LCA-3

LCA-3
Type	Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV)
Place of origin	Empire of Exponent
Service history
In service	1990–present
Used by	Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces, various allied nations
Production history
Manufacturer	Sacrament Tractor Factory
Produced	1988–present
No. built	5,000+
Variants	LCA-3A, LCA-3C (Command), LCA-3M (Mortar), LCA-3D (Upgraded Digitalized Version)
Specifications
Weight	13.2 tonnes
Length	6.36 m
Width	3.1 m
Height	2.45 m
Crew	2 (commander, driver) + 5 passengers
Armor	Welded aluminum alloy with additional applique armor options
Main armament	2A42 30mm autocannon with coaxial 7.62mm PK machine gun, 9K11 or 9M111 ATGMs from turret mounted launcher
Secondary armament	Bow-mounted AGS-17 Plamya 30 mm automatic grenade launcher and 5.45-mm RPK machine-gun
Engine	V8 turbocharged diesel engine, 450 hp 450 hp
Power/weight	34 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-3 (Loricatus Caelestis Arma) is an air-droppable, amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) originally developed by the Empire of Exponent and later adopted by the Blackhelm Confederacy. Designed in the late 1980s and entering service in 1990, the LCA-3 was intended to provide airborne troops with enhanced firepower, mobility, and protection. The vehicle's development was heavily influenced by the lessons learned during the Hesperidesian Revolutions, where rapid deployment, versatility, and survivability in diverse combat environments proved essential. After the fall of the Empire of Exponent in 1996, the Blackhelm Confederacy continued production of the vehicle at the Sacrament Tractor Factory, where it remains a vital component of the Confederate Armed Forces.

Development History

The LCA-3 was developed in response to the needs identified during the Hesperidesian Revolutions, where Exponent military forces encountered the challenges of rapid deployment and the necessity for mobile, well-protected infantry fighting vehicles. These experiences highlighted the need for a vehicle that could be air-dropped into combat zones, providing immediate support to airborne troops while being capable of engaging both ground and light armored threats. The LCA-3 entered service with the Exponent Armed Forces in 1990 and quickly became a cornerstone of the Empire's airborne operations. Following the collapse of the Empire of Exponent in 1996, the newly formed Blackhelm Confederacy inherited the LCA-3 production facilities, including the Sacrament Tractor Factory. Recognizing the vehicle's strategic value, the Confederacy continued to produce and deploy the LCA-3, incorporating various upgrades over time to enhance its combat effectiveness and survivability.

Design

The LCA-3 is designed to be lightweight yet durable, with a focus on protecting its crew and passengers while maintaining high mobility. The vehicle's aluminum alloy hull provides a balance between protection and weight, allowing it to be air-dropped from transport aircraft without sacrificing defensive capabilities. The vehicle's compact design ensures that it can be easily transported by a variety of aircraft and can be deployed quickly in response to emerging threats. The LCA-3 is fully amphibious, allowing it to traverse rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making it particularly useful in environments where traditional armored vehicles would be hindered.

Armament

The LCA-3 is armed with one stabilised 30 mm 2A42 autocannon with 500 rounds, with elevation angles up to 75°, and one coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. It also has a 9P135M missile launcher for 9K111 Fagot and 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs. An RPK-74 5.45 mm machine gun is placed on the right-hand side of the hull, while an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher is placed on the left-hand side.

Mobility

The LCA-3's mobility is one of its defining features. Powered by a V8 turbocharged diesel engine producing 450 horsepower, the vehicle boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 34 hp/tonne. This high ratio allows the LCA-3 to achieve speeds of up to 70 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. The vehicle's amphibious capability enables it to cross water obstacles at speeds of up to 10 km/h. The LCA-3's hydropneumatic suspension system enhances its ability to traverse rough terrain by allowing the vehicle to adjust its ground clearance. This feature not only improves ride comfort and vehicle handling but also increases the LCA-3's adaptability in various combat environments. One of the key aspects of the LCA-3's design is its air-droppable capability. The vehicle can be deployed via parachute from transport aircraft, making it ideal for rapid deployment in airborne operations. This capability enables airborne troops to bring armored support with them during initial phases of a mission, significantly increasing their combat effectiveness.

Countermeasures

To protect against the diverse threats faced on the modern battlefield, the LCA-3 is equipped with a suite of countermeasures. These include smoke grenade launchers, which can create smoke screens to obscure the vehicle's movement and reduce its visibility to enemy forces. The vehicle also features an automatic fire suppression system, designed to quickly extinguish any fires that may occur within the vehicle, thereby enhancing crew survivability. The LCA-3 can be fitted with applique armor kits, providing additional protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and light anti-armor weaponry. These armor kits can be customized based on mission requirements, allowing the vehicle to be tailored to specific operational needs. In later variants, such as the LCA-3D, electronic warfare systems have been integrated into the vehicle. These systems are designed to jam enemy communications, disrupt targeting systems, and provide early warning of incoming threats, further increasing the LCA-3's survivability in hostile environments.

Operational History

Since its introduction in 1990, the LCA-3 has played a vital role in the airborne and amphibious operations of both the Empire of Exponent and the Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces. The vehicle has been deployed in a wide range of combat scenarios, from large-scale conventional warfare to counter-insurgency operations. The LCA-3 has been praised for its versatility, reliability, and the protection it provides to its crew. Its ability to operate in various environments, including urban, desert, and amphibious settings, has made it a critical asset for rapid deployment forces. Throughout its service, the LCA-3 has been continuously updated to address new challenges and incorporate the latest technology. These updates have included improvements to its armor, electronics, and weapon systems, ensuring that the LCA-3 remains an effective and relevant platform on the modern battlefield.

Variants

• LCA-3A: The original production model, used by the Empire of Exponent, featuring standard armor and weaponry.
• LCA-3C: Command variant with enhanced communication systems and a command suite for battlefield coordination.
• LCA-3M: Mortar carrier variant equipped with a 120 mm internal mortar system for indirect fire support.
• LCA-3D: Digitalized variant with upgraded electronics, targeting systems, and improved armor, introduced by the Blackhelm Confederacy in the mid-2000s.

Operators

• Blackhelm Confederacy: Primary operator since 1996, with the vehicle forming a key part of the military’s airborne and amphibious forces.
• Empire of Exponent (defunct): The original operator until its dissolution in 1996.
• Allied Nations: Several allied countries have acquired the LCA-3, often customizing it for their specific needs.