Veritech Beta Fighter VBF-9P (Three Galaxies Modification)

Veritech Beta Elint Fighter VBE-9P

BACKGROUND

Service History:

• VBF-9P:  Serves with Pheonix Unlimited since the time of their arrival, approx: 2035-ish.
• VBE-9P:  Serves with Pheonix Unlimited since the time of their arrival, approx: 2035-ish.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type: VBF-9P:   Single seat, all-weather aerospace combat mecha. VBE-9P:  Two seat, all-weather, electronic intelligence/Wild Weasel reconnaissance mecha.

Class: Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Robotech Expeditionary Forces
Crew: One or Two pilot(s) wearing Tactical Life Support System.

MDC BY LOCATION:

NOTES:

1. Destroying the sensor suite will knockout long range communications (reduced to 60 miles/96 km range) and long range radar (reduce to 20 miles) and laser targeting (-1 to strike).
2. Depleting 100 MDC of the shoulder missile launchers will destroy the short range missile launchers 2xMM-20 located in the front of the Beta fighter.
3. Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:

128 kph/80 mph

LEAPING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:

50 ft (15 m) high or 70 ft (21 m) long without thrusters.

FLYING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:

482 kph/301 mph

FLYING, GUARDIAN CONFIGURATION:

500 kph/313 mph maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:

At sea level / at 18 km: 760 mph (Mach 1) / 3800 mph (Mach 5)

Max level speed: 7608 mph (Mach 10) in ballistic flight

Orbital Flight: 7608 mph (Mach 10)

Max Sublight speed: 0.10c in ballistic flight.

Stall speed: 250 kph/156 mph (VTOL rectification possible)

Service ceiling: 45 km (unboosted). Beta can boost into orbit in ballistic flight.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

3 x Flying Fang-class Phase World Standard CG-Drives. These are the main drives from two Flying Fang Fighters.
4 x Turbo-Union ATF 401 miniaturized fusion plasma-air/reaction mass intermix ramjets. Engines are mounted in pairs near the elbow joint of the arm for VTOL operations in jet mode [Auxiliary].  Each engine is rated to 46.9 kN standard thrust, max overboost to 91.1 kN each.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT (VBF / VBE):

13.7m / 13.9m in battloid configuration.

8.5m / 9.6m in guardian configuration.

6.1m / 7.2m.in fighter configuration.

WIDTH:

19.5m at shoulders in Guardian and fighter configuration.

8.5 m in soldier configuration.

LENGTH:

8.00m in guardian configuration.

9.7m in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

29,500 kg empty.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a Robotic 45

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings in addition to the cyclone storage compartment. There is an access hatch between the passenger compartment and the cockpit (as used by Rand in episode #83). Note that the passenger compartment (which could also be used to cart around a small amount of cargo) is actually separate from the bomb bay. The Beta is equipped with a rope ladder for picking up passengers and has a "bomb bay" style hatch as its floor, for this purpose. This hatch is often used for other purposes, such as dropping supplies (up to 500 lbs), or even two Cyclones packed in storage mode (rigged with parachutes) for ground personnel, and even recovery of ground troops (Beta hovers, while troops climb the rope ladder; or parks to allow 2 stretchers to be mounted to the sides of the compartment). When combined, only a pilot for the Alpha is needed.
VBF: The bomb bay, if empty, can be used to transport additional cargo. The bomb bay can carry 4 metric tons, or 4000 kgs of cargo or bombs.
VBE: In the VBE models of the Beta, the bomb bay has been removed and filled with the enhanced electronic gear it needs to fulfill its mission.

POWER PLANT:

1 x 25-year Anti-Matter Reactor.

1 x RRL-2P Miniaturized Protoculture-cell energizer.

8 standard canisters of Protoculture. Since the Protoculture is only used to power the musculature and control systems of the Beta, the canisters will now last about 2500 hours.
950 lit. H₂0 reactant for fusion engines.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. EP-14 THREE-BARRELED 80MM PARTICLE CANNON (3): These weapons fire 3.2 MJ pulses per barrel powered directly from the fighter's main power. While it began testing on select models of the Beta in 2032, it became the replacement of the GU-XXS Cannons on all models in 2035. Two are mounted on the legs and one is mounted under the cockpit. When mated with an Alpha, the cockpit cannon is unavailable.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
   • RANGE: 4000 feet / 1200 m; double in space.
   • MEGA-DAMAGE: 2D4 for each Single blast, 4D6 for each triple pulse, 1D6*10 for each medium burst, or 2D6*10 for each long burst.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Single shots or bursts equal to the combined attacks of the pilot.
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited.
   
