LCM-2
| LCM-2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) |
| Place of origin | Empire of Exponent |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1978–present |
| Used by | Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces, various allied nations |
| Wars | Hesperidesian Revolutions, Hesperidesian Reclamation |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Redemption Vehicle Plant |
| Produced | 1978–present |
| No. built | 10,000+ |
| Variants | LCM-2A, LCM-2C (Command), LCM-2M (Mortar), LCM-2D (Digitalized Version) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 14.3 tonnes |
| Length | 6.7 m |
| Width | 3.15 m |
| Height | 2.45 m |
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, gunner) + 7 passengers |
| Armor | Welded steel with spaced armor, optional reactive armor kits |
Main armament | 30 mm 2A42 autocannon |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, ATGM launcher |
| Engine | Diesel engine, 300 hp 300 hp |
| Power/weight | 21 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
Operational range | 600 km |
| Speed |
|
The LCM-2 (Loricatus Certaminis Machina) is a versatile infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) originally developed by the Empire of Exponent and later adopted by the Blackhelm Confederacy. Designed in the mid-1970s and entering service in 1978, the LCM-2 was intended to provide mechanized infantry units with enhanced mobility, firepower, and protection on the modern battlefield. The vehicle has since become a staple of mechanized operations, particularly during the Hesperidesian Revolutions and subsequent conflicts.
Development History
The LCM-2 was born out of a necessity to replace older, less capable armored vehicles that struggled to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern warfare. The Hesperidesian Revolutions in the 1970s exposed significant vulnerabilities in the Empire of Exponent’s armored forces, leading to a concerted effort to develop a new class of infantry fighting vehicle. The Redemption Vehicle Plant, a key industrial hub within the Empire, was tasked with designing and producing the LCM-2. The development process focused on creating a vehicle that balanced protection, firepower, and mobility, ensuring that infantry units could be effectively supported in both offensive and defensive operations. The LCM-2 officially entered service in 1978 and quickly proved its worth in the intense combat environments of the Hesperidesian Revolutions, where its performance solidified its reputation as a reliable and effective combat vehicle.
Design
The LCM-2’s design reflects the practical needs of mechanized infantry on the battlefield. Its welded steel hull provides essential protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, while optional spaced armor and reactive armor kits offer additional defense against more formidable threats. This modular armor system allows the LCM-2 to be adapted to the specific requirements of various combat scenarios, from urban warfare to open-field battles. The vehicle’s torsion bar suspension and 300-horsepower diesel engine enable it to traverse a wide range of terrains with relative ease, maintaining a good balance between speed and stability. The LCM-2’s amphibious capability allows it to cross rivers and other bodies of water, making it versatile in different operational environments.
Armament
The primary armament of the LCM-2 is a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, a versatile weapon capable of engaging both ground targets and low-flying aircraft. The autocannon’s rapid rate of fire and effective range make it a formidable tool for suppressing enemy infantry, engaging light vehicles, and providing covering fire during assaults. The vehicle is also equipped with a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, which offers additional firepower for close-range defense. For engaging armored targets, the LCM-2 is fitted with an ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) launcher, providing the vehicle with the capability to strike enemy armor at long distances. This combination of weapons allows the LCM-2 to effectively support infantry operations and counter a wide range of threats on the battlefield.
Mobility
The LCM-2 is designed for mobility across various terrains. Its diesel engine delivers 300 horsepower, giving the vehicle a power-to-weight ratio of 21 hp/tonne. This enables the LCM-2 to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h on roads and 40 km/h off-road. The torsion bar suspension system provides a stable ride, even on rough terrain, ensuring that the crew and passengers can remain combat-ready during movement. The vehicle’s amphibious capability, while not as advanced as some dedicated amphibious vehicles, allows it to cross water obstacles at speeds of up to 7 km/h. This versatility in movement makes the LCM-2 suitable for a wide range of operations, from rapid advances to strategic withdrawals.
Countermeasures
To protect against the diverse threats of modern warfare, the LCM-2 is equipped with various countermeasures. Smoke grenade launchers allow the vehicle to create smoke screens, obscuring its movements and reducing its visibility to enemy forces. The vehicle’s armor, while primarily focused on protection against small arms and shrapnel, can be supplemented with additional armor kits to enhance its defense against more potent threats. In later variants, the LCM-2 has been equipped with electronic warfare systems and other modern countermeasures to improve its survivability in increasingly complex combat environments.
Operational History
The LCM-2 served as a critical component of the Empire of Exponent’s mechanized forces during the Hesperidesian Revolutions, where it was instrumental in both offensive and defensive operations. Its ability to deliver troops into battle while providing fire support made it a key asset in the Empire’s efforts to maintain control over contested regions. Following the collapse of the Empire and the rise of the Blackhelm Confederacy, the LCM-2 continued to serve in the newly formed Confederate Armed Forces. The vehicle has been deployed in numerous conflicts, including the Hesperidesian Reclamation, where its versatility and reliability have made it a mainstay of mechanized infantry units. The LCM-2 remains in service today, with ongoing upgrades ensuring its continued relevance on the modern battlefield.
Variants
- LCM-2A: The original production model, featuring standard armor and weaponry.
- LCM-2C: Command variant, equipped with enhanced communication systems and a command suite for battlefield coordination.
- LCM-2M: Mortar carrier variant, armed with an internal 120 mm mortar system for indirect fire support.
- LCM-2D: Digitalized variant with upgraded electronics, targeting systems, and improved armor, introduced in the mid-2000s.
Operators
- Blackhelm Confederacy: Primary operator since 1996, with the vehicle forming a key part of the military’s mechanized forces.
- Empire of Exponent (defunct): The original operator until its dissolution in 1996.
- Allied Nations: Several allied countries have acquired the LCM-2, often customizing it for their specific needs.