A poster of various TSFs of American, Japanese, and Soviet origin.
Text: Born in a purgatory with no future, nourished with the blood and viscera of the grotesque, the threads of hope spun decay, a sword to determine their annihilation.
Senjutsuki (戦術機, "tactical fighter"), or senjutsuhokousentouki (戦術歩行戦闘機, "tactical walking fighter aircraft"), are large bipedal machines, and are a primary weapon system used to combat the aliens known as the BETA in the Muv-Luv Unlimited and Muv-Luv Alternative visual novel games, as well as their spinoff/side-story works.
The official translation of the name is "Tactical Surface Fighter". However, this terminology was only first seen nine months following Alternative's release in promotional materials for Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse. It was never used in the trilogy games as the story was set in Japan and therefore use the Japanese terminology. That said, senjutsuki should be read as TSF, due to it being the closest acronym equivalent of the Japanese term.
TSF action figures are currently produced by Volks (in their A3 =Advanced System of Action Arms= and Tactical Surface Fighter Model Collection lines) and Kaiyodo (in their Revoltech line). Model kits for TSFs are produced by Kotobukiya.
History[]
(IW) A Type-94 Shiranui displays the flexibility typical of TSF joint construction.
In the alternate timelines of Unlimited and Alternative, the invasion of Earth by the BETA began in 1974. To circumvent the overwhelming anti-air superiority of the Laser-class BETA, TSFs were thus developed as all-purpose assault units, able to fight in urban areas, on uneven terrain, and 3-dimensional combat within the interior of BETA Hives[1] without their maneuverability being constrained in the heat of battle, following the successful deployment of bipedal mechanized units such as the Feedback Protector and NCAF-X1 used in the preceding First Lunar War. Since their first deployment in 1974, TSFs have become essential to humanity's survival over the 30-year war.
TSF movement is a combination of bipedal locomotion and thrust from their Jump Units.[2] Their legs and arms are moved with carbon actuators, superconducting bands of carbon-based material that expand and contract based on the electrical current passed though them; the electricity to power the carbon actuators come from a combination of batteries and magnesium fuel cells.[2] Jump Units produce thrust by processing specialized jet fuel, usually stored in the Jump Units themselves or in storage tanks in a TSF's legs. External tanks can be attached to a TSF for increased operational time and distance.[2]
TSF mobility is further enhanced by their joint construction; the combined usage of carbon actuators and multiple joints structures in a single joint segment impart TSFs with high operating limits and shock-absorbing capabilities during battle.[3] One example is the wide-ranged rotational capability of a TSF's shoulders and elbows, allowing them to engage targets directly behind them even without gun-equipped Mount Pylons.[3] Sub-arms positioned underneath the shoulder-block armor allow TSFs a wide range of arm movement without interference.[3]
Mobility is not just all that TSFs have, however; they are also armored in an anti-projectile and heat-resistant composite that has been further treated with anti-laser coating.[4] Armor on the upper body segment also aids in maneuverability by improving the active instability aspect of a TSF;[4] a higher center of gravity improves the execution time of maneuvers during combat. However, with the immense power wielded by the Laser-class BETA, armor protection for TSFs remains a low-return concept compared to attack avoidance.
Most if not all of the American, Soviet, and European TSFs are based on real-life fighter jets (e.g.- the F-22A being built by "Lockweed Mardin", a clear reference to Lockheed Martin). However, the people responsible for the design and manufacture of the real world's various fighter jets are not necessarily the same people who were responsible for the design/manufacture of TSFs in Muv-Luv Unlimited/Alternative.
TSF development can be split into three distinct generations, with each generation an indicator of their technology level and advancement. However, the generation standing is not a direct indication of combat strength in any capacity.
1st Generation[]
(MLA) An example of battlefield versatility - A grounded pilot being helped out of his disabled machine.
Early on, 1st generation TSFs such as the F-4 Phantom were envisioned as mobile tanks, and were sent into battle with heavy armaments and armor plating while operated by retrained former military aviators. The results were disastrous; BETA combat strength easily bypassed any amount of armor, and pilots struggled with the conceptual differences between piloting an airplane and a TSF. Specialized TSF training was quickly established and taught to officers early in their careers to improve and advance TSF combat doctrines throughout the years.
