F-215 Pluto

## F-215A Pluto

The **F-215A Pluto** is a light aerospace fighter used by the Armies of the Southern Cross.

## Background

The Pluto was born out of the failure of the VF-4 Lightning and the UEDF's subsequent shift to non-transformable space-based fighters. The aim was to create a lightweight craft with a high acceleration that would fill the gap left by the VF-4, albeit with a far lower price tag per unit. The craft would also have a secondary atmospheric combat capability, although the focus would remain on space combat.

In many respects, the resulting craft, designated the F-215A Pluto in service, both exceeded and at the same time, underwhelmed. It fulfilled the main design requirements of being small, lightweight, having high acceleration and, possibly most importantly, of being cheap. The design of the Pluto was clearly influenced by the VF-4, featuring a large engine mounted on each wing. As a dogfighter, it proved to be a capable platform, but that came at a cost. While the expectation was that the Pluto would copy the VF-4's laser cannon armament, those lasers proved to be far smaller and less powerful than those on the larger Veritech. Furthermore, unlike the mixed missile-laser loadouts of the VF-4 (or indeed other contemporary spacecraft like the F/A-212 Chimera or SM/A-4 Comet), the Pluto was limited only to those lasers.

In order to counter these deficiencies, Pluto pilots were trained to work together in tight four-ship formations that would allow them to concentrate their firepower on a single target and overwhelm it. As can be imagined, the craft proved to be unpopular with its pilots due to its lackluster weapons and perceived fragility. Furthermore, the ASC's high command began to reassess the role of Veritechs in space combat, leading to the development of a radical new concept Veritech fighter.

The Pluto was phased out from service during the late 2020s. By the time the Second Robotech War formally commenced, most examples were withrdrawn from active duty and in storage on the Moon. Ironically, some of the last in service were among the first ASC forces to make contact with the Robotech Masters, including the few known engagements with the even more obscure Tirolian Scout Drone. Some of those craft were reactivated and thrown into action during the last days of the war, where they proved to be horribly out-classed by the Tirolian Bioroids and Assault Dropship combination.

## Capabilities

In both space and atmospheric environments, the Pluto was a swift and highly maneuverable craft. It boasted tremendous acceleration and a near unmatched high-altitude performance, although it was not capable of independently reaching orbit. Its maneuverability made it an excellent dogfighter, allowing it to out-turn just about any other air or space craft. Its operational range was decent, but its high acceleration and rapid maneuvering could lead to it rapidly burning through reaction mass. The use of a Protoculture power system was key to this performance, leaving it well ahead of conventional technologies.

However, for all that, the Pluto's armament was severely limited. Equipped with only two light lasers, it was out-gunned by almost all of its projected enemies. Furthermore, due to its lack of missile armament, it was almost completely incapable of engaging large craft or naval vessels.

The Pluto's pilot sat in a fully enclosed cockpit with full life support systems which was protected against nuclear, biological or chemical hazards. While the cockpit was pressurised, typical operating procedure was to wear a spacesuit no less. Operationally, most Southern Cross pilots wore Gusoku or LPAS as much for their life support capability as for the additional protection. The primary targeting was provided by a multi-mode pulse/doppler radar system, backed by infra-red, optical and laser tracking capabilities. Communications were handled through a mid-range multi-mode video and laser set. Pilots using LPAS could optionally have HUD information projected directly to their visors.

The skin of the Pluto is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The skin stops all small arms fire, provides fair protection against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machinegun round, and poor resistance to light mecha-mounted weaponry, such as the Zentraedi 22.3mm autocannon round.

## Weapons and Equipment

* 2 **E-19 Light Laser Cannons:** The Pluto's sole weapon was a pair of laser cannons mounted in a traversable turret on the underside of the craft. The lasers could fire up to 40 times per minute.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** F-215A

* **Division:** ASC-TSC, ASC-TAF

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Light:** 4
	+ **Structure – (type):** 12
	+ **Hardware Points**: 3
	+ **Speed:** 2400 kph / 4 km / 400 Ground Units / 8 Space Units

### Weapons

* **Pulse Lasers:** The Pluto is also equipped with Mecha-Class Lasers, mounted in a turret under the main body. These Lasers have a limited Range of Medium. They inflict Mecha-class damage. [H]

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

### Features

* **Space Capable:** The Pluto is fully environmentally sealed and mounts manoeuvring thrusters for use in space.

### Equipment Suites

* **Precision Flying:** The Pluto is light, fast and agile, and a capable dogfighter. However, the craft’s fragility means it must rely on numbers and combined fire to ensure success. When working with other Pluto Fighters in Short Range, gain an additional +1 die to use with this Skill.
	+ **Uses:** Unlimited
	+ **Skill:** +1 for each friendly aircraft within Short Range (max +3)