LCA-4

LCA-4
Type	Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV)
Place of origin	Blackhelm Confederacy
Service history
In service	2010–present
Used by	Blackhelm Confederate Imperial Guard
Production history
Manufacturer	Sacrament Tractor Factory
Produced	2010–present
No. built	Classified
Variants	LCA-4A, LCA-4C (Command), LCA-4M (Mortar), LCA-4D (Upgraded Digitalized Version)
Specifications
Weight	14.5 tonnes
Length	6.6 m
Width	3.3 m
Height	2.5 m
Crew	3 (commander, gunner, driver) + 7 passengers
Armor	Composite armor with optional reactive armor kits
Main armament	100 mm 2A70 rifled gun-launcher
Secondary armament	30 mm 2A72 autocannon, 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun
Engine	V6 turbocharged diesel engine, 500 hp 500 hp
Power/weight	34.5 hp/tonne
Suspension	Hydropneumatic suspension
Operational range	500 km
Speed	On-road: 70 km/h Off-road: 45 km/h Water: 10 km/h

The LCA-4 (Loricatus Caelestis Arma) is an advanced airborne infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) used exclusively by the elite Imperial Guard airborne units within the Blackhelm Confederate Army. Developed to succeed the LCA-3, the LCA-4 represents the pinnacle of airborne combat vehicles, designed for rapid deployment, high mobility, and superior firepower. The vehicle is produced by the Sacrament Tractor Factory and has been in service since 2010.

Development History

The LCA-4 was developed as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the capabilities of the Blackhelm Confederate Imperial Guard. The success of the LCA-3 highlighted the need for a more advanced platform that could meet the increasing demands of modern airborne operations. The new vehicle needed to offer greater protection, firepower, and mobility, while maintaining the ability to be air-dropped into combat zones. The LCA-4 was designed with these requirements in mind, incorporating advanced composite armor, a more powerful engine, and an upgraded armament system. Its development was driven by the need to equip the Imperial Guard with a vehicle capable of operating in the most challenging environments, where rapid deployment and battlefield superiority are essential. The LCA-4 entered service in 2010 and has since become the primary IFV for the Imperial Guard's airborne units. Its exclusivity to the Imperial Guard reflects the vehicle's high cost and specialized nature, with only a limited number produced each year.

Design

The LCA-4 is designed to provide a high level of protection, mobility, and firepower in a lightweight, air-droppable package. The vehicle features advanced composite armor that offers superior protection against small arms fire, shell fragments, and light anti-tank weapons. Optional reactive armor kits can be added to enhance the vehicle's survivability against more advanced threats. The vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension allows it to adjust its ground clearance, improving its ability to navigate rough terrain and enhancing crew comfort. The LCA-4 is fully amphibious, capable of crossing water obstacles at speeds of up to 10 km/h, making it versatile for a wide range of operational environments.

Armament

The LCA-4 is armed with a 100 mm 2A70 rifled gun-launcher, capable of firing both conventional rounds and anti-tank guided missiles. This primary armament gives the vehicle the ability to engage a wide variety of targets, including armored vehicles, fortifications, and infantry. In addition to its main gun, the LCA-4 is equipped with a 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, which is effective against lightly armored vehicles, infantry, and low-flying aircraft. A 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun provides additional firepower for engaging close-range threats. The vehicle's fire control system is highly advanced, featuring laser rangefinding, thermal imaging, and a ballistic computer, ensuring that the LCA-4 can accurately engage targets in all weather conditions and during both day and night operations.

Mobility

The LCA-4's mobility is a key feature of its design, allowing it to operate effectively in a variety of environments. Powered by a V6 turbocharged diesel engine producing 500 horsepower, the vehicle has a power-to-weight ratio of 34.5 hp/tonne. This allows it to achieve speeds of up to 70 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. The vehicle's amphibious capability, coupled with its ability to be air-dropped from transport aircraft, makes the LCA-4 ideal for rapid deployment missions where speed and versatility are crucial. The vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension system further enhances its performance in rough terrain, allowing it to maintain high speeds while providing a stable platform for its weapon systems.

Countermeasures

The LCA-4 is equipped with a range of countermeasures to protect it from various battlefield threats. These include smoke grenade launchers that can deploy a smoke screen to obscure the vehicle's movements and reduce its visibility to enemy forces. The vehicle is also equipped with an automatic fire suppression system, designed to quickly extinguish any fires that may occur within the vehicle, thereby enhancing crew survivability. In addition to its armor and defensive systems, the LCA-4 can be fitted with electronic warfare suites, jamming devices, and active protection systems, further increasing its survivability in high-threat environments.

Operational History

Since its introduction in 2010, the LCA-4 has been used exclusively by the Blackhelm Confederate Imperial Guard in a variety of high-stakes operations. The vehicle has been praised for its mobility, firepower, and protection, making it a valuable asset in airborne missions where rapid deployment and combat effectiveness are critical. The LCA-4's exclusivity to the Imperial Guard reflects its specialized nature and the high level of training required to operate the vehicle effectively. It has been involved in several key operations where the speed and firepower of the Imperial Guard were essential to mission success.

Variants

• LCA-4A: The original production model, featuring standard armor and weaponry.
• LCA-4C: Command variant, equipped with enhanced communication systems and a command suite for battlefield coordination.
• LCA-4M: Mortar carrier variant, armed with an internal 120 mm mortar system for indirect fire support.

Operators

• Blackhelm Confederate Imperial Guard: The sole operator of the LCA-4, with the vehicle used exclusively by elite airborne units.