Firebee

BattleTech Community Ads

battletech.com.ua

battletech.com.ua

Firebee
Firebee cover
Production Information
Manufacturer(s)Bell Refit Yards[1]

Ceres Metals Industries[2]


Confederation Defense Corporation[3]


Hellespont Industrials


Hope Industrial Works[4]


Wesley Industries[5]
Production Year2483[6]
ModelFRB-2E[3]
ClassLight
Cost2,536,830 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech typeInner Sphere BattleMech
Mass35 tons
ChassisConfederated 5
ArmorCeres Shield 2.2
EngineOmni 175
CommsZenith Sqwak Box 4
TTSMaui Missile Trak
Heat Sinks10 single
Speed86 km/h
Jump JetsAnderson Propulsion 12
Armament
B.V. (1.0)??
B.V. (2.0)808[3][7][8][9]


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.[7] 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.[7]

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.[7]

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.[3][10] BV (2.0) = 452[11]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Firebee has the following Design Quirks:[17]

The WAM-B Firebee variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[18]

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. [19]
  • Toro - The Taurian Concordat based the Toro on captured Capellan Firebee BattleMechs.[20]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See: Category:Notable Firebee Pilots

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 7
  2. Objectives: Periphery, p. 18
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 32–33: "FRB-2E Firebee"
  4. Objectives: Periphery, p. 29: "Hope Industrial Works"
  5. Objectives: Capellan Confederation, p. 4: "Temporary RetroTech Facilities (Shut Down by End of 3079)"
  6. MUL online date for the Firebee
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 242-243, "Firebee Profile"
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 227
  9. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 140
  10. Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 3
  11. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 228
  12. Master Unit List: "Firebee introduction dates"
  13. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 229
  14. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 141
  15. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 34
  16. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 98
  17. BattleMech Manual, p. 91: Design Quirk Table - Firebee Entry.
  18. Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 4
  19. Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, p. 30: "Yinghuochong"
  20. Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 296-297: "TR-A-6 Toro"

Bibliography[edit]