Firebee
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| Firebee | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturer(s) | Bell Refit Yards[1]
Confederation Defense Corporation[3] Wesley Industries[5] |
| Production Year | 2483[6] |
| Model | FRB-2E[3] |
| Class | Light |
| 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 |
| Comms | Zenith Sqwak Box 4 |
| TTS | Maui Missile Trak |
| Heat Sinks | 10 single |
| Speed | 86 km/h |
| Jump Jets | Anderson Propulsion 12 |
| Armament |
|
| B.V. (1.0) | ?? |
| B.V. (2.0) | 808[3][7][8][9] |
Contents
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]
- FRB-3E
- Two Firebees left over from the Age of War were upgraded in 3071[12] 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, while the large laser and SRM-2s replaced with a plasma rifle and an MML-5. Two tons of ammo feed the rifle, and two bins for missiles allows the MML to choose between long or short range munitions.[3] BV (2.0) = 1,067[13][14]
- Firebee WI-WAM MilitiaMech
- Introduced by Wesley Industries after Gray Monday, this IndustrialMech version of the Firebee carries a Thunderbolt 10 and single RL-10. 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.[15] BV (2.0) = 456[16]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Firebee has the following Design Quirks:[17]
The WAM-B Firebee variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[18]
- Difficult to Maintain
- Extended Torso Twist
- Non-Standard Parts
- Poor Workmanship
- Weak Legs
- Obsolete/2524
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]
Gallery[edit]
Original Firebee from TRO:3075
Experimental WAM-B Firebee from XTRO:Primitives III
References[edit]
- ↑ Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 7
- ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 18
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 32–33: "FRB-2E Firebee"
- ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 29: "Hope Industrial Works"
- ↑ Objectives: Capellan Confederation, p. 4: "Temporary RetroTech Facilities (Shut Down by End of 3079)"
- ↑ MUL online date for the Firebee
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 242-243, "Firebee Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 227
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 140
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 3
- ↑ 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"
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 296-297: "TR-A-6 Toro"