Post by 2-01 Monitor Adjutant Bias on Aug 17, 2010 12:11:04 GMT -5
2-042 Iridescent LogicUNSC Vehicles
Land-Based Vehicles:
Cougar:
The Cougar is a lightweight, fast and highly versatile AFV constructed by the UNSC. Although anti-heavy armor fire would blow the Cougar away quite easily, this vehicle was highly effective in holding off enemy armored vehicles until slower armored units could arrive at the battlefield. The Cougar had gained infamy in several urban tactical situations prior to the deployments in the war against the Covenant.
It appeared as a somewhat standard armored fighting vehicle with two wheels up front and two pairs in the rear. It bore a small mounted turret armed with two auto-cannons, as well as a machine gun or grenade launcher. There was a windscreen on its forward body, with two side windows to provide a fairly high amount of visibility for the driver, which would have proved useful.
Cyclops:
The Cyclops is a bipedal exoskeleton used by the UNSC Marine Corps during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. While it was originally intended for construction and other non-combat purposes, it was repurposed for combat against the Covenant for deconstruction proficiency on Covenant building structures. The modification for combat included additional armor plating around the operator and joints, and specialized equipment for demolishing enemy fortifications. With the end of Humanities desperate attempt to survive, the Cyclops has been reduced to its original form, as a construction and mining vehicle. However some still bare the marks of combat, and the augmentations they recieved because of it.
Gremlin Combat Support Vehicle:
The Gremlin is a combat support vehicle used by the UNSC Marine Corps at least in 2531, during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. It engages is armed with a roof-mounted X23 NNEMP Cannon. It is a special purpose vehicle, with the ability to temporarily disable non-infantry units - namely, vehicles. The Gremlin is effective at disabling enemy bases and structures, although it is vulnerable against infantry, as its EMP ability has no effect against them, save for the fact that it knocks out shielding and electronic componants of weaponry; Focusing Lens , however, its laser weapon becomes powerful enough to pose a fairly significant threat to infantry units, especially small groups of them. Notably, the Gremlin's laser weapon makes it reasonably effective against Flood and structures of Flood Bio-mass.
Grizzly:
The Grizzly is an upgrade to the M808B Main Battle Tank. It is outfitted with two cannons, which can be equipped with S1 canister shells, and a coaxial machine gun.
The Grizzly is an extremely capable vehicle, suitable for defeating large numbers of enemy troops and vehicles. Since it possesses a secondary canister shell attack, it can kill infantry with ease due to its large blast radius. The armor plating has also been improved, able to survive multiple shots from a Hunter's assault cannon, and can survive a sustained hit from a Scarab's main gun twice as long as a Scorpion. The coaxial machine gun has a faster firing rate and inflicts more damage per hit than the Scorpion's, at the cost of a longer reload time. Its main disadvantages is its minor ineffectiveness against airborne units.
M-145D Rhino:
The M-145D Rhino is a UNSC artillery tank, a plasma-based version was entering service in 2531. It saw its first deployment on Arcadia, where five were used to break through a Covenant energy shield. It is also armed with a 320mm gun
The Rhino seems to be a similar looking tank to the Scorpion Tank, with several differences. While it has a similar bogey set up for its tracks, it has six track sets. It's also greater in size, has a more robust gun turret, and an even more unconventional track layout. The tracks are in similar places to the Scorpion, but then there are two sets behind the vehicle, possibly providing better support for the large gun in front. There are also two stabilizers that deploy from the rear of the vehicle during long range bombardment.
