Veritech "Beta" Fighter VFB-9 (A,S)

Veritech "Stalker" ELINT VE-9 (A,S)

(Version 2.0 - Last updated: 05/15/03)

Background and RPG Statistics by Kenneth Olson
Background Information derived from Robotech.com and Robotech Technical File

Robotech Research Picture archive for VFB-9 "Beta" Fighter

BACKGROUND

• Beginnings (VF-X-7)
• VFB-9A "Beta" Fighter
• VFB-9S "Shadow Beta"
  
• VE-9 ELINT Beta (A,S)
  

The Veritech Beta Fighter can trace its roots to two separate designs, one as a heavy attack veritech fighter for the Robotech Expeditionary Forces and the second as TRans-EAth-Deployment (TREAD) booster designed to give the newly designed VF-6 "Alpha" fighter long range firepower and additional fuel for spaceborne operations.  Designers of the two separate projects soon came to the realization that the operational requirements for both missions could be fulfilled with a single design, thereby greatly simplifying the already complicated interstellar supply chain which the REF would have to maintain.  The resultant design was aerodynamically inefficient by itself and relied heavily on a high thrust to weight ratio to power itself through the atmosphere.  However, once combined with the VF-6 "Alpha" fighter the resultant Legioss configuration would have the maneuverability of the Alpha while retaining the raw thrust and firepower of the Beta.  Ten experimental VF-X-7 fighters were built in late 2021 and test flights began on the Robotech Factory later the next year.  Although the initial tests went well, several accidents occurred during Alpha-Beta linkup which showed that the technology was not mature enough to proceed beyond the experimental stage.  As expected, the REF decided to shelve the VF-X-7 project and decided to arm its heavy assault units with the more mature VF-5 "Condor".

Some 15 years later as the VF-5 "Condor" was reaching the end of its operational life space, the VF-X-7 was proposed once again as a replacement fighter.  The newly created VFB-9 "Beta" fighter retained much of the original design in weapons and basic design; however, the complicated interface machinery and software necessary for docking with the VF-6 "Alpha" was finally perfected.   The REF satisfied that the technology was now sufficiently mature, eagerly ordered the VFB-9 into full production on their mecha facilities on both Tirol and Karbarra.

The amount of firepower that a single Beta fighter possesses is staggering.  The VFB-9 primary armament consists of two sets of missile launchers located in either shoulder the the mecha.  Two MM-10 missile launchers each with ten Hammerhead missiles and ten reloads are mounted in the front chest behind flip-down missile covers.  Immediately behind them are two DD-16 short range launchers with eight Coralsnake missiles in ready position and eight additional missiles for reloads.  Although both systems can fire in all modes, only the rear DD-16 can fire while the Beta is hooked up with an Alpha in Legioss configuration.

The VFB-9 "Beta" fighter possess two onboard direct attack weapons in addition to its internal missile launchers.  Three EP-14 80mm particle beam cannons are mounted on the center intake and on either of the leg intakes.  The EP-14 is the carbine version of the EP-13 gun pod used on later model VF-6 "Alpha" fighters; however due to its smaller size, its energy output and range are appreciable reduced.  None of these guns are available in battloid configuration and the centerline gun is not available when the Beta is attached to an Alpha in Legioss mode.  While the VBF-9 is in battloid, two devastating arm mounted EU-35 triple barrel energy weapons are available each one capable of placing over 30 MJ of energy on target out to an effective range of 1,200 meters.  Unfortunately, because of the massive energy requirement the rate of fire for this weapon is limited to sixty four rounds per minute.

In addition to its internal missiles and beam weaponry, the Beta fighter can mount a considerable amount of weaponry on external stores and in an internal bomb bay.  The bomb bay can hold up to 8,000 kg of ordinance which can include eight long range, 32 x 250 kg GBU-57 laser-guide high explosive bombs, 16 x 500 kg CBU-62 cluster bombs,  4 x GBU-27C  2,000 kg laser guided bombs.  The Beta fighter has three hard points on each wing each one can hold one long range firebird missile,

The VFB-9 was armored with the latest Chobham low-mass composite plating providing immunity from all light anti-mecha weaponry and excellent protection from medium class (55mm or less) and Invid annihilation disks.  The VFB-9 was given nearly 50% additional armor over the VF-6 "Alpha" and designed with two massive armshields which the pilot could use to provide protection from all but the most massive of anti-mecha weaponry.  By the time of the introduction of the VFB-9, the advanced Chobham composites no longer suffered the vulnerability to physical attacks like their earlier brethren found on early models of the VF-6 and the VF-X-7 . 

