VA-3 Invader Model #: VA-3 Codename: Invader Manufacturer: Sedna Planitia Ship Yards Weight: 13,980 Kg (empty), 33,800 Kg (at Max load) Height: 14.0 M (44 ft) in Battloid Mode 5.8 M (18 ft) in Fighter Mode Width: 7.7 M (24 ft) at shoulders in Battloid Mode 22.4 M (70 ft) in Fighter Mode with wings at maximum extension Length: 4.2 M (13 ft) in Battloid Mode 18.6 M (58 ft) in Fighter Mode Weapons: Quad-barreled gatling gun pod       - Hand held in Battloid Mode       - Mounted on ventral centerline of fighter       - One extra clip stored in each leg Ten hard points (mounting sites)       - Three on each wing (6)       - One for the gun pod       - Three on the main body Each hard point may hold any of the following:       - One long range missile       - Three medium range missiles       - Six high-yield smart bombs (laser guided) Cargo: Small storage compartment located behind the pilot's seat. Equipment: Holoprojection unit -Creates holographic double of the VA-3 or any other e-frame programed into memory Auto-pilot Combat computer Air to surface targeting computer Smart bomb guidance computer Ejection seat Homing beacon with separate power source Optical enhancement package (infrared, nightvision, thermal imager) Full sensor array Self-destruct (delay up to 60 min) History:       After the Eltorian War ended, Sedna Planitia Fleets Yards fell on hard times. With the company still rebuilding from the Neosapian War, they were rapidly losing business to a new competitor. Tethan Aerospace Industries was formed by certain key members of the pirate clans and had taken over the majority of the government issued ship-building contracts. With the company on the verge of bankruptcy, they took a chance by developing a new style e-frame. Based on the older exo-converting e-frames, this new e-frame was to the first of its kind. Within a year and a half, the Variable-form Assault fighter, model number three, was presented to the exofleet. Codenamed Invader, the VA-3 was put into mass production almost immediately. Designed as a bomber, the Invader could carry bombs, missiles, or a payload totaling 19,820 Kg. Its accuracy is unmatched in bombing runs. It performs well in all weather conditions and can drop its payload from high orbit with pinpoint accuracy thanks to its revolutionary Smart Bomb Guidance Computer. When active, the pilot of the Invader is able to actually guide the projectile to its target manually (from the moment of its release to the moment of impact). The craft, in the meantime, maintains speed and heading as dictated by the autopilot computer. Where precision is a factor, this is the setup most pilots use. However, it also possible for the pilot to maintain manual control over the Invader and switch the S.B.G.C. over to auto. Though either one of these scenarios can be used, it is impossible for a pilot to maintain manual control over both the ship and its launched payload.       Being the first variable form e-frame produced, the Invader only possesses a Bomber Mode and a Battloid Mode. The in-between mode, referred to as Walker Mode, would be added in later designs. Though the VA-3 was a well received addition to the exofleet. It did have its problems. Though an excellent bomber, it was only moderately fast and maneuverable. Sedna Planitia sought to counteract this feature with the addition of a newer Holoprojection system than the one commonly found on most exofighters. In addition to making a holographic double of the Invader, this new system could reproduce any e-frame programed into memory. While this proved only a minor problem with the design, there was a major design flaw that could not be ignored. The major breakthrough in the Invader's design was that it could change forms quickly, smoothly, and reliably. However, the Invader could only do this once its entire payload (except the gun pod) was fired or jettisoned. Therefore, the feature that made the Invader truly unique and versatile was rarely used. Thus, the Exofleet ordered another Variable form fighter designed. The result was Sedna's VF-4 Lightning III, which dwarfed the Invader's success and saved the failing company from bankruptcy.       With the introduction of the newer VF e-frames, the Invader's days seemed numbered. Never the less, it remains the oldest, slowest, and most out-dated e-frame in exofleet service. The reason for this is that no other e-frame can come close to the Invader's effectiveness as a bomber. Even the VF-14 Hunter, which was designed to replace the VA-3, fails in this regard. And even though the Invader's pilots are often the brunt of many jokes, there isn't a Jumptrooper alive who doesn't silently cringe upon seeing one in the skies above. "A Ground Unit's Worst Nightmare"