Firebee

Firebee
Firebee
Production information
Manufacturer Bell Refit Yards[1]

Confederation Defense Corporation (destroyed in FSW)[2]


Hellespont Industrials

Production Year 2483[3]
Model FRB-2E[2]
Class Light
Introduced 2472[4]
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 Maui Missile Trak
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Anderson Propulsion 12
Armament
BV (1.0) ??
BV (2.0) 808[2][5][6][7]


Description[edit]

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 11 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 redesignated as the FRB-1E Firebee. Eventually a third generation Firebee began production on Exedor in 2524. This factory continued production until its destruction in the beginning phases of the First Succession War.[5]. With its aggressive role of anti-tank warfare, the Firebee would not see combat past the 2900's.

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.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Firebee mounts a Star Cutter 80cm large laser, giving it respectable firepower at range, while up close four Maui Crossbow SRM-2 launchers can unleash a dangerous eight missile burst. 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.[5]

Variants[edit]

  • 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, infantry, and supporting heavier units. However, 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.[2][4] BV (2.0) = 452[8]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Firebee has the following Design Quirks:[14]

The WAM-B Firebee variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[15]

Related Designs[edit]

  • Yinghuochong - A thirty-second-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. [16]
  • Toro - The Taurian Concordat based the Toro on captured Capellan Firebee BattleMechs.[17]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See: Category:Notable Firebee Pilots

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 7
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 32–33: "FRB-2E Firebee"
  3. MUL online date for the Firebee
  4. 4.0 4.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 3
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 242-243, "Firebee Profile"
  6. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 227
  7. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 140
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 228
  9. Master Unit List: "Firebee introduction dates"
  10. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 229
  11. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 141
  12. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 34
  13. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 98
  14. BattleMech Manual, p. 91: Design Quirk Table - Firebee Entry.
  15. Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 4
  16. Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, p. 30: "Yinghuochong"
  17. Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 296-297: "TR-A-6 Toro"

Bibliography[edit]