VF-0 Phoenix - Variants

Variants

• VF-0A - Standard version, single seat, single head laser.
• VF-0B - Two-seat version of the VF-0A.
• VF-0C - First conceptual prototype, single seat, fixed delta wing with canards.
• VF-0D - First conceptual prototype, two-seat version with canards, fixed wing.
• VF-0S - Single seat version for flight commanders, twin head lasers.

The VF-0 is a precursor, and thus similar to the later VF-1 Valkyrie. At the time of deployment the UN was facing limited engagements with the variable fighter of Anti-UN Alliance. This fighter, the SV-51, was first encountered in and around the Mayan Island. Since the VF-1's thermonuclear turbofans were not ready for mass production, UN Spacy commanders gave the go ahead to produce a conventionally powered VF in limited numbers as a stop-gap measure to counter the growing Anti-UN Alliance threat.

The VF-0 had a generally similar atmospheric performance to the VF-1. Its powerplant posed limits in terms of range and speed (Mach 2.74 vs. Mach 3.87 for the thermonuclear-powered VF-1). The VF-0 was limited to very short spaceflight endurance (5 minutes), which was in turn consequent to its use of modified but essentially conventional turbofans.

In comparison with the VF-1, the VF-0 had longer engine nacelles/legs to accommodate its turbofans. The engines were known for being rather touchy, as they were running hotter than the design specifications, and so were more prone to heat and stress induced fracture failures. Views of the turbofans out-of-airframe imply that they are derivatives of the F100 series engine.

The number of VF-0 fighters, of all types produced, was estimated to be less than 50 units in total. The variants introduced were meant to introduce experienced pilots to combat and tactics using variable fighters. Subsequent variants of variable fighter took their configurations from the VF-0.

The VF-0D appears to have been the primary experimental fighter - possessing delta rather than variable geometry wings, it is a fully combat-operational two-seat fighter. The VF-0D recalls the Sukhoi Su-33 in its configuration—a canard delta. This is a useful feature for student pilots, in case of an overstressed engine flame-out the fighter will still be generally controllable on its aerodynamic surfaces alone.

As technological experience with variable fighters increased, the additional sophistication of variable geometry was introduced into the VF-0A, VF-0D and VF-0S series of fighters. Their weapon and sensor configurations would then be adopted on the VF-1 series the next year.