The first combat squadrons of VFB-9 began to form in 2038 and entered into combat with the Mars Division ill fated attempt to reclaim the Earth in 2039.  All of the Mars Division Beta fighters, approximately 30 in total, were assigned to Horizon dropships and combined with a VF-6 "Alpha" in Legioss configuration.   The initial stages of the Mars Division attack went as planned with the squadron of Legioss fighters forming a rapid response group using their superior firepower and endurance to reinforce groups of VF-6 "Alpha" Fighters which because of their short range in spaceborne operations formed the bulk of the point defense for the capital ships.  Although the Beta fighters performed as design, the Invid overwhelmed the REF attack forces and quickly destroyed most of Mars Division within two hours of initiation of the conflict.

The latest variant of the VFB-9 possesses a RRG Mk-2 shadow cloaking device which is capable of downshifting and absorbing broadband EM radiation, including emissions from protoculture use.   The protoculture emissions subsequently downshifted is now out of band from the Invid Protoculture sensors and hence the VFB-9S is "invisible" to Invid sensors.  In addition to the active stealth characteristics provided by the Mk-2 shadow cloaking device, the -S model is covered with a fourth generation radar absorbing material (RAM) which strongly absorbs EM radiation and provides passive protection should the active system fail.  Although the weapon systems were retained from the -A model, a new low observable mutli-mode X-band AN/APG-137 radar was added to the mecha.  The system consists of six conformal antenna on the nose, body, and wings thereby further reducing the passive radar cross section.  The radar not only can operate as a fire control for the system, but also has long range surveillance, ground moving target indicator (GMTI), synthetic aperture (SAR) and long-range low PRF beyond the horizon modes.

Production for the new "Shadow Beta" was quickly ramped up in 2043 for the planned Jupiter and Saturn invasion forces in 2042.  An initial production goal of 5,000 units over the next two years was mandated to allow the inclusion of an all shadow fighter attack force.  Unfortunately, the production goal was not met as only 3,257 VFB-9S units were produced over the next two years leaving the attack forces with fewer Shadow Betas than initially requested.  Mission planners decided that instead of supplementing the attack forces with non-shadow equipped Betas, they would use the allocated hanger space on larger vessels with additional VF-6S "Shadow Alphas" and give priority to assigning "Shadow Betas" to Horizont dropships.

With the pending retirement of the ELINT version of the VF-1 veritech fighter, the REF was in desperate need of a replacement system.  With its large airframe and internal cargo capacity, the VFB-9 was a logical choice for modification.  The resultant VE-9A is a modified VFB-9A veritech designed with significantly more electronic warfare (EW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) capability.  The fuselage was slightly extended to allow the inclusion of a second person in the cockpit seated to the rear of the pilot.  The electronic countermeasures officer (ECMO) is responsible for navigation and self-defense, dispensing chaff or flares if necessary.  The bomb bay has be modified to allow seat three additional ECMO operators which control the onboard AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System and hardpoint mounted external jammers and/or weapon systems.

The ELINT Beta's extensive ECM capability is derived from its onboard AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) which along with its associated antenna are placed in the shoulders of the unit replacing the MM-20 missile system and reduces the number of missiles in the DD-16 by half.  The onboard system provides broadband protection against enemy surveillance and fire-control radar.  The system is powered directly from the main protoculture energizers which allow jamming waveforms of over 95 dBW which will deny radar coverage to the Invid for approximately 300 km around the unit.  In addition to the onboard jammer, six harpoints on both wings can carry either additional jamming pods, fuel, weapons, or high speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMS).  These jammers can include USQ-195 low frequency comlink jammers for use against conventional forces, USQ-196 radar jammers, or USQ-197 Protoculture jammers which produce waveforms in band to the Invid's protoculture sensors so great that it effectively blinds them to other inbound signals.

Although produced in no where near the quantities of the VFB-9 "Beta" fighter, a total of 127 VE-9A were produced from 2040 until 2043.  The units proved themselves extremely effective in denying the enemy the use of its sensors on the battlespace and as a result were highly desired by mission planners with VE-9 units flying on average twice the number of combat missions than their VFB-9 brethren.  With the introduction of the shadow cloaking device in 2043, production switched to the VE-9S which was identical to the earlier model with the addition of an RRG Mark-2 shadow device.   A total of 79 new units were produced for the invasion of Earth in 2044 and 23 VE-9A models were upgraded to the -S standard during that same time period.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type:

VF-X-7:  Experiment single seat all-weather variable attack fighter
VFB-9 (A,S):  Single seat all-weather variable attack fighter

VE-9 (A,S):  Two seat all-weather electronic attack variable fighter

Class:  Variable Fighter/Bomber

Manufacturer:  Robotech Expeditionary Force
Crew: 

VF-X-7:  One pilot wearing tactical life support system
VFB-9 (A,S):  One pilot wearing tactical life support system

VE-9(A,S):  One pilot and one electronic attack officer wearing tactical life support system

Service History

VF-X-7:  Experimental Veritech Fighter served with the REF from 2021 until 2022
VFB-9A:  Served with the REF SPACY and in limited numbers with the Marines from 2039 until gradually replaced with the introduction of the VFB-9S model

VFB-9S:  Served with the REF SPACY and in limited numbers with the Marines from 2043 onwards

VE-9A:  Served with the REF SPACY from 2040 until gradually replaced with the introduction of the VE-9S model

VE-9S:  Served with the REF SPACY from 2043 onwards

MDC BY LOCATION:

NOTES:

1. 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.
2. 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)
3. Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

128 kph

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

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

FLYING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

482 kph

FLYING, GUARDIAN CONFIGURATION:

500 kph maximum speed in an Terrestrial type atmosphere.  Can also hover in place indefinitely.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:

Max level speed : 700 kph at sea level (Mach 0.7) / 1930 kph at 18,000m (Mach 1.8) / 8900 kph at 45,000 m
Stall speed : 250 kph (VTOL rectification possible)
Initial climb rate : over 40,000m per minute with boosters
Service ceiling : 35 km (unboosted). Beta can be boosted into orbit

DESIGNED G LIMITS:

+12.0/-6.5 (Computer overrides at 9.5g)

MAX ACCELERATION:  SPACE

4.95 / 2.55 g (light / maximum weight)

DELTA V:

14.3 kps with 10,000 kg of D₂0 with minimal weapons load

7.9 kps with 10,000 kg of D₂0 with maximum weapons load

Drop Tanks mounted on the hardpoints will provide an additional delta v of:

• 1300 liters - 1.6 / 0.9 kps (light / maximum weight)
• 2310 liters - 2.8 / 1.7 kps
• 4000 liters - 4.7 / 2.8 kps

 

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT

13.7 m (soldier)

8.5 m  (guardian)

6.1 m (fighter)

WIDTH:

19.5 m wingspan (guardian and fighter)

8.5 m (soldier)

LENGTH:

8.0 m (guardian)

9.7 m (fighter)

WEIGHT:

29,500 kg empty

57,250 kg full load

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 60

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings in addition to the cyclone storage compartment

Up to 8,000 kg of equipment can be stored in the bomb bay instead of weapons

POWER PLANT:

4 x RRL-2D Miniaturized protoculture-cell energizers

MAX ENGINE THRUST

[Main] 3 x Pratt & Whitney JG102A Fusion plasma-air/reaction mass intermix turbines. Max thrust, 356 kN of static thrust (400 kN augmented) in the atmosphere or 356 kN using internal reaction mass in space (specific impulse of 5000 sec).

