Venator ADAMANT
ADAMANT, or Advanced Modular Multi-Mission Tactical is a series of modular, tactical military vehicles for usage by both the Belfrasian Army and foreign buyers created by Venator Defence.
History
Pangolin Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP)
| Pangolin Mine Resistant Ambush Protected MRAP | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mine Resistant Ambush Protected |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2010 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 2009 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 12,500 kg (27,600 lb) (Standard) |
| Length | 6.26 m (20.5 ft) |
| Width | 2.49 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.66 m (8.7 ft) |
| Crew | 1+3 (+1 gunner for crewed weapon) |
| Engine | Turbodiesel 7.2 l |
| Speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) limited |
Design
The Pangolin is designed first and foremost for combining mobility with the abiliy to withstand tremendous amount of damage, most predominantly being from land mines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Subsequent to the request that the Belfrasian Army placed for such a vehicle, the Pangolin was designed with independent suspension, a V-shaped hull to deflect a blast from underneath the vehicle's kinetic force away from the crew cabin and has impressive survivability measures. The hull of the vehicle is constructed out of materials to be able to withstand 5.56mm gunfire for decent amounts of time, an engine designed to be able to continue to run with it's coolant and hydraulic system destroyed for at least a half-hour, run-flat tires with a reflating system to withstand minor to extensive damage to the vehicle's mobility system. The wheels of the vehicle are capable of up to 15 inches of independent traversal when moving off-road, have independent traction control and anti-lock braking systems and can reroute power from an 4x4 fashion to a selective 2x2 fashion as needed thanks to a fully modular drive-shaft construction.
While the vehicle is rated for four occupants with a fifth in a manned turret, the platform features five seats, with the middle seat capable of being used by a fifth passenger crewing the turret to relax in when able.
The vehicle is capable of mounting a 12.7mm manual or remotely operated weapon, a selection of crew-served weapons in an armoured copula which can either be enclosed or open-topped in hot environments. Mountings on the roof allow for the placement of missile systems as desired. Internal electronics, which includes glass displays for the driver, also allow the installation of a remote operation station to operate weapons on the roof by remote. When the hatch to the roof-mounted gun is sealed and all the doors are closed, the vehicle becomes NBC-secure with a full HVAC system. Finally the vehicle contains power outlets to recharge portable electronic devices and an installation port for a portable signal jamming device, which can be uplinked to an electronic warfare package.
Variants
The primary source for the variants of the Pangolin is it's highly modular nature. The platform features a common powertrain system and it's primary modular bay located at the rear of the vehicle.
- Pangolin Patrol
- Delivery variant of the system. Features a protected cargo area accessible from inside to prevent occupants from exposing themselves to fire when trying to access stowed equipment when under fire. Capable of holding up to 2,500 kg in the cargo area. Cargo area enclosure is rated at the same level as the main vehicle's armour for continuity of protection.
- Pangolin Assault
- Cargo area replaced with side railing seats to seat eleven overall. Back entrance replaced with a wide double-door and expanding step-ladder to ease moving in and out of the vehicle. Passenger bay has the same armour rating as the rest of the vehicle and has a fire suppressant system installed in the event of a fire in the passenger area.
- Pangolin Engineer
- Contains the same seating bay as the Assault, but is capable of removing seats for small cargo hatches and supplies. Front of the vehicle is replaced with a identical version capable of pushing a specialised armoured mine roller. Extending sensor system on the roof of the cargo bay allows engineers inside to jam nearby signals or to conduct high-frequency searches of the area for mapping purposes.
- Pangolin Command
- Rear cargo area replaced with command platform, allowing communication and sharing of intelligence with rest of unit vehicle is assigned to.
- Pangolin Medical
- The cargo bay has been replaced with an ambulance-rated area, allowing for up to four litters for patients, a cooling unit for blood packs and secure storage for other medical items.
- Pangolin Utility
- Cargo variant of the Pangolin modularity system and the most basic. The modular back bay has a cargo holding system installed, allowing it to carry 3,680 kg of cargo.
Operators
Rhinokeros Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP)
| Rhinokeros Mine Resistant Ambush Protected MRAP | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mine Resistant Ambush Protected |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2005 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 2004 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 14,200 kg (31,300 lb) |
| Length | 6.4 m (21 ft) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.7 m (8.9 ft) |
| Engine | Supercharged diesel |
| Speed | 68 mph (110 kmh) limited |
Design
The Rhinokeros predates the larger Carrus along with the Pangolin as one of the first Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles produced by Venator. The vehicle itself is a 4×4 armoured mine-protected vehicle specially designed for survival in rugged and combative conditions that necessitates personnel traverse inside vehicles capable of ensuring survival against gunfire, proximity explosions, and direct impacts from mines and improved explosives. The resulting multi-purpose Patrol platform was released in 2005 capable of accommodating up to ten individuals, including a driver.
