Due to the much larger size of the Vindicator in comparison to its smaller brother, the Alpha, it is inconceivable that the VF-1V holds only 10 more missiles than the Alpha. Indeed, the Shadow Alpha (as described in the RPG) would have 14 more missiles than the Vindicator if it were true. There are only two options left to correct this discrepancy: increase the missiles' power or their number.
It is also apparent that the Vindicator is, by design, a late-REF weapon, yet the writers claim it was created to combat Zentraedi. If so, why the anti-Invid equipment such as the Shadow device (a late development anyway) and the disruptor? Another Vindicator variant is needed just to take this into account, one without all the bells and whistles of the anti-Invid model.
Two possible Vindicator variants are given below. The first type replaces the RPG version for use by the early REF, besigned for use against Zentraedi, but seeing service against the Invid. The second is a variant specifically designed for anti-Invid use, and is available to the late REF (Jupiter Division and the returning fleet, possibly with Mars Division, but unlikely).
The Vindicator should be considered the final outcome of the VF-1X (one-seater) development program, with the Alpha/Beta program being only a spinoff. However, Southern Cross Alphas (such as my VAF-4B in The Southern Cross Handbook: Prototypes and Stopgap Measures) are probably and independent spin-off of the old VF-2X (two-seater) half of the VF-1X/2X program, as it is a two-seater model smaller than the Vindicator, but larger than the REF Alphas.
Designations
Primary | Alternate | Name | Description | Years in REF Service
---------+-----------+-------------------+--------------------------+----------------------
VF-1VA1 | VVF-1A | Vindicator | Anti-Zentraedi mecha | 2018-2033
VF-1VA2 | VVF-1S | Shadow Vindicator | Anti-Invid with MRMs | 2033-
1. MM-70 Multi-Missile System with Smoke Dischargers: The missile launchers use the old RDF SRMs, in order to make use of the huge stockpile left over after the conversion to the REF standards. The smoke screen equipment is noted here because of its location. The positions of the launchers are as follows:
Shoulder Launchers: each holds 10 missiles; Forearms: two launchers per arm, each holding 6 missiles; Lower Legs: each leg has three launchers; the outer launchers hold 4 missiles each, while the inner launchers hold 5.
There are upper and lower launchers on the outside of the legs, with upper launchers only on the inside area. What appears to be a fourth launcher on each leg (the lower inside positions) are actually smoke dischargers like those on the Alpha. The only difference between Vindicator and Alpha launchers are that the Vindicator requires twice as much smoke to obscure it. Smoke types are also the same as on the Alpha. Modified for skywriting, 8D6+7 letters can be written, but doing so ruins the dischargers for military use until the conversion reversed.
Primary Purpose: Assault. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Aircraft. Missile Type: Any RDF, EBSIS or Zentraedi SRMs. Mega-Damage: Varies by missile type. Range: Varies by missile type; usually 2-5 miles. Rate of Fire: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 or all remaining missiles. Payload: 70 total.
2. Gun Pods: Several different gun pods were issued to the original Vindicator during its service life. The first, during development and early production, was the finalized version of the GU-12 gun pod (see the RDF Manual). Models built between 2020 and 2030 were issued modified EU-11 gun pods (see the Veritech Hovertank in Southern Cross or Sentinels), although some pilots preferred and used dual GU-XX pods, which were pistol-size in comparison. One GU-12 or two GU-XX magazines can be carried in each leg, while the EU-11 draws its energy directly from the Vindicator.
3. Jet Lasers: These are the most powerful lasers used in this role by any of the Veritechs. They can fire in both Jet and Guardian modes, but are -4 to hit in the latter.
Primary Purpose: Anti-Aircraft. Range: 6000 feet. Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 per dual blast. Rate of Fire: As Pilot's combined Hand to Hand Attacks. Payload: Unlimited.
4. Optional Hand to Hand Combat: See Mecha Combat-Vindicator
1. MR-70 Multi-Missile System with Smoke Dischargers: An advanced form of the MM-70 launcher, it uses REF/ASC medium range missiles instead of the RDF SRMs used by the original Vindicator.
Primary Purpose: Assault. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Aircraft. Missile Type: Any REF or ASC medium range missiles. Mega-Damage: Varies by missile type. Range: Varies by missile type. Rate of Fire: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 or all remaining missiles. Payload: 70 total.
2. EU-12 Destabilizer: As in the Invid Invasion and Sentinels sourcebooks. It is mounted on the top of the Vindicator in Jet and Guardian modes (similar to the optional mounting method for Alpha GUs), and is hand-held in Battloid mode. In its fixed position, or when shouldered in Battloid mode, it can draw additional power from the Vindicator to fire a destabilizer blast. A destabilizer blast instantly brings down any mecha or doorway force fields for 4D6+20 minutes. Against hive force fields, there is an 80% chance of creating a 6D6 foot hole in the field for 4D6 minutes. Against magical or psionic force fields, such as the Perytonian powers Invisible Armor and Magic Barrier or similar powers from Rifts or Heroes Unlimited, there is only a 30% chance of disruption, and it only disrupts that manifestation of the ability. However, the power can be used or cast again on the next attack if its creator has the required uses/PPE/ISP left to do so.
Primary Purpose: Assault/Force Field Disruption. Range: 4000 feet. Mega-Damage: 1D6x10 (bursts not possible). Rate of Fire: As Pilot's combined Hand to Hand Attacks. Payload: 40 blasts. 1 extra magazine stored in each leg.
3. Jet Lasers: These are the most powerful lasers used in this role by any of the Veritechs. They can fire in both Jet and Guardian modes, but are -4 to hit in the latter.
Primary Purpose: Anti-Aircraft. Range: 6000 feet. Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 per dual blast. Rate of Fire: As Pilot's combined Hand to Hand Attacks. Payload: Unlimited.
4. Optional Hand to Hand Combat: See Mecha Combat-Vindicator
5. Optional Use of any other Gun Pod or Zentraedi Rifle: See the individual descriptions of each type. ASC EUs can draw their power directly from the Vindicator.
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