Sic transit gloria mundi
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Sub a vehicle.
Image Source: Here.
Canon Link: N/A.
Permissions: Permission for all ArmaTech gear and all other subs made by Laira Darkhold's writer here and here. ARGH gear available per this thread. CD-X Cryptologic Key available for Firemane per this thread.
Primary Source: N/A.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Firemane Industries
Affiliation: Firemane Industries, customers that have permission to use it.
Market Status: Closed-Market
Model: FM-AT1a
Modularity: Yes. Cargo and armaments are highly configurable.
Production: Minor.
Material: Durasteel, Graphite Mesh Reinforcement, Alusteel, Matrix Armour, Duraplast, vehicle components and electronics.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Armoured Groundcar, Military Truck.
Role: Troop Transport.
Size: Average
Weight: Heavy
Armaments: Average.
- 1x RC-2 Shattergun Rotary Cannon Or ACS-203 Hellfire Autocannon Or ACS-203 Hellstorm Blaster Cannon Or ACS-202 Vanquisher Light Repeating Blaster. All turreted and Gun-Shielded.
- Pair of single-shot mortars
- Retractable Vibro-Blades
- AE-CML1 Dampening Chaff
- Cap Drain and De-Ionizer Module
- ECM Module
- Abregado Combat Shield.
- Smoke Canister Dispenser
- Military Deflector Shield
- Reactive Armor
Speed Rating: Average
Propulsion: Wheels,
Minimum Crew: 1
Optimal Crew: 3
Passenger Capacity: 10
Cargo Capacity: High
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Probe Droid Dispenser
- ACS-405 Long Range Sensor Suite
- 220-SIG Tactical Sensor Jamming
- ACS-406 Remote Operated Weapon System
- Programmable Paint
- Missile Deactivation Transmitter
- Hydrostatic Field
- CD-X Cryptologic Key.
- Packaged CN-15 Camouflage Netting (For covering an inactive Vehicle)
- Versatile troop transporter and attack vehicle. Can provide escort, serve as an ambulatory vehicle, weapons' platform etc.
- Well-armoured for a vehicle of its type.
- For a vehicle of its size and class, the Bantha is heavy. This allows it to carry a lot of cargo and gives it plenty of space for passengers, but also reduces its agility.
- The rear compartment with the weapon system is open topped, exposing it and the gunner firing it somewhat. The weapon is turreted and has a gun shield, but this is still a vulnerability. A Remote Operated Weapon System, when used, allows the crew to control the external weapon without exposing themselves. However, this system has the drawbacks that come with being a visual sensor node, as it lacks the line of sight of a living being and the quick turning and adjustments of manual operation, making it ineffective against close range targets that are quick moving.
- Its armaments are made for taking out infantry and some light vehicles, but not tanks and the like. It is weak against air strikes.
The Bantha Armoured Transport is a somewhat archaic throwback, since it is a wheeled vehicle instead of using the common repulsor-based propulsion. In that regard it is comparable to the groundcars common on less developed such as Haruun Kaal. Wheeled vehicles are less flexible than repulsorcraft, but cheapter and more viable in certain types of terrain. Rugged and fast, it serves as a troop transporter, scouting and light attack vehicle. Typically, it has a driver and a gunner. The weapons' systems are highly modular, though it will usually be armed with a rapid fire weapon mounted on a turret, allowing the crew to support advancing infantry. It is usually armed with a rotary cannon of some form. The vehicle has enough room to accommodate a fireteam, whose members can provide support by throwing grenades or firing shots at enemy soldiers while the light transport drives past them at high speed.
The Bantha can easily traverse rough terrain and its tires are tough, and it can keep going even when punctured. The vehicle has durable electronics and motor systems, while a dual engine system gives it some redundancy. Moreover, a hydrostatic field covers its interior when it has to traverse wet terrain or aquatic areas. This feature is not designed for defence, but to keep water from flooding the vehicle. This allows it to be used in a semi-amphibious capacity. This is helpful when it has to support infantry that are, for example, carrying out an amphibious assault to storm an island.
Another advantage of the design lies in its versatility. The armoured car is very modular, allowing soldiers to configure it to meet their needs. It can transport prisoners, supplies, patients, soldiers etc. Aside from its standard role as a troop transport and fire support, it can provide escort and screen convoys, carry out patrols in urban areas or in the wilderness, provide emergency medical services, evacuate wounded and transport prisoners etc. The vehicle has a considerable cargo capacity, with a good sized trunk. It is easy to lay three people in stretchers in the trunk. Four is a tight fit, but doable. Five can be put in the trunk if they are short.
When manning the open topped, turreted weapon, the gunner is rather vulnerable to enemy fire, though it also gives him a good view of the surrounding area and enable him to warn civilians of danger and alert the driver. To enhance protection, the weapon is turreted and outfitted with a gun shield. Moreover, a Remote Operated Weapon System can be added. This allows the crew to control the weapon without exposing themselves to enemy fire. However, being a visual sensor node, it lacks the line of sight of a living being and the quick turning and adjustments of manual operations. This does not make it effective against close range, quick moving targets. However, even when installed using the system does not have to be used and does not interfere with with normal manual operation.
The vehicle's front is a slated prow, which is meant to orce people to fall to the sides of the vehicle rather than beneath it, disrupt land mines ahead of it, and limit the risk of getting stuck. It sides are endowed with a number of retractable vibroblades. They can potentially slash enemy soldiers that get too close. The Bantha is very well-protected against small arms fire, but anti-armour missiles are obviously still a threat, as is say the say the main gun of a tank. The transport has a broader production run than many Firemane designs as of late, allowing for wider use by Firemane troops as well as military police, planetary self-defence forces and militias.
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