F-200 Mistral

## F-200A Mistral

The **F-200A Mistral** was a laser-armed high-altitude interceptor used by the UEDF.

## Background

The F-200A Mistral was born of early efforts to combine existing Earth technology with the advanced technologies recovered from the SDF-1. Based on a Civil War-era experimental fighter, the Mistral was armed with a Laser weapon in place of the traditional cannon. The fighter was intended to intercept incoming spacecraft during re-entry. Any targets that got though their high-altitude interception would then be dealt with by conventional fighters like the F-203 Dragon II.

While technologically advanced, the Mistral was also rapidly outdated. As Robotechnology developments continued, the fighter's armament became quickly obsolete; within a few years of its introduction, the UEDF was fielding the QF-3000 Ghost which was a far superior interceptor. As a result, production of the Mistral was discontinued relatively quickly, with numbers produced being far lower than expected. Ironically, it was considered to be less versatile and useful than older, more conventional fighters.

Those Mistrals in service were kept on inventory as a contingency against delays of other projects, but were expected to be phased out. Due to its nature, it saw very little use against the AUL, and none in the First Robotech War. It is believed that all examples of the type were destroyed in the Rain of Death.

## Capabilities

The Mistral was of an unusual design. Having only small wings, it instead relied on a lifting body fuselage to provide lift. The aim of this design was to provide it with the maximum possible speed at the expense of all else, maneuverability included. The combination of its small size, large engines and design gave the Mistral an unprecedented level of performance. The fighter could reach speeds of up to Mach 5.5. and had a ceiling of over 25 kilometers. While it lacked any ability as a dogfighter, that was not a role it was intended to fulfil.

While the Mistral was armed with a Laser as its main weapon, it was still a conventional fighter. It used conventional fuel-driven weapons, and was reliant on batteries to power its weapons and electronics systems. Once activated, the weapons had about ten minutes of use before draining the battery.

Despite its radical design elements, the electronics fit of the F-200A was largely conventional. Its primary method of target detection and tracking was an advanced multimode radar with long-range, multi-target capabilities as well as look down and shoot capabilities. Secondary detection was provided by infrared and laser tracking systems. The communications system was conventional with long-range capabilities.

The skin of the Mistral is composed of treated steel plate. 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 machinegun round, as well as from fragments and near misses from higher caliber weapons.

## Weapons and Equipment

* **RoV-5 laser cannon:** Mounted in the nose. Capable of firing 1000 pulses per minute. The system was prone to overheating if firing maintained for too long of a duration.

* Ventral weapons bay containing capable of holding four 320mm **Dagger** long range missiles or 300mm **AMM-1 Arrow** multi-purpose long range missiles.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** F-200A

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – (Light):** 2
	+ **Structure – (Light):** 12
	+ **Hardware Points**: Basic
	+ **Speed** – **Flight:** 3000 kph / 5 km / 500 Ground Units

### Weapons

* **Laser Cannon:** The Mistral is armed with a prototype laser cannon in the nose for use against other aircraft. They are Short Ranged but can be Extended and inflict x2 Light damage. [E][H]

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Mistral can carry Tactical Missiles in its internal bay. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]

* **No Melee:** The Mistral cannot engage in melee except to make Ramming attacks.

### Features

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

### Equipment Suites

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Mistral carries four air-to-air missiles for use against other aircraft. These weapons can be used up to Long range and inflict Mecha-class damage. [B5]
	+ **Uses:** 2
	+ **Skill:** 4