With the experiences gained from fighting the BETA, later 1st generation TSFs began a shift towards lighter, more agile units. Examples include the F-5 Freedom Fighter and its derivatives, the Tornado IDS and Mirage III. Nations that adopted the F-4 also upgraded their TSFs for improved close-quarters capabilities; examples include the MiG-21 Balalaika, J-8, and the Type-77 Gekishin.
2nd Generation[]
Starting from the 2nd generation, manufacturers shifted their focus to improving the agility and maneuverability of TSFs, as the numbers and offensive strength of the BETA in a war of attrition assured that pilots fared much better by avoiding attacks, rather than withstanding them. One of the means by which improved performance was achieved was active instability[5] - 2nd generation TSFs had their center of gravity located in their upper body segment, using the inherently unbalanced design to reduce the time needed to commence maneuvers during combat. Otherwise, the TSF is kept upright by its own OS.[6]
These TSFs resemble modern fighter planes ("sentouki") in performance, rather than tanks.
During the 2nd generation of TSF development, tactics such as the High-Low Mix were developed, resulting in TSF designs built around exploiting this strategy; examples include the F-15 Eagle/Su-27 Zhuravlik as "heavy" TSFs, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon/MiG-27 Aligatori as "lightweight" TSFs. Numerous 1st generation TSFs also underwent extensive upgrading into 1.5th generation TSFs, their upgrades vastly improving their mobility and evasion capabilities. 1.5th generation TSFs were still constrained by their physical frames, however, and some, like the Type-82 Zuikaku, were unable to reach a level of performance comparable to 2nd generation TSFs of that time.
Not counting the United States, most nations attempting to enter the 2nd generation of TSF technology often found themselves outmatched, mostly due to the pressure on their infrastructure and industry from the advancing BETA, or from a lack of specialized knowledge on TSF construction; examples include the quasi-2nd generation MiG-23 Cheburashka, the poorly-developed MiG-25 Spirt-Voz, and the troubles experienced by the Empire of Japan during the development of their own TSF, forcing them to acquire the F-15J Kagerou as a stopgap measure.
3rd Generation[]
Two Shiranui Seconds display their prowess in short-range combat maneuvers.
By the 1990s, the development of TSFs had shifted into the 3rd generation. TSFs of this tier boast superior maneuverability, mobility, and firepower compared to 2nd generation TSFs, due to the input of combat data over the past two decades, which helped shape the vast improvements in the technology, hardware and software used as their components; their resultant designs clearly reflect the strategic needs of their nations. The Type-94 Shiranui, the world's first 3rd generation TSF, remains a high-performance unit nearly a decade after its introduction, and late 3rd generation units like the Type-00 Takemikazuchi focus on overwhelming close-combat advantages, while the F-22A Raptor uses stealth and superior mobility to not only outmaneuver BETA, but human and TSF opponents as well.
Even with the superiority of 3rd generation TSFs, development, production, and procurement difficulties for most of them have resulted in renewed improvement and experimentation projects involving 2nd generation TSFs. Some, like the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-18E/F Super Hornet, have received upgrades with tried-and-tested technology originating from the 2nd generation of development, but others, such as the F-15ACTV Active Eagle and MiG-29OVT Fulcrum, have been partially upgraded with technology developed for 3rd generation TSFs. Heavily upgraded TSFs are known as 2.5th generation TSFs, while TSFs extensively upgraded with 3rd generation technology are known as quasi-3rd generation TSFs. Depending on development and performance, a quasi-3rd generation TSF (such as the F-15SE Silent Eagle) may be reclassified as a full-fledged 3rd generation TSF.
