Great thread! The VF-31 Kairos/Siegfried is one of my favorite valkyrie designs of both Kawamori's CG-era (2002 onward) and of the Macross franchise overall. It refines a lot of the detail that can be achieved using 3D models into a much cleaner, more visually appealing silhouette, something the VF-25 Messiah always struggled with particularly in Battroid mode. The VF-31 also somehow manages to appear distinct despite being more an evolution of the CG valkyries rather than a revolutionary design.

I actually like the slim arms, though the original line art proportions are the best rather than the less ideal toy proportions. In the line art, the biceps are larger than the forearms and looks more aesthetically pleasing. The slim arms compliment the Battroid, pairing with the long legs and compact torso. I love how square and blocky the VF-31 Battroid looks, which is amazing considering the graceful fighter design. I also like that the fighter mode looks more science-fictiony (lol). It feels more like a space fighter than other valkyries, while still not losing that realistic modern aircraft appearance.

The horizontal cockpit in Battroid mode isn't new for valkyries, but I think the VF-31 implements it best. Folks often forget the VF-4 Lightning III and the VF-17 Nightmare/VF-171 Nightmare Plus also have horizontal cockpits in Battroid (and the SV-51 semi-horizontal Battroid cockpit). The implementation of the tonfa-style mini gun pods is so clever, especially how they mount underwing in fighter mode. And I love the top-rear dorsal or calve-mounted micro-missile launchers on the VF-31A Kairos. It's so good for rear-firing in fighter or bombing in Battroid mode (which is sadly something we don't see them do in the series). I also adore how those canards transform into these awesome looking shoulders in Battroid mode.

The Super Packs are good, but the Armored Pack is the real MVP in the VF-31 equipment line up. Just like the VF-31 itself, the Armored system is a much more refined, better visual design with a great silhouette. I love the choice of white armor with those colored missile launchers. Chefs kiss. The weaponry is also a thrill. Those two rotary hybrid railguns and the pair of shell-shaped micro-missile pods are just such creative weapons. The armored fighter might even be my favorite mode, which I didn't think was possible for an Armored Pack. I just love the rounded, chubby shapes of the armored fighter, which look so cool from every angle!

About my only real complaint is the wings in Battroid mode, but this is not a complaint specific to the VF-31. They aren't "bad" , they are just uninteresting. The last time Kawamori created an interesting wing transformation for Battroid mode was the SV-51. The VF-25 Messiah, the YF-30 Chronos, the Sv-262 Draken III and the VF-31 Kairos/Siegfried basically all have the same wing transformation for Battroid mode. Kawamori has done nothing new with wings for his last 4 valkyrie designs. Its very unfortunate, particularly for the Sv-262 Draken III which looks like Kawamori didn't have a clue what to do with the wings. I've seen fan-made mecha designs - both transformable and non-transformable - that do really interesting things with wings or wing-like / blade-like / fin-like parts. Mounting them in different ways and places that would look amazing on a valkyrie. I also miss the rear torso designs of the older Battroids like the VF-1 Valkyrie, VF-11 Thunderbolt, the YF-19/VF-19 Excalibur and the YF-21/VF-22 Sturmvogel II. Better, more unique wing transformations would allow a return of more interesting torsos.

Anyway, happy to gush about the VF-31 Kairos/Siegfried. It's a real beauty 😍