Key aspects of the vehicle during it's design and in-life upgrades were modularity and mobility, the vehicle was required to be capable of retaining a high level of mobility in rugged terrain or with extensive damage that did not completely destroy the drive system and to be capable of holding a wide variety of weapons. The result of development saw the Rhinokeros fitted with run-flat tires and a universal outfitting system, allowing it to mount weapons such as the 12.7mm heavy machine-gun, a 106mm anti-tank/structure recoilless rifle, and a variety of equally heavy crew-served or remote-operated weapons. The back of the vehicle, while typically reserved for seating, can be refitted easily with fitting bolts to be changed from it's personnel transportation role to carrying cargo, patient litters, or a variety of systems such as electrical and bomb disposal equipment for use as an electronic warfare or EOD platform.
Crew inside the vehicle have access to a 360-degree camera and spotlight system capable of night-vision and thermal imaging, allowing the vehicle to retain complete surveillance of it's surrounding area without needing personnel to leave the vehicle.
Variants
Military variants
- Rhinokeros Patrol
- Standard delivery variant of the vehicle. It features a solid resistance against mines, improvised explosives and rocket/gunfire to provide improved survivability for occupants. Modularity allows the vehicle to be modified to operate as an utility vehicle, transportation vehicle, cargo courier, electronic warfare platform or a medical evacuation vehicle with only a tool requirement easily met in the field. This has resulted in the Patrol variant becoming one of the most heavily used MRAP platforms in service with the Belfrasian Army and Marines.
- Rhinokeros HWTP
- The Rhinokeros HWP (Heavy Weapons Platform) is specially designed to be a variant capable of holding a variety of heavier-than-normal weapons, such as mortars or vertically launched N-LOS (No line of sight) weapons.
- Rhinokeros EOD
- Dedicated platform for EOD purposes. Features charging ports and storage area for a large bomb disposal robot, a fold-down ramp and powered control mechanisms for deployment of said EOD robot. Features signal jammers, roof-mounted high-zoom camera with scene lighting, thermal/night vision and a sensor platform for tracing signals or sounds as needed.
Law Enforcement/Civilian variants
- Rhinokeros LE-G
- General Law Enforcement variant, features placements for emergency lights and sirens, gunports, running boards and powered hooks for ladders/battering rams as necessary.
- Rhinokeros LE-M
- Identical to LE-G but equipped with medical litters, oxygen tanks and a compartment for cold-storage of medical supplies.
- Rhinokeros LE-EOD
- Law Enforcement version but heavily modified to operate as an EOD platform exclusively. Features charging ports and storage area for a large bomb disposal robot, a fold-down ramp and powered control mechanisms for deployment of said EOD robot. Features signal jammers, roof-mounted high-zoom camera with scene lighting, thermal/night vision and a sensor platform for tracing signals or sounds as needed. Mirrors military EOD version.
- Rhinokeros VIP
- Basic civilian off-the-shelf version for usage in diplomatic missions or as needed in areas of danger
Operators
- National Police Service
Carrus High-Threat Mobility Vehicle (HTMV)
| Carrus High-Threat Mobility Vehicle HTMV | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mine Resistant Ambush Protected |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2006 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 2005 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 17,326 kg (38,197 lb) (4x4) 26,308 kg (57,999 lb) (6x6) |
| Length | 6.73 m (22.1 ft) (4x4) 8.58 m (28.1 ft) (6x6) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Engine | Supercharged diesel |
| Speed | 68 mph (110 kmh) limited |
Design
The Carrus, or 'Chariot' was designed by Venator Defence to provide a Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) platform capable of an extensive amount of duties for activites in a high-threat environment envisaged by the Army in long-term engagements or when dealing with agile, guerrilla warfare such as in the southern Drug Wars. The vehicle platform comes in a 4x4 and 6x6 chassis configuration, which stands at 6.73 meters and 8.58 meters long respectively. Each vehicle is built by default with armour plating and a structural v-hull which deflects blasts under the vehicle away from the crew cabin.
Both chassis are developed to prioritise survivability, and thus have an open-planned interior space with seats suspended from the ceiling to minimise internal injuries of passengers in the event of the vehicle undergoing shock - When an explosive is detonated near the vehicle and the kinetic energy 'rumbles' through the vehicle, it has been noted that this also shakes the passengers often causing internal injuries. Studies and testing showed that roof-hung seating with vibration absorbing springs drastically reduces the chance of such injuries. The internal cabin is classified as it's own hull space, capable of being detached from the main chassis during maintenance or by force in a powerful explosion without tearing apart and putting the passengers in danger. The hull itself is capable of being upgraded armour packages added to increase it's survivability and comes by default with transparent armour glass to allow light into the interior whilst not creating a weak point. The chassis itself is equipped with dense run-flat tires, a separate structural space for the engine which itself is designed to be able to have it's primary hydraulics and coolant system destroyed and still be functional for a short amount of time. Both types of chassis features an intelligence all-wheel drive automatic transmission.
The interior of the vehicle is, regardless of the overall variant, highly modular. Seats can be rearranged or removed altogether, equipment can be easily set up or stowage racks for gear can be added with only a few tools needed. The equipment can also be removed completely, along with the wheels to reduce the height and weight of the vehicle for strategic movement. Hydraulic systems aboard ease the movement of the doors and a fold-in/fold-out ladder and foot-steps also help personnel move in and out. A light to heavy weapon, including a 12.7mm heavy machine-gun, grenade machine-gun, or missile system can be installed on the roof, which is accessed through a hatch in the center of the vehicle on standard models and is by default surrounded with the same transparent armour glass as used on the hull of the vehicle.
Complimenting the high modularity of the vehicle are installation points for a 360-degree night and thermal vision camera kit which can be accessed from the internal computer stations. Wide-beam IR illuminators on the vehicle accompanied by IR cameras also allow the crew to traverse at night whilst being able to clearly see the environment around them without having to turn on any conventional lights. Standard versions have the ability to install a robotic arm, which can be used to examine suspicious items found. By default the vehicle has a full air conditioning system to heat or cool the vehicle as desired and has the ability to export power to either interior recharging ports for portable equipment or to an external platform.
The 4x4 chassis is considered a 'light MRAP patrol vehicle', weighing in at 17.3 tonnes, almost a full ten tonnes lighter than it's 6x6 sister chassis which itself weighs in at 26.3 tonnes. It's uses include standard hostile-environment patrol, special operations, and in the civilian market as an armoured response vehicle. Despite being offered in a number of variants, the 4x4 variant still has not replaced it's older Rhinokeros sibling as the lighter MRAP platform.
The 6x6 chassis, which as previously stated is nearly ten tonnes heavier than the 4x4 at 26.3 tonnes is the more heavily used variant due to it's increased space. The Command and Control variant, for instance, is on the 6x6 chassis and provides a complex communications system capable of supporting battalion and lower communication requirements. Satellite communications are possible with the vehicle setup and can conduct electronic warfare operations. In peace-keeping scenarios, the vehicle can become both a wifi hotspot and to operate as a signal tower for civilian cell-phone usage. The 6x6 chassis also has an ambulance variant. The ambulance features a 'litter lifter' system, which can slide a litter out from one of the four racks into the center of the vehicle for easier patient loading and then pushed back into position. High tech computers on the variant allow patient details to be called up by medical staff on scene and for injury information to be sent to where the patients will be transported to so the medical staff can prepare for the patients properly. The ambulance does not compromise on the ability to equip a turret, but most in-service variants purposefully do not have one equipped as to make the ambulance less of a target in an active combat environment. The litters, when stowed, are hung on the mobility system which itself is reinforced as to withstand blast shocks. In the event that the vehicle flips, straps are available to tie the patients and secure them so they do not get thrown from their litters and easy release mechanisms allow speedy recovery.
Two more variants that that the 6x6 chassis supports is the Utility and Recovery variants. The Utility variant features the normal four seater main cabin setup, but the rear of the vehicle is replaced with a flat 'utility deck' for the open-storage of equipment in a wide variety of roles. A communications module typically stored on the utility deck and a by-default remote weapons station provide the occupants with advanced weapon and communications abilities. The recovery version works off of the same set-up, with the rear of the vehicle replaced by a 40 tonne capacity crane with a full 360-degree rotational axis. A winch installed at the front of the recovery version is capable of extending a rope to 40 meters and pulling up to 40 tonnes reliably. Storage units onboard allow for the crew to carry an extensive array of repair, recovery, and emergency tools as needed. A 6kW power unit is also installed on-board for on-hand power for power-tools or for conducting impromptu repairs on stricken vehicles. To support recovery operations, the vehicle is equipped with a wide array of cameras, including two on extending arms so that if needed the crew can conduct recovery operations without leaving the vehicle.
Variants
- 4x4 chassis options
- 4x4 Patrol
- Standard 4x4 variant. Allows seating for 9 soldiers with full gear and enough supplies for that squad to conduct an effective patrol as necessary.
- 4x4 Cargo
- Places a large double-door at the rear and a powered lift system to help with the movement of cargo in and out of the back of the vehicle. Rear seating is optional as always with the platform.
- 4x4 Mortar Carrier
- Has top-side hatches to reveal an advanced super-rapid mortar system for the firing of 120mm mortar shells from within the vehicle.
- 4x4 NLOS
- Replaces the back of the vehicle entirely for a guided missile system that fires at angles to both sides of the vehicle, this allows it to support dismounted infantry nearby with laser designators to guide the munitions onto targets without needing to carry launchers themselves.
- 6x6 chassis options
- 6x6 Patrol
- The standard 6x6 platform, it allows seating for 14 soldiers overall and a wide array of weapon systems to be installed. Add-on armour and additional gunner protection allow the vehicle to withstand tremendous firepower in the field. Gun ports in the transparent armour glass allow occupants to fire from the vehicle in safety.
- 6x6 Ambulance
- Has a four-litter capacity with an advanced patient loading system, intelligence database systems that help medical professionals both on site and at a medical centre with the treatment of wounded individuals, by first allowing speedy presentation of patient medical histories and for current injury assessments to be sent to awaiting medical staff so that they may better prepare.
