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

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".

VFB-9A "Beta" Fighter

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.

VFB-9S "Shadow Beta"

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.

VE-9A and -9S Stalker ELINT Beta

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:

Location VF-X-9 VFB-9A VFB-9S VE-9A VE-9S
Head 40 50 50 50 50
Hands (2) 35 50 50 50 50
(1) Shoulder/Chest Retractable Missile Bays (2) 150 200 225 - 225
(2) Shoulder/Chest AN/ALQ-199 Tactical Jamming System (2) - - - 200 225
Forearm Shields (2) 250 300 350 300 350
Upper Arms (2) 80 80 100 80 100
(2) Top sensor suite 50 50 60 75 100
Upper Legs (2) 80 100 125 100 125
Lower Legs (2) 160 175 200 175 200
Wings (2) 100 100 125 100 125
Bomb Bay 175 200 200 - -
ECMO reinforced compartment - - - 200 200
Rear Thrusters (3) 75 75 75 75 75
(3) Main Body 325 350 375 350 375
Reinforced Pilot's Compartment 175 200 225 200 225
GU-13S 50 - - - -
EP-14 - 50 50 50 50
EU-35 (2) - 75 75 75 75

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:
 

STATISTICAL DATA:

beta_reflex_point3.jpg (16686 bytes)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. beta2.JPG (35582 bytes)(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.
  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.   
  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
  4. beta_missiles.jpg (29427 bytes)(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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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:
  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.
  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.
  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. 
  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:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL MODELS:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VFB-9 MODELS:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VE-9 MODELS:

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


COMBAT BONUSES FOR VFB-9 COMBAT TRAINING:

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VFB-9 BASIC TRAINING:

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VE-9 ELECTRONIC ATTACK TRAINING:

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VE-9 ELECTRONIC BASIC TRAINING:


Random Hit Locations

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

When there is a preferred side, roll 1D10

Beta Fighter

FRONT

BACK

SIDES

TOP

BOTTOM

Head (Main Body) - - - 01-05 -
Hands (Forearms) - 01-05 - - -
Shoulder Missile Bays (Main Body) 01-25 - 01-19 06-35 01-15
Forearm Shields (Upper Arms) - - 20-29 36-46 16-25
Upper Arms (Main Body) 26-30 - 30-34 - 26-30
Top Sensor Suite (Main Body) - - - 47-49 -
Upper Legs (Main Body) - - - - 31-35
Lower Legs (Upper Legs) - 06-45 35-44 50-64 36-55
Wings (Forearm Shields) 31-49 46-65 45-49 65-74 56-65
Bomb Bay (Main Body) - 66-70 - - 66-75
Rear Thrusters (Main Body) - 71-89 - - -
Main Body  50-87 90-95 50-80 75-84 76-89
Pilot's Compartment 88-95 - 81-90 85-95 90-95
GU-13/EP-14 97-00 - 91-95 - 96-00
EU-35 - 96-00 96-00 96-00 -

 

Beta Guardian

FRONT

BACK

SIDES

TOP

BOTTOM

Head (Main Body) - - - 01-05 -
Hands (Forearms) - 01-05 - - -
Shoulder Missile Bays (Main Body) 01-25 - 01-19 06-35 01-15
Forearm Shields (Upper Arms) 26-30 - 20-29 36-55 16-25
Upper Arms (Main Body) - - 30-34 - 26-30
Top Sensor Suite (Main Body) - 06-10 - 56-60 -
Upper Legs (Main Body) 31-35 11-20 - - 31-40
Lower Legs (Upper Legs) 36-50 21-50 35-44 - 41-65
Wings (Forearm Shields) 51-55 51-55 45-49 - 66-69
Bomb Bay (Main Body) - 56-60 - - 70-75
Rear Thrusters (Main Body) - 61-65 - 61-65 -
Main Body  56-87 66-95 50-80 66-84 76-89
Pilot's Compartment 88-98 - 81-90 85-95 90-95
GU-13/EP-14 99-00 - 91-95 - 96-00
EU-35 - 96-00 96-00 96-00 -

 

Beta Battloid

FRONT

BACK

SIDES

TOP

BOTTOM

Head (Main Body) 01-02 - 01-02 01-10 -
Hands (Forearms) 03-05 01-04 03-05 - -
Shoulder Missile Bays (Main Body) 06-23 05-20 06-15 11-49 01-09
Forearm Shields (Upper Arms) 24-33 21-25 16-40 50-59 10-19
Upper Arms  (Main Body) 34-38 26-35 41-45 60-69 20-25
Top Sensor Suite (Main Body) 39-43 36-40 46-50 70-79 -
Upper Legs (Main Body) 44-53 41-50 51-55 - 26-35
Lower Legs (Upper Legs) 54-68 51-65 56-75 80-81 36-66
Wings (Forearm Shields) 69-70 66-67 76-77 - 67-68
Bomb Bay (Main Body) - - - - 69-72
Rear Thrusters (Main Body) - 68-75 - 82-93 -
Main Body  71-90 76-90 78-90 94-98 73-90
Pilot's Compartment 91-95 91-95 91-95 - 91-95
GU-13/EP-14 - - - -
EU-35 96-00 96-00 96-00 99-00 96-00

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

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