Armored Fleet Dairugger XV

Synopsis

In the initial Japanese broadcast, Dairugger XV functioned primarily as an exploration robot and a designated peacekeeping force. Earth enjoys an era of prosperity. The leader of the Terran League (referred to as the "Galaxy Alliance" in Voltron) initiates an expedition to venture beyond the galaxy. Shortly after beginning its exploratory journey, the vessel Rugger-Guard comes under attack from a Galbeston Empire ship. In response, the super robot Dairugger is sent to protect Earth. Through a twist of fate, the crew must assist the citizens of Galbeston in locating a new planet before their own is destroyed, and also free them from their tyrannical Emperor. Unlike the American adaptation Voltron: Defender of the Universe, the Japanese version has no connection to King of the Beasts GoLion. The robot consists of three attack groups: Land, Air, and Sea. Fifteen individual components, each called a "Rugger," merge together to create the super-robot Dairugger. The concept of 15 separate Rugger units was inspired by rugby, as a rugby union team fields 15 players. For its American release, the "Galbeston Empire" was changed to "Drule Empire," and significant amounts of violence and sexual content were removed to make the series suitable for a general audience.