- 6x6 EOD Response
- Features a robotic arm for item interrogation and examination, the arm is capable of picking up and delivering items with care and thus can deliver demolition charges to suspicious items without the need of placing EOD technicians at the item itself. The vehicle carries necessary EOD equipment, a bay for one unmanned ground vehicle for site investigation or for a small aerial vehicle for overwatch and can contain the necessary EOD protective armour without compromising on space.
- 6x6 Utility
- Maintains four person seating at the front with optional fifth in a gunner capacity whilst conversing the rear of the vehicle into a flat-bed 'utility deck', allowing the open storage of a vast multitude of goods that can be either left in open-air or sheltered with up-armour kits.
- 6x6 Recovery
- Follows the lay-out of the Utility but adds a 40-tonne capacity crane and front winch to assist in the recovery of stricken vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with all the equipment needed for recovery and repairs including a 4kW generator and all-round extending cameras for recovery efforts to be undertaken without leaving the vehicle.
Operators
Tamandua Light Tactical Vehicle
| Tamandua Light Tactical Vehicle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Light multi-role tactical vehicle |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2010 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 2009 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6,600 kg (14,600 lb) |
| Length | 6.24 m (20.5 ft) S-Wheel base 6.5 m (21 ft) L-Wheel Base |
| Width | 2.45 m (8.0 ft) |
| Height | 2.60 m (8.5 ft) |
| Crew | 1+3 (+1 gunner for crewed weapon) |
| Engine | Turbodiesel 7.2 l |
Operational range | 530km |
| Speed | 70 mph (112 km/h) limited |
Design
The Tamandua was born of the same program that saw the Pangolin be selected. The Army, upon initial receipt of the Pangolin, requested a lighter variant for general service. Designed with the same independent suspension system of the long-serving Raeda Medium Tactical Vehicle, the Tamandua has a variable-adjust ride-height allowing up to 20 inches of wheel travel when travelling off-road and has the same individual torque system of the Pangolin, allowing it to switch for a 4x4 configuration to a selectable 2x2 as necessary. The vehicle operates using a Turbodiesel system two-speed system but can be upgraded to a diesel-electric powertrain system as necessary. The diesel-electric powertrain allows the vehicle to improve it's fuel economy drastically and serves as an on-board generator to generate up to 120kW of AC Power safely without fear of damaging the vehicle for up to one week.
The protection levels of the Tamandua are highly comparable to it's Pangolin brother, but it lacks the heavier components from the Pangolin such as it's mine-resistant construction and ambush-resistant engine block and tires. It's external armour at default is rated to survive 5.56mm at medium range, but is fully fitted with modular armour spots for the easy installation of armour kits as necessary. The base vehicle also contains an improved crew survivability platform, with a fire-extinguishing system, energy-absorbing frame and shock-absorbing materials built into the seats, and an improved easy-release restraint system for crew and cargo. Whereas the Pangolin is designed for high-ambush environments, the Tamandua is designed for regular service, as such the curb weight of the Tamandua is 5,900 kg lighter whilst not compromising on crew survivability.
The Tamandua's roof-mounted weapon system allows for a wide variety of light, medium, and heavy weapons to be installed. These includes light machine-guns, heavy machine-guns and man-portable missile systems. The basic configuration allows for an armoured shield to allow a crew-member to operate the weapons in safety but this can be easily replaced with a remote-operated weapons system, although the remote system would need to be modified for each weapon it holds, although if it is a pre-registered weapon, it can have it's detailed 'loaded' into the software whilst on the move. Weight differences can be off-set with a counter-weight system on the roof that can be unfastened and thrown from the vehicle in an emergency.
An extended wheel base version, which increases length to 6.5 meters is used for heavier set-ups of the highly modular Tamandua. Most versions are two-door to maximise space at the back for cargo or modular setups.
Variants
- Tamandua Tactical
- The standard, base version of the vehicle. It is capable of holding four passengers with an optional fifth for a mounted weapon system on the roof and can hold up to 1,600 kg of cargo.
- Tamandua Heavy
- Consists of a larger weapon system to load larger weapons such as surface-to-air missiles or heavier guided anti-tank munitions.
- Tamandua NLOS
- Contains a non line of sight (NLOS) launch system for up to 15 missiles. Designed to be fired with third-party laser guidance, although a fire control radar can be used to dictate weapon guidance, although usage is not advised. The Belfrasian Army variant fires the Arthuristan Vesper missile.
- Tamandua Support
- A two-door variant, capable of carrying 2,300 kg of cargo.
- Tamandua Recon
- Replaces it's ability to hold a weapon system with an extending sensor system including a camera suite and radar with processing systems in the cargo area to provide the Army and foreign customers with a fast, modular surveillance vehicle.
- Tamandua EW
- Based on the same modular set-up as the Recon, it replaces the sensor suite with a singular emitter/receiver dish to conduct electronic warfare as needed.
- Tamandua EOD
- Modular cargo area is replaced with a large cargo/loading compartment for assist engineers in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. A small modification can be made for it to be able to hold a robotic unit for examination of explosives. The variant also has the ability to push the 'Route Clearance device' which is capable of detonating mines at a distance from teh vehicle or to jam signals in the local area.
