The Tactical Variable Fighter v1.0
Author: Derran

III. Core Elements of the Variable Fighter

Propulsion/Power

Unlike mobile suits, the power requirements of a Variable Fighter are far less, though advanced propulsion technology is incorporated into the design. The primary engines of most VFs consist of fusion-plasma and air reaction engines that give the mecha an incredible thrust-to-mass ratio. Utilizing zero-point energy energizers, these engines can operate almost indefinitely.

As a result, the typical Variable Fighter has a much further range and higher speed than mobile suits, which allows it to strike quickly at very long distances and return back to a friendly base safely without the worry of running out of fuel.

Armor Materials

Armor of Variable Fighters is far weaker than the armor on mobile suits, though one can't say that Variable Fighters are exactly fragile. The armor on earlier mecha was composed of low-mass composite materials Chobham plating coupled with an ablative coating that protected the mecha against energy and ballistic attacks. New construction armors such as neutronium alloy coupled with mercurite ceramic coatings have created VFs that are as durable as some mobile suits.

Sensor Systems

Most Variable Fighters utilized X-Band spherical pulse-Doppler radars, which were extremely powerful when one considered the size of the mecha they were placed upon. However, with the widespread use of Minovski particles, brand new radar technologies have been developed utilizing phased radar arrays that can see even in a Minovski particle field in space. This is in addition to the wide array of optical sensors that aid the pilot in the modern combat environment.