SDF-4 Izumo

:"This article specifically deals with Robotech continuity. See Genesis Climber Mospeada more general information about the original Japanese anime storyline."

The SDF-4 (identified as both "Izumo" and "Liberator") is the fourth Super Dimensional flagship of the United Earth Forces that was seen in the finale of the fictional "Robotech" universe. The 1985 animated adaptation [cite episode
title = Dark Finale
series = Robotech
serieslink = Robotech (TV series)
airdate = 1985
season = 3
number = 84 [http://www.robotech.com/infopedia/episodes/viewepisode.php?episode=84] ] ("the primary source of story continuity for the Robotech universe") [http://www.robotech.com/infopedia/faq/viewexpcat.php?categoryid=5] , the Robotech Legacy Collections, and the Robotech Protoculture Collection [cite video
title = Robotech Extra: Elements of Robotechnology III
series = Robotech
serieslink = Robotech (TV series)
medium = DVD
publisher = Harmony Gold, ADV Films
year2 = 2001
number = 3] use the onscreen name "Izumo" from the "Genesis Climber Mospeada" anime series. The vessel has also been referred to as the Shadow Dimension Fortress 04 "Liberator" in the "Completing the Journey" endnotes to the ' comic series, ', and the Collector's Edition DVD of "".

History and background

The last episode of the original "Robotech" series (1985) presented the SDF-4 leading a final assault to liberate the Earth from Invid alien occupation in the year 2044. With the mysterious disappearance of Admiral Hunter aboard the SDF-3, the commanding officer of the SDF-4 (identified as General Gunther Reinhardt in "") takes charge and desperately relays orders to launch the Neutron S missiles on the Earth when the mission goes badly. The Neutron S missiles are powerful enough to wipe out life on the surface, including that of troops on Earth, making these "scorched earth" tactics one of the most controversial of the Robotech Wars.

Final Outcome

In apparent anticipation of the Neutron S missiles, the Regess and the Invid fled the Earth and consolidated their life forces into an energy burst that destroyed the Neutron S missiles and a portion of the human fleet. Though a number of vessels - not, as some materials asserted, the entire fleet - are shown to have disintegrated by the final Invid move, whether the SDF-4 was also destroyed is never actually seen and had previously been open to speculation. The non-canon Jack McKinney novels mention that most of the fleet, including Reinhardt and his vessel (identified as "flagship"), were destroyed; but not the "Ark Angel", the ship which Vince Grant commanded. Later in Jack McKinney novel, "The End of the Circle", new SDF was being constructed and was named SDF-4.Robotech (novels)

The 2006 film instead revealed that Reinhardt, the SDF-4, and much of the fleet survived the departure of the Regess. The portions of the fleet that were disintegrated included the deadly Neutron S missiles during the transformation of the Invid to a higher plane.

Details

Dimensions

* Length: 1305 m over all

Weaponry

*Main cannon — Massive Syncro-Cannon
*Numerous triple Beam Cannons turrets for anti-spacecraft/starship.
*Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Defensive laser cannons against small spacecraft & missile.
*Large launch bays for Alpha, Beta Veritech Fighters and limited number of Horizon Assault Shuttle Craft.

References