- Tamandua SOF
- Special Operations variant, removes the doors, roof and opens up the cargo bay for six occupants to have the ability to fire from the vehicle. Support structures added to allow for a crew-served weapon to still be fixed and operated along with weapon stations at the three passenger seats and one rear-facing station on the back.
- Extended Wheel-Base variants
- Tamandua EWB
- Base Extended wheel-base version, extended cargo area allows seating of six overall along with storage racks for equipment as necessary.
- Tamandua Command
- Utilises the extended wheel-base to provide an enclosed command space for command and control of assets including local unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Tamandua Logistics
- The Logistics variant expands on the Support variant. It consists of an expanded 6.5 meter wheel-base, a cargo area capable of accepting two standard pallets with a maximum weight of two tons and it's own crane system for loading and off-loading the pallets as necessary.
- Tamandua Cargo
- A second version of the Logistics, it consists of a hinged cargo platform that can be angled to dump it's cargo or 'slid off' to leave on the ground with a pulling hook to haul the cargo platform back on as needed. This variant also has a 'latch system' to be able to pull towed howitzers and mortars, allowing it's removable pallet to hold munitions for those weapons or the crew itself.
- Tamandua Medical-M
- Uses the extended wheel-base to provide space for four litters and storage for medical supplies. Uses the same containing area as the Command variant to allow working room between the litters and an installed cooling/heating unit to make conditions for wounded better in cold/hot environments.
The Tamandua also has the 'Companion' trailer, which is capable of being highly modified and can carry 1,500 kg of cargo.
Operators
Raeda Medium Tactical Vehicle
| Raeda Medium Tactical Vehicle | |
|---|---|
_Oshkosh-produced_M1083_A1P2_5-ton_MTV_cargo_in_A-%3Dkit_configuration.jpg) | |
| Type | Medium multi-role tactical vehicle |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1994 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1993 - present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 10,389 kg (22,904 lb) (4x4) 11,281 kg (24,870 lb) (6x6) |
| Length | 6.739 m (22.11 ft) (4x4) 7.272 m (23.86 ft) (6x6) 10.5 m (34 ft) (8x8) |
| Width | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Height | 2.83 m (9.3 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, co-driver/Gunner) |
| Engine | Advanced Diesel 12 l |
Operational range | 483 km |
| Speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) limited 95 mph (152.88 km/h) max tested |
Design
The design for the Raeda Medium multi-role tactical vehicle had a fairly large list of requirements, which was shortened to a requirement for a incredibly versatile vehicle to fulfill a wide variety of military applications. The resulting design comes in two major platforms: A four-wheel, 6.73 meter long version and a six-wheel 7.37 meter long version. The six-wheel version has seen extensive usage in comparison to it's shorter version as a result of it's significantly larger capacity. The design was initially produced by RuMax Logistics until 2008 when rights to the design were bought out by the newly created Venator Defence.
The cab of the platform is universal irregardless of wheel base or variant. It is an ergonomic, three-seater cabin with adjustable seating, steering wheel and internal heating/cooling. The front of the vehicle has a self-recovery winch capable of pulling the vehicle at max possible weight and is typically supported by the primary drive train to ensure equal distribution of pulling power. Behind the cab is an optional installation port for a cargo winch with the ability to both load and offload cargo from the platform and act as a 'pulling winch' to pull loads onto a flatbed. A trailer hitch system at the rear of the vehicle also allows it to pull specially designed powered trailers that greatly improves the vehicle's capabilities. The vehicle also contains an alternating all-wheel drive system, allowing drive power to be transferred between the axles as required to navigate complicated terrain, a fully automatic transmission that aides in both navigation and weight distribution along with an electronic tire inflation system.
The engine of the vehicle is a heavy-duty advanced diesel 6 cylinder make, with an advanced cooling and turocharging system that allows the 12 litre engine to provide the pulling power to carry it's loads. The 7-speed automatic transmission assists the driver in manoeuvring the vehicle and features a cruise control system for convoy driving.
Aside from the overall length and wheel configuration, the 4x4 and 6x6 versions are also separated by weight limits. The 4x4 version has a total weight limit of 2,500 kg on the cargo bed, but can swap out 232 kg in exchange for up armour kits which will be expanded further below. Overall the 4x4 version has a 12-foot bed which can hold a number of systems or seating for 12 dismounts with full kit. The 6x6 version, capable of carrying 5,000 kg of cargo, but can - like the 4x4 version - trade out 464 kg for up-armour kits to drastically improve survivability. The 6x6 version has a default bed size of 14 feet, but can swap out the cargo bed for a significantly larger 20 foot version. The two beds can hold 14 people and 20 respectively.
The vehicle is by constructed unarmoured and consists of an aluminium shell with steel supports and roll protection system around the cabin. Most of the construction consists of off-the-shelf commercial-based products, similar to civilian trucks. An up-armour kit for the vehicle exists and can be added to existing vehicles with relative ease in a workshop. The most obvious effect the up-armour kit has on the vehicle is it's cabin, which becomes a heavily armoured environment with a reinforced engine compartment. If the vehicle has a rear compartment for passengers and cargo it can also be upgraded with armour kits to improve survivability of crew and driver. Run-flat tires are also added, as is an armoured copula system for the mounting of crew-served weapons at the cabin for medium and heavy machine-guns.
