Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV
English title: Armored Fleet Dairugger XV
Japanese title: 機甲艦隊ダイラガーXV
Alternative titles: Dairugger XV, Armored Fleet/Armada Dairugger XV, Vehicle Force Voltron, Dairugger 15, Voltron of The Near Universe
Type: TV
Source: Unknown
Episodes: 52
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Mar 3, 1982 to Mar 23, 1983
Broadcast: Unknown
Duration: 25 min per ep
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Studios: Toei Animation
Licensors: Media Blasters
Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Themes: Mecha, Space

In the original storyline as aired in Japan, Dairugger XV was simply an exploration robot, as well as an intended peace-keeping force. The Earth is in a time of prosperity. The president of the Terran League (the "Galaxy Alliance" in Voltron) launches a mission to explore beyond the galaxy. After commencing its mission of exploration, the starship Rugger-Guard is attacked by a ship of the Galbeston Empire. Dairugger, the super robot, is deployed in order to defend the Earth. It is somewhat by fate that they must help the people of Galbeston find a new planet before it explodes, and liberate it from its despotic Emperor. In the Japanese version, it does not have anything to do with King of the Beasts GoLion, as opposed to the U.S. version, Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

There are three assault team units: Land, Air, and Sea. There are a total of 15 parts referred to as "Rugger," which can combine together to form the super-robot Dairugger. The design of the 15 separate Rugger units came from the sport of rugby, since 15 players are required to form a rugby union. The U.S. version would rename the "Galbeston Empire" to "Drule Empire," along with editing a fair amount of violence and sexual content to keep the show safe for general audience broadcast.

(Source: Wikipedia)