Editing VF-1 Valkyrie (section)

====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"/>