Firebee
Firebee | |
---|---|
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Confederation Defense Corporation
|
Production Year | 2483[2] |
Model | FRB-2E |
Class | Light |
Introduced | 2472[3] |
Cost | 2,536,830 C-bills |
Technical specifications | |
'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
Mass | 35 tons |
Chassis | Confederated 5 |
Armor | Ceres Shield 2.2 |
Engine | Omni 175 |
Communications System | Zenith Sqwak Box 4 |
Targeting Tracking System | Maul Missile Track |
Heat Sinks | 10 |
Speed | 86 km/h |
Jump Jets | Anderson Propulsion 12 |
Armament |
|
BV (1.0) | ?? |
BV (2.0) | 808[4][5][6] |
Contents
Description
Originally designated the "Weapon-Armed 'Mech-Alpha", the first generation BattleMech produced by the Capellan Confederation in 2483 was widely known for its use of Inferno missiles. After eleven years of service, a second generation model began production on Boardwalk, and observers noted that this second-generation version was not a "WAM-B", but a "Fire-B" prompting the BattleMech to be re-designated as the FRB-1E Firebee.
Eventually a third generation Firebee began production on Exedor in 2524. This factory continued production until it was destroyed during the First Succession War"First Succession War" contains an extrinsic dash or other characters that are invalid for a date interpretation..[4]
The Firebee has a top speed of 86 km/h, fast for a light 'Mech of its day. It was also quite maneuverable, with enough jump jets to leap 150 meters in the air. Six tons of armor provides significant protection for such a small machine.[4]
Weapons and Equipment
The 2E Firebee mounts a Star Cutter 80cm Large Laser, giving it respectable firepower. Up close, four Maui Crossbow SRM-2 launchers can unleash eight missiles. With its two tons of ammunition for the SRM launchers, MechWarriors can use either inferno or standard missiles. Either way, the Firebee is a potent anti-vehicle platform.[4]
Variants
- WAM-B/FRB-1E
- The original Firebee used a single LRM-5 backed up by a trio of SRM-2s. The Primitive Engine provided a top speed of 85 km/h, more than enough to engage armored vehicles and infantry, and supporting heavier units. The lack of jump jets, combined with six and a half tons of Primitive Armor, forced pilots to pay attention to the terrain to insure they could move effectively[3]. BV (2.0) = 452[7]
- FRB-3E
- Two Firebees leftover from the Age of War were upgraded in 3071[8] when Sun-Tzu Liao revealed that he had survived the WarShip bombardment of Sian. They are protected by Stealth Armor and the requisite Guardian ECM Suite. Trading on the 'Mech's name, the Large Laser is replaced with a Plasma Rifle and the SRMs gave way to a multi-missile launcher. BV (2.0) = 1,067[9][10]
- Firebee WI-WAM MilitiaMech
- Introduced by Wesley Industries after Gray Monday, this IndustrialMech version of the Firebee carries a Thunderbolt 10 and single ten tube rocket launcher. The speed and armor protection is severely lacking compared to other Firebee variants because it uses the same chassis, Fuel Cell Engine, and armor of the DemolitionMech produced by Wesley.[11] BV (2.0) = 456[12]
Design Quirks
The Firebee has the following Design Quirks:[13]
The WAM-B Firebee variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[14]
- Difficult to Maintain
- Extended Torso Twist
- Non-Standard Parts
- Poor Workmanship
- Weak Legs
- Obsolete/2524
Related Designs
- Yinghuochong - A 32nd century scout killer built around an updated version of the Firebee's chassis, the Yinghuochong mounts advanced recon equipment and carries as its sole weapon a fearsome Clantech ER PPC. [15]
Notable Pilots
Gallery
Original Firebee from TRO:3075
Experimental WAM-B Firebee from XTRO:Primitives III
References
- ↑ Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 7
- ↑ MUL online date for the Firebee
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 3
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 242-243, "Firebee Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 227
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 140
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 228
- ↑ Master Unit List, "Firebee introduction dates"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 229
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 141
- ↑ Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 34
- ↑ Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 98
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 91 Design Quirk Table - Firebee Entry.
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 4
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, p.30 "Yinghuochong"