   
2. 4 x FLYING FANG-CLASS HIGH-POWER LASER CANNONS: These are four retrofitted horn cannons mounted externally on the outside fairings of the main body, above and below the wing roots/arms. These cannons are available in all modes and fire forward only. They are aimed so that all shots from all four cannons can hit the same target out to the cannons' maximum range.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-Spacecraft
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
• RANGE: 2 miles in space. 4000 feet (1200 m) in an atmosphere.
• MEGA-DAMAGE: 1D6x10 MD each. Can fire a double or quadruple blast for 2D6x10 MD or 4D6x10 MD.
• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the combined attacks of the pilot.
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.


3. 2 x EU-35 TRIPLE-BARRELED ION PULSE CANNONS: These weapons are mounted on each forearm and can only fire in battloid mode. Energy output is 12.5 MJ per cannon, firing 45 times per minute. The EU-35 incorporates accumulators for 50 MJ of energy to be used in rapid-fire situations, albeit at a 25% lower power-output.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
• RANGE: 4000 feet / 1200 m
• MEGA-DAMAGE: 1D4*10 short burst, 2D4*10 medium burst, or 4D4*10 long burst. Roll random hit locations for every 1D4*10 of MDC damage.
• RATE OF FIRE: Bursts equal to the combined attacks of the pilot.
• PAYLOAD: The protoculture generators provide 125 MJ of energy to each gun per round, for up to 12 short bursts, 6 medium bursts, or 3 long bursts per round, without using the accumulators. The accumulators, when in use, provide an additional 50 MJ of energy (for an additional 6 short bursts, 3 medium bursts, or 1 long burst), but reduce the damage and range by 25%. If the Beta fighter is at rest the accumulators energize at 10 MJ per melee. During flight they energize at 5 MJ per melee and during combat (military thrust, dodging, and firings) they are disconnected so that all the power is used by the pilot.


4. 2 x MM-10 MULTI-MISSILE SYSTEM: The Beta fighter has 40 short range Hammerhead missiles that launch from forward facing launch bays. The launching bays are two 10-tube launchers in the front chest/fuselage and can fire in all modes. However, once the Beta and Alpha combine the missiles are no longer available.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
• RANGE: Varies
• MEGA-DAMAGE: Varies
• RATE OF FIRE: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, eight, ten, or all twenty.
• PAYLOAD:  20 in each shoulder for a total of 40.


5. 2 x DD-8A MULTI-MISSILE SYSTEM: Each launcher has sixteen medium range Coralsnake missiles. Eight are ready to fire with one reload per tube. Launchers are of a pop-up design and are located behind the MM-10 launchers. These missiles are available in all flight modes and configurations, including when the Alpha and Beta combine.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
• RANGE: Varies with warhead
• MEGA-DAMAGE: Varies with warhead
• RATE OF FIRE: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, eight, or sixteen.
• PAYLOAD: 16 Coralsnake missiles per launcher for a total of thirty two.


