SHADOW FORCE MECHA DESIGNS FAST PACK BOOSTER UNITS
Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs are external fuel, weapons, and sensor modules designed to increase the performance capabilities of variable fighters in missions with unusual requirements. The first FAST packs were developed in 2009 by the UN Spacy to increase the performance of the original VF-1 Valkyrie in space. Additional customized packs were later manufactured for recon and training missions as the designers realized the flexibility that FAST packs provided variable fighters. Today many different types of FAST packs are manufactured for UN Spacy fighters, and many of these packs are interchangeable between different VF designs.

FAST packs are primarily used only in space, or in space-to-surface assaults. In an atmosphere the FAST packs generate extra drag on the fighter, resulting in decreased maneuverability. Because most FAST packs are explosive (due to the rocket fuel they contain), all packs are designed with blow-away capability, allowing them to be ejected from the variable fighter within a second. In addition, the VF's onboard computer will automatically eject the FAST pack if it is damaged and in danger of exploding.


 
CONTENTS

Dorsal-mounted booster units

Arm-mounted booster units

Leg-mounted booster units
DORSAL-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

 

NP-BP-01 FAST Packs

These are the original booster packs developed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. In addition to the large rocket booster and six vernier engines, the booster contains four HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers (2 on each side) that hold up to 20 missiles total. The Valkyrie could carry two of these packs on its back, or could replace one or both packs with NP-BP-02 beam cannon FAST packs.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1R,  VF-4
  • MDC VALUE: 200
  • WEAPONRY:
    1. HMMP-02 MICRO-MISSILE LAUNCHER POD
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
      • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of Medium Range Missile can be used.
      • RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 60 miles (80.4 km).
      • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D4x10 M.D.
      • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 2 or 4 missiles. One volley constitutes one melee attack, regardless of the number of missiles fired.
      • PAYLOAD: 20 missiles.

 

NP-BP-02 Beam Cannon FAST Packs

The NP-BP-02 FAST pack is an alternate weapon configuration of the NP-BP-01 developed in late 2009 for use by the VF-1S Strike Valkyrie. The unit replaces the HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers with a Mauler RO-X2A high-powered double-action beam cannon, but otherwise the stats are identical to the NP-BP-01. The recommended weapons configuration for the Strike Valkyrie was one beam cannon FAST pack and one missile FAST pack, but dual beam cannons can be used if desired.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1R (and variants),  VF-4
  • MDC VALUE: 200
  • WEAPONRY:
    1. MAULER RO-X2A BEAM CANNON
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Anti-Mecha
      • RANGE: 4000 ft (1200 m)
      • DAMAGE: 4D10 M.D. per dual blast.
      • RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the pilot's combined number of attacks.
      • PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

 

NR-BP-T1 FAST "Trainer" Packs

The NR-BP-T1 FAST packs were originally developed as disposable booster rockets for VF-1 Valkyries and other combat/support aircraft. The boosters carry a full supply of rocket fuel inside of them as opposed to in separate leg units like the NP-BP-01 and 02 units. This allows fighters equipped with these FAST packs to carry weapon or sensor systems on their legs, or to combine the fuel in the legs with the fuel in the dorsal packs to greatly increase the VF's range (also useful for extended combat training that consumes lots of fuel). NR-BP-T1 packs carry no armament.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1R (and variants), VF-4
  • MDC VALUE: 150
  • WEAPONRY: None.

 

NR-BP-E2 FAST "Recon" Packs'

The NR-BP-E2 FAST recon packs are virtually identical to the NR-BP-T1 trainer packs. The critical difference is that sandwiched between the two engines and extra fuel tanks are a number of advanced sensor systems, including a large sensor radome mounted above the FAST units. The sensor FAST packs were designed specifically for the VE-1 Elintseeker Recon Valkyrie; although the NR-BP-E2 can be used with some other VF designs, no fighter other than the Elintseeker can transform while the recon FAST packs are mounted. The NR-BP-E2 packs carry no armament.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VE-1 Elintseeker, VF-4
  • MDC VALUE:
    Engine Pods (2): 150 each
    Sensor Radome: 25
  • WEAPONRY: None.
  • SPECIAL:
    1. EXTERNAL SENSOR RADOME:
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Enhanced Reconnaissance
      • RANGE: 250 miles (400 km)
      • DETECTION CAPABILITIES: The radar of the randome can detect and track up to 500 targets simultaneously and can record position, speed, and direction of motion for all targets tracked. The VF's onboard computer can only track 150 of these contacts simultaneously, but the telemetry from the randome can be transmitted via laser communications to a command ship for further analysis. The randome also contains electromagnetic and visual spectrum sensors for detecting spatial disturbances in the immediate area, such as incoming or outgoing folds or cloaked ships (40% chance of detecting a ship protected by passive stealth, 10% chance with active stealth).

 

NP-BP-10 FAST Packs

In 2025 the UN Spacy approved a program to update the original VF-1 Valkyrie (still in use on frontier worlds, militias, and reserve units) with modern VF technology. The NP-BP-10 FAST packs are part of the upgrade program. Designed specifically for the VF-1R Valkyrie but compatible with many other VF designs, the new fast packs are armed with redesigned launchers and are more durable and reliable than earlier versions.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2025
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants), VF-4
  • MDC VALUE: 250
  • WEAPONRY:
    1. HMMP-04 MICRO-MISSILE LAUNCHER POD
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
      • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of Short Range Missile can be used.
      • RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 5 miles (8 km).
      • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D6x10 M.D.
      • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 9 missiles.
      • PAYLOAD: 27 missiles.
ARM-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

NP-AR-01 FAST Missile Launcher Pods

These are the original arm missile pods designed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. Originally designed to provide extra protection for the arms against possible missile strikes, the missiles were added as an afterthought to give the VF-1 extra punch. Each launcher carried 3 medium-range missiles.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants)
  • MDC VALUE: 25
  • WEAPONRY:
    1. MEDIUM-RANGE MISSILES
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
      • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of Medium Range Missile can be used.
      • RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 60 miles (80.4 km).
      • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D4x10 M.D.
      • RATE OF FIRE: Individual fire only.
      • PAYLOAD: 3 missiles.

 

NP-AU-T1 FAST Arm Units

These trainer arm pods were developed for use with the VT-1 Valkyrie Trainer in introducing trainees to combat. They do not contain missiles like the NP-AR-01 units, but instead have targeting sensors for use in mock combats and training exercises.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants)
  • MDC VALUE: 25
  • WEAPONRY: None.
  • SPECIAL: Will not explode if module reaches 0 MDC.
LEG-MOUNTED FAST BOOSTER UNITS

 

NP-FB-01 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

The NP-FB-01s are the original conformal propellant tanks developed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. They were designed to provide the extra fuel needed by the NP-BP-01 FAST pack boosters to operate for extended periods of time, and also included additional vernier jets for better maneuverability in space. The original propellant tanks did not include chaff/flare dispensers; these were not added to propellant tank designs until much later. The Valkyrie's computer system will automatically eject the propellant tanks if they are breached and/or in danger of exploding.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants)
  • MDC VALUE: 50
  • WEAPONRY: None

 

NR-FB-T1 FAST Conformal Propellant Tanks

The NP-FB-T1s were designed for the VT-1 Traniner variant of the original Valkyrie fighter. The propellant tanks contained more fuel than the NP-FB-01s at the price of some armor and had a slightly different vernier configuration, but were otherwise functionally identical to the regular FAST tanks.

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2009
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants)
  • MDC VALUE: 35
  • WEAPONRY: None

 

NP-FB-10 FAST Weapon Modules

When the VF-1R upgrade program was implemented in 2025 the need for the original NP-FB-01 propellant tanks decreased due to advances in propulsion technology and fuel efficiency. But instead of eliminating the leg FAST packs they were redesigned to include missiles instead of fuel. The new NP-FB-10 FAST packs contain 20 missiles that are concealed by armor plates that flip up prior to launch

 

  • FIRST PRODUCED: 2025
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: VF-1 (and variants)
  • MDC VALUE: 65
  • WEAPONRY:
    1. HMMM-Mk 4 MICRO-MISSILE LAUNCHERS
      • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
      • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of Short Range Missile can be used.
      • RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2.5 miles (4 km).
      • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D6x10 M.D.
      • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 20 (all) missiles.
      • PAYLOAD: 20 missiles.