4th Generation[]
Me101P Fenrir (in red) and XF-2000a Typhon (in gray)
The interwar period after the eradication of the BETA from Earth saw staggering advancements in technology and science. 4th generation TSFs debuted sometime after 2004. They were the first TSFs designed to operate in space as well as on the ground, but they could only tolerate 0-1 G environments. Ascending to and descending from space also required the use of separate spaceflight units. These TSFs were equipped with high-output particle cannons.[7]
Two known 4th generation models were the Me101P Fenrir, which was developed in secret by an unidentified faction, and the XF-2000a Typhon, which was mass-produced by the United Nations.[7]
5th Generation[]
There is no available data about 5th generation TSFs.
6th Generation[]
There is no available data about 6th generation TSFs.
7th Generation[]
The first 7th generation TSF was introduced in 2031. This generation featured G-Generators that could keep a TSF continuously active for up to a decade without refueling, particle cannons, and Rutherford Fields strong enough to withstand sustained beams from a Laser Fort-Class BETA for 15 minutes. The outbreak of various civil wars across Earth shortly after the advent of the 7th generation stalled all further research on TSF advancements until the formation of the Union of Mankind global government in 2043.[7]
8th Generation[]
F-47 Ishkur
Development of 8th generation TSFs began in 2044 at the behest of the Union of Mankind. The goal of this generation was to create a TSF capable of confronting the BETA's mysterious creators, who were by this time known to be a silicon-based species with a spacefaring civilization. The 8th generation consequently focused on surface-to-space capability and space traversal, which was achieved through internal gravitational manipulation systems that had been reverse-engineered from BETA biotech. This allowed 8th generation TSFs to operate in environments of 0-3 Gs, as well as make short-range warp jumps to travel interstellar distances. Combined with self-sustaining life support systems, extreme-long range particle cannons, and new anti-laser Kouzuki-Rutherford Fields, it was said that this generation of TSF had evolved to the point that the "Tactical Surface Fighter" designation had become obsolete.[7]
The first 8th generation TSF that entered into service for the Union of Mankind was the F-47 Ishkur, which debuted in 2047. The F-47 was primarily intended to support the space fleet that the Union assembled to seek out the homeworld of the Siliconians.[7]
BETA TSFs[]
BETA TSFs
BETA TSFs represented BETA biotech that had been advanced and adapted to battle a resurgent humanity. Developed in secret by an unidentified faction that resented the Union of Mankind and sought its annihilation, BETA TSFs were used to sow terror and chaos throughout the new polity in the aftermath of an unspecified, large-scale disruptive event. Despite their organic composition, BETA TSFs were armed with conventional TSF weapons.[7]
Tactical Surface Attacker[]
Tactical Surface Attackers are a variation on the Tactical Surface Fighter concept that have been adapted to carry massive firepower and armor volume, usually by sacrificing speed and maneuverability in their design. TSAs excel in clearing operations and establishing a beachhead in contested regions,[1] where their immense volume of firepower can easily stop the advance of the BETA head-on.
Out of their niche area, however, TSAs suffer from low speed and low maneuverability, making them unsuitable for close-quarters combat, or tactical actions that require speed and precision.
Currently, there are only three known series of TSAs: the A-6 Intruder, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the A-12 Avenger.
8 Minutes of Death[]
The average survival time for the first pilots of early 1st generation TSFs was 8 minutes, and surviving the "8 minutes of death" has become a rite of passage among modern pilots, even when using 2nd or 3rd generation TSFs.
The "8 minutes of death" is just simple superstition; rookie pilots have died due to letting their guard down after 8 minutes into a battle, and veteran pilots are also not exempt from this rule.
Combat Tactics[]
See: Unit Organization
As TSF tactics and technology were developed cooperatively across the world, they share a similar aircraft-derived unit organization pattern in most armed forces, yet retain some aspects of tactics not commonly found in aerial formations; a unique melding of both army and air force command structure.
See: Combat Doctrine
In the past two-and-a-half decades of war with the BETA, both anti-BETA and anti-TSF combat tactics developed for the exclusive use of Tactical Surface Fighters have appeared, honed, and refined over the years. However, in a strategic sense these tactics are truly useful only when combined with other military forces.
