Instead of developing all new designs, the REF in the Three Galaxies decided that simply upgrading already existing designs would save resources and reduce development time. Planned to usually work alongside the Spartan Mk XIV, the REF developed an upgraded version of the Raidar X as a point defense platform. The plan is fairly simple, while the Spartan acts as long range defense against incoming attacks, the Raidar X acts as defense to attempt to intercept attacks before they get within close range. Unlike the Spartan, the REF could not simply modify the weapon system and use original hardware. Instead, a new upgraded version of the Raider X had to be developed. The biggest delay was developing a new and more powerful new energy weapons developed for the upgraded platform. The design was given a high priority and is less expensive and time consuming to manufacture than the Veritech fighters and as such, large numbers could be quickly manufactured. While some mecha pilots prefer the more multi-purpose and flexible Excaliber and Gladiator mechas, the Raidar X is an important of the REF ground forces. Some crews dislike the fact that the Raidar X has practically no ability to fight in close range combat. The main weapon of the Raidar X inflicts incredible damage and has incredibly long range.
While the external appearance of the REF Raidar X appears to be virtually unchanged, the design has been greatly upgraded compared to the original design. The single most important upgrade to the design is the replacement of the Tri-Barrel Rapid Fire Laser cannons. While the weapons have an excellent range, they simply did not deliver enough damage to be considered truly effective. The REF had examined the particle beams mounted on the CAF Assault Shuttle and was impressed with the ability of the weapon to fire either a powerful concentrated beam or a more diffuse beam which is very effective against missile volleys. The REF worked on developing a longer range version of this weapon which retained the ability to fire a wide beam. All of this had to be retained with a mount which could be fit in place of the standard barrels of the Raidar X. Except for the upgrading of the weapon weaponry of the Raidar X, the upgrades were fairly straight forward.
The REF has been working to convert their designs to have less reliance on Protoculture and the power for the upgraded Raidar X is an incredibly powerful fusion reactor. The protoculture system in the original REF Raidar X would not have been able to provide more than a fraction of the power needed for the particle beams. Still, the Raidar X has a protoculture system to increase reaction speeds. The propulsion system is virtually unchanged from the original Raidar X and the top speed is the same as in the original REF model. While this was done as a cost saving measure, the top speed of 160 kilometers per hour is considered adequate for the design. A second major upgrade in the design is the replacement of the sensor systems. While not especially long ranged, the sensor systems are designed for highly accurate tracking of targets. While the original REF Raidar X required a crew member to operate it, the upgraded version can operate completely autonomously although it is still more effective when manned. There have been some thoughts about developing a completely independent model run by a powerful artificial intelligence but so far the design has not left the drawing boards. Like most REF designs, the armor has been replaced by armor materials which are far stronger and the survivability of the Raidar X is greatly increased. The materials are specially designed to reduce the effectiveness of laser type weaponry.
Model Type: Raidar X MK-XII
Vehicle Type: Destroid
Crew: One or Two
M.D.C. by location:
| [1] High Powered Search Sensor (Chest): | 150 | |
| Mini-Missile Launchers (2, Shoulders): | 225 each | |
| "Tri Barrel" Particle Beam Cannons (6, 3 each arm): | 150 each | |
| Upper Arm Connections (2): | 250 each | |
| Legs (2): | 325 each | |
| [2] Main Body: | 650 | |
| Reinforced Pilots Compartment | 300 |
Notes:
[1] Depleting the M.D.C. of the sensor system will remove all bonuses
to strike with particle beams although the vehicle has backup sensors.
[2] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the mecha down
completely, rendering it useless. Note: Lasers inflict half damage.
Speed:
Running: 100 mph (160 kph) maximum with a cruising speed of
about 50 mph (80 kph). Unlike power armors, running does no tire out the
operator.
Jumping: 80 feet (24.4 meters) lengthwise or 40 feet (12.2 meters)
up.
Climbing: Cannot climb
Underwater: The Spartan can walk along the bottom of the sea
floor at 25% of maximum speed.
Maximum Ocean Depth: 2 mile (3.2 km)
Maximum Effective Range: Limited only by the pilot's endurance. Emergency food
and air supply will keep the pilot alive for a week.
Statistical Data:
Height: 24 feet 9 inches (7.6 meters).
Width: 18 feet (5.5 meters).
Length: 11 feet 7 inches (3.6 meters)
Weight: 16.5 tons (15.0 metric tons) fully loaded.
Physical Strength: Equal to Robotic P.S. 50
Power System: Advanced Fusion (25 Years). Uses one protoculture
cells for special systems (100 Year Duration), mainly control systems only.
The protoculture system has a special anti-tampering device.
Cargo: Minimal space is available in the pilots compartment,
but there is a 5 ft x 5 ft x 3 ft space behind cockpit
Market Cost: Not Sold, If found it would probably be worth 75
million for a new, undamaged, and fully operation Mecha complete with weapons.
Weapons Systems:
Sensors & Equipment:
Has all the normal sensors and equipment of power armors and armored
vehicles in the Three Galaxies plus the following special features.
[ Phase World TM, Naruni TM, Kreeghor TM, and CAF TM are trademarks owned
by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
[ Robotech® is a registered trademark owned and licensed by Harmony
Gold USA, Inc. ]
By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).
Copyright © 2005, Kitsune. All rights reserved.