[Auxiliary] 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.  Each engine is rated to 46.9 kN standard thrust, max overboost to 91.1 kN each

FUEL CAPACITY:

32 standard canisters of protoculture

10,000 liters of D₂0 for reaction mass

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

Armored Beta

WEAPON/DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS:

1. (All VFB-9 and VE-9 models) 3 x EP-14 THREE-BARRELED 80MM PARTICLE GUN POD:   Three EP-14 80mm particle beam cannons are mounted on the center intake and on either leg intake.  Each cannon can fire 170 rounds per minute in full automatic mode, also capable of firing all three barrels simultaneously in semiautomatic mode at approximately one shot per second.  This weapon fires 2.4 MJ pulses per barrel in each mode, drawing power from the aircraft's main energizer.  This gun is the carbine version of the EP-13 gun pod in the later model Alphas.  However due to its smaller size, its energy and range are appreciably reduced.  Three guns are mounted internally (one along the centerline underneath the cockpit and two on either side of the intakes of the leg-mounted main-engines).  These guns are not available in battloid and the centerline gun is not available when the Beta is attached to the Alpha fighter.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
   • RANGE: 1200 m
   • DAMAGE: 2D4 for each single blast, 1D4*10 for each triple blast, 1D6*10 for each medium burst, or 3D4*10 for each full melee burst.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Single shots or bursts equal to the combined attacks of the pilot up to thirty triple blasts or six medium bursts per melee
     
   • PAYLOAD:  Effectively unlimited, powered directly from the main protoculture energizers
   
   
2. (VF-X-7 only) 3 x GU-13S THREE-BARRELED 35MM GUN POD: Three GU-13S guns are mounted internally only on the VF-X-7, one along the centerline underneath the cockpit (not available in battloid or Legioss configuration), and two on either side of the intakes of the leg-mounted main engines (no available in battloid or guardian mode).  This gun is the carbine version of the GU-13 gun pod found in the Alpha fighter; however, due to its shorter barrel, accuracy, penetration, and range are appreciably reduced.  The weapon fires at a rate of 1400 rounds per minute with each gun having a 1600 round capacity.  Ammunition is a mix of Tungsten-coated depleted Uranium Armor Piercing Spin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APSSDS), High Explosive Armor Piercing (HEAP) and tracer rounds.   
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
   • RANGE: Armor Piercing Spin Stabilized Discarding Sabot Rounds (APSSDS) 3500 feet (1100 m), High Explosive Armor Piercing, Standard, and Tracer 3000 ft (900m)
   • DAMAGE:
     • APSSDS:  3D6 short burst, 5D6 medium burst, 1D6*10 full melee burst  
     • HEAP:  4D6 short burst, 1D4*10 medium burst, 2D4*10 full melee burst
     • Standard:  4D6 short burst, 1D4*10 medium burst, or 2D4*10 full melee burst
     • Tracer:   Reduce damage by 25%
   • RATE OF FIRE: Single shots or bursts equal to the combined attacks of the pilot.
   • PAYLOAD: 200 short bursts, 100 medium, or 50 full melee
   • NOTES:  APSSDS have critical strikes on 18-20.  Tracers add +2 to strike.
   
   
3. (All VFB-9 and VE-9 models) 2 x EU-35 TRIPLE-BARRELED ION PULSE CANNONS:  The EU-35 is the primary weapon of the Beta fighter while in battloid mode, as the weapon can not fire in any other.  Both weapons are mounted in the forearm and are capable of firing 12.5 MJ per cannon.  The weapon is powered directly from the main protoculture generators which coupled with the energy output limits the weapon to 20 bursts per minute.  In addition the weapon lacks range and is somewhat inaccurate as its compact size limits the number of focusing coils which would improve accuracy
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 1200 m
   • DAMAGE: 1D6*10 short burst , 3D4*10 medium burst, or 5D4*10 full melee burst.  
   • RATE OF FIRE: Up to 16 short bursts, or 5 medium bursts per melee
   • PAYLOAD:  Effectively unlimited, powered directly from the main protoculture energizers
   • NOTES:  Firing an arm mounted EU-35 precludes the use of that arm shield to block incoming attacks
   • NOTES-2:  GM's can distribute damage in groups of 1D4*10 for medium or full melee bursts to simulate the inaccurate nature of the weapon
   
   
4. (All VF-X-7 and VFB-9 Models) 2 x MM-10 MULTI-MISSILE SYSTEM:  Two MM-10 missile launchers each with ten 190mm Hammerhead missiles and ten additional reload missiles are mounted in the front chest behind flip-down missile covers.  The launchers can fire in all modes, but are not available in the combined Legioss configuration.  The launchers can carry any of the Hammerhead missile variants (-A,-B,-C, or -D).  These missiles are replaced by the AN/ALQ-199 Onboard Tactical Jamming System for the VE-9 models.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 8.2 km
   • MAX SPEED:  Mach 3.0
   • DAMAGE:
     • High Explosive Armor Piercing (A,C):  1D4*10 MDC per missile
     • Plasma (B,D):  1D6*10 MDC per missile
   • RATE OF FIRE: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, eight, ten, or all twenty.
   • PAYLOAD:  20 missiles in each shoulder for a total of 40
   • NOTES:  HEAP critical strikes on 17-20, Mark -C and -D models are +5 to strike against Invid mecha
   
   
5. (All VE-9 Models) 1 x AN/ALQ-199 TACTICAL JAMMING SYSTEM (TJS):  The Stalker Beta's extensive ECM capability is derive from its on board AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) providing broadband protection, the AN/ALQ-199 will inhibit enemy radars from detecting the unit, identifies threats, and diverts missiles from hitting their target.  The TJS along with its associated antenna are placed in the shoulders of the unit replacing the MM-20 missile system and reducing the number of missiles in the DD-32 by half.  The system is powered directly from the main protoculture energizers which are capable of  producing jamming waveforms of over 95 dBW on inbound targets.  However vehicles with ECCM systems will have an easier time to located the system through passive direction finding techniques.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Electronic Warfare
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile
   • RANGE:  +300 km for Invid mecha, estimated 150 km for Robotech Master and Zentraedi units
   • BONUS SENSOR INSTRUMENTS:  Subtract -10% from read sensory instruments for every 10 kilometers within 100 kilometers effective range of the system (eg at 60 kilometers subtract -40%).  ECCM systems are +25%.
   • BONUS MISSILES:  RF homing missiles are -5 to strike; however anti-radiation missiles are +5 to strike
   
   
6. (All VF-X-7 and VFB-9 Models) 2 x DD-16 MULTIMISSILE SYSTEM:  Located behind the chest mounted MM-10 missile launchers are two pop-up DD-32 short range Coralsnake launchers.   Each carries eight missiles in ready position with one reload of eight missiles.  These missiles are available in all flight modes and configurations, including Legioss configuration.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 8.2 km (ballistic trajectory) or 3.5 km (direct trajectory)
   • MAX SPEED:  Mach 1.5
   • DAMAGE:
     • High Explosive Armor Piercing (A,C):  2D4*10 MDC per missile
     • Plasma (B,D):  2D6*10 MDC per missile
   • RATE OF FIRE: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, eight, or sixteen (from both launchers)
   • PAYLOAD: Sixteen Coralsnake missiles per launcher for a total of thirty two
   • NOTES:  HEAP have critical strikes on 17-20, Mark -A and -B are +2 to strike, Mark -C and -D are +3 to strike against Invid mecha.  Subtract -5 for ballistic strikes.
   
   
7. (All VE-9 Models) 2 x DD-8B MULTIMISSILE SYSTEM:   As the onboard AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) takes up considerable amount of space on the Stalker Beta fighter, the VE-9 models have reduced versions of the DD-32 missile system.  Each launcher is located behind the TJS with eight missiles in ready position and no additional reloads.  These missiles are available in all flight modes and configurations, including Legioss configuration.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault/Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 8.2 km (ballistic trajectory) or 3.5 km (direct trajectory)
   • MAX SPEED:  Mach 1.5
   • DAMAGE:
     • High Explosive Armor Piercing (A,C):  2D4*10 MDC per missile
     • Plasma (B,D):  2D6*10 MDC per missile
   • RATE OF FIRE: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, eight, or sixteen (from both launchers)
   • PAYLOAD: Eight Coralsnake missiles per launcher
   • NOTES:  HEAP have critical strikes on 17-20, Mark -A and -B are +2 to strike, Mark -C and -D are +3 to strike against Invid mecha.  Subtract -5 for ballistic strikes.
   
