C-476 Direct Support Vehicle
| C-476 Direct Support Vehicle | |
|---|---|
 C-476 | |
| Type | Recoilless Rifle Carrier |
| Place of origin |  Empire of Exponent |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Sancte Christi Government Arsenal |
| Produced | 1962-Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 795 lb (361 kg) |
| Length | 118 in (3.00 m) |
| Width | 50 in (1.27 m) |
| Height | 50 in (1.27 m) |
Main armament | T57 Recoilless Rifle |
| Engine | Angelbridge 08-75-398 16 hp (12 kW) |
| Transmission | 3 spd. x 2 range trf. case |
| Suspension | Low pressure tires only |
| Fuel capacity | 8 US gal (30 l) |
Operational range | 108 mi (173.8 km) |
| Speed | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
The C-476 Direct Support Vehicle is a 4-wheel drive, gasoline-powered truck/tractor type vehicle that was designed to provide direct support fire to units over rough terrain. It was introduced in 1962 and remains in use with the Blackhelm Confederate and Red River armies.
Background
The C-476 Direct Support Vehicle was introduced in 1962 to reinforce units in dense jungle areas and supplement traditional artillery and anti-tank weapons. The C-476 evolved from improvements to a vehicle designed at the end of the Second Fascist War that was used as a medical evacuation litter carrier from areas and terrain that would even be a problem for other, heavier vehicles to access. Further tests by the Imperial Exponential Army proved the design waas also useful as a weapons carrier, and as a result the current C-476 was born.
As a completely open and exposed vehicle, the C-476 offers absolutely no protection to the driver, yet that was deemed relatively unimportant Imperial High Command as they were mainly used as medium-range infantry support vehicles, rather than tactical vehicles. If under fire the steering column could be moved farther forward and down, so the operator could operate the vehicle while crawling behind it.
Powerplant, Drivetrain, and Speeds.
The C-476 consists of a platform mounted on two drop axles with four wheels. The engine is rear mounted. It has no suspension system other than low pressure tires. All models are equipped with full time four-time four wheel drive, two speed transfer case, and a three forward and one reverse speed transmission. A quick change mechanism allows for either two- or four-wheel steering on the vehicle. It is also equipped with a cargo retaining set of rails can be raised to accommodate the payload or lowered for shipping, storage, or flat bed operations. The seat (which can be adjusted to two positions), rifle, and the foot rest can be detached and stowed underneath the platform for air transport. The driver can extend the steering column brace forward to allow operation while walking or crouching in front of the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped for sling load operations. The C-476 may be turned on their sides or top to ease maintenance, repair, or lubrication operations.