French Épée VSTOL Fighter/Interceptor:
Because the French government had not upgraded much of its military during the first
half of the Twenty-First century, the state of their forces dropped to deplorable levels.
The majority of their equipment was old, worn-out, and outdated. The resurgence of colonial
Britain in 2055 "woke up" the French government and made them realize that they had lost
their status as a world power. To make up on lost ground, the French government funded and
enormous military build-up program to re-equip its military in all areas. The army, navy,
and air force all received funding for projects, especially those dedicated to colonial
expansion and enhancing global presence.
When the Mirage VIII entered service with the French air and naval services in 2070
and 2071 respectively, it was their pride and joy. Capable of low level penetration of
enemy defenses, precision strikes, and fleet defense, it was the ultimate Mirage design.
However, the destruction of the Royal Navy Ark Royal task force in 2072 by
Chinese-built Argentinean stealth bombers showed a definite gap in the capabilities. That
same year, the French Air Force and Navy put forth a request to the government for funding
for a new fighter/interceptor. In light of the British disaster, funding quickly came in
for the project, named Épée or “sword”. The aircraft was to be capable of long-range
high-speed interception of enemy forces. The sensor suite was to be capable of detecting
even the stealthiest targets by a combination of radar, infrared, and ultraviolet systems.
A long-range directional jamming system was to be incorporated to shut down enemy detection
and communication systems as far out as possible. Finally, the new fighter/interceptor’s
weapons were to be capable of independently targeting aircraft and missiles and destroying
them well away from their intended target.
Dassault Aviation of course took the project by the reins, and began developing the
airframe around the requirements. The designers chief inspiration, surprisingly, came began
with the old American F-104 Starfighter from the 1960’s. The concept was rejected as
being impractical and the designers shifted to others ideas. Eventually the designers
submitted a sleek design that closely resembled the Rafale design from earlier in the
century and the newer Super Rafale. This new design did have significant changes to
the older aircraft. The delta and canard wings were more elongated and sleeker for less wing
resistance. The single vertical stabilizer was replaced with two fins both at 60 degree angles
for increased high-speed maneuvering. The aircraft was designed with stealth in the body shape
and used radar absorbing materials to help avoid detection. The materials used in construction
were highly resistant to damage and corrosion like most new military designs.
The majority of the weapons were within ordinance bays to reduce drag and increase stealth.
Two large ventral bays could each carry three long-range missiles or six medium-range missiles.
Two smaller bays further out on the wing-roots each carried two medium-range missiles. The same
railgun fitted to the Mirage VIII was incorporated into the left wing-root for close-in
dogfighting. Four hardpoints were fitted to the wings, although they were not often used. Using
them reduced the stealth characteristics of the aircraft and increased air-resistance, both of
which hurt the aircraft’s intended role. The Épée carried chaff and flare packs, and towed
decoy dispensers located at the tips of the wings to protect it from missiles. The inboard jamming
system was extremely powerful and almost matched those on dedicated jamming aircraft. Being a
very directional system, it did not need the power or space required on other aircraft. The system
was intended to jam enemy detection and communication systems until they could be targeted and
destroyed.
Production of the Épée began in 2075 after an exhausting testing and evaluation period.
The developmental costs overran their budgets in every area, but the requirement for the
fighter/interceptor remained solid throughout. Eventually just over 120 of these aircraft were
built with half going to each of the services. Like most French squadrons, naval units received
eleven aircraft while land-based units had thirteen aircraft assigned. Though both services used
the exact same aircraft, the “N” designation was given to the naval aircraft to separate them
from their land-based brethren.
| Model Type: | Épée | Land Based Air Force Fighter/Interceptor |
| Épée-N | Navy Fighter/ Interceptor |
Vehicle Type: Twin Engine High Speed Interceptor
Crew: Two (Pilot / Sensor & Electronic System operator)
M.D.C. by Location:
| Forward Mounted Gun (1; Wing Root): | 35 |
| Wing Mounted Missile Hard Points (4): | 10 each |
| Large Internal Ordnance Bays (2; hatch): | 60 each |
| Small Internal Ordnance Bays (2; hatch): | 45 each |
| [1] Wings (2): | 120 each |
| [2] Forward Canard Wings (2): | 30 each |
| [3] Rudders (2): | 65 each |
| Reinforced Crew Compartment / Cockpit: | 130 |
| Ejection Seats (2): | 2 each |
| [3] Engines (2): | 120 each |
| Landing Gear (3): | 10 each |
| [4] Main Body: | 200 |
Notes:
[1] Destroying one or both Canard Wings will result in reducing bonuses to dodge by two
and removing the 10% bonus to piloting the aircraft.
[2] Destroying a Wing will cause
the plane to crash
[3] The destruction of one engine will reduce the fighter’s top speed by half and give
the pilot a -2 penalty to dodge as well as giving a 10% penalty to piloting. Destruction of
both engines will cause the aircraft to crash. Pilot may attempt an emergency landing or
pilot can choose to eject.
[4] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the aircraft down completely,
rendering it useless and causing it to crash if in flight. Damage to the main body will also
reduce the aircraft's stealth, for every 10% of damage to the main body, reduce the
aircraft's stealth by 10% of its total.