Tactical Surface Fighters By Nation[]
Varying in design from mundane to highly ornate, most Japanese TSFs focus on high speed, maneuverability, and close-combat tactics, due to a need to fight in crowded Hive conditions to cleanse Japan of the BETA, as well as strengthened joint systems to overcome the issue of the uneven and rough terrain of the Japanese mainland. With improvements in TSF technology, Japanese TSFs have become more maneuverable, with some bearing weaponized armor and parts for greater defense against certain BETA; most TSFs have limiters installed, however, to improve joint and frame durability and uptime during combat.
The contenders of the USA's Advanced Tactical Surface Fighter program.
Being the nation that spearheaded TSF development and production, American TSFs are highly advanced and efficient at both ranged and close-combat warfare, using their powerful armaments to keep the BETA out of reach. Several TSFs were also the bearers of pioneer technologies and weapons that would later become standard equipment on future models.
(Aspiration) Typhoons participating in a raiding operation against a BETA herd.
Like the Japanese, the Europeans are faced with the problem of having to counter the BETA on their home ground, and as according to their thinning strategies have gradually developed TSFs that have various methods of countering close-contact combat with the BETA. Their TSFs focus on two fighting methods; one is suppression of enemy forces with heavy firepower in areas unreachable by conventional indirect fire, and the other is high mobility for a highly-adaptable force. With the two methods becoming one as European TSF technology continues to mature, modern European TSFs are highly mobile fighters with the capability to direct heavy firepower wherever they go.
Similar to Japanese and European TSFs, Soviet TSFs have a distinct close-combat-oriented design for combat conditions in a BETA Hive, with high-speed deployment and usage of melee capabilities via arming their TSFs with built-in melee armaments and well-placed reactive armor plates, as well as high-mobility capabilities to multiply their effectiveness in the crowded conditions of a BETA-dominated battlefield. Their TSFs are well-known for their ruggedness, especially in the harsh Russian weather, and on the frontlines where repair and resupply schedules are, at best, irregular.
(TE An.) J-10Xs charging with their Type-77 Battle Halberds.
Focusing on high-mobility tactics like those of the other frontline nations, TSFs of the Unified Front of China emphasize mobility and speed over other aspects. UFC TSFs, especially those of the People's Republic of China, have adopted a rounded-head sensor module to feature wider sight range, as well as to provide redundancy for optics failure during high-intensity combat.
People's Republic of China
Republic of China/Taiwan
Harsh desert conditions and years of constant warfare have shaped Israeli TSF doctrines to be similar to those of other frontline nations. Their TSFs have been modified to last in the endless sands, accentuated by the BETA's indiscriminate strip-mining of the region. Despite their long-standing defense partnerships with US industries, growing dissatisfaction with product performance and foreign politics have forced the Israelis to look to other countries for assistance in developing their own TSFs.
TSFs developed from the 4th generation onward were the product of international efforts. They were broadly characterized by humanity's gradual shift in focus from exterminating the BETAs and waging internal conflicts on Earth to reaching out to the stars under the banner of the Union of Mankind.
United Nations
Unknown faction
Union of Mankind
Unknown anti-Union faction
Loadout Options[]
Battle-tested and proven in combat over nearly thirty years, most TSFs use weapons that operate on similar principles to their human-wielded/vehicle-mounted counterparts, but differ in their manufacturing and operation. Humanity is also developing new weapons daily, seeking to even the playing field in any way possible.
Hardware attachments for TSFs. While not a permanent fixture, some of this equipment have, over the years, become an essential part of TSF combat doctrine.
A machine is nothing without its operators, and the best pilots of the world are nothing without a machine that can keep up with them. Over the years, both man and TSF have improved their performance, setting the bar higher and higher in their pursuit of the ultimate fighting machine.
See Also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Integral Works, pg. 46, 戦術機の構造 - 戦術機とはなにか？
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Integral Works, pg. 46, 戦術機の構造 - 動カ
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Integral Works, pg. 46, 戦術機の構造 - 戦術機の関節
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Integral Works, pg. 46, 戦術機の構造 - 装甲
- ↑ Based on the aircraft concept of relaxed stability
- ↑ Integral Works, pg. 46, 戦術機の構造 - 動作概念
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Exogularity 01