LCB-9
| LCB-9 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) |
| Place of origin | Blackhelm Confederacy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008–present |
| Used by | Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces, various allied nations |
| Wars | Kamalbian War, 2019 Second Belkan War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Wennavua Machine Building Plant |
| Produced | 2008–present |
| No. built | 7000+ |
| Variants | LCB-9A, LCB-9C (Command), LCB-9M (Mortar), LCB-9D (Upgraded Digitalized Version) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 20 tonnes |
| Length | 8.2 m |
| Width | 3.2 m |
| Height | 2.8 m |
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, gunner) + 7 passengers |
| Armor | Welded steel with composite inserts, optional reactive armor |
Main armament | 30 mm 2A42 autocannon |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, AGS-17 grenade launcher |
| Engine | Diesel engine, 510 hp 510 hp |
| Power/weight | 25.5 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | 8x8 wheeled |
Operational range | 800 km |
| Speed |
|
The LCB-9 (Loricatus Certaminis Bellator) is an 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) developed and produced by the Blackhelm Confederacy. The LCB-9 was introduced to replace the earlier LCB-7 and was developed following the experiences gained during the Hesperidesian Reclamation and the 2007 Belkan War, where the need for a more mobile, well-protected, and versatile APC became apparent. Production of the LCB-9 began in 2008 at the Wennavua Machine Building Plant, located in the city of Wennavua, and the vehicle has since become a key component of the Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces.
Development History
The development of the LCB-9 was heavily influenced by the lessons learned during the Hesperidesian Reclamation and the 2007 Belkan War. These conflicts demonstrated the necessity for a new generation of armored personnel carriers that could provide better protection, firepower, and mobility for Confederate infantry units. In particular, the experiences in urban combat and the need for rapid deployment across varied terrain highlighted the limitations of existing vehicles, including the earlier LCB-7. The Wennavua Machine Building Plant was tasked with designing and producing a new APC that could meet these demands. The LCB-9 was the result—a vehicle that offered improved armor, a more powerful engine, and enhanced amphibious capabilities compared to its predecessors. The LCB-9 entered service in 2008, quickly proving its effectiveness in the Kamalbian War against insurgents and later in the 2019 Second Belkan War.
Design
The LCB-9 is designed to provide a balance between protection, mobility, and firepower. Its welded steel hull is reinforced with composite inserts to offer improved protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle can be fitted with reactive armor kits to enhance its resistance against anti-tank weapons, making it a versatile platform in both conventional and asymmetric warfare. The 8x8 wheeled configuration provides excellent mobility, allowing the LCB-9 to operate effectively on roads, rough terrain, and in amphibious environments. The vehicle is equipped with a powerful 510 hp diesel engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on roads, with a range of 800 km, making it ideal for rapid response operations.
Armament
The primary armament of the LCB-9 is a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, capable of engaging both ground targets and low-flying aircraft. The autocannon is complemented by a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, which provides additional firepower against infantry and lightly armored vehicles. An AGS-17 grenade launcher is also mounted, offering further versatility in engaging enemy positions and fortifications. The vehicle's turret is equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and a ballistic computer, ensuring accurate targeting in a wide range of conditions. The LCB-9's armament allows it to effectively support infantry operations while also engaging enemy armor and aircraft.
Mobility
The LCB-9's 8x8 wheeled suspension system provides the vehicle with superior off-road capabilities, allowing it to traverse rough terrain and maintain high speeds on roads. The vehicle's diesel engine delivers 510 hp, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 25.5 hp/tonne. This allows the LCB-9 to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. The vehicle's amphibious capabilities are a key feature, enabling it to cross rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water at speeds of up to 10 km/h. This amphibious ability makes the LCB-9 particularly valuable in environments where traditional wheeled vehicles would be unable to operate.
Countermeasures
To protect against the varied threats encountered on the battlefield, the LCB-9 is equipped with a range of countermeasures. The vehicle includes smoke grenade launchers that can deploy a smoke screen to obscure its movements and reduce visibility to enemy forces. An automatic fire suppression system is installed to quickly extinguish any fires that may occur within the vehicle, enhancing crew survivability. Additionally, the LCB-9 can be equipped with electronic warfare systems and other defensive measures, such as jamming devices and active protection systems, which are available in later variants like the LCB-9D. These systems provide enhanced protection against guided munitions and improve the vehicle's overall survivability.
Operational History
Since its introduction in 2008, the LCB-9 has seen extensive service with the Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces. The vehicle played a significant role in the Kamalbian War, where its mobility and protection were critical in combating insurgent forces across difficult terrain. The LCB-9 was also heavily utilized during the 2019 Second Belkan War, where it proved effective in both urban combat and open-field engagements. The LCB-9 has been praised for its versatility, reliability, and the protection it offers to its crew and passengers. Its ability to operate in a variety of environments, from deserts to urban settings to amphibious operations, has made it a valuable asset in the Confederate military's arsenal.
Variants
- LCB-9A: The original production model, featuring standard armor and weaponry.
- LCB-9C: Command variant, equipped with enhanced communication systems and a command suite for battlefield coordination.
- LCB-9M: Mortar carrier variant, armed with an internal 120 mm mortar system for indirect fire support.
- LCB-9D: Digitalized variant with upgraded electronics, targeting systems, and improved armor, introduced by the Blackhelm Confederacy in the mid-2010s.
Operators
- Blackhelm Confederacy: Primary operator since 2008, with the vehicle forming a key part of the military’s mechanized infantry forces.
- Allied Nations: Several allied countries have acquired the LCB-9, often customizing it to meet their specific operational needs.