6. UNDERWING ORDNANCE: Three hardpoints per wing with multiple ordnance options. Available payloads include, but are not limited to the following:
• MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES: Eight missiles can be stored on an AMER (Articulating Multiple Ejection Rack) on each inner hardpoint, seven on each middle and six on each outer hardpoint, for a total of up to forty-two medium range missiles.
• LONG RANGE MISSILES: Each hardpoint can carry one long range missile.
• CBM-200 cluster missiles: Each hardpoint can carry one. Two hundred guided cluster bombs with a range of 500 meters mounted on a long range missile. Customized for anti-mecha operations both in space and on the ground. 1D6*10 MDC to every mecha in 500 meter blast radius.
• RF/IR JAMMER PODS: Each hardpoint can carry one RF or one IR jamming pod used to divert guided missiles.
  • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Missile
  • RANGE:  5 km
  • NOTES: Subtract -5 from the natural die roll of the missile attack (missile bonuses do not apply) for dumb missiles (+2 to strike bonus or less), -3 from standard missiles (+3 to strike), -1 from intelligent missiles (+4 to strike or greater). Bonuses do not stack from multiple jammer pods.
• PROTOCULTURE FLARE PODS:  Each hardpoint can carry up to one Protoculture Flare pod.  Each Protoculture jammer produces waveforms in band to the Invid's protoculture sensors so great that it effectively blinds them to other inbound signals.
  • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Invid Sensor
  • RANGE:  10 km
  • NOTES:  Although the Invid will know the direction and distance of the mecha carrying the Protoculture flare; however, the flare will blind the Invid from detecting any other targets within the 10 km effective range.
• CHAFF AND FLARE PODS: Can carry up to 20 chaff and flares. Range: 100 m.
  Notes: Since it is impossible for a player to know what type of missile is being used against them, one chaff and one flare must be dispensed to attempt to jam an incoming missile volley. Subtract -3 from the natural die roll for dumb missiles (those with strike rolls +2 or less), -2 from the natural die from for standard missiles (+3 to strike), -1 from the natural die roll from intelligent missiles (+4 or greater to strike). If the natural die roll, without any strike bonuses added falls below +5 then the decoys are effective and the missile(s) will miss their intended target.
7. WEAPONS BAY (VBF only): The weapons bay onboard the Beta can alternatively carry either a bomb or missile payload. It is located in the chest area in Battloid mode, and between the MM-10s and the cockpit in the other modes. It is only usable in Jet mode.
   Bomb Bay: Bombs are equal to short or medium range missiles in power and types available, except that they have no motive power of their own. They are unguided unless a laser homing device is installed on each bomb, and for the homing devices to work there must be a ground unit shining a laser designator on the target. The bombs can be set for impact, ground proximity detonation, or target proximity detonation by the pilot or weapons officer from the cockpit. The last form of detonation will cause the bombs to detonate if any large (8 feet+) target comes within 1/2 the blast radius of the bomb after it falls at least 100 feet from the Beta, except for stationary items on the ground, until the bombs hit. While they WILL NOT EXPLODE if they hit the ground, or ground targets, once there, they become proximity mines, and will go off if an object of the right size approaches them on the ground within the preset range. This includes ground or air targets, and even the Veritech that dropped them! Bombs must be dropped at Subsonic speeds to have any chance of hitting their target. Bombs are dropped from both launchers simultaneously, and must be dropped in the order that they were loaded.

Primary Purpose: Ground Assault.
Bomb Type: As any short or medium range missiles.
Mega-Damage: Varies by bomb type.
Range: "Dumb" types are limited to 1/2 the Beta's altitude in horizontal range. Laser guided bombs, due to their steering vanes, are limited to a horizontal range equal to the Beta's altitude.
Both weapons gain an additional 10% to range for every 100 mph of speed, but at the expense of a cumulative -2 to hit for every 100 mph as well (-4 for 200 mph, -6 for 300, -8 for 400, -10 for 500, -12 for 600).
Rate of Fire: 2, 4, 6 or 8 (1, 2, 3 or 4 per rack).
Payload: 2 Bomb Racks. 32 medium bombs (64 small bombs) per rack, 64 (128) total.

Bomb Modifiers to Strike: All bombs require a natural 5 or better to have a chance of hitting, and any result modified to 4 or less miss as well, other than Natural 20s. Note that bombs dropped from altitudes over 10,000 feet give the target a chance to dodge or roll, if possible, if the attack is detected by radar system.

Modifiers ("Dumb"/Laser-guided) -

• Stationary-large (buildings): 0/+3 or more(situational);
• Stationary-medium (mecha-sized) target: -4/0;
• Moving medium target: -6/-4;
• Any target under 10x10 feet (people, Invid scouts): -10/-6;
• Dumb bombs only = Each 1000 feet over 1000 feet: -1.
• Speed modifiers: See Range above.

Missiles: This replaces the bomb payload for missiles, or additional cargo/passenger transport if no missiles are carried. In this configuration, the racks on the walls hold 32 MRMs or 16 LRMs. When fired, the missiles drop out of the mecha, then fire their engines. Missiles must be dropped in the order that they were loaded into the racks. If the two wall racks are loaded differently (say, plasma in one, HE in the other), only one rack can be used, but this reduced the ROF to 1 or 2. The default launch method is to launch volleys equally from both racks.
Primary Purpose: Assault.
Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft.
Missile Type: Medium or Long range missiles.
Mega-Damage: Varies by missile type.
Range: Varies by missile type.
Rate of Fire - LRMs: 1 or 2.
Rate of Fire - MRMs: 1, 2 or 4.
Payload: 32 MRMs or 16 LRMs.


