REF WARRIOR-CLASS DESTROYERS

Based on an original starship design by BILL SPANGLER, TIM ELDRED and FRED PERRY
Published in Eternity Comics' Robotech Invid War comic books.
RPG Stats by DAVE DEITRICH (deitrich@mcs.net)

BACKGROUND

The armament of the Warrior-class destroyer is impressive for its size. The main weaponry consists of two forward-mounted main laser cannons along with 8 concealed particle beam cannons. The destroyer also has six heavy missile launchers (4 forward, 2 reverse) capable of launching nuclear or reflex weaponry. As with all REF starships designed following the near-defeat at the battle of Tirol, the Warrior also has 20 retractable laser turrets and 4 retractable medium-range missile launchers for anti-mecha defense. In addition, the destroyer's modest landing bay can support up to 30 mecha of various types, along with 3 shuttles and other support craft. The Warrior also contains a pinpoint barrier system, as well as its own independent fold drive.

Although not as glamorous as other REF starships, the Warriors played an important part during the First Invid War providing valuable reconnaissance and defending REF bases against counterattacks as the Sentinels recaptured local group planets from the Regent's forces. During the final push to Optera near the end of the war many Warriors took part in border raids to disrupt Invid supply lines as well as diversionary skirmishes to keep Invid forces away from the main fleet. Many Warriors were destroyed during the final battles of the war, though their sacrifices led to the Sentinels' triumph and the death of the Invid Regent in 2032.

The Warrior-class destroyers were extremely popular with REF Zentraedi forces and even some important non-Zentraedi REF commanders. Following the end of the Sentinels War Colonel Jonathan Wolff took command of the RSS Wolfpack and made it the flagship of the REF Venus Attack Group, which was the first and only time a starship smaller than a cruiser has been made flagship of an entire REF fleet. However, the Wolfpack was hijacked by Dana Sterling and the 15th ATAC shortly after Wolff's arrival at Earth and returned to Tirol with refugees from the Second Robotech War. Dana Sterling was court-martialed for her actions and the Wolfpack was reassigned to the REF Mercury Defense Group to protect Tirol. In 2042 the Wolfpack was assigned to the Icarus Reconnaissance Mission and returned to the Sol system once again. Unfortunately the ship was destroyed shortly after arrival by the Invid Space Hive ring while trying to regain contact with REF Moon Base Copernicus.

The Warrior class served until 2057 when the class was retired in favor of newer RGF starship designs. Most of the destroyers that survived the Invid Wars were scrapped and recycled, although a few have been preserved. The RSS Archer is the most notable surviving example of this class, and is currently on display in the RGF Naval Museum orbiting Tirol. Warriors were originally manufactured at the Fantoma Orbiting Shipyards, though later they were also manufactured under contract at the Karbarran Space Works. At their height Warriors were manufactured at a rate of 15-20 per year.

RPG STATS

Crew: 400 total

Officers: 25

Main Crew: 235

Flight Crew: 60

Mecha Pilots: 30

Troops: 50

Notable Ships of Class:

SFD-3064 Wolfpack	launched 2028, made flagship of REF Venus Attack Group in 2033, hijacked by Dana Sterling same year, assigned to REF Icarus Reconnaissance Mission in 2042, destroyed by Invid Space Hive same year
SFD-3087 Archer	launched 2030, survived all three Invid wars, retired in 2057, moored at RGF Naval Museum orbiting Tirol in 2061

MDC BY LOCATION:

(1) Main Body                                   8,500
(2) Forward Bridge                                750
(3) Flight Deck (bottom)                        1,200
(4) Main Engines (3)                            2,000 each
(4) Auxiliary Engines (2)                         800 each
    Guidance Thrusters (24)                       200 each

    Main Lasers (2)                               300 each
    Particle Beam Cannons (8)                      75 each
    Missile Launcher Tubes (6)                    150 each
    Retractable Laser Turrets (20)                100 each
    Retractable Missile Launchers (8)             100 each
(5) Pin Point Barriers (4)                      5,000 each

(6) Forward Antennae (6)                           50 each
(6) Main Antennae (2)                             200 each
    Small Airlocks/Access Hatches (20)            250 each
    Main Airlocks (4)                             500 each
    Outer Hull (per 40ft area)                    200
    Interior walls (per 20ft area)                 20

NOTES:

