, dodge, and roll with a punch or fall with an impact. Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand.	1 attack per melee total. 3 dodges per melee. +1 on initiative with support. +5 to strike. +3 dodge.

References Used In This Design:

Octos Variable Amphibious Destroid Entry; The VS-Ø1 TIGERSHARK-Class Submersible Veritech was loosely based on this design.