8. ALPHA STRIKE: The Beta can perform a linked Alpha Strike of all its forward energy weapons on one target. In fighter and guardian modes, this volley consists of the Laser Cannons and the Particle Cannons. In battloid mode, this consists of the Laser and Ion Cannons. In either mode, this counts as a Burst and costs 2 actions.
• RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m) in an atmosphere, double in space.
• MEGA-DAMAGE: F/G Modes 7D6x10 MD, B Mode 6D6x10 MD.
• RATE OF FIRE: Costs 2 actions.
• LEGIOS NOTE: When linked with the Alpha Fighter, their combined volley does 8D6x10 MD.


9. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the Beta can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The VBF-9 can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, jump kicks, leap attacks, rolling with impacts, etc.

MEGA-DAMAGE:

• Punch in Battloid:  3D6
• Punch in Guardian:  3D4
• Kick: 3D6
• Leap Kick: 6D6
• Body Flip/Throw: 3D6
• Body Block/Tackle: 3D6
• Stomp: 3D4  (only effective against small objects)
  

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL BETAS:

• AUTO-PILOT: The VBF-9 is equipped with a computerized auto-pilot, allowing the pilot to relax or even sleep during long voyages. The auto-pilot can be programmed with a single destination or a complex flight plan involving multiple speeds, directions, and destinations. The onboard computer will alert the pilot when the fighter is near its destination, and can also be set to automatically signal when sensors detect objects near the mecha. The auto-pilot was designed with long intra-system space journeys in mind.
• COMBAT COMPUTER: The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 10,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 250 targets simultaneously. 
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (960 km) [x10 in space] or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
• EXTERNAL AUDIO PICKUP: Range: 300 ft (91.5 m). A sound amplification system that can pick up normal conversation up to 300 feet away.
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS: Special shielding prevents the penetration of life threatening heat and radiation. A radiation detection and alarm system are linked with the shields and will sound an alarm if there is a rupture in the shields and what the levels of radiation are.
• HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the VBF-9 is equipped with a homing device that enables rescue teams to locate a disabled craft or ejected life pod. The range of the signal is 400 miles (640 km). Most REF ships and veritechs can locate and track a homing signal, and the onboard computers will automatically notify their pilots if such a signal is detected.
• LOUDSPEAKER: A loudspeaker system is built into the craft, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 90 decibels.
• SELF-DESTRUCT: To prevent capture of an advance variable fighter by the enemy, the pilot can activate the VBF-9 self-destruct system, which will cause the fighter to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by the pilot). The explosive damage is contained within a 20 foot (6 m) area and inflicts 1D6x10 M.D. to everything within the radius of the explosion. All internal systems are obliterated. The escape pod will be automatically ejected prior to the explosion unless the pilot overrides the ejection sequence.
• STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: All REF veritechs come equipped with a portable survival kit. Inside the small reinforced box is a medium-sized flashlight, two hand flares, one rocket flare, a compass, infrared distancing binoculars, a small mirror, a pocket knife, dehydrated and concentrated food (can be stretched into a five day supply for one person) and basic first aid items (aspirin, bandages, disinfectants, etc.)
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The VBF-9 cockpit is pressurized, and also provides additional air feeds to the pilot's flight suit that provides him with pressurized breathing. The REF flight suit also contains an upper and lower g-suit that promotes blood circulation even during high-g turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking out in combat.
• CHAFF, FLARE, AND SMOKE DISPENSERS: Can carry up to 30 chaff, 30 flares, and 20 smoke bundles. Range: 100 m.
  Notes: Since it is impossible for a player to know what type of missile is being used against them, one chaff and one flare must be dispensed to attempt to jam an incoming missile volley. Subtract -3 from the natural die roll for dumb missiles (those with strike rolls +2 or less), -2 from the natural die from for standard missiles (+3 to strike), -1 from the natural die roll from intelligent missiles (+4 or greater to strike). If the natural die roll, with out any strike bonuses added falls below +5 then the decoys are effective and the missile(s) will miss their intended target.
  