1. Depleting the MDC of the main body will eliminate the destroyer. All internal systems will shut down, including life support and internal gravity. In addition, there is a 40% chance that the power systems will overload and the destroyer will explode, doing 1D6x1,000 M.D. to everything in a 2,000 ft (610 m) radius. Regardless of whether it explodes or not, the ship itself will be an unsalvageable floating wreck.
2. Destroying the forward bridge will instantly kill anyone on the command deck. However, there is an auxiliary bridge near the center of the ship that the surviving crew can take command from. If the main bridge is lost the ship will be operating at -2 initiative due to having to rely on backup systems.
3. Destroying the flight decks will greatly impair the destroyer's ability to deploy and recover mecha. Under normal circumstances the destroyer can launch or recover 4 mecha per turn. For every 300 points of damage the flight deck takes reduce this number by 1. If the flight deck reaches 0 MDC then it is destroyed; no mecha can be launched or recovered, 40+(1D6x10)% of the flight crew will be killed, and any mecha that have already been launched will need to find another place to land.
4. Depleting the MDC of the main engines will force the ship to rely on its secondary engines. Depleting the MDC of the main engines AND secondary engines will leave the ship adrift in space. If in an atmosphere, the ship will crash (destruction of the main engines will render the antigravity system useless due to loss of power).
5. The Pinpoint Barriers regenerate at a rate of 1,250 MD per second (2,500 MD per melee round). If destroyed, a barrier will completely regenerate within four seconds (2 melee rounds). See the Pinpoint Barrier System entry for details.
6. Destruction of the 6 forward antennae will knock out most of the destroyer's sensor systems. Main radar will be limited to only 20 miles (32 km), and subspace sensors will be offline. Destruction of the 2 main antennae will knock out hyperspace communications.

SPEEDS:

Speed (sublight): 0.20 speed of light (32,000 miles/51,500 km per second)
Speed (Auxiliary Drives): Mach 14
Space Fold: Range Unlimited (1 light year every 6 minutes).
Planet bound:

Has vertical take off and landing (VTOL) capability. Can reach speeds of up to Mach 8 in an upper planetary atmosphere, but not designed for extended flight or maneuvering. Can also travel underwater at up to 100mph (160 kmph) if absolutely necessary.

Maximum Range: Unlimited (powered by a protoculture reactor with an estimated life span of 20 years)

STATISTICAL DATA:

Fold System: Robotech Research Group (RRG)-modified Shik-Telnekulla fold system cluster
Sublight Drive: Workl-Quatafilla macro nozzle cluster (RRG-modified)
Gravity Control System: Geteulmaqulla-Zollia internal gravity control system (RRG-modified)
Auxiliary Engine: REF Naval Engineering Class IX mass-conservation thrust system
Radar System: RRG Type XIV Hyperspace Sensor Cluster

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. MAIN LASER CANNONS (2): The main anti-starship weapons of the Warrior-class Destroyers are two zentraedi-style heavy laser cannons mounted below and to the rear on each side of the main bridge. These lasers are fixed forward and can only fire at targets directly in front of the destroyer. The lasers can be fired individually or at the same time; most commanders alternate between the two cannons to compensate for the lasers' recharge delay.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-Warship
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Heavy Assault
   • RANGE: 500 miles (805 km) in an atmosphere, 1000 miles (1609 km) in space
   • DAMAGE: 4D6x100 M.D. per blast
   • RATE OF FIRE: Each laser can fire once every other round
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited

2. PARTICLE BEAM CANNONS (8): As a backup to the main laser cannons, The Warrior destroyers are equipped with 8 heavy particle beam cannons mounted in concealed hardpoints on the bow of the ship. These cannons have a limited range of motion; they can be adjusted 30 degrees to the left, right, above or below the centerline of the ship. The cannons are similar to the PBC-12 cannons used on the Mk VII Excalibur destroids, but have a longer range and greater power.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-Warship
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Heavy Assault
   • RANGE: 100 miles (161 km) in an atmosphere, 200 miles (322 km) in space
   • DAMAGE: 5D10+50 M.D. per blast
   • RATE OF FIRE: Each PBC can fire once per round
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited

3. HEAVY MISSILE LAUNCHERS (6): To further augment their anti-warship firepower, the Warrior destroyers are equipped with 6 torpedo-like missile tubes. Four of these tubes are aimed forward while two are mounted to the rear. The launchers contain long-range nuclear missiles and are intended for use heavy combat only.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Heavy Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Warship
   • RANGE: 2,000 miles (3,216 km)
   • SPEED: Mach 2+ (1,340 mph/2,140 kmph) in an atmosphere.
   • DAMAGE: 6D6x100 M.D.
   • BLAST RADIUS: 2,000 feet (610 m)
   • RATE OF FIRE: Each launcher tube holds one missile and must be reloaded after firing. Reloading a launcher tube takes 30 seconds (2 melee rounds). If loaded, all 6 tubes can fire at once for a volley of 6 nuclear missiles (!).
   • PAYLOAD: A typical destroyer carries 30 missiles in storage that can be readied for firing in about 30 minutes. Additional missiles can be carried if deemed necessary, however.
   • NOTE: These missiles CANNOT be used by variable fighters. Each missile is approximately 12 ft (3.6 m) long, about twice the size of a VR-152 Battler II cyclone.

4. RETRACTABLE LASER TURRETS (20): The destroyer has 20 retractable laser turrets mounted at various strategic places along the hull. These short-range lasers are intended primarily for anti-mecha defense, but can do moderate damage against enemy spacecraft that get too close. When not in use gun turrets are concealed within the hull underneath a sliding hatch. At most 10 lasers can be brought to bear on a single target.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Mecha
   • RANGE: 30 miles (48.3 km) in an atmosphere, 60 miles (96.6 km) in space
   • DAMAGE: 1D6x20 M.D. each. Several lasers can be directed to fire in volleys of 3 or more. A volley of 3 beams does 3D6x20 M.D., a volley of 6 beams does 6D6x20 M.D., and so on. A full volley of 10 beams aimed at a single target does 1D6x200 M.D. (!) if it hits.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Each laser can fire once per melee, and can be combined in any volley combination of 3 or more lasers, up to 10 lasers. Volleys can be directed at different targets.
   • PAYLOAD: Unlimited.
   • NOTE: The lasers can be set on automatic during combat, during which time they have a +2 to strike due to their advanced tracking systems. The lasers tracking systems will target incoming missiles first and attacking mecha/aircraft second.

5. RETRACTABLE MEDIUM MISSILE LAUNCHERS (4): In addition to the heavy missile launchers, the Warrior destroyers are armed with four medium range missile launchers which are also intended for anti-mecha defense. Each launcher contains 10 missile tubes allowing volleys of up to 10 missiles to be fired at a single target per launcher. Once depleted, the missile launchers are reloaded by an automated loading system that takes 15 seconds (one melee round) to reload all 10 missiles. Armor-piercing smart missiles are usually used to avoid chances of friendly fighters being shot down by the missiles.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-Aircraft
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-Warship
   • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of REF Medium Range Missile can be used. Smart missiles are commonly used to avoid hitting friendly aircraft.
   • RANGE: Varies, typically 60 miles (80.4 km).
   • SPEED: Varies, typically 1600mph (2571kmph) in an atmosphere.
   • DAMAGE: Varies, typically 2D4x10 M.D.
   • BLAST RADIUS: Varies, typically 15 feet.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 missiles per launcher.
   • PAYLOAD: Each launcher holds 10 missiles. Once the missiles are expended the launcher is reloaded within 1 round via an automated system. The reload system holds 50 missiles per launcher.

6. DS-1 PINPOINT BARRIER DEFENSE SYSTEM: Originally developed by Dr. Emil Lang onboard the SDF-1 during the First Robotech War, the Pinpoint Barrier System is a standard defense system on board most REF starships, including the Warrior destroyers. The system generates four small disc-shaped force fields that can be positioned anywhere along the ship to deflect missiles, energy beams or projectiles. Each pinpoint barrier is about 200 ft (61 m) in length and can absorb up to 5,000 MD in damage, which then regenerates within five seconds (3 melee attacks). The barriers can also be layered on top of each other to generate a field which provides 20,000 MDC and can even deflect heavy particle beams (usually).

   The four barriers are controlled by operators in the command tower of the carrier. These operators are instructed to defend (1) the forward bridge, (2) main engines, (3) main weapon systems, and (4) the flight deck, in that order. The operators primarily concentrate on defending the ship against larger spacecraft and leave defense against mecha attacking the destroyer to the Veritechs and retractible weapon systems.

   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense (the pinpoint barrier system cannot be used as a weapon)
   • RANGE: Up to 100 feet (30.5 m) from the surface of the vessel.
   • DAMAGE CAPACITY: Can sustain up to 5,000 MD per round. Regenerates at a rate of 2,500 MD per melee round.
   • RADIUS: 200 ft (61 m)
   • DEFENSIVE MOVEMENT: Can move from one end of the destroyer to the other in less than a single round. Trained operators can attempt to block attacks up to 8 times per melee (counts as a parry) and are at +7 to block. Untrained characters can parry up to their number of hand-to-hand attacks with their normal parry bonuses only.
   • PAYLOAD: Nearly inexhaustible. Will work as long as system is functional (see below) and engines are intact. If main engines are destroyed, the barrier will loose power and not function.
   • NOTE: If all four barriers are grouped in a single spot they can deflect a heavy particle beam attack, such as the one generated by Zentraedi or Robotech Master warships. However, the beam will completely destroy all four barriers and put incredible strain on the pinpoint barrier system to the point where it may short out. After deflecting an energy beam, roll percentile dice on the table below to determine additional effects/damage.
     • 01-15: Lucked out, system will be operational in 1D6 hours.
     • 16-30: Minor damage, system will require 4D6 hours to repair.
     • 31-45: Major damage, system will require 2D6x10 hours to repair (yes, DAYS of work).
     • 46-60: Completely destroyed! System can be rebuilt, but will require new parts and 2D6 DAYS of work to replace.
     • 61-75: Major damage, system will require 2D6x10 hours to repair.
     • 76-90: Minor damage, system will require 4D6 hours to repair.
     • 91-95: Lucked out, system will be operational in 1D6 hours.
     • 96-00: It's a miracle! Trivial damage only, system will be operational again in only 4D6 melee rounds!

SYSTEMS OF NOTE:

• ANTIGRAVITY PROPULSION SYSTEM: The Warrior destroyers are equipped with an anti-gravity propulsion system used for planetary landings and liftoffs. The system is good for vertical ascent/descent only and can lift the ship at speeds of up to 1,320 feet (400 m) per minute. The system will function so long as the main engines can supply energy to it.
• HYPERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS: The destroyer is equipped with a hyperspace communications relay which allows faster-than-light communication between the ships and other vessels or planetary bases. Hyperspace communications are still not instantaneous, however. Audio/video communication travels through hyperspace at a rate of about 5 seconds per light year, so messages communicated over vast distances can still take days, weeks, or months to arrive.
• LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS: The Warrior destroyers have sufficient life support to provide breathable air and comfortable temperatures for 500 people for up to 15 years (air is recycled). In an emergency the life support system can support up to 800 people at one time, though living conditions onboard will get extremely cramped at that point. The carrier also holds sufficient food and water to support 400 people for up to 6 months.
• LONG-RANGE LASER/SATELLITE RELAY COMMUNICATIONS: The impressive communications array of the destroyer can communicate with up to 500 craft simultaneously at ranges of up to 900 miles (1,440 km). This range can be boosted indefinitely by using satellites or other spacecraft to relay communications.
• LONG-RANGE RADAR: The radar array of the Warrior destroyers can track and identify up to 1,000 craft simultaneously. The radar system has a 2,000 mile/3,200 km range.
• SPACE FOLD SYSTEM: For FTL propulsion, the destroyer is equipped with a modified version of a Zentraedi fold drive, capable of propelling the ship through hyperspace at speeds up to 3.28x10^10 mps (5.25x10^10 kmps), or 1 light year per 6 minutes. However, unlike larger capital ships the Warrior CANNOT transport other ships with it when it folds. The range of the fold drive is theoretically unlimited except by the life expectancy of the spacecraft.
• SUBLIGHT ENGINES: As a backup to the Fold System, the destroyer is equipped with sublight engines that can propel the ship at speeds up to 0.20 speed of light (32,000 miles/51,500 km per second) in space. Note that these engines are mainly intended for rapid movement inside a planetary system and are not suited for long voyages between star systems. In a planetary atmosphere the carrier is limited to speeds of Mach 3 at low altitudes or Mach 8 at high altitudes due to hull stress.
• SUBSPACE MASS SENSORS: The Warrior destroyers are equipped with subspace sensors which are based on the same principles as the hyperspace communications array. These sensors can essentially instantly detect mass readings and movement of objects up to 1 AU (93 million miles) distant from the carrier, and the readings are used both for early warning and for navigation when travelling at sublight speeds. Readings taken with the subspace sensors are not very detailed (-25% penalty when trying to identify a detected object) and cannot detect objects of less than 60,000 kg (this includes most variable fighters).

MECHA COMPLEMENT:

The landing bay can hold and support a grand total of 30 veritechs/destroids of any type, as long as the mecha are smaller than 50 ft (15.2 m) and weigh less than 40 tons each. The actual complement of mecha will vary; A Warrior destroyer assigned to escort or long-range reconnaissance will usually have 12 Alphas (VAF-6 or VAF-8), 12 Betas (VBF-1 or VBF-2), and 6 Destroids (Gladiator, Excalibur, or Raidar X) aboard, while a destroyer assigned to support an invasion may have 6 Alphas and 24 Destroids. Other combinations are possible. Also included are 50 Cyclones of various types (for use by the troops on board), 6 TCH-4 Tractor-Haulers, 12 ML-3 Forklifts, and 3 REF Personnel Shuttles.

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Last Updated: Friday, 18-Jan-08 02:59:14 PST