   
8. UNDERWING ORDNANCE:  Three hardpoints are mounted on either wing of the Beta fighter.  Weapons can only be placed for spaceborne operations as the placement of weapons affects the aerodynamics of the mecha drastically in the atmospheric flight.  The Beta fighter must expend all weapons on the hardponits before transforming into guardian or battloid configurations.  Available payloads include, but are not limited to the following:
   • MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES: Eight medium range Diamondback missiles can be stored on an AMER (Articulating Multiple Ejection Rack) on each inner hardpoint and six on each outer hardpoint for a total of 14 missiles.  The middle hardpoint can not mount an AMER as the other two hardpoints block its line of sight.
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Assault/Defense
     • SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Mecha
     • MAX SPEED:  Mach 3.0 / Mach 6.0 (high speed)
     • RANGE:  65 km / 22 km (high speed)
     • DELTA-V:  2.0 kps
     • DAMAGE:  2D6*10 MDC per missile
     • RATE OF FIRE:  One at a time or in volleys or two, four, eight, or fourteen
     • PAYLOAD:  Eight missiles on inner hardpoint and six on the outer
     • NOTES:  +3 to strike, Statistics given for Diamondback Mk-B missile see missile readout for other options
   • LONG RANGE MISSILES: Each hardpoint can carry one standard long range missile (see Palladium Robotech RPG Books for statistics) or a single CBM-200 cluster missile. 
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Assault/Defense
     • SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Mecha
     • MAX SPEED:  Mach 3.2
     • RANGE:  65 km
     • DELTA-V:  3.5 kps
     • DAMAGE:  200 bomblets each does 3D6 MDC, effective blast radius 100 meters
     • RATE OF FIRE:  One at a time
     • PAYLOAD:  One long range missile or CBM-200 per hardpoint
     • NOTES:  +3 to strike. To determine the number of cluster bombs going after a single target.  Divide the number of bomlets (200) by the total number of targets with the effective blast radius (100 m).  Consider that to be the number of bomblets that will attack each target in a random spread up to a maximum of twenty bomblets per mecha.
   • RF/IR JAMMER PODS:  Each hardpoint can carry up to one RF or one IR jamming pod used to divert guided missiles.  Only apply the bonuses to
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Missile
     • RANGE:  5 km
     • NOTES:  Subtract -5 from the natural die roll of the missile attack (before missile bonuses applied) 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. 
     • NOTES-2:  Bonuses do not stack from multiple jammer pods and only apply 
   • 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 DISPENSER PODS: Each pod can carry up to 30 chaff or 30 flares in addition to the onboard systems.
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile
     • RANGE:  100 m
     • RATE OF FIRE:  Up to 10 decoys per attack
     • PAYLOAD:  30 decoys per dispenser
     • NOTES:    In game play only chaff bundles will affect RF missiles and flares affect IR missiles.  The player must declare after the missile strike, without knowledge of the natural strike roll of the missile attack,  which type of decoy he/she is deploying.  For each effective decoy deployed 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
   
   
9. (All VF-X-7 and VFB-9 Models) WEAPONS BAY: The Beta can carry a nominal load of 4,000 kg of ordnance; however up to 8,000 kg may be loaded double the existing loading.
   • LONG RANGE MISSILES:   The weapons bay can hold up to eight long range missiles of any type (see Palladium Robotech RPG Books for statistics).  Statistics are given for the Derringer Mk-D long-range missile.
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Assault/Defense
     • SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-ship
     • MAX SPEED:  Mach 3.0
     • RANGE:  130 km
     • DELTA-V:  5.0  kps
     • DAMAGE:  6D6*10 MDC
     • RATE OF FIRE:  One at a time or in volleys of two
     • PAYLOAD:  Standard loadout of four long range missiles or up to a maximum of eight
     • NOTES:  +3 to strike
   • MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES:  The weapons bay can hold up to sixteen medium range missiles of any type (see Palladium Robotech Books for statistics).  Statistics are given for Diamondback Mk-B missile.
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Assault/Defense
     • SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Mecha
     • MAX SPEED:  Mach 3.0 / Mach 6.0 (high speed)
     • RANGE:  65 km / 22 km (high speed)
     • DELTA-V:  2.0 kps
     • DAMAGE:  2D6*10 MDC per missile
     • RATE OF FIRE:  One at a time or in volleys or two, four, eight, or fourteen
     • PAYLOAD:  Eight missiles on inner hardpoint and six on the outer
     • NOTES:  +3 to strike, Statistics given for Diamondback Mk-B missile see missile readout for other option
   • GRAVITY BOMBS:  The weapons bay can hold up to 8,000 kg of gravity bombs instead of missiles.  Up to sixteen 250 kg laser guided high explosive (HE) bombs, eight 500 kg cluster bombs, or four 1,000 kg armor piercing (AP) laser guided bombs may be carried.
     • PRIMARY PURPOSE:  Assault/Defense
     • DAMAGE:  3D6*10 MDC for 250 kg HE,  1D4*10 MDC to everything within blast radius for the 500 kg Cluster Bomb, or 1D4*100 MDC for the AP bomb
     • BLAST RADIUS:  20 m for 250 kg HE, 50 m for 500 kg Cluster Bomb, and 10 meters for 1,000 kg AP
     • RATE OF FIRE:  One at a time or in volleys or two
     • PAYLOAD:  Sixteen 250 kg HE bombs, eight 500 kg cluster bombs, or four 1,000 kg armor piercing bombs
     • NOTES:  -5 to strike moving targets on the ground and can not be used to hit airborne platforms.
   
   
10. 2 x AN/ALE-55 CHAFF/FLARE DECOY DISPENSERS: Two chaff flare decoy dispensers are located in either leg of the Beta fighter.  Each dispenser can hold up to 40 decoys apiece with the standard load out consisting of  50% chaff bundles and 50% flares.  The type and number of each decoy is triggered manually by the pilot.
    • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile
    • RANGE:  100 m
    • RATE OF FIRE:  Up to 10 decoys per attack
    • PAYLOAD:  40 decoys per dispenser
    • NOTES:    In game play only chaff bundles will affect RF missiles and flares affect IR missiles.  The player must declare after the missile strike, without knowledge of the natural strike roll of the missile attack,  which type of decoy he/she is deploying.  For each effective decoy deployed 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
    
    
11. 2 x HANDHELD WEAPONS:  The VFB-9 can hold two weapons in either arm; however, the use of gun pods precludes transformation into guardian or fighter mode and therefore is not normally used. The Beta can use any gunpod designed for the VF-6 except for any of the Destabilizer class weaponry.  If a gunpod is used, the EP-13 is normally carried.  The EP-13 can fire 170 rounds per minute in full automatic mode, also capable of firing all three barrels simultaneously in semiautomatic mode at approximately one shot per second.  This weapon fires 3.2 MJ pulses per barrel with its own dedicated protoculture cell and capacitor banks in the 'clip'.  This weapon, built into an external shell identical to that of the GU-13, was developed in 2032 by the REF, but did not see wide use until 2035. 
    • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
    • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
    • RANGE: 1200 m
    • DAMAGE: 2D4 for each Single blast, 1D6*10 for each triple blast, 2D4*10 for each medium burst (up to six times per melee), or 4D4*10 for each full melee burst.
    • RATE OF FIRE: Single shots or bursts equal to the combined attacks of the pilot.
    • PAYLOAD: Conditionally unlimited.  The protoculture cell is estimated to have enough power for 3000 single shots, 1000 triple shots, 300 long bursts, or 100 full melee bursts.
    
    
12. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the Beta can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The VFB-9 can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, jump kicks, leap attacks, rolling with impacts, etc.

    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 MODELS:

• AUTO-PILOT: The Beta 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.
• CHAFF AND FLARE DISPENSERS AN/ALE-55: 40 chaff and 40 flares are stored in each of the lower legs
• 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 head 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 VFB-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.
• INFRA-RED COUNTERMEASURES:  Westinghouse QRC-100 providing protection from IR guided missiles
• INFRA-RED WARNING RECEIVER:  OlDelft Infra-red Warning Receiver (IRWR) providing rear aspect coverage from IR guided missiles
• LASER RANGE FINDER / TARGETING SYSTEM:  Thomson LT-5 multi-frequency laser ranger and designator (Range 30 kilometers)
• LOUDSPEAKER: A loudspeaker system is built into the craft, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 100 decibels.
• OPTICS (INFRARED):  Phillips All-View multi-band camera system range 1000 meters.  This optical system projects a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye, but detectable by the mecha's sensors. The system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed objects by their IR reflectiveness. The beam will be visible to anyone with IR sensitive optics, however.
• OPTICS (NIGHTVISION): Phillips All-View multi-band camera system range 1000 meters.  A passive light image intensifier that emits no light of its own, but relies on ambient light which is electronically amplified to produce a visible picture.
• OPTICS (THERMAL IMAGER):  Phillips All-View multi-band camera system range 1000 meters. A passive optical heat sensor that detects infrared radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-color visible image. The system enables the pilot to see in the dark, in shadows, and through smoke, and also adds a +10% bonus to pilots using a tracking skill.
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (960 km) or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
• RADAR WARNING RECEIVER:  Marconi Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
• 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 1D6*10 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.
• SMOKE DISPENSERS:  Enough smoke is stored for 30 second of continuous coverage.  After 2040, smoke was formulated to cover protoculture emissions, hence providing temporary protection for the Beta fighter
• 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.
  

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VFB-9 MODELS:

• ACTIVE SENSOR JAMMER: Westinghouse ALQ-250(V) internal ECM providing broadband protection.  Estimated system effective radiative power 50 dBW
• COMBAT COMPUTER: The IBM-210 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. 
• RADAR (SHORT RANGE / FIRE CONTROL):  Hughes APG-113 X-band pulse-Doppler, providing spherical long-range detection and tracking of targets at all altitudes. (Range 150 km against a 0 dBsm "Invid sized" target)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VE-9 MODELS:

• ACTIVE SENSOR JAMMER:  The Raytheon AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) is mounted in either shoulder providing broadband protection against enemy surveillance and fire-control radar.  Estimated system effective radiative power of over 95 dBW which will deny radar coverage to the Invid for approximately 300 km around the unit.
• COMBAT COMPUTER: The IBM-500 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 5,000 targets simultaneously.
• RADAR (SHORT RANGE / FIRE CONTROL):  Hughes APG-113 X-band pulse-Doppler, providing spherical long-range detection and tracking of targets at all altitudes. (Range 150 km against a 0 dBsm "Invid sized" target)
• RADAR (SURVEILLANCE):  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 500 km  against a 0 dBsm "Invid sized" target)
• SIGNAL ANALYZER:  Thomson ASD-52 has the capability of receiving inbound EM signals and classify frequency direction of emitter

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VFB-9S and VE-9S:

• EM-ABSORBING SKIN COVER:  RRG Mk 3 EM-Absorbing skin cover strongly absorbing EM radiation from radio through ultra-violet wavelengths, and emitting only weakly in these bandwidths
• PROTOCULTURE SHADOW:  RRG Mk-2 four-dimensional distortion field generator (downshifts and dampens protoculture radiation) emitting only weakly in these wavebands.   NOTE: . Once the mecha has lost half of its main body MDC, there is a 50% chance that the stealth system will fail every time the main body of the craft is hit. Once the stealth system has failed, it will not work again until repaired at a REF base
• RADAR (SHORT RANGE / FIRE CONTROL):  Hughes AN/APG-137 X-band multi-mode X-band pulse Doppler radar, providing detection and tracking of targets at all altitudes.  (Range 200 km against a 0 dBsm "Invid sized" target). 

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

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