Editing VF-1 Valkyrie (section)

===Modes===
The VF-1 is different from modern fighter aircraft in that it can transform into three different configurations or modes for different combat environments, and can perform the task of more than one fighting vehicle: In Fighter mode it can act as a jet fighter or a space fighter; in GERWALK (or Guardian in ''Robotech'') mode it acts as a [[VTOL]] unit or a "[[chicken walker]]" mecha; in Battroid mode (or Battloid in ''Robotech'') it acts as a humanoid [[mecha]].<ref name="AnimEigo_Mecha"/>

====Fighter mode====
[[File:VF-1S-Strike-Valkyrie-01.jpg|right|thumb|1/48 scale VF-1S Strike Valkyrie (Fighter mode) by Yamato Toys]]
The VF-1's [[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]] mode is its basic mode and is the typical mode employed when the craft is parked at a military base and is the primary mode used in high altitude [[aerial combat]] planetside and in space combat.

In this mode, it features a basic fuselage similar to the real-world [[F-14 Tomcat]] jet fighter, including underslung intakes and [[variable-sweep wing]], but with outward-canted vertical stabilizers similar to the [[F/A-18 Hornet]]'s, swiveling under-wing hardpoints (last seen on the [[F-111 Aardvark]], [[Su-24 Fencer]], and [[Panavia Tornado]]), and a total lack of [[tailplane]]s. It is armed with 1, 2, or 4 (depending on model) Mauler RÖV-20 laser cannons mounted on a ventral turret, a GU-11 55mm three-barrelled gun pod holding 200 rounds, four underwing hardpoints holding up to twelve medium-range AMM-1 missiles, twelve [[Mark 82 bomb|Mk-82 LDGP bombs]], six RMS-1 large anti-ship [[nuclear weapon|reaction missiles]] or four UUM-7 micro-missile pods containing up to 15 Bifors HMM-01 "micro-missiles". Like most of the VF-1's nomenclature, the "GU" and "AMM" designations of its weapons are references to current US military designations (GPU for Gun Pod Unit and AIM for [[Air-to-air missile|Air Intercept Missile]]).

In fighter mode the VF-1's thermonuclear engines and the several vernier rockets on its fuselage make it capable of operating as an aerospace fighter. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 3.87 at high altitude (above {{convert|30,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}), and Mach 2.71 at medium altitude ({{convert|10,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}). Its wings, similar to those of the F-14 Tomcat, sweep between 20 degrees back and 72 degrees back. Unlike the F-14, the wings can sweep 90 degrees back for storage, with the tail module folding up over the fighter's back. Although the VF-1 technically has an unlimited service ceiling and atmospheric range (since it can operate in space), the VF-1's internal tanks cannot carry enough propellant to achieve a stable orbit and needs the help of a booster pack to reach [[Low Earth Orbit]].

While in fighter mode, the VF-1 can also be equipped with a [[Conformal fuel tank|FAST (Fuel And Sensor Tactical) Pack]] space booster and weaponry system. This system vastly improves the speed and survivability of the fighter as well as giving it access to extra ammunition. The FAST pack isn't adapted for atmospheric use, due to its impact on a Valkyrie's aerodynamics and its weight; as such, it needs to be discarded before atmospheric entry. Contrary to the GBP-1S (see below), the FAST pack doesn't prevent transformation.

Fighter mode has two sub-modes:
* In atmospheric mode the engine air intakes are open; wings geometry is flexible.
* In space mode the engine air intakes are closed. Wings remain extended but fixed due to the presence of [[vernier thruster]]s on the wing tips, and wing-carried ordnance.

The shield that covers the cockpit in Battroid mode is usually absent, except on pilot's request for use as a heat shield, for example in case of atmospheric re-entry (seen performed in the original ''Macross'' series in episode 27).<ref name="VF-1"/>

====GERWALK mode====
[[File:VF-1S-Strike-Valkyrie-02.jpg|right|thumb|GERWALK mode]]
In GERWALK ('''G'''round '''E'''ffective '''R'''einforcement of '''W'''inged '''A'''rmament with '''L'''ocomotive '''K'''nee-joint) mode (called "Guardian Mode" in ''Robotech''), the VF-1 looks like the nose and wings of a fighter plane stuck on "chicken walker" legs with two arms.<ref name="Mechanic"/><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616020514/http://www.advfilms.com/titles/macross/secret.html|archive-date=June 16, 2007|url=http://www.advfilms.com/titles/macross/secret.html|title=Secrets of Macross|publisher=[[A.D. Vision]]|access-date=2016-01-06}}</ref> The legs are formed by the aircraft's engines and intakes, bent down and forward. The arms are stored between the engines in fighter mode and fold out to the sides, reaching around from behind the legs. In GERWALK mode, the gun pod is held by the fighter's manipulator "hands" and acts in all respects as a very large automatic rifle. This mode is the intermediate one which was originally intended to simply allow the craft to land in a combat zone with a maximum of defensive ability. However, many pilots soon realized that this mode's considerable maneuverability combined with its speed made it formidable in low level aerial combat as well as when making flanking maneuvers on the ground, and most took advantage of these characteristics for such situations. Valkyrie pilots also have the option to deploy the legs alone, leaving the arms in storage.

