Jovian Chronicles - CEGA Exo's (and other craft)

[Noir]

CEA-01 Syreen
General Purpose Space Trooper Exo-Armor

Height: 17.2 m
Weight: 48.9 tons
Control System: Linear Frame
Armor Factor: 8

Weapon Systems
2 x CSH-4 Heavy Missiles
6 x Deathsong A3 Medium Missiles
4 x LAC-1 Light Missiles
1 x LACW-12S ACDLS
2 x Pincers (retractable)

Special Equipment
Survival Pod
SOBU-1 Booster Unit (Optional)

Overview
As the settlements resumed contact with Earth, the newly-formed CEGA was amazed by the new war machines they saw. They were a little worried as well. The Syreen was hastily designed to be a stopgap measure to the recent colonial advances in exo-armor technology. Using an old OTV (Orbital Transfer Vehicle) model, the CEGA technicians built a legless and crude craft capable of defending itself in hand-to-hand combat as well as carrying anti-ship missiles.

Although actual models use a custom designed booster, the original prototypes of 2186 were built around decommissioned OTVs. This caused endless problems (as well as one explosion) before the project leaders finally decided to build new chassis for the vehicles. Because of the original nature of its propulsion system, the Syreen is capable of high acceleration, but suffers from poor range and maneuverability. The latter was improved by the recent addition of vectoring plates to the main nozzle. These plates need constant attention however, and many technicians complain they are spending too much time on them.

After several successful simulated ambushes in the Asteroid Belt, the vehicle was dubbed Syreen for its appearance and its ability to lure opponents into a well-prepared trap using its ECM pod. The pod was too costly to use on all of the exo-armors, so it was later decided that only the officer variant would carry it on the production model.

The most amazing piece of equipment is surely the Active Close Defense Laser System (ACDLS for short), a computer-guided, variable range laser array composed of four independently focusing lenses. These serve as the Syreen's main ranged weapon, except when an opponent approaches the Syreen within 25 meters: the computer then automatically takes over and fires at the new threat. This is beginning to cause problems as Syreens routinely open fire on friendly units, acting on misread IFF signals.

 

Variants
Being a jury-rigged machine built only to be replaced by more advanced designs, the Syreen was likely never intended to be adapted to other operational roles. Apart from the Commander type, which carries an ECM pod on the back of its head, no variations are known to exist.

All Syreens share the ability to use the SOBU-1 rocket booster to launch from a ground facility to low orbit. The ACDLS is covered and cannot be used while the booster is attached, however; the pilot must first jettison his SOBU to fire.

 

Service History

The first incident involving Syreens occurred during the testing period when a small pirate cruiser mistook the CEGA team for prospectors. The pirates were quite surprised when what they thought to be mineral-gathering shuttles turned out to be a pack of dangerous combat vessels. Needless to say, the cruiser was vaporized after only a few seconds of combat.

 

CEA-01 Syreen (Standard)

Spoiler

 

< < < NOTE: These numbers are estimations based off of available data. > > >

CEA-01 Syreen (Standard)

Piloting - MV: -6 (-7), Ground Move: 0, Flight Move: 20, Tonnage: 48.9

Sensors - Range: 4, Comm: 800 km, Structure: 4K, Location: Head

Hydraulics - Space, Structure: 6K

Armor & Structure
Head --- Armor: 2K, Structure: 1K
Torso -- Armor: 2K, Structure: 6K
R. Arm - Armor: 2K, Structure: 3K
L. Arm - Armor: 2K, Structure: 3K

Additive Systems - Escape Pod, Space Protection, Link: Heavy Missiles, Link: Medium Missiles, Link: Light Missiles

Weapons

Heavy Missiles - Accuracy: -2, Range: 10, Damage: 5K, Ammo: 2, Structure: 5K, Location: 1 RA, 1 LA

Medium Missiles - Accuracy: +1, Range: 8, Damage: 3K, Ammo: 6, Structure: 3K, Location: 3 RA, 3LA

Light Missiles - Accuracy: +1, Range: 8, Damage: 1K, Ammo: 4, Structure: 1K, Location: 2 RA, 2 LA

ACDLS - Structure: 7K, Location: Torso

*Laser* - Accuracy: +1, Range: 6, Damage: 4K, Ammo: Inf, Structure: 1K, Location: R. Hand, Special: BV3

*Close Def.* - Accuracy: +1, Range: Melee, Damage: 6K, Ammo: N/A, Structure: 1K, Location: R. Hand, Special: Automated Fire

Right Claw - Accuracy: +1, Range: Melee, Damage: 1K, Ammo: N/A, Structure: 1K, Location: R. Hand, Special: Quick

Left Claw - Accuracy: +1,  Range: Melee, Damage: 1K, Ammo: N/A, Structure: 1K, Location: L. Hand, Special: Quick

 

 

[Noir]

 

CFB-10D Gnome
Assault / All-Weather Interdiction 

Length: 12.3 m
Weight: 24.5 tons
Control System: Standard Cockpit
Armor Factor: 12

 

Weapon Systems
2 x Railguns
10 x Medium Missiles
 

Special Equipment
Survival Pod
 

Overview
This fighter actually dates back to the pre-CEGA days of the civil war, when it was used by several factions for quick orbital strikes. Launched from the ground with a booster pack, the Gnome is equally at ease in space or in atmosphere; it is even capable of unaided reentry. The design is simplistic, easy to repair, and can lauch from virtually any flat surface. This characteristic was made possible by the addition of a mission adaptive wing for maximum lift, The original cockpit had a bubble canopy, but it was replaced around 2175 by a set of sensors, giving the pilot more protection than before. The armor plate covering the cockpit can be ejected via a set of explosive bolts to allow the pilot a normal, albeit limited, view of the outside.

The armament was originally composed of three air-to-air missiles, but Gnomes from the 1OC version and up usually use railguns and a retractable missile bay on the back of the fuselage. This bay replaces a fuel tank, but both create a distinctive "hump" which give the fighter its name.

 

Variants
Over the years, several variants appeared to fill widely different operational roles such as interception, escort, recon, bombing, etc. The CFB-1 OH version carrying heavier missiles and laser-guided bombs is commonly used, although it is much slower than the rest of the CFB-10 series. Also in wide service are the 1OB twin seat trainer, the 10R photo-recon unit and the 1OJ ground attack plane.

 

 

Service History
The Gnome was first used during the early days of the civil war to knock out orbiting battle stations and prevent them from being used against ground targets. Today, exo-armors are preferred as they are generally more agile.

On a planetary surface however, the situation changes as the exo-armors lose their ability to fly. Thus, most planets maintain a force of fighters to act as a first line of ground-side planetary defense.

 

CFB-10D Gnome (Standard)

Spoiler

 

< < < NOTE: These numbers are estimations based off of available data. > > >

CFB-10D Gnome (Standard)

Piloting - MV: -6, Ground Move: N/A, Flight Move: 22

Sensors - Range: 2, Comm: 500 km, Structure: 3K, Location: Head

Hydraulics - Standard, Structure: 8K

Armor & Structure
Torso -- Armor: 3K, Structure: 8K
R. Wing - Armor: 3K, Structure: 4K
L. Wing - Armor: 3K, Structure: 4K

Additive Systems - Escape Pod, Space Protection, Re-entry

Weapons

Railgun - Accuracy: 0, Range: 8, Damage: 2K, Ammo: *, Structure: 4K, Location: R. Wing

Railgun - Accuracy: 0, Range: 8, Damage: 2K, Ammo: *, Structure: 4K, Location: L. Wing

*Ammo: Railgun - Ammo: 10, Location: Torso, Standard

*Ammo: Railgun - Ammo: 10, Location: R. Wing, Scatter

*Ammo: Railgun - Ammo: 10, Location: L. Wing, AP

Medium Missiles - Accuracy: +2,  Range: 8, Damage: 2K, Ammo: 10, Structure: 2K, Location: Torso

 

 

[Noir]

 CEA-05 Wyvern
 General Purpose/Scout Exo-Armor

 Height: 16.9 m
 Weight: 52.4 tons
 Control System: Linear Frame
 Armor Factor: 15-24 (estimated)

 Weapon Systems
 1 x LACW-8 Railgun
 1 x Zapper Mk 2 Anti-Missile System
 2 x LACW-1M Massdrivers
 2 x 3MC-2 Missile Cannisters
 2 x 3M-3 Medium Missiles

 Special Equipment
 Survival Pod
 

Overview
As the Retaliator was gradually introduced in the JAF's front line units, it appears that the CEGA Council decided they needed a new, more modern exo-armor design to face it. Although efficient, the most recent updates of the Syreen were hopelessly outclassed, so the research was oriented in a new direction.

Arrangements must have been made with the Martian Federation to acquire some of their old Defenders which must have been moved with great secrecy, likely to the LAC base in the Tycho Crater to be studied. Using the basic frame as a guide, the engineers set out to create an exo-armor to fill the CEGA's needs and be able to stand against current Jovian designs.

The head unit has been completely redesigned, scrapping the front and lateral sensor arrays of the Defender and replacing them with a single large plate. Although this somewhat limited the field of vision of the pilot, it was easier to maintain and makes room for an anti-missile system, as well as two massdrivers for close combat. The armor plate covering the neck unit has been retained for additional protection.

A large, shoulder mounted railgun provides the main firepower. Though the ammunition supply is limited it is still a potent weapon. The Defender's hip missiles have been scrapped from the design, most likely to to clear some tonnage. The leg-mounted missile canisters were retained, but the light rockets were upgraded with more powerful ones. A pair of medium missiles completed the armament.

Variants
Although the Wyvem is a recent design, the CEGA seems to have made the Wyvern their standard exo-armor. Several variations are already into production in an effort to modernize the Armed Forces as fast as possible. 

CEA-05DT: The Desert Trooper sports air filters and dust covers over its major articulation points to protect them from the abrasive sand. The shoulder missiles are dropped in favor of an auto-loading mortar. In addition the missiles canisters have been removed an replaced with additional armor. This variant clearly causes the most concern for the Martian Free Republic.

CEA-05CM: The Command is equipped with better communication gear and an anti-missle system. The standard railgun has been dropped for a EWAC systems and a hand-held 120mm massdriver machine gun.

CEA-05S: The Sturm is a heavy assault/commando variant retains the shoulder-mounted railgun and adds the hand-held massdriver of the Command variant as a backup weapon. 

CEA-05SR: The Strike replaces the railgun with a large rocket canister for massive bombardment capacities.

There are likely more variations on the basic Wyvern design to suit many other roles, but it is likely that it will not entirely replace the faithful Syreen and Gnome for at least a few years.

 

  Below, Left to Right: Wyvern Desert Trooper, Wyvern Command.

 

Service History
The Wyvern has not seen true combat yet, but wargames with Martian Federation troops have proved the soundness of the overall design. Its only major flaw is the lack of an energy-based main weapon system, which greatly limits the operation range of the unit.

 

CEA-05 Wyvern (Standard)

Spoiler

 

CEA-05 Wyvern (Standard)

The CEA-05 Wyvern has yet to see actual combat with any of the Solar Nations, so specific details (weapon ranges, amount of armor and so on) are available. With knowledge of current eox-armor technology and the likelihood of it being developed from the Defender though, certain inferences can be drawn.