M12 Force Application Vehicle, 'Warthog', 'Hog', 'Couger':
The M12 is a huge, unwieldy, difficult to steer vehicle – until a user learns how to drive it properly. With proper application of the hand, or "e-brake" the M12 can actually turn on a dime. Massive disc brakes and its automatic braking systems allow the vehicle to come to a near immediate, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. The Warthog's tires have moved away from previous inert-gas pocket inflation with equally burst-proof single unit nanotube skeletons. They provide the buoyancy and ride of gas-pocket tires, but are almost indestructible
The M12 is the workhorse of light infantry ground vehicles, is adaptable to almost any situation, and is arguably the most customizable vehicle in the military's fleet, similar to the older jeeps used in the 20th century. It is able to reach top speeds of 125km/h (78 MPH) and, more importantly, swings around rapidly to allow the gunner a better angle on a prospective target. The mounted M41 chain gun can cut down heavily armored infantry within seconds, this also applies to shielded infantry as well. With enough controlled fire from the 12.7X99mm armor-piercing rounds, the M41 can easily rip through the armor of a Covenant Ghost and destroy it. The Warthog's titanium armor, though light, is tough enough to take at least one fragmentation grenade and keep rolling and can withstand small amounts of energy weapon fire. It also makes for an impervious scout and transportation vehicle, able to make a smooth getaway or rapid infiltration if needed.
Due in part to its speed, the M12 is prone to roll over. It is vital that the driver can get in and out of dangerous situations without flipping the hard-to-right vehicle. The open nature of the Warthog always puts its driver and passengers at risk as a good marksman can easily take down the driver or passengers of the M12. A well thrown frag grenade can flip a Warthog, which will knock the driver and passenger out of the vehicle. Although the armor of the M12 is tough, a couple of direct hits from grenades or a well placed rocket will destroy it immediately. Covenant energy weapons are the biggest threat to the Warthog; a short burst from a Banshee's light plasma cannons is deadly, able to melt and punch through the armor with ease. The Warthog is also vulnerable to the Banshee's Fuel Rod Gun which can reduce the vehicle to twisted charred metal with one strike. Infantry plasma weapons can inflict moderate damage, and, like all vehicles, is rendered temporarily or permanently inoperable by a hit from an overcharged Plasma Pistol. The M41 LAAG is prone to overheating, which requires the person operating the weapon to use it in short bursts. Failing to operate the weapon carefully will leave the operator vulnerable as they wait for the chaingun to cool down.
The M12 Warthog can be configured for various roles:
- The M12 LRV/LAAG (Light Anti-Aircraft Gun) is the standard and most common M12 FAV variant employed by the UNSC in most of its operations. The Warthog sports a M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun capable of taking out light-armored flesh-based targets.
- The M12G1 Warthog LAAV is an anti-armor variant of the M12 FAV. It is almost exactly the same in every detail to the standard M12 Warthog LRV, except that the anti-infantry chaingun turret has been replaced with a M68 Gauss Cannon which fires 25mm hypersonic speed projectiles by asynchronous magnetic acceleration in the base of the cannon. It takes about a half a second to recharge between cannon shots.
- The M12R Warthog LAAV is an anti-armor variant of the M12 FAV, sporting a M79 Multiple Launch Rocket System as its primary armament. Like the M12G1, the M12R is designed to take out heavy-armored targets.
- The M831 TT is the UNSC's troop transport vehicle. The Warthog is able to hold up to five UNSC infantrymen and transporting them to safety, or to the frontlines. It contains neither a M41 LAAG, a M79 Multiple Launch Rocket System , nor a M68 Gauss Cannon.
- The M864 Arctic is camouflaged and outfitted specifically for expeditions in Arctic like conditions.
- The M868 Tropic is camouflaged and equipped specifically for tropical expeditions.
- The M914 RV is a faster, stripped down version of the Warthog, built for troop and equipment recovery.
- The Flatbed Warthog features a flatbed design with no seating or weaponry in the rear.
M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle, 'Mongoose':
The M274 Mongoose ULATV is one of the fastest and most maneuverable ground vehicles in the arsenal of the UNSC Marine Corps. It is a highly effective vehicle for reconnaissance, rapid transportation, swift tactical versatility, and for shooting between positions. A smaller cousin to the ubiquitous M831 Troop Transport, the Mongoose is a small ATV capable of carrying a driver in the middle of the vehicle, and features a rear platform that can be used to carry one additional passenger. Because it carries no armament of its own, having a passenger is usually essential if engaging in a combat zone. Due to its smaller size, the Mongoose is a difficult target for both slow and fast moving enemy weaponry, as opposed to the Warthog, whose size is somewhat substantial.
The Mongoose's high speed, light mass, and practically non-existent armor make it unwieldy and difficult to control at high speeds and/or over unstable terrain, making the ULATV vulnerable to destabilization, crashes, and flips. To make matters worse, the design of the vehicle and its lack of armor leave both the driver and passenger completely exposed. Furthermore, the Mongoose does not incorporate any offensive or defensive capabilities, making the Mongoose's only practical defenses an armed passenger and it's speed. Thus, the standard UNSC Marine Corps operating protocol in engagements against Covenant forces is to place a M41 Rocket Launcher-armed Marine in the passenger position to fire rockets against slow-moving hostile vehicles, while the driver uses the Mongoose's superior speed to evade enemy return fire. In a last resort situation, the Mongoose can be used to run over nearby enemies.
M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle, 'Elephant', 'Behemoth-class Troop Transport':
The Elephant is a mobile command base and repair vehicle and is able to pull an entire Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine by itself. It is armed with a forward M41 LAAG on the top right and a AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun on the mid left. It is a three-level vehicle with the bottom level that opens out into the rear cargo tray, the second level, a walkway around the cargo ramp and leads onto the driver's cabin then a small, elevated third level where the M41 LAAG is assembled. It features a crane, numerous firing ports and elevated positions for defending it. It has four tracks set up on each side of the chassis. Its chassis is as high as they are wide, providing stability. The Elephant houses a Mongoose in its lower bay, and can be made to hold up to an additional of three Mongooses in the front with two in the back with two Warthogs.
A more combat ready varient was created for unit injection into heated firefights, there are several design changes made to this varient. The Elephant mounts three M41 LAAG weapons, one on the top of the driver's cabin and two at the rear on each side of the troop bay. It will also able to sport a roof mounted cannon. The troop bay is enclosed and features a rear dropping ramp. The front also has an enclosed ramp along with deployable support struts.
M808B Main Battle Tank, 'Scorpion':
The M808 Scorpion is an armored attack vehicle that serves as the UNSC's main anti-vehicle platform. The M808B is considered "light" by standard definitions but has served as the UNSC's main battle tank well before the Human-Covenant War. Its four-track nacelles design with each track mounted on an independent, computer-controlled suspension system, allows the Scorpion to traverse, climb over, or maneuver around large debris or other battlefield obstacles, and prevents the vehicle from being easily disabled. The central chassis is simple in design containing the main armament at the stern of the hull, and the crew compartment forward of it; and the machine gun at the bow on certain variants. The chassis is covered with heavy titanium-ceramic armor plating, making it incredibly resilient to small-arms fire; however, it's still possible for infantry-portable anti-armor weapons to inflict catastrophic damage. The M808B only requires a crew of one, with complete weapons control allocated to the driver, provided the driver is equipped with a neural interface. Otherwise, it requires one driver and one gunner on a coaxial mounted machine gun, As time has progressed, the Scorpion has been modified into more then a half-dozen different versions, however, despite the modifications the Scorpion's psychological aspect and versatility remain unchanged.
The M808B battle tank has proven itself to be the workhorse of UNSC armored attack vehicles. Its 90mm cannon can deliver a devastating blow to anything it targets - infantry or armor. Its thick titanium-ceramic armor can withstand a direct hit from a Covenant Fuel Rod Cannon and continue on with enough armor to keep fighting. Its one man crew severely limits human casualties; along with its main offensive capabilities, four Marines can sit on the tread pods of the tank, providing support while using the tank as a transport until they reach their destination. The Scorpion's efficient engine allows it to travel up to 466 miles or 750km before needing to be refueled. Along with its offensive capabilities as an anti-vehicle platform, the M808 also fulfills the role of anti-infantry; its machine gun can effectively take down heavy armored and shielded targets at medium range.
The M808 battle tank's 90mm cannon must be reloaded after every shot and takes between three to four seconds, the time it takes for the cannon to reload may give the enemy enough time to react against the tank. Its deep dead-zone, or the area within which fire from the tank's guns cannot hit targets, puts the vehicle at risk from enemy anti-tank infantry. Although the Scorpion can carry up to four passengers, any Marines sitting on the tread covers of the Scorpion are vulnerable to small-arms fire, and any explosions near the tank can kill all personnel riding on the treads. The Scorpion's slow speed also puts it at a disadvantage, as other more nimble vehicles like the Ghost can out-maneuver the tank and get within its dead-zone.
Some Varients:
From Left to Right, Normal Scorpion tank, One armed with Canister Shells to give the Scorpion a higher blast radius that is more damaging to infantry formations, and one with both Canister Shells and a Power Turret which doubles the Scorpion's turret speed, making it more reactive in combat.
Main Anti-Air Tank-9, 'Wolverine':
As the name suggests, the Main Anti-Air Tank Wolverine is designed for anti-air combat. In its arsenal are two pods of Argent V Missiles that are located on either side of the driver and gunner seats. These missiles are specialized to target and deliver their warhead to an aircraft with great speed and maneuverability. The missile pods are quite large and can be reloaded via a mechanical system in the Wolverine, which stores a small supply of missiles onboard, the exact standard amount is unknown.
The laser tracking targeting systems and anti-air capabilities of the Wolverine are second to none, but it can also angle its missile pods to launch missiles at ground targets, preferably stationary targets or structures. Although air vehicles generally know to steer clear, the Wolverine is quite vulnerable to anti-armor attacks both from vehicles or heavily upgraded infantry, possessing only light armor. However, it is a versatile unit for rough terrain operations.
The driver has the use of a pivoting XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher for defense from ground attacks, which can potentially wreck soft targets, but this support vehicle relies on heavier units to defend it from a determined attack.
SP42, 'Cobra':
Unlike many vehicles, the Cobra fills two distinct roles, that of a mobile anti-vehicle platform and that of a self-propelled artillery piece. Although it is not fast, the Cobra is still highly maneuverable, and can keep up with combat groups. Despite its heavy firepower, it has relatively poor armor.
The SP42 Cobra is equipped with a pair of 16 MJ LRG Rail Guns on its turret that fire high-density ferrous slugs - which are twice the size of those used by the M68 Gauss Cannon - designed to penetrate enemy armor using sheer kinetic energy. These weapons have a slow rate of fire. The rail guns fire intermittently, not in a single burst, as the energy required to accelerate the slugs to the speeds required to pierce the heaviest armor can only be managed for one of the cannons at a time. Synchronized fire from both gauss cannons will destroy even the most heavily armored tank, with penetration that easily outguns the standard 90mm cannon of the M808B Main Battle Tank.
In addition to the Cobra's anti-vehicle role, crew can stabilize the vehicle upon the ground, "locking it down", and deploy an arcing-trajectory 8 MJ LRG Rail Gun which fires a conventional explosive shell at supersonic velocities. The explosive and kinetic forces of the shell complement each other to increase the damage inflicted. Its Piercing Shot rounds have enough power to penetrate the shield mounted on a Locust and destroy it. It sacrifices mobility for the range that elevating the heavy weapon can offer. The shells used are multipurpose, and can be adapted to eliminate anything from a formation of Covenant Wraiths to a squad of infantry. However, its use against groups of infantry may be less effective if they are spread apart, due to its small blast radius. Cobras can attack only ground units and are specifically designed to engage ground formations.
Cobras in 'lockdown'.
