Needle Beams

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the list so please bear with me if this has been covered 
before.  I have a few questions concerning needle beams.
    * I remember reading somewhere that they can only be used on surface

targets such as weapon turrets and engines.  Is this truly the case, or
am 
I imagining this?  What about fire controls, screens, FTL drives, etc? 
Are 
they considered internal structures and thus immune to needle beam fire?
    * If a needle beam misses it's designated target, but still causes 
damage (rolled a 5) does this damage go against armor or directly to
hull?
Thanks in advance.

Best Regards,

Bob Yeager
ahclem@adelphia.net