Firebee

Firebee
Production information
Manufacturer	Confederation Defense Corporation Hellespont Industrials Bell Refit Yards
Production Year	2483
Model	FRB-2E
Class	Light
Introduced	2472
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	1x Large Laser 4x SRM-2s
BV (1.0)	??
BV (2.0)	808

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 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.. With its aggressive role of Anti-Tank warfare, the WAM-B or Fire-B 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.

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.

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. BV (2.0) = 452

• FRB-3E 

  Two Firebees left over from the Age of War were upgraded in 3071 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

• 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. BV (2.0) = 456

Design Quirks

The Firebee has the following Design Quirks:

• Poor Life Support
• Weak Legs

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

• 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.

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Firebee Pilots

Gallery

• 

  Original Firebee from TRO:3075

• 

  Experimental WAM-B Firebee from XTRO:Primitives III

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3
• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3075
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
• Technical Readout: 3075
• Technical Readout: Irregulars