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR VBF MODELS:

• Hughes APG-113 X-band pulse-Doppler, providing spherical long-range detection and tracking of targets at all altitudes. (Range 150 miles, x10 in space).
• Two Zeiss/Thomson multi-spectrum high-sensitivity scanner booms. Each boom features a 30cm CCD-equipped Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a 27cm IR telescopic imager, and a 24cm ultra-violet telescope. These two booms are mounted on swiveling arms, and are, when not in use in jet or VTOL mode, folded between the upper main engine sections to avoid damage to the somewhat delicate optics. When used in the above modes, and under normal circumstances in Battloid mode, the optics arms are folded out into a 'T' shape for stereoscopic operation.
• Phillips All-View multi-band digital camera system, for medium range spherical infra-red imaging, optical and ultra-violet band detection and tracking.
• Thomson LT-5 multi-frequency laser ranger and designator. (Range 30 kilometers).
• Marconi Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
• OlDelft Infra-red Warning Receiver (IRWR)
• Westinghouse ALQ-248 (V) active radar jammer. Range: 20 miles.
• SPECIAL NOTE: All systems have been upgraded to be fully compatible with Phase World-Standard detection and scanning methods.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR VBE MODELS:

• Westinghouse APY-7 multi-band interleaved-multi-mode radar system, providing spherical very-long-range detection and tracking of targets at all altitudes in addition to medium range imaging and target identification. This system includes passive modes for "stealthy" detection of targets. (Range 300 miles, x10 in space)
• Two Zeiss/Thomson multi-spectrum high-sensitivity scanner booms. Each boom features a 30cm CCD-equipped Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a 27cm IR telescopic imager, and a 24cm ultra-violet telescope. These two booms are mounted on swiveling arms, and are, when not in use in jet or VTOL mode, folded between the upper main engine sections to avoid damage to the somewhat delicate optics. When used in the above modes, and under normal circumstances in Battloid mode, the optics arms are folded out into a 'T' shape for stereoscopic operation.
• Phillips All-View multi-band digital camera system, for medium range spherical infra-red imaging, optical and ultra-violet band detection and tracking.
• Thomson LT-5 multi-frequency laser ranger and designator. (Range 30 kilometers)
• Westinghouse ALQ-258 (V) multi-channel wide-band radar detector/jammer. Range: 35 miles.
• OlDelft Infra-red Warning Receiver (IRWR)
• Westinghouse QRC-100 Infra-red Counter Measures (IRCM)
• Thomson ASD-52: Multi-band voice and data link signal detector/jammer. Range 40 miles.
• RF/IR Jammer: Jams the guidance of smart missiles. Range: 5 miles. Subtract -5 from the natural die roll of missile attacks (missile bonuses do not apply) for dumb missiles (+2 to strike bonus or less), -3 from standard missiles (+3 to strike), -1 from intelligent missiles (+4 to strike or greater).
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION (VBE-9PM): Long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 1200 miles (960 km) [x10 in space] or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
• Protoculture Jammer Flare: This jammer produces waveforms in bands sensitive to the Invid's protoculture sensors so great that it effectively blinds them to other inbound signals. Range: 10 km.
  Notes: Although the Invid will know the direction and distance of the mecha carrying the Protoculture flare, the flare will blind the Invid from detecting any other targets within the 10 km effective range.
• SPECIAL NOTE: All systems have been upgraded to be fully compatible with Phase World-Standard detection and scanning methods.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VBF-9P and VBE-9P FIGHTER ELITE COMBAT TRAINING:

• 2 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels six and twelve.
• +1 to strike in fighter, +2 in Guardian, +3 in Battloid
• +3 to parry
• +2 to dodge in Battloid, +3 in guardian, +4 in jet mode.
• +2 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VBF-9P and VBE-9P FIGHTER BASIC TRAINING:

Random Hit Locations

When there is an equal chance of hitting both sides from 1D6

• 1-3 hits the right side
• 4-6 hits the left

When there is a preferred side, roll 1D10

• 1-8 hits the preferred side
• 9-10 hits the opposite side

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

• Robotech Technical Files: Veritech Beta Fighter VBF-9
• Palladium Books:  "The Sentinels"
• Palladium Books:  "Phase World"