Approved Vehicle Hwacha MLRS

[Jessica Med-Beq]

A Hwacha with its machineguns retracted

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To provide a multiple launch rocket system
• Image Source: Wikipedia (BM-21 Grad)
• Canon Link: Hailfire droid
• Restricted Missions: N/A
• Primary Source: BM-21 Grad

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Ringovinda StarYards
• Model: Hwacha multiple launch rocket system
• Affiliation: Open Market
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material: Durasteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Artillery
• Role: Multiple-launcher rocket system
• Size: Below average for a tank
  7.35m long
• 2.4m wide
• 2.77m high
• Weight: Low for a tank: 15 tons (fully loaded)
• Minimum Crew: 1
• Optimal Crew: 3 (1 pilot, 2 gunners)
• Propulsion: Wheels
• Speed: Slow: 70 km/h
• Maneuverability: Average
• Armament:
  Arrayed concussion missile launchers (40 rounds total)
• 2 Korriban heavy machineguns (swivel-mounted on the sides of the turret; maximum elevation: 90 degrees)
• Defenses: Low
• Squadron Count: 18
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Passenger Capacity: 0
• Cargo Capacity: 100kg

SPECIAL FEATURES

- Integrated rangefinder
- Long-range communications array
- Sensor array
- Environmental control equipment (temperature control, air purifier, containment field)
- Electronic warfare package (ECM, ECCM)
- 1 Sabrina waste heat recovery device

Strengths:

• Can be easily reloaded with refresh droids
• High rate of fire
• Heavy firepower that can be used against ground targets or aircraft

Weaknesses:

• Slow
• Vulnerable to counter-battery and other heavy weapons fire due to its light armor
• Exposed missile launcher
• Limited ammunition
• Awkward machinegun arcs when the missile launcher is deployed
• Vulnerable tires: small arms fire can puncture them

Description: In the Chiloon Rift campaign, the Dominion Tenth Sector Army also realized the need for mobile field artillery; the missile array It was decided that a wheeled chassis was used because field artillery was not expected to be deployed in difficult terrain that would call for treads or repulsorlift, but at the same time, would also be lighter than main battle tanks. It drew inspiration from the ancient Hailfire droid, while addressing several of its shortcomings, most of whom pertain to the propulsion and suspension. It still features an array of concussion missile launchers, 40 of them mounted in one unarmored turret, capable of firing 2 missiles per second. Also, with the contribution of airborne refresh droids, the Hwacha can reload 15 rounds in 10 seconds. Because the Hwacha chassis is a bit smaller and narrower than the average tank, squadron sizes are therefore increased to 18, up from the normal 12-14 for armored vehicles.

Like its predecessor, it also relies on a secondary weapons system for dealing with infantry, here under the form of two heavy, retractable machineguns that can swivel from the roof of the vehicle's cab. However, it comes with its own drawbacks when the array of missile launchers is deployed: the missile launcher creates a blind spot where the machineguns cannot reach, with the blind spot dependent on the traverse angle of the missile launcher array. Also, enemies capable of closing in on the Hwachas can fire at the launcher without fear of retaliation as a result. Because Dominion operational protocol often asks that field artillery be supported by other units, light armor was deemed acceptable: as a result, the armor can resist heavy machineguns, blaster or slug, at best, and will not resist heavy firepower such as that of tanks, other field artillery or aircraft.

 

[Tefka]

Approved.