FD COM – LAND VEHICLES

 

by A. Gubler

Introduction

 

As a modern industrialised country on the cutting edge of technological development, Australia is able to field some of the best weapon systems in human space. Like other neutral countries throughout humanity’s history Australia is fiercely independent in weapons development. While Australia has agreements to seek to standardise with American forces different philosophies sometimes lead to completely different weapons. In military land vehicles the ADF is well served by several Defence Material Agency (DMA) factories on Earth and Tirane and private industry. The three main DMA factories are Bendigo in Victoria, Benowa in Queensland and Salta in Santa Maria Shire, New Canberra. The last two specialise in hovercraft while DMA Bendigo is the Australian home of tracked vehicles.

 

Index

Main Battle Tanks

Bendigo F23B1 Crocodile III Tracklayer, Battle Tank
Bendigo F23A4 Crocodile II Tracklayer, Battle Tank
Bendigo F23A2 Crocodile I Tracklayer, Battle Tank
Salta F80 Gatto Hovercraft, Battle Tank
Salta F65A2 Darrago Hovercraft, Battle Tank

Armoured Personnel Carriers

Bendigo F25A5 Wombat Tracklayer, Assault Carrier
Salta F76 Wirrenda Hovercraft, Assault Carrier
Benowa F53A3 Nantawarra Hovercraft, Assault Carrier
Benowa F30C1 Kangaroo IV Hovercraft, Assault Carrier
Sumatro Fabrique F47A5 Waikerie Hovercraft, Infantry Carrier, Airborne

Fire Support Vehicles

Salta F68A4 Kamarga Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer
Bendigo F27B2 Dullamah Tracklayer, Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer
DunArmCo F13B3 Warral Tracklayer, Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar
Benowa F51A2 Malagara Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar
Benowa F45A1 Yeraan Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Missile Launcher
Benowa F52A3 Bundarra Hovercraft, Reconnaissance Vehicle
Benowa F54A6 Tibarri Hovercraft, Surveillance Vehicle
Sumatro Fabrique F33A4 Warroo Hovercraft, Scout Vehicle
Bridgeport-Swift F73 Liarbird Hovercraft, Scout Vehicle
Rheinfabrik F16A6 Binkenbar Tracklayer, Assault Gun

Utility Vehicles

Salta F49B1 Yerrah Hovercraft, Engineering Vehicle
Salta F48B3 Currawah Hovercraft, Recovery Vehicle
Benowa F41A2 Wallaroo Hovercraft, Medium Carrier
Sumatro Fabrique F39A6 Warrigal Hovercraft, Light Carrier
Sumatro Fabrique F39A4 Werai Hovercraft, Medium Carrier
Sumatro
Fabrique F39B2 Werai II Hovercraft, Logistics Carrier, Airborne

Vehicle Mounted Weapons

DunArmCo F40A1 500-MW Plasma Gun
DunArmCo F8B4 40-MW Triple Plasma Gun
SCL F72A2 250-MW Laser
SCL F23B1 150-MW Laser
SCL F66A5 100-MW Laser
DunArmCo F45B3 24-cm Binary Gun
DunArmCo F86A8 15-cm Binary Gun
San Diego Ingenieria F105B6 18-cm Mass Driver Gun
DunArmCo F90B1 12-cm Mass Driver Gun
DunArmCo F102B3 12-cm Mass Driver Gun
DunArmCo F102A1 12-cm Mass Driver Gun
San Diego Ingenieria F110A2 9-cm Mass Driver Gun
Bendigo F91A1 8-cm Mass Driver Gun
Ansbach Industrie-Gesellschafte F100A6 6-cm Mass Driver Gun
AST F39B5 30-mm Gauss Automatic Grenade Launcher
AST F39B1 30-mm Gauss Automatic Grenade Launcher
DunArmCo F35B1 25-mm Automatic Cannon
DunArmCo F40B1 12-mm Conventional Machinegun
DunArmCo F21B2 9-mm Conventional Machinegun
Bendigo F29B2 8-cm Rocket Launcher
Mossburg Arsenal F1 6-cm Close Defence System
Urandangi F63 Multi-Purpose Missile
Urandangi F55B1 Anti-Vehicle Missile
Urandangi F60A1 Anti-Aircraft Missile
Urandangi F49A1 Anti-Vehicle Missile
Urandangi F51A2 Anti-Aircraft Missile

Acknowledgements

 

Main Battle Tanks

 

Bendigo F23B1 Crocodile III Tracklayer, Battle Tank

The F23B1 is a formidable heavy ground tank comparable to the French CC-25, Chinese Type-40 and Kafer “Behemoth”. Unlike these cutting-edge vehicles the F23B1 is an old design that has been remanufactured with new components from the brand new Gatto hovertanks. The F23B1 is capable enough to defeat any other ground vehicle in one on one combat and is also able to manoeuvre across or under any terrain on the battlefield. Made up of two sections that are articulated together the F23B1 is able to bend its body to provide maximum traction and to avoid bottoming out in rough terrain. Each section has one track per side and the track is a single piece with tension maintained by the adjustable power wheels at the rear of each section. Because the F23B1’s tracks are separate on each articulated section the tank is also able to bend in the middle laterally so as to squeeze around corners. This is a very important difference from other single-track articulated vehicles in the close confines of urban areas. The crew, computers and communications equipment are located in the rear section with the main weapons turret located in the forward section. Each of the two sections holds a fuel cell power plant and its H2 fuel supply, theoretically they could operate independently. The main weapons turret has a hexagonal side profile and lacks a traditional barrel extension as the entire muzzle of the plasma beam weapon is mounted flush within the main turret, pivoting on a centre mount. The vertical launch missile cells are located either side of the plasma beam weapon within the turret so as to not foul the line of fire of the main weapon. There are two units of eight medium size VLS cells for Huntsman vehicle-mounted anti-vehicle missiles and/or Deathleaper vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft missiles. Two small turrets are located on top of the main turret. One is fitted with the secondary laser weapon and the other with sensors; both are extendable to a height of 10-m on telescopes. An automatic grenade launcher is also fitted in the turret alongside the plasma gun but in its own mounting.

Type: tracked main battle tank
Nation:
Australia
In-Service-Date: 2292
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 25,000-kg

Armour: suspension: 25, front: 250, overhead: 100, other faces: 100
Armament: F40A1 500-MW plasma gun, F39B5 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F72A2 250-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 16 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 8
Evasion: 2
Sensor Range: 12-km (+2)
Drone System: F2A2 Whisperdrone
Range Finder Bonus: +4
Cargo: one passenger and 250-kg
Max Speed: 120-kph
Cruise Speed: 80-kph
Combat Movement: 250-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2 × 1.5-MW fuel cell, 30,000-MJ photonic loop
Fuel Capacity: 1,440-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 60-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 140,550 (Lv 1,124,400)

 

Bendigo F23A4 Crocodile II Tracklