HYPOTHETICAL UEEF VF Alpha/Beta/Condor nt-Battloid variants

[ShadowLogan]

We know that the VF-X-5 program had a non-transformable battloid spun-off the program when it was canceled. This Condor is probably closer to the MBR-07 Spartan Destroid in role and function.

Hypothetically speaking is it possible the UEEF may explore a similar option with the VF-X-7 Beta since it was canceled (and revisited with the VFB-9). While the Alpha wasn't canceled, the UEEF may still explore other options for specialized variants to fill other roles that don't require a Veritech, but do require a Battloid to save on development and create parts commonality.

Each of the UEEF Veritech Battloids (assuming the VF-X-5 Battloid has similar performance to the MBR-10/12 versions) is still faster running than any UEDF: Destroid, and they all have the ability to fly greatly enhancing their mobility on the battlefield (and the Alpha and Beta Battloid modes offer superior speed than even a VF-1 Battloid in flight). From a mass/weight perspective, the Alpha and Condor are lighter all while offering similar level of protection (in Main Body), and the Beta offers more than any Destroid while being in their weight class.

That seems like a good starting point for improved versions of the various xxR-04 Destroids. They all need some basic adjustments such as removing transformation related gear/features, though specifically unique to them:
-The basic Condor modifications have already been done give the existence of the MBR-10/12 as the starting point.
-The Alpha will need to remove (or relocate) its jet lasers as they serve no use in their current position.
-The Beta move the cockpit into the bomb-bay, and remove the original cockpit so that the center line EU-14 is available for use in Battloid mode. Obviously the wing hardpoints are not necessary and can be removed (along w/the wing). The Leg intake EU-14s are also useless, requiring they be removed completely, adapted for the Battloid mode firing position, or moved elsewhere on the mecha, the easiest being to simply remove them. The extendable docking beam (for the Alpha) can be removed, possibly even replaced with another weapon system (more likely it will form part of the new egress system).

This gives a basic frame to build up. Now for weapon configurations.

The Condor and Beta's sheer size actually allows them to mount just about any of the UEDF: Destroid weapon systems easily enough (Monster systems are an issue, but any xxR-04 Series or MBR-07 should not be a problem), with minimal impact to the remaining built in weapons in most cases. The mecha should not need either MDS-L-12 or MDS-M-6 missile pods from the Destroids given the various MM-## slots that should still remain. The RDS-2 Boxes can easily fit in the same numbers on the Condor and Beta, the Alpha's smaller size would put limits on the number, though the integrated head launcher could supplement or cut the need for it. Even a pair of TZ-IV gunclusters should be possible for any of them (I will grant the Alpha may need to use a stripped down version), along with the light secondary weapons (located in the head). The Arm weapons too can be integrated by replacing the entire arm (M-996/MDS-H-22) or merely the lower half with a new elbow joint (HPC-155) as is for the Condor and Beta, though the Alpha might require "carbine" versions for the arm systems.

The Bioroid Interceptor shoulder cannons, the VHT-1 arm shield weapons, and Silverback weapon turret options also provide additional options in place of the UEDF systems. These options may work better for the smaller Alpha rather than the larger Beta and Condor.

Basically if a Beta or Condor where outfitted with UEDF class Destroid weapon systems (and specialized sensors) used on the xxR-04 series, the result is an overall superior platform in terms of mobility, raw firepower, and range. The Alpha's smaller size may not allow it to compete in terms of firepower and range directly, but its mass use may still make it attractive.

So the question is would the UEEF build these types of variants (hypothetically) or would they remain at best a paper study in-universe?

[rem1093]

Since I have built Fast packs for Bioroids (used the stats from the Armored pack and changed the weapon systems), I could see them doing the same for the Alpha, ext. The one thing I have noticed is that you should be able to use the existing internal missile hardpoints as well. For example you can take the Alpha replace the shoulder launchers with a sensor pods and still be able to mount a mini-missile launcher, similar to the GR-103, over them.

[glitterboy2098]

i could see the early Beta being turned into a non-transforming 'booster' for Alpha's.. fighter mode only with ground to orbit ability and maybe the SRM racks retained for defense. a sort of hybrid between the VF-1's booster and the super-VF packs in how it augments the Alpha. another options might be a fighter mode only manned derivative that is a tactical transport.. sacrificing all but a small amount of weapons to carry a troop bay for a squad of infantry in armor with heavy weapons, or a unit of cyclone riders in later years. a cross between the vietnam huey and the Aliens dropship in ability..

[ShadowLogan]

@glitterboy2098
Actually, I was going to look at other options for the VF-X-7 Beta later that did not fall under the heading of turning it into a Destroid (nt-Battloid). I started working on the topic actually, and when I came to this section I saw how flexible it was with the other Veritechs, and wanted to explore it separately in a more general sense.

[rem1093]

An Alpha that is set up for space use only. Replace the wing with beam cannons. Remove the legs, since it don't need to stand or walk in space, and replace them with large rockets. Ext.
Also I think that the Condor can carry four of the 105mm cannons from the VHT. two over each shoulder, acting like a light MAC.

[glitterboy2098]

given the condor's size, it could carry a Tomahawk's PBC easily enough. the 105mm cannon of a VHT could be carried as a gunpod. (actually, given the relative sizes, a Condor could carry a VHT as a gunpod. )

[jedi078]

given the condor's size, it could carry a Tomahawk's PBC easily enough. the 105mm cannon of a VHT could be carried as a gunpod. (actually, given the relative sizes, a Condor could carry a VHT as a gunpod. )

I actually have a 105mm gunpod in my pbp games (it's in the uRRG). The players love it.

Plus when they roll a nat 20 on a Battle Pod they often blow the Zent pilot out the back of his mecha.

There is a TREAD unit out there that links up to the Alpha in some of the old comics, so I see no reason why there could NOT be a non transformable booster that mates to the Alpha.

[ShadowLogan]

actually, given the relative sizes, a Condor could carry a VHT as a gunpod. )

"Target Master Transformers Veritechs they've got the power to surprise."-gotta get that out of the way as that's one of the first things I thought of when you suggested this (that and Megatron and Shockwave, G1).

If it wasn't for the actual weight involved, the Condor could do that and the Beta is larger still, but w/a slightly lower PS of 50. And I looked up the Zentraedi Power Armor, both are larger still, but with an even smaller PS of 48.

Per the rules. Condor Robotic PS of 55. As giant robots (which the condor is) w/robotic PS of 40 or more can lift/carry 100x their PS in lbs, that works out to 5500lbs or ~2,500kg (or 2.5tons). A VHT-1 has a mass of 26.4tons dry, and the VHT-2 at 14tons dry. Even fudging and using the Giant Zentreadi strength (x600 instead of x100), would only yield 15 metric tons (barely enough to lift a VHT-2, and that's fudging). I suggest fudging here since a Zent. MPA lifted a VF-1 over its head and threw it (mass of ~13tons dry RT.com infopedia, a bit less than the 15tons in 2E RPG) and could only do it if the pilot's PS is being used and is greater than or equal to a PS of 48 OR giant robot strength actually uses it.

Now of course the Condor/Beta's strength may be irrelevant if the VHTs use their propulsion system to assist the mecha in lift/moving them. Plus this doesn't consider stripping the VHTs of unnecessary mass.

[glitterboy2098]

given the condor's size, it could carry a Tomahawk's PBC easily enough. the 105mm cannon of a VHT could be carried as a gunpod. (actually, given the relative sizes, a Condor could carry a VHT as a gunpod. )

I actually have a 105mm gunpod in my pbp games (it's in the uRRG). The players love it.

Plus when they roll a nat 20 on a Battle Pod they often blow the Zent pilot out the back of his mecha.

The VHT's 105mm would make a good replacement for the old rpg's GU-12. Could be treated as a sniper rifle like weapon.

[jedi078]

The VHT's 105mm would make a good replacement for the old rpg's GU-12. Could be treated as a sniper rifle like weapon.

I made a single barreled 78mm gunpod as well. The air burst ammo works wonders in the confines of a Zent warship.....

Of course since we can't post stats...nor can we submit such goodies for a Rifter article......

[ShadowLogan]

re: Gunpod variants of existing weapons. That really is not a bad idea actually. There are numerous weapon systems that would make for Battloid (nt/vt) gunpods:
-RDF MK 17 Missile Launcher (SRM), less useful to those with impressive payloads of SRMs (like UEEF)
-RDF MK 18 Missile Launcher (MRM), regardless should be useful to a host of platforms as MRM capacity is rare
-Z-ML Missile Launcher (MRM), this is a readily available system already, though the smaller Battloids may have issue carrying it. If the Zentraedi PA types are using this, it drastically changes their engagement window.
-pretty much every weapon option for turret on the Silverback (Main TSC RPG), though the SRM contribution isn't much statistically for UEEF mecha with their large number of SRMs, the MRM (range and damage) and Mini (at 2:1 for SRM for damage, though reduced range) work out nicely though. The 20mm AAC-11 is superior to the GU-11 in almost every respect (range, payload) or equal (damage/burst size).

[jedi078]

I've made a Zent handheld weapons for just about every type of Zent munition. These various weapons could be easily used by UEDF/ASC/UEEF mecha that posses hands.

Back on topic tho.....the imai files had a few battliod variants based on the Alpha....

[ShadowLogan]

Something else to consider and slightly off topic possibly is:

If the Bioroid Interceptor and the Condor both have the standard equipment of the Alpha and Beta (respectively), then there might Shadow Versions of the two mecha in addition to any nt-B variants of the Alpha and Beta.

[jedi078]

Something else to consider and slightly off topic possibly is:

If the Bioroid Interceptor and the Condor both have the standard equipment of the Alpha and Beta (respectively), then there might Shadow Versions of the two mecha in addition to any nt-B variants of the Alpha and Beta.

I can see there being a shadow version of the Bioroid Interceptor.

[glitterboy2098]

i could see a few Condor's having been used as technology intergration test beds, but i doubt any would have seen use outside the labs/testing grounds.

but a Shadow Interceptor seems perfectly plausible, especially in an elite or special ops unit.

[rem1093]

re: Gunpod variants of existing weapons. That really is not a bad idea actually. There are numerous weapon systems that would make for Battloid (nt/vt) gunpods:
-RDF MK 17 Missile Launcher (SRM), less useful to those with impressive payloads of SRMs (like UEEF)
-RDF MK 18 Missile Launcher (MRM), regardless should be useful to a host of platforms as MRM capacity is rare
-Z-ML Missile Launcher (MRM), this is a readily available system already, though the smaller Battloids may have issue carrying it. If the Zentraedi PA types are using this, it drastically changes their engagement window.
-pretty much every weapon option for turret on the Silverback (Main TSC RPG), though the SRM contribution isn't much statistically for UEEF mecha with their large number of SRMs, the MRM (range and damage) and Mini (at 2:1 for SRM for damage, though reduced range) work out nicely though. The 20mm AAC-11 is superior to the GU-11 in almost every respect (range, payload) or equal (damage/burst size).

Plus you have all the Zent. built in weapons. Such as an assault rifle out of the Glaug's 44mm rail cannon. You just have to be careful with the scaling of the gun to fit the mecha that will be using it.

Something else to consider and slightly off topic possibly is:

If the Bioroid Interceptor and the Condor both have the standard equipment of the Alpha and Beta (respectively), then there might Shadow Versions of the two mecha in addition to any nt-B variants of the Alpha and Beta.

With the Condor I'd say yes. But the Interceptor shouldn't. The internal systems should be Techno organic like the normal Bioroids seen int the show. Its one of the many reasons why I don't like it and see that the original ones are better.

[jaymz]

Shadow - Robotech research actually has write ups for an Alpha Fast Pack system as well as the Pre-Beta design VF-X-7.

I can link you if you don't have it handy or I can link you to my versions.

[glitterboy2098]

their alpha fast packs were the booster system used in the Invid War comics. not really a FAST pack system actually, just a set of rockets letting an alpha make the earth/moon run in a timely fashion. (this predated the shadow chronicle film, where we learned shadow alpha's at least could do it unaugmented.)

i did my own take on it here.. no stats right now (have decided to follow this forum's rules regarding such in most cases) but very good description, enough any GM should be able to draw up the numbers himself.

my take was SLMH fusion rockets (salvaged from ASC craft) intended to let the alpha make the earth-moon trip without relying on its own power and remass. giving it the option of fighting if caught in earth orbit by a patrol.

[jaymz]

Yeah I made them more like the VF-1 boosters with missiles an such on board to augment the Alpha's space combat capabilities.

[ShadowLogan]

Shadow - Robotech research actually has write ups for an Alpha Fast Pack system as well as the Pre-Beta design VF-X-7.

I can link you if you don't have it handy or I can link you to my versions.

I have Robotech Research bookmarked. I am aware of the systems you mention:
-NP-BP-22 Alpha Fast Pack
-TREAD nt-booster
-GBP-95 Beta add-on

But they are not what I am looking at here. I am looking at using the Alpha, Beta (-7/9), and Condor (VF-X-5) Veritechs as the basis for UEEF non-transformable battloids both in traditional battloid roles (UEEF/UEDF:ASC) and Destroid roles. The Condor already was converted to an nt-Battloid as a salvage effort on the VF-X-5 program, so it shows the UEEF may do something similar with their other Veritechs. As the Condor is a flying Battloid, and all 3 VF battloids have flight, using them as the basis for Destroids would result in a more mobile and capable family of mecha than the old 1E RPG REF Destroids (even the TMS-era Destroids by 2E standards).

[jaymz]

Have you seen the sort of Alpha like Battloids that were part of the Mospeada pre production stuff? I think that the Unofficial Robotech Reference Guide has them with some hypothetical specs. Also the Imai Files may be of help too.

NO doubt you have uRRG bookmarked and I have a copy of the Imai Files if you want it.

[ShadowLogan]

I have a copy of the imai files. The Alphas appear to be more like GBP-1S/Fast-pack systems than nt-B variants (pg91-5) and the Super Vector types (pg17/20) could work for UEDF: ASC Battloid roles, but none of them truly appear to work for the UEDF: Destroid roles (Monster, Defender, Tomahawk, Phalanx) outside of maybe the Spartan which is basically a UEDF: ASC Battloid.

I know GCM had some "Destroids", but those would seem to suffer in the same ways the REF Destroids would compared to Condor/Alpha/Beta Battloid derived systems. At least going off the uRRG attempt to integrate them instead of the REF versions (they are very incomplete and still in the process of being drafted, the last updates on the mecha page are from 2002).

I'm working on specific examples, and am about 2/3rds done I would estimate.

[jaymz]

Well I'd say aside from how uRRG is treating them that the Alpha like "destroids" SHOULD be flight capable as hte Condor is. That's just me though.

Also if you know someone handy with photoshop you could just mod Alpha and Beta Battroid images to fit what you need as a nt-Battloid

[ShadowLogan]

Its hard to say how the URRG is actually treating the GCM destroids though given they are incomplete. I'm just going off what they did put out, which leaves a lot to be desired (though some of them do appear to be Alpha based in the frame, they still feel like "light" weights compared to the TMS/Sent-REF versions.)

As for photoshop, I have some skill with photomanipulations, so I know I can "chop" up some artwork if necessary.

[jaymz]

Well....By comparison to full on Destroids, the Alpha frame SHOULD be a lightweight (palladium stats notwithstanding).

It is quite likely the only way to get what you are looking for though is to probably do some art chopping.

[ShadowLogan]

Some hypothetical examples of Alpha/Beta/Condor VF nt-Battloid spinoffs.

Note: I made every attempt in the following text to avoid reference to production, testing, actual field use, or study when ever possible so a GM is free to select as they will. A basic premise here though is that the UEEF looked at producing non-transformable battloid variants of all 3 VF mecha it was developing in 2022 (Alpha, Beta, Condor), with an eye for use as replacements for the REF Destroids found in 1E and 2E's TMS Destroids.

MBR-10 Condor Heavy Strike Battloid Variants
When the VF-X-5 program morphed in 2022 into the XR-10A Battloid Program the designers tested a series of variants to full-fill a variety of roles handled by the old UEDF Destroids. To save on development time and resources, they where directed by the higher ups to reuse as many existing systems as possible.

XR-10A variant (as described in the RPG) is closer in concept to a VF-1 Battloid with a built in GBP-1S system or a Spartan Destroid based on the weapons loadout and configuration (though not payload of SRM, the gunpod has more staying power, though reduced range). This unit achieved production status.

XR-10D variant is intended to act as a UEDF Defender Destroid. Both arms of the Condor have been removed (reducing missile payload to 8 SRMs in each leg) and replaced them with the M-996 weapon system. The mecha was further modified with ammo bins from the Defender being utilized in a similar position. The Sentinel Radar system was also installed in the head. The SRM payload was expected to be used rarely, as mini-missiles would be carried for use in self-defense for anti-missile duty.

XR-10M variant is intended to act as a more responsive and mobile version of the UEDF Monster Destroid. It was realized that mounting the 40cm cannons was impractical for the Condor, both in sheer size and mass involved. What the designers settled on though was to utilize an array of four VHT-1 MCR-68A1 105mm main cannon in its place. They would be mounted on top of the shoulder/intake structures. The M variant re-purposed (or re-introduced since we don't know how the VF-X-5 transforms officially) some transformation hardware in the shoulder/intake section so that the "pod" could alter its elevation for the cannons. This feature was unique to the M variant.

XR-10P variant is intended to act as a replacement for the UEDF Phalax Destroid by removing both arms (reducing missile payload to 8 SRMs in each leg) and installed the missile drum arms from a Phalanx Destroid. This gave the Condor a good mix of long range offensive punch, coupled with a short range defense option the UEDF version lacked.

XR-10T variant is intended to act as a replacement for the UEDF Tomahawk Destroid. This variant generated the most debate on the design team (and the UEEF higher ups in setting requirements) on how much of the Tomahawks capabilities where actually needed to be duplicated. The HPC-155 was a commonly agreed up feature that was to be brought in and was done so by mounting the weapon at the elbow instead of a whole sale replacement of the arm (loss of 10 SRMs), which meant the unit would have an SRM capacity greater than the baseline Tomahawk (32SRM vs 30SRM). The main area of contention was if the TZ-IV guncluster and GAU-20A1 weapon systems should be included in some form. The GAU-20A1 it was decided was not necessary, given the TZ-IV gunclusters. However, the UEEF wasn't set on need for the TZ-IV, so the system was podded for use on an as needed basis. The pod was not "handheld", but rather attached to hardpoints that could be found on most XR-10 models and are mounted on the top of the shoulder intakes. The RDS-2 launchers where also brought on board as an optional system and like the TZ-IV hardpoints can be found on most models, though whether they are used was more of an as needed basis.

VF-X-7 & VF/B-9 Beta non-transformable battloid Variants.
When the VF-X-7 program was canceled in 2022, the UEEF spent some time looking at various options to salvage something out of the program. One area that was looked at was for a non-transformable battloid variant family, much like the VF-X-5 Condor program created when it was morphed into the XR-10A program resulting in the XR-14 project (note # assignment is based on the relationship between the VF-X-# and XR-# in the Condor history). With the introduction of the VBF-9 in the mid-2030s, XR-18A program was launched as an update to the XR-14A. XR-18 would later receive a block update for Shadow standard.

The XR-14A/18A variant is used as the baseline for all subsequent variants. Aside from removing the transformation gear, the basic Beta moved the pilots station into the former bomb-bay as this would allow the chest mounted EU-14 to be retained and functional (as the VF cockpit would block firing in Battloid mode), though the two leg intake cannons where removed. The Alpha docking beam was removed, and converted into an egress system for the pilot as it allows easy access to the new location. As the wings are no longer needed, they where dropped from the design. The nt-Beta Battloid retained its 3 large engines (2 in the feet and one in the back) for flight, and even though it has nearly twice the mass of a Condor, its engines allow it to fly much faster. The engines are also simplified variants from the Veritech program. The MM-40s where also modified to act as a hardpoint station for a podded version of the TZ-IV guncluster, this would mount the TZ-IV on the underside of the MM-40 and would be blocked when the launchers open to fire.

The XR-14D/18D variant created a UEDF Defender Destroid class mecha, one that was far more heavily armed than even the XR-10D and far faster. The combination of the EU-14 and MM-40 launchers proved very effective as supplemental weapons for the pair of MM-996s that replaced the mechas entire arms. The MM-16 launcher was replaced with ammo bins for the weapon and the telescope array (T-structure) was replaced with an updated version of the Sentinel radar system.

An XR-14/18-D2 variant of the basic XR-14/18-D was also conceived that would mount the M-996 upper section of the forearm shield (note based on a screenshot of Alpha in fighter mode is basically the length of the arm shield). The guns would be belt fed (externally) from pods mounted to the "edges" of the forearm shield. This allowed the XR-14/18D2 to regain the use of the original MM-16 pop-up launchers.

The XR-14M/18M variant like the XR-10M resulted in a design for a more mobile UEDF Monster class destroid through the use of the MCR-68A1 105mm cannons taken from the VHT-1 Spartas. An array of 3 was mounted on top of each MM-16 launcher, which was further modified to act as an ammo bin for the cannons and to adjust the angle of each array independently. In addition, the UEEF designers also replaced both arms completely with Phalanx Destroid missile pods. The added weight reduced the speed of the mecha by 25% (run and fly), but it provided a one stop platform for artillery support. The EU-14 and MM-40 launchers provided additional options to engage the enemy, though these systems are usually used for self-defense of the mecha instead of support roles for others.

The XR-14T/18T variant produced an extremely deadly update to the Tomahawk concept with minimal impact on performance, though endurance was cut in half due to the installation of a pair of HPC-155s. Unlike the traditional setup adopted by the XR-10T, the XR-14T/18T mounted the weapon to the forearm of the Beta, allowing the mecha to retain the tri-barrel Ion cannons (if the HPC-155 is selected, but unavailable these weapons are set to fire in place). The MM-40/16 pair remained, giving the battloid a much stronger punch than the Tomahawk (56 SRM vs 30SRM +8 minis) in the missile realm, though RDS-2 class launchers are available for mounting to the upper legs should the mission require it. The T-array was also dropped and replaced with a defense turret more on par with the UEDF Spartan Destroid (they utilized the new EP-37 on the XR-18, the XR-14 used the Spartan lasers) than the GAU-20A1 machineguns from the baseline Tomahawk.

VF/A-6 Alpha non-transformable battloid variants.
Initially designers and UEEF planners felt the small size of the Alpha frame would not allow it to offer anything outside of a heavily armed version of the ASC battloid types (and Spartan Destroid and GBP-1S VF-1), but didn't stop the designers from trying though offering up a Defender based version, but also offering up a truly customizable mecha that while it couldn't match any single UEDF destroid (TMS era) in all aspects by certain metrics (usually range) they could certainly give one a run for its money in other areas (namely damage output and speed). Shadow system updates where explored for the non-transformable variant family as it was on the transformable version, though was done as part of block upgrade.