The design comes with four purpose-built trailers. The first is a two-wheel trailer used with the 4x4 design and capable of transporting 2,267.96 kg of cargo. The second is a four-wheel larger trailer for the 6x6 variants which has a payload capacity of 4.5 tonnes, is built with an air brake system connected to the mover and mobility power system to assist the mover in pulling the trailer when it is fully laiden. A tanker trailer is also introduced, capable of holding 800-900 gallons along with a heater and treatment unit to purify dirty water. The tanker has an armoured shell with self-sealing mechanisms to prevent spillages in the event of a rupture. Finally, a self-contained loading system trailer is included which can carry 9 tonnes of cargo, typically in a container or in a flat-bed form to load a number of open-air pallets.
In 2004 the new 8x8 version was released. The vehicle extends the vehicle to 10.25 meters and increases the width to 2.6 meters. The vehicle is designed to carry 14.9 tonnes of cargo via flatrack or container system, both of which are loaded onto the vehicle via a powerful pulling crane.
Variants
- Short wheel base (4x4) variants
- Raeda S-Cargo
- The standard 4x4 variant, it consists of the standard cargo bed and isolated cabin structure of the design. The cargo bed can hold 2,478 kg of material or
- Raeda S-Van
- The 'van' variant of the 4x4 is essentially a mobile workshop, it is constructed by default out of aluminium but can be uparmoured like the cab of the vehicle. The 3.6 meter workshop
- Raeda S-Med
- This variant consists of an always-armoured medical cabin at the rear which can hold four to six litters with room for medical personnel to stay in the vehicle in transit and tend to the wounded. A container compartment is capable of holding medical equipment including a cool-storage unit for blood.
- Raeda S-CMD
- The S-CMD holds a command and control center that is capable of directing subordinate units, control nearby unmanned aerial vehicles, or relay information between units in the battlespace.
- Raeda L-SOF
- The Special Operations version of the 4x4 variant, removes the top of the cabin to introduce a passenger machine-gun pintle which works with the roof-mounted weapon to provide two medium-to-heavy machine-guns. The cargo area is refitted with one to two weapon mounts for medium-to-heavy weapons on a 360-degree traversing mount. Optionally the weapons in the back can be removed to carry equipment for special deployments.
- Raeda FSV
- The FSV is a vital component in mobile artillery units. It has sophisticated artillery-guidance computers and a table-top radar that is capable of detecting in-air ordnance and backtracking them to their source for counter-artillery fire. It is also capable of detecting low-flying air assets for surface-to-air fire.
- Extended wheel base (6x6) variants
<imgur thumb="yes" w="300" comment="Raeda 4x4 w/ trailer.">YbKXS3o.jpg</imgur>
- Raeda Flat-bed
- The flat-bed is the standard 6x6 available as it consists of an empty bed for cargo or personnel to carry up to the maximum of 14 dismounts or 5,000 kg of cargo. The variant can be open, with a reinforced roll-protection cage that can be covered by fabric and then armoured with the up-armour kit to either be open-topped or sealed.
- Raeda Flat-bed-Ex
- The Flat-bed-Ex is identical in purpose to the Flat-Bed, but has an extended 20-foot cargo bed that can hold up to 20 dismounts or the same 5,000 kg of cargo.
- Raeda Tractor
- The Tractor is the standard Raeda vehicle for being able to pull semi-trailers. It also holds the necessary equipment to power a semi's electrical systems along with a spare-wheel holder and repair tools to help replace a semi-trailers wheels in the field.
- Raeda Tanker
- The Tanker is capable of carrying 1,500 gallons of liquid with a variety of output systems, allowing it to serve as a water tanker and fuel tanker. Small component modules allow the vehicle to install heaters and purifying processors to store and purify water for usage, or output sockets for the vehicle to carry fuel and refuel assets in the field.
- Raeda MFFV
- A Military Fire-Fighting vehicle is capable of carrying 600 gallons of fire-fighting liquids and necessary gear for projecting the liquid onto fires and carrying firefighter utensils and gear.
- Raeda AFV
- The Artillery Support Vehicle is a specialised platform that is capable of both towing heavy artillery, carrying the gunnery crew of that artillery piece along with carrying a sealed container unit that holds the weapon's ammunition and other necessary equipment.
- Raeda MARS
- MARS is an advanced weapons platform that is capable of firing long-range ordnance, such as unguided artillery rockets or guided ballistic missiles. More seen Here.
- Raeda M-NLOS
- The M-NLOS (Medium Non-Line of sight) is a rocket launching battery that fires guided missiles in a vertical matter for third-party guidance to target. It is considered a sub-variant of the MARs and is expanded on in that article.
- Raeda MPL
- MPL, or 'Multi-Purpose Launcher' is a weapons platform expanded from the M-NLOS that provides a fifteen-tube system for the launch of smaller, guided munitions for short-range air defence and anti-rocket/mortar/drone duties.
- Super-Extended wheel base (8x8) variants
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- Raeda 15-tonne Load Handling System
- Best known as the LHS, this variant is capable of carrying a wide range of cargo via flatrack or container in support of operational forces in the field. A powerful loading crane eliminates the need of extra handling material as the vehicle can load and off-load cargo by itself.
- Raeda Heavy Recovery Vehicle
- The HRV is a specialised engineer vehicle, capable of carrying a number of repair kits and engineer equipment that allows engineers to carry the equipment needed to conduct in-field repairs with them into the field. It also has a wide-angle tow arm to help recover stricken vehicles even at tough angles.
- Raeda Heavy Crane Vehicle
- This variant consists of a large 30 tonne-capacity crane and also installs weight-transferring feet that keep the vehicle stationary when the crane is in use and transfers loaded weight to the ground.
- Raeda Heavy Tractor
- The heavy tractor variant consists of the ability to tow heavy goods trailers, such as tank transporter trailers, along with the necessary tools to power onboard transmission systems.
- Raeda NBC
- The NBC variant of the 8x8 vehicle features a fully sealed cabin and filtration system, along with a stabilised carrying platform to carry decontamination units or specialised containers for equipment needed by NBC personnel.
Operators
Raeda MALS
| Raeda Medium Advanced Launcher System | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Wheeled mobile weapon launcher |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1994 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1993 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 11,281 kg (24,870 lb) |
| Length | 7.272 m (23.86 ft) |
| Width | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Height | 2.83 m (9.3 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, co-driver/Gunner) |
| Engine | Advanced Diesel 12 l |
Operational range | 483 km |
| Speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) limited 95 mph (152.88 km/h) max tested |
Design
The MALS, or Medium Advanced Launcher System, is a variant of the Raeda 6x6 vehicle and is considered the light, wheeled version of the TDI Ares. The MALS utilises the same launcher as the Ares which can hold up to six 227mm rockets or a singular missile, such as the Infernum Missile System, a surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile.
MALS is also fully capable of being refitted to fire a number of various-size missiles as long as they conform to the overall shape of the launcher itself, as such it is also used to fire surface-to-air missiles by defensive artillery batteries.
The Raeda M-NLOS (Medium Non-Line of sight) is considered a sub-variant of the MALS. It swaps out the launcher for installed pallet-style missile systems for the vertical-launch of guided missiles that are guided onto their target by on-site assets through laser guidance.
Weapons and Munitions
- Advanced Rocket System configuration
- 227mm rockets
- Infernum Missile System
- N-LOS configuration
Operators
Raeda MPL
| Raeda Multi Purpose Launcher | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Wheeled multi purpose launcher |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2011 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 2009 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 11,281 kg (24,870 lb) |
| Length | 7.272 m (23.86 ft) |
| Width | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Height | 2.83 m (9.3 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, co-driver/Gunner) |
| Engine | Advanced Diesel 12 l |
Operational range | 483 km |
| Speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) limited 95 mph (152.88 km/h) max tested |
Design
The Raeda Multi Purpose Launcher (MPL) is a highly modular, multi-role missile launching system. The MPL was originally intended to function as an advanced version of the non-line of sight launching vehicle for fighting ground vehicles via third-party designator.
The MPL as it is designed today is a mobile ground-based multi-role weapons system that can be overhauled to work with a variety of missiles, sensor systems, and operating system architecture easily. The standard operating mode of the MPL with it's primary user, the Belfrasian Army, is for it to be partnered with the IRIS 3D X-band radar capable of being towed by the Raeda itself. The system features fifteen tubes arranged into three clips of five, easily removed from their mountings. The launcher for the system is capable of full rotation with a 360-degree sideways rotation and a 90-degrees elevation capable. A specialised reloading vehicle can be pre-loaded with missile canisters and a crane system, with which it will remove the spent canisters and then simply lower the new tubes into place.
Within the Belfrasian military, the MPL is utilised for short-range defensive purposes, utilising weapons such as HTK-S (Hit-To-Kill, Small) missile that was designed especially for the MPL, the HTK-S has shown incredible promise in defeating incoming guided ordnance, drones, or unguided ordnance such as mortar shells.
Weapons and Munitions
- Area Defence
- Hit-to-kill, small (HTK-S)
Operators
Elephantus Heavy Tactical Vehicle
| Elephantus Heavy Tactical Vehicle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Heavy multi-role tactical vehicle |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1982 - present |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1982 - Present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 19,300 kg (42,500 lb) (8x8) 24,517 kg (54,051 lb) (10x10 |
| Length | 10 m (33 ft) (8x8) 11 m (36 ft) (10x10) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 4.11 m (13.5 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, Load Master + 1 optional gunner) |
| Engine | 6 cylinder turbocharged diesel 15l |
Operational range | 483 km |
| Speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) limited |
Design
The design of the Elephantus was based on the requirement for an 'ultra-heavy goods vehicle' compatible with existing systems and capable of upgrades into the foreseeable future. The resulting vehicle has a 12 cylinder, 15 litre engine coupled to a 7 speed automatic transmission that provides power to all axles for 10x10 travel. Of the five axles of the vehicle, only the front and back two provide steering power, although they can be toggled on and off to provide rear or forward steering when necessary. The design was initially produced by RuMax Logistics until 2008 when rights to the design were bought out by the newly created Venator Defence.
Primarily a cargo transportation vehicle, the Elephantus is rated to carry up to 20.4 tonnes in weight on road and 14.9 tonnes when traversing in off-road conditions. In order to be able to achieve it's goal of being a top-end, high-weight transport vehicle it was designed to incorporate the Integrated Load Handling System, or ILHS. The ILHS is a heavy-duty pneumatic crane that is capable of extending back to latch onto either purpose-built cargo modules or cargo units with an adapter installed and to 'drag' them onto the back, with only a need for the installation of two 'ramps' by the back edge of each tire if the cargo to be loaded has had adapters installed. Purpose-built modules are capable of transferring their weight successfuly onto the back of the vehicle without the need of such modifications.
In it's capacity as a cargo mover, it can hold a wide variety of materials such as ammunition containers, flatracks with assorted goods, and even ISO Containers up to six meters in length. It can support engineering operations with tactical bridges, support equipment or even fuel containers. The powerful ILHS is also compatible with the specially designed powered trailer system for the Elephantus, being able to fully extend out to drag cargo onto the trailer or over to continue dragging the cargo over the trailer and onto it's own back with angle off-set of at least 20 degrees being allowed in either direction. Between the ILHS and the cab is a storehouse which holds repair equipment, adaptors and hardware in order to change the vehicle's capabilities in the field, repair damage with minimal work, and to carry a number of useful hardware pieces for cargo distribution such as sack trucks and a miniature electric-powered forklift known as the 'Tick', which collapses to be stored with a minimal space footprint.
The Elephantus also utilises it's powerful engine and design to provide a 'Tractor' variant, capable of pulling semi-trailers or equipment/vehicle trailers. This allows the tractor variant to become a highly useful component of the Aegis Area Protection System as it is capable of carrying the weapons of the system, command trailers, radar and reload trailers. It's highly capable engine and construction also permits the usage of a 'recovery and engineer' variant, which is capable of using it's extreme mobility to reach and recovery stricken vehicles in a number of scenarios. Upon recovery of the vehicles, a specialised back loading system allows it to partially or completely lift the vehicle onto it's back for transport.
Variants
- Elephantus Cargo
- This is the base member of the Elephantus model. The Cargo variant features a modular loading area and the ILHS for maximum ability in loading goods.
- Elephantus Cargo-8
- A slightly shorter version of the Cargo variant, carrying only eight wheels as opposed to ten. It is more heavily used by artillery groups for it's tighter turning circles in firing areas and also for carrying boat units thanks to it's higher-angle entry to sloped water areas.
- Elephantus Tanker
- Swaps out the ability to carry cargo and the ILHS for a 9,500 litres of liquid. Includes a heater and purifying system for the containment and purification of potable water and containment/fire suppressant systems for fuel. An up-armour kit for the containment unit primarily focuses on fire suppression and the sealing of any punctures along with the primary armour system that would work to deflect or stop small arms fire.
- Elephantus Wrecker
- A highly capable recovery and engineer vehicle, capable of retrieving vehicles in tough terrains with the usage of powerful front and back winches and high-angle cranes.
- Elephantus Aegis
- A specialised eight-wheel version designed to support the Aegis Area Protection System, this variant is capable of holding the primary control station of the AAPS. It has an on-board generator capable of providing power to the station for one hour without an external power unit, which is supplied in the Elephantus EMPU.
- Elephantus Aegis-L
- Another specialised eight-wheel version for the Aegis system, the Aegis-L is designed to, as opposed to carrying a launcher trailer, carry the launcher itself on it's back. It is capable of towing a trailer which carries reloads on an automated rack system to help artillery personnel reload the Aegis-L between firings.
- Elephantus Aegis-H
- A full ten-wheel version of the Aegis-L for carrying the strategic-level defence ordnance for the Aegis system.
- Elephantus EMPU
- The 'Enhanced Mobility Power Unit' is the primary power-source of the Aegis Area Protection System. It trades it's cargo abilities for two 150kW diesel generators and a fuel/power secure distribution system to avoid spillages or electrical issues. Each generator provides eight hours of power through the usage of on-board fuel cells, although this can be extended almost indefinitely thanks to sturdy construction of the EMPU that allows it to run for as much as three weeks without needing maintenance.
Operators
See Also
- Venator RAZOR - Range of individual combat weapons, Venator Defences' range of weapons meant for usage by a singular combatant.
- Venator CREW - Crew Served Weapons, Venator Defences' range of weapons that require more than one person to effectively operate.
- Venator VAULT - Venture Advanced Ultra-Light Tactical, an ultra-light series of tactical vehicles for special operations and light infantry deployments.