According to an article in ''[[Animerica]]'' magazine, the form came about partially by accident. Early in the development cycle for ''Macross'', the creators planned a main mecha called "GA-WALK", with an [[ostrich|ostrich-like]] leg configuration (similar to the enemy battle pods from the finished series). However, the idea met with resistance from the initial sponsor, which wanted a more conventional robot for the hero to pilot. When creator Shoji Kawamori designed the transforming "Breast Fighters" (later redesigned and renamed the "VF-1 Valkyrie" fighters) instead, he had no real thoughts of a third mode. But when the manufacturer [[Takatoku Toys]] sent along the prototype of a Valkyrie toy for his input, the prototype's legs were not yet locked into place in Fighter mode, causing the legs to swing down. This was reminiscent to him of the discarded "GA-WALK" mecha idea that had been shot down early in pre-production. He liked the idea, and worked to incorporate the third mode, now renamed "GERWALK," into ''Macross''.<ref name=Making>The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: The Making of Macross. Pages 203-246. ''Macross Perfect Memory''. Reference Book. 260 A4 pages. Y2800. Minori Library, Japan. 1983, October 10.</ref> In GERWALK mode, the VF-1 has a maximum speed of {{convert|500|kph|mph|abbr=on}} flying, {{convert|100|kph|mph|abbr=on}} walking.

====Battroid mode====
[[File:VF-1S-Strike-Valkyrie-03.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Battroid mode]]
In Battroid mode (called "Battloid Mode" in ''Robotech''), the VF-1 looks like a fighter airplane folded up to resemble a 12.7-meter-tall (42-foot-tall) humanoid.<ref name="Mechanic"/><ref name=Battroid>[http://www25.advfilms.com/titles/macross/] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423043348/http://www25.advfilms.com/titles/macross/ |date=April 23, 2009 }}</ref><ref>[http://www25.advfilms.com/titles/macross/secret.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616020514/http://www25.advfilms.com/titles/macross/secret.html |date=June 16, 2007 }}</ref> The legs are now straight and bend in the normal direction; the sides of the nose now resemble a human chest and shoulders (where the arms attach), and the laser turret is now a head.

While the Battroid mode has some limited altitude control, its primary purpose is for ground [[hand-to-hand combat]], which enabled Earth forces to fight the [[Zentradi|giant alien invaders]] on their own scale as the military had anticipated they would need.<ref name="Battroid"/> As shown in the original TV series, this mode allowed the humans to disguise their VF-1 as a Zentradi officer and to infiltrate one of their warships during a rescue operation. The VF-1 valkyrie in battroid mode is also much stronger than the average Zentradi soldier and is able to defeat them in unarmed combat with ease. However, the superior size, physical strength, endurance and [[Effect of spaceflight on the human body|resistance to space vacuum]] of Commander Type Zentradi makes them much more dangerous and equal opponents for the Valkyrie.

In Battroid mode, the VF-1 has a maximum airspeed of {{convert|220|kph|mph|abbr=on}}. Its maximum running speed is {{convert|160|kph|mph}}. In this mode, the Valkyrie can also be equipped with a [[reactive armor]] package called the GBP-1S Ground Battle Protector weapon system. Manufactured by ''Shinnakasu Heavy Industries'' this pack is armed with fifty-six {{convert|28|cm|in|abbr=on}} diameter ''Erlikon'' GH-32 Grenade Crusher high maneuverability micro-missiles (twenty-two mounted in two shoulder launchers, ten mounted in two chest launchers, sixteen mounted in side leg launchers, and eight mounted in rear leg launchers), eighteen ''Erlikon'' GA-100 Crusher high-speed armor-penetrating projectiles mounted in two lower arm launchers, and six ''Remington'' H-22T large hand grenades mounted on torso. This armor pack has to be ejected to allow the Valkyrie's transformation into GERWALK and Fighter modes.<ref name="VF-1"/>