XR-12A variant formed the basis for future variants and removed the jet lasers (no longer accessible), the wings and vertial tails, along with the transformation gear. The cockpit/nose section was removed and replaced with a more Destroid-ish system (noticeable on the back of the mecha), but otherwise retains a large degree of the basic Alpha battloid. The Alpha's MMDS-8 launchers are usually replaced with burst firing jet lasers tied into the mecha's power supply (treat as ASC battloid Ion cannons for payload, recharge, and EP-37 for burst size and damage), though some older versions exist with the missile system in place. The shoulder sensor pod was removed, and the intakes modified to be similar to what would be found on the later Shadow Drone Fighter (complete with additional SRM launchers equal to an MDS-L-12 launcher on the Spartan/Tomahawk Destroid). The forearm engine was removed and replaced with the MIW-20 ion cannon from a VHT-1/2 (they also have tried the LPW-20 Plasma cannons from the Logan, and EU-14s from the Beta).

XR-12D variant used a barrel shortened version of the M-996 (reduce range by 10%) created specifically for the mecha in order to fit as the Alpha's arms. Ammo bins are mounted on the back, where the wings used to be. The 24 SRMs in the legs usually devoted to self-defense. The Sentinel Radar system was installed on a mast array rising up from behind the mecha's head. Compared to the XR-10D and XR-14/18D designs, the XR-12D comes up short most comparisons but the size of the overall package which may make it more attractive in comparison.

The XR-12P variant (known as the Alpha Changeling) was intended to create a single customizable platform that could act as a combo version of any destroid in mission role. The result was a high flexible piece of hardware as it contained six customizable mounting positions. Two on the back that are operationally similar to the HLC-90 on the Bioroid Interceptor, with the other four capable of acting as turrets. Two of the turrets are based on the Tomahawk and are mounted in the elbows (no forearm or hand system), with the other two in place of the shoulder/upper arm stations of the MM-60 (intake positions similar to the Shadow Drone in the A variant remain unaffected and are available) though these could be modified to act as traditional MM-60 stations (8 SRM each, seldom done since the available missile pods offer superior options) or extra ammo bins for the lower arm weapon system (double payload). Any of those six stations can be equipped with a single "pod" version of the following weapon systems (some systems available only after certain dates):
-MCR-68A1 105mm Cannon (VHT-1), recoil limits these to the back stations as they tend to damage the other stations if used
-HPW-125A1 Particle Cannon (VHT-1), draws power from the mecha and a built-in auxiliary power supply (w/o the auxiliary the main system could not support more than one HPW-125A1 pod at a time, equal to an Alpha's backup fusion generator)
-GU-11 (VF-1)
-AAC-11 Flack Gun (Silverback)
-HRG-140 (Silverback)
-ASC Battloid gunpods (any of the standard for the Logan, VHT-1, and nt-Battloid).
-EU-14 (podded version from the Beta, which itself is an internal version of the EU-13 on the Alpha)
-HLC-90-class Laser Cannons (Bioroid Interceptor).
-LMMDS-12 Short Range Missile Pod (Silverback), for close range artillery support (note the two MM-60 stations sacrificed are replaced with a larger payload weapon)
-MMMDS-6 Medium Range Missile Pod (Silverback), for air defense and artillery support
-MMDS-48 Mini-Missile Pod (Silverback), provides a large payload and destructive capacity for reduced range

The XR-12P does suffer reduced speed when using more than 2 pods (reduce running and flight speed by 5% for each pod). UEEF had concerns about the workload presented by the six turrets, and so a second seat was installed (note, the Cyclone Storage bay was sacrificed to accommodate the extra pilot).