"Outsiders" fighter Vulture's missile

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ESalter
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"Outsiders" fighter Vulture's missile

Unread post by ESalter »

RRG RMS-4 Mara

Type: anti-starship.
Service history: UnF 2026-.
Length: 3m.
Diameter: central body: .5m.
Warhead: RRG D-43 EAL reflex.
Propulsion: gimbaled hybrid-propellant rocket.
Guidance: binocular visual and IR targeting and guidance;
terminal active/passive radar.
Platforms: 300kg hardpoint.

In the mid-twenties the UnF requested a successor to the RMS-2. The UnF had used the RMS-2 as its main anti-starship reflex missile from the early teens; although it had several improvements over the RMS-1, other than its warhead it was only an evolution of the previous design. The RRG started project "Mara" to reexamine the RMS-2's function from the ground up. Mara's airframe was made more aerodynamic; and it was given a stealthier sensor suite, with passive sensor lock-on and optional active terminal guidance. The warhead energization sequence was restricted to energize-at-launch. The whole design was much lighter, although it had similar axial dimensions. It entered service in 2026 as the RMS-4.
Despite the improvements, some planners were concerned about the new design. The new targeting system was more finicky, with a narrow angle for lock-on, and a switch off between initial and terminal guidance; it had been tested on Zentradi starships, but the planners were worried the equipment and associated tactics might be unsuitable against an unknown enemy. Likewise, the EAL warhead would potentially limit the launching fighter's tactical options. In addition, since the sensors were only suitable for relatively large, slow, static targets, no Firebird variant could be designed. Thus, the RMS-2 was kept on, it was thought at the time, temporarily.
Around this time, a new heavy missile load-out for the Chimera was being developed. Because of the questions concerning the Mara, the new missile racks were designed for the RMS-2. This new Chimera became very popular with the Spacy, leading to its replacement of the Vulture, one of the RMS-4's main platforms. Thus, the Mara was often sidelined during the Sentinels and Second Robotech Wars; since Invid starships do not usually require such a powerful missile, the RMS-4 saw relatively little action during the Third Robotech War as well. Thus, this missile has been somewhat underused through its long service life.

RPG stats:
This would simply be the Earth forces' standard late-period LRM.
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Re: "Outsiders" fighter Vulture's missile

Unread post by Seto Kaiba »

ESalter wrote:Guidance: binocular visual and IR targeting and guidance;
terminal active/passive radar.

Shouldn't this be the other way around? Contrast seekers are generally only good for short-ranged guidance, while radar systems are much better at long ranges. Mixing active and passive radar homing would be problematic too... maybe instead active radar homing with Home on Jam support?



ESalter wrote:Around this time, a new heavy missile load-out for the Chimera was being developed. Because of the questions concerning the Mara, the new missile racks were designed for the RMS-2. This new Chimera became very popular with the Spacy, leading to its replacement of the Vulture, one of the RMS-4's main platforms. [...]

RPG stats:
This would simply be the Earth forces' standard late-period LRM.

Per the RPG stats, nothing would be able to take this missile... the UEDF and UEEF fighters can only take short and medium range missiles, and reflex warheads are only available on long range missiles. Only the Macross Saga VFs and aircraft can take [heavy/long range] munitions.
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Re: "Outsiders" fighter Vulture's missile

Unread post by ShadowLogan »

Seto Kaiba wrote:
ESalter wrote:Around this time, a new heavy missile load-out for the Chimera was being developed. Because of the questions concerning the Mara, the new missile racks were designed for the RMS-2. This new Chimera became very popular with the Spacy, leading to its replacement of the Vulture, one of the RMS-4's main platforms. [...]

RPG stats:
This would simply be the Earth forces' standard late-period LRM.

Per the RPG stats, nothing would be able to take this missile... the UEDF and UEEF fighters can only take short and medium range missiles, and reflex warheads are only available on long range missiles. Only the Macross Saga VFs and aircraft can take [heavy/long range] munitions.

4 Points:
-1. Per RAW you are correct, the AGAC, Chimera, Falcon, Slyphid, Logan, Beta, and Conbat are incapable. 2 caveats though: w/exception of the Chimera (only internal) and Logan/Falcon/Sylphid (no listed weight) all of them have 1000lb (~450kg) or better external hardpoints allowing them to in theory (OP says the mass 300kg) carry them (but not use*) and 2nd the Carpenter Fighter (aka Vulture, aka Wraith, aka Liberte) seen in the Episode "Outsiders" has no canon RPG stats.
-2. Megaversally RAW provides an example (specifically Rifts WB8 Japan pg129) where you could mount the next category warhead on a step down category range missile (ex mount MRM warhead on SRM) resulting in reduced range. Though this is not what we have in the OP, it would be precedent for an option if one is looking to give them LRM stopping power without the same range.
-3. technically both the Beta and Conbat RT.com Infopedia (and AotSC) tech file allow them to carry Long Range Missiles (I have no idea how the PB could miss this)
-4. we know the Conbat had Reflex Missiles in the Invasion Comic (#1 to be specific) per dialogue in the space battle.

*directly, they might be able to act as a "mobile launcher" for another vehicle that cues the missile with targeting information (ex. The Beta files into position, but the targeting aspect is handled by for ex. a Garfish).
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Re: "Outsiders" fighter Vulture's missile

Unread post by Rabid Southern Cross Fan »

Well thank God we're no longer restricted to the Rules As Written since Palladium doesn't publish the RPG anymore....
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