Speed:
Driving on Ground (Taxiing): Only possible for take offs and
landings as well as for parking and storage. Speed is 40 mph (64 kph) when traveling and
not on take off or landing. Because of the vectoring of the thrusters, the fighter can
take off in a short distance.
Flying: The Épée has a top speed of Mach
3.5 (2,595.1 mph /4,176.4 kph) and has a maximum altitude of 72,000 feet (21,942 meters).
When the fighter is carrying ordnance on its external hard points, the fighter has a
top speed of 3.2 (2462.4 mph / 3962.9 kph) but reduction in fighter's top speed is
negligible with internal ordnance. The fighter has a minimum glide-speed of 150 mph
(240 kph); if it goes any slower, the wings cannot provide sufficient lift and the
aircraft will crash unless VTOL engines are engaged. Cruising speed tends to be between
720 mph (481 kph) and Mach 2.0 (1,482.9 mph / 2,386.5 kph).
Range: Nuclear powered, giving it continual energy, but the jet engines begin
to overheat after 12 hours of continual use. Occasional rest stops every 4 to 6 hours,
giving the engines an hour to cool down, will allow the aircraft to travel indefinitely.
Statistical Data:
Height: 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters)
Wingspan: 43.5 feet (13.2 meters)
Length: 74 feet (22.6 meters)
Weight: 39,600 pounds (18,000 kg) empty and 55,000 pounds (25,000 kg) fully
loaded.
Power System: Nuclear fusion; should have an average lifespan of 10 years.
Cargo: Minimal (Storage for small equipment), does not include ordnance bays
or hard points. Small ordnance bays can carry 2,200 lbs (1000 kg) each and large bays
can carry 6,600 lbs (3000 kg) each
Black Market Cost: Not available. None are known to have survived the coming
of the Rifts. The jet has never been recovered by enemies or mercenaries. Such an
aircraft would sell for 80 to 110 million credits on the open market.
Weapon Systems:
- Forward Mounted Rail gun:
A fix forward weapon was mounted on the wing-root
of the fighter. It served as the one of last line of defense against enemy planes and missile
volleys, although some pilots used it for strafing runs against ground targets. Most pilots
did not like being exposed to ground weapons fire so it was an uncommon practice. The weapon
was controlled by the pilot.
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
Mega-Damage: A burst of 40 rounds does 1D6x10.
Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of pilot or commander.
Payload: 4,000 round magazine for 100 bursts each.
- Main Ordnance Bays (2):
The aircraft had two ordnance bays at the bottom of the
mid-fuselage. The Épée could carry three long-range missiles, six medium-range missiles,
or their equivalent in smaller ordnance or bombs. Ordnance types can include missiles, torpedoes,
naval mines, and bombs. Missile and bomb sizes may be mixed between different types of ordnance
but an ordnance drop or launch must include the same type and size of ordnance. Both guided and
unguided ordnance may be carried. These weapons were almost never carried as the Épée was
intended to be an interceptor. The weapons officer controls the missiles but the pilot has
auxiliary controls.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies by missile type for missile and varies by altitude
dropped at (Go to Revised bomb
and missile table).
Mega Damage: Varies by missile or bomb type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of Fire: Ordnance is dropped or fired one at a time or in volleys of two, five,
eight, or sixteen but must be the same size (light, medium, or heavy) and style of ordnance
(all missiles or bombs in a volley)
Payload: 3 long-range missiles or 6 medium-range missiles in each bay. Bombs and
naval mines could substituted for missiles. Alternately, 9 short-range missiles could be exchanged
for the Long Range Missiles or Medium Range Missiles.
- Secondary Ordnance Bays (2):
The aircraft had two ordnance bays on the intake sides.
The bays were designed to carry two medium-range missiles or four short-range missiles. Missiles
could be mixed and matched but normally the bay carried all the same type of missiles. Normally
only medium-range weapons were carried. The weapons officer controlled the missiles but the pilot
had auxiliary controls.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies by missile type for missile (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Mega Damage: Varies by missile type (Go to
Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of Fire: Missiles can be fired one at a time or in volleys of two, or four but
must be the same size (light or medium).
Payload: 2 medium range missiles or 4 short range missiles per bay.
- Wing Hard Points (4):
The Épée had four external hard points for ordnance
and equipment. The hard points could be used to carry missiles, bombs, and rocket packs as
needed by the mission. Missiles, rocket packs, and bombs could be mixed or matched but all
ordnance on a hard point had to be the same type. Carrying ordnance on the aircrafts external
hard points negated the aircraft's stealth from the bottom, sides, front, and back of the
aircraft. The aircraft retained normal stealth from the top when carrying wing mounted
ordnance. The hardpoints were only used when heavy combat was expected. Reduce Stealth
by 10% for every hard point carrying ordnance.
- Bombs and Missiles:
The only restriction is that a hard point must carry
all the same type of missiles or bombs. Both unguided and guided bombs can be carried.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies by missile type for missile and varies by altitude
bombs are dropped at
(Go to Revised bomb and
missile table).
Mega Damage: Varies by missile or bomb type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of Fire: Missiles can be fired and bombs can be dropped one at a time per hard
point. Multiple hard points can be linked as one attack but must be the same size (light, medium,
or heavy) and style of ordnance (all missiles or bombs in a volley)
Payload: One long range missile or heavy bomb, two medium range missile or medium
bombs, or four short range missiles or light bombs (see above - all ordnance on a hard point
must be the same size and type of ordnance)
- Mini-Missile Pod:
Large capacity mini-missile pod. The mini missile pods are normally
carried for ground strafing, anti-troop, and anti-emplacement attacks. Normal missile used are
armor piercing, plasma, or fragmentation mini-missiles.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies with missile types, mini-missiles only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Mega Damage: Varies with mini-missile types (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of fire: Each pod can fire one at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, or 8 and can be
linked with other mini missile pods for greater number of missiles (Counts as one attack no matter
how many missiles in volley)
Payload: each pod carries 16 mini-missiles.
- Anti-Missile Chaff Dispenser:
Located at the very tail of the fighter are two
chaff dispensers. When tailed by a missile, a cloud of chaff and other obtrusive particles can
be released to confuse or detonate the enemy's attack. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to
not operate against Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20%
against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
Effect:
01-50 Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud - Missile are all destroyed
51-75 Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in wrong
direction (May lock onto another target)
76-00 No effect, missile is still on target
Also note that the chaff cloud will also blind flying monsters that fly through cloud.
They will suffer the following penalties: reduce melee attacks/actions, combat bonuses, and
speed by half. Duration: 1D4 melee rounds.
Payload: Eight (8)
- Advanced Towed Decoys (4):
These are mounted in dispensers on the tips of the
fighter's wings with two decoys in the dispenser on either wing. These drones are dragged
about 328 feet (100 meters) behind the aircraft on a thin cable. Each is a specially designed
radar lure that creates a radar image to mimic the aircraft. The decoy has a special jammer
that is designed to decoy missiles that have been programmed to home on jamming signals. If
decoys are not destroyed, they can be recovered and repaired. Rifts Earth decoy systems are
assumed to not operate against Phase World weapons due to technological difference.
M.D.C.: 5
Effects: The decoy has an 80% chance of fooling ordinary non military radars
and non smart guided missiles, the decoy has a 50% chance of fooling military level radars
(like those of the Coalition), and the decoy has a 25% chance of fooling advanced military
radars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and smart missiles. Against missiles homing
on a jamming signal, jamming has an 40% chance of tricking missiles if both the aircraft
and missile are jamming and an 80% chance if the jamming system on the aircraft is
deactivated before the missile reaches it.
Range: Not Applicable although decoy is deployed 328 feet (100 meters) from
the aircraft
Rate of fire: One can be deployed at a time and requires 15 seconds to deploy
(Reel Out) another decoy \
Payload: 4 Decoys (2 each)
Special Equipment:
The fighter has all the standard features of a standard
fighter (same as standard robot minus loudspeaker and microphone) plus these special
features listed below.
- Stealth Features: Causes a -80% to any attempts to detect the fighter
using radar. The special shape of its exhaust also means that the plane is -20% to detect
using IR sensors. All IR guided missiles are -1 to strike. The engine is also much quieter
than it is on the standard version of the fighter. Opening the main ordnance bay greatly
increases the aircraft's radar signature from the underside of the aircraft and aircraft
creates no penalties to be detected in those conditions. Also, reduce Stealth by 10% for
every hard point carrying ordnance. Go to
General Detection Penalties
for more information on penalties and bonuses to use with stealth.
- Directional Active Jamming Gear: The system creates a jamming field in a cone
shape 60 mile (96.5 km) in front of the aircraft. It jams all radars, radios, and all
equipment that uses RF waves. This also includes jamming all friendly forces and all
equipment in aircraft that is mounting the system and operating it. The system will cause
all radar systems to have a 85% reduction in range. In addition, radar systems will have
a -25% penalty to detect all targets within their reduced range. Laser communications and
light-based sensors are unaffected by the jamming system. Jamming also causes a -6 penalty
to strike with all radar guided weapons within the area but some radar guided missiles can
home on jamming signals.
- Radar: Range 300 miles (482.8 km). The radar system can identify and track up
to 48 targets simultaneously. With Combat & Targeting Computer, the fighter can fire
missiles at up to sixteen targets at the same time. The weapon officer frees the pilot from
controlling the missiles so he can retain his full attacks.
- FLIR: Forward Looking Infrared. Allows pilot to get visuals on targets at night.
- E.S.M.: Radar Detector passively detects other radars being operated.
- Laser Navigational System: Allow flight at low altitude without use of Radar.
Gives a map of the Terrain.
Combat Bonuses:
+2 to strike
+2 to dodge
+5 to dodge while traveling over 300 mph
[Coalition TM, New Navy TM, Phase World TM, and Triax TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
By Kamikazi (kamikazi_gm@hotmail.com).
Copyright © 2004, Kamikazi. All rights reserved.
