A-12 Avenger II

## A-12B Avenger

The **A-12B Avenger II** is a conventional carrier-based strike fighter used by the UEDF.

## Background

The A-12A Avenger was originally designed as a strike aircraft to operate off the aircraft carriers of the then United States Navy. A conventional craft, the design objectives were more focused on delivery of maximum payload than anything else. None the less, it was successful and soon proliferated during the Global Civil War, where it was used by a number of factions as both a carrier and land-based platform. Possibly the best known user was the Internationalist Coalition, who deployed them alongside F-203 Dragon II fighters onboard the *Kenosha*.

Following the formation of the UEDF, the A-12 was selected to be their main carrier-based strike fighter, albeit as an interim design. This lead to the development and deployment of the more advanced A-12B model, which took advantage of Robotechnology in its electronics, engines and in other areas. This model operated from the UEDF's carrier fleet, including the *Prometheus*-class submersible aircraft carriers, as well as from land bases. The Avenger saw use against AUL forces in a number of theatres.

Most of the land-based Avengers were lost in the Zentraedi Rain of Death, although some of those onboard the submersible carriers survived. Avengers were used during the Malcontent Uprisings to strike at bases and camps in remote areas, although they proved to be almost helpless against airborne Zentraedi Mecha. As such, they usually wound being escorted by, or increasingly playing supporting roles to VF-1 Veritechs.

Its specialised nature proved to be both a boon and a curse; it continued to serve with those remaining carrier units, but at the same time, there was little need to restore it to production. The remaining Avengers continued to serve both the UEDF and the Army of the Southern Cross well in to the 2020s until finally replaced with newer designs. By that point, most land-based examples had been retired, although a few soldiered on in the service of independent nations until the Invid Invasion.

## Capabilities

The design of the A-12B Avenger II is largely conventional. Despite its large size, it was well-suited to carrier operations, and proved to be a dependable and reliable aircraft in that regard. The aircraft is capable of high subsonic speeds and has good low-altitude handling and stall speed. This makes it well suited to low-level penetration attacks. However, it typically has no air-to-air weaponry and little means to defend itself against enemy aircraft, and is outclassed by any airborne mecha.

The Avenger had a crew of two; one pilot and one weapons systems officer, who sat side-by-side in the cockpit. To support its role, the Avenger was equipped with an advanced surface-scanning radar to allow it to acquire land and surface-based targets. It also possessed secondary air-to-air capabilities. It also carried a laser designator and a retractable optical/infrared target search system. Furthermore, it could carry additional electronic equipment in external pods, such as advanced surface-scan radars, camera and detection pods and electronic warfare pods. Communications were provided through a modern radio set that received numerous updates to ensure compatibility with UEDF systems.

The skin of the Avenger is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The skin provides excellent protection against small grenade and shell fragments, good protection against small arms fire, and poor resistance to heavier infantry weapons, such as the 12.7mm machine-gun round, as well as from fragments and near misses from higher caliber weapons. The armored ‘bathtub’ in the pilots’ compartment stops all small arms fire, provides good protection against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machine-gun round, and fair resistance to light mecha-mounted weaponry, such as the Zentraedi 22.3mm HE autocannon round.

## Weapons and Equipment

* 2 Under-Body Hardpoints, typically equipped with air-to-surface missiles

* 4 Under-Wing Hardpoints for various weapons including air-to-surface missiles, bombs, electronic warfare pods and other ordinance.

* Internal bay for free-fall bombs, electronic warfare pods or fuel tanks.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** A-12B

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Light:** 4
	+ **Structure – Light:** 16
	+ **Hardware Points**: Basic
	+ **Speed** – **Flying:** 1200 kph / 2 km / 200 Ground Units

### Weapons

* **Fuselage Missile Rails:** The Avenger II has a pair of missiles mounted on the underside of the fuselage. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]

* **Wing-Mounted Weapon Hardpoints:** The Avenger II can carry a compliment of weapons under its wings. Pick one from the following options. [H]
	+ **Tactical Missiles:** The Avenger II can carry Tactical Missiles under the wings. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]
	+ **Bomb Racks:** The Avenger II carries four racks of Smart Bombs under its wings. These racks release guided ‘smart’ bombs that glide towards their target, inflicting x2 Mecha-Class damage on a hit. They have a range of Short and attacks with Bombs may be used a total of 3 times. [H][B10]
	+ **Electronics Pods:** The Avenger II can mount extensive electronic warfare pods on its wings in place of weapons. This equipment can only be used through an Equipment Suite. [H]

### Features

* **Crew:** The Avenger II has a crew of 2: 1 pilot and 1 co-pilot/bombardier. If one crew is missing or injured, then it may still operate but will take penalties to maneuvering and sensor skill rolls.

* **Atmosphere Only:** The Avenger II can only be used in an Earth-like atmosphere.

* **Generic:** The stats for the Avenger II can be used to represent other conventional fighters.

### Equipment Suites

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Avenger II carries a load of missiles for use against surface targets. Make an attack at up to Long range. These weapons inflict Mecha-class damage. [B5]
	+ **Uses:** 1 (3 if Tactical Missiles are chosen as wing-mounted munition)
	+ **Skill:** 4

* **Sensor Sweep:** An Avenger II equipped with a Electronics Pod serves as Long-Range recon and provides visual and audio data transmitted back to other friendly units. Use this skill when making Observe actions.
	+ **Equipment Required:** Electronics Pod
	+ **Uses:** Unlimited
	+ **Skill:** 3

* **ECM Systems:** An Avenger II mounting the Electronics Pod option can use the system to broadcast broadband interference. This allows it to interfere with enemy sensors, communications and missile systems. Use this Skill when redirecting, defending, hindering or obscuring.
	+ **Equipment Required:** Electronics Pod
	+ **Uses:** Unlimited
	+ **Skill:** 3

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery