F-203 Dragon II

## F-203E Dragon II

The **F-203E Dragon II** is a conventional air superiority fighter used by the UEDF.

## Background

The F-203A Dragon II first entered service during the Global Civil War. While initially a comparatively simple and straightforward aircraft, it demonstrated superior performance in the air superiority role. The appeal of the fighter was broadened with the introduction of the V/STOL-capable F-203C model which was deigned for both short-field and aircraft carrier-based operations. Despite the additional complications of the system, the Dragon II did not suffer any significant loss of performance.

The Dragon II used by a number of different nations and factions, such as the Internationalist Coalition and the Eastern United States during the Global Civil War, and saw action in theatres as far afield as Wyoming, the Aleutians and the Mediterranean. Both the conventional and V/STOL models saw considerable use, with the latter quickly becoming the more common model as conditions continued to deteriorate. While later in the war it was outclassed by more advanced fighters such as the Z-9 Peregrine, the Dragon II's relatively conventional design and ease of operation ensured that it remained a common sight throughout the conflict. The fighter was flown by a number of famous pilots, most notably Roy Fokker, who scored a number of victories at its controls.

Due to a number of factors, it was adopted by the UEDF as their main air superiority fighter. A new variant, the F-203E was developed, incorporating a number of Robotechnology-derived improvements. These ranged from lightweight construction materials to new engines and electronics, as well as compatibility with newly developed missile systems. This new model was deployed worldwide, although it was still primarily intended to be an interim design until the development of a dedicated Robotechnology fighter. UEDF F-203Es were used extensively in conflict with the Anti-Unification League in a number of theatres where it was often used both alongside and against the MiM-31M, another Robotechnology-augmented fighter. Later in the conflict they were used alongside the VF-1 Veritech, although the latter was restricted to fighter mode only in the field.

With the First Robotech War being fought almost entirely in space, the UEDF's Dragon II fleet saw no active service. The majority were destroyed on the ground during the Zentraedi Rain of Death. During the reconstruction period, the UEDF resumed production of the Dragon II in order to rebuild their forces. However, despite its capabilities, the fighter proved to be direfully outclassed by the Zentraedi Fighter Pod and Female Power Armour. Most UEDF examples were withdrawn by 2020, replaced with the F-210 Falcon II and VF-5 Sylphid.

Outside of the UEDF, a number of Dragon IIs were acquired by various nation states for their own forces during the 2010s and 2020s, both new examples and ex-UEDF models. On the few occasions that Dragon II's were were used against the Robotech Masters they proved to be hopelessly outclassed and were easily shot down by their Assault Dropships or simply destroyed on the ground. All known remaining examples were destroyed in the Invid Invasion.

## Capabilities

The F-203E was a largely conventional air superiority aircraft. The craft was capable of speeds of up to Mach 2.8 at altitude and boasted excellent rate of climb and acceleration by the standards of the period. However, it was still driven by conventional chemical engines, which meant that its range and acceleration were limited compared to dedicated Robotechnology craft. The F-203E was equipped with under-body vectored thrust nozzles to enable short take off and landing, as well as carrier operations. In addition, it had two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles to provide additional dogfighting maneuverability.

The electronics fit of the F-203E 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. While the F-203E was not intended for attack duties, the radar had a secondary surface scan mode and could be used for such as needed. Secondary tracking included passive infrared detection systems. A conventional radio set was also included, although this was upgraded a number of times during the Dragon's service life.

The skin of the Dragon II is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the Dragon II 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 HE autocannon round. If damaged, the Dragon II can fly on a single engine, although performance will be severely degraded.

## Weapons and Equipment

* 2 **16mm six-barrel miniguns:** Mounted in the wing roots. Fired fired light explosive armor piercing (LEAP) ammunition and hypervelocity tungsten AP flechettes at 6,500 rounds per minute, with a max effective range of 1,200 meters. Ammunition payload was 1500 rounds total. These weapons were considered underpowered and inadequate for their role.

* 6 underwing hardpoints. Typical UEDF air superiority loadout was six **AMM-1 Arrow** Medium Range missiles.

* 1 centerline hardpoint for drop tanks and other equipment.

## Variants

* **F-203A:** Initial CTOL version deployed by US Air Force and other users.
* **F-203B:** Twin-seat trainer model of F-203A.
* **F-203C:** V/STOL capable version designed for carrier use.
* **F-203D:** Twin-seat trainer model of F-203C.
* **F-203E:** Advanced UEDF variant of F-203C equipped with Robotechnology-derived systems, including new engines, electronics and weapons.
* **F-203F:** Twin-seat trainer model of F-203E.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** F-203E

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Light:** 2
	+ **Structure – Light:** 15
	+ **Hardware Points**: Basic
	+ **Speed** – **Flight:** 2400 kph / 4 km / 400 Ground Units

### Weapons

* **16mm Miniguns:** The Dragon II is armed with a pair of 16mm miniguns in the wing roots. These weapons have a high rate of fire and are designed for use in air-to-air combat against other aircraft. They inflict x3 Light damage to targets and have a range of Long [L1][H]

* **Wing-Mounted Missile Hardpoints:** The Dragon II can carry a small compliment of missiles under its wings. Pick one from the following options. [H]
	+ **Tactical Missiles:** The Dragon II can carry Tactical Missiles under the wings. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]
	+ **Mini-Missiles:** Alternatively, the Dragon II can carry Mini Missiles under the wings. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]

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

### Features

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

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

### Equipment Suites

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

* **Mini-Missiles:** Alternatively, the Dragon II can be equipped with Mini-Missiles for use against surface armoured targets. They can be used up to Medium range. These weapons inflict Mecha-class damage. [B3]
	+ **Equipment Required:** Mini-Missiles
	+ **Uses:** 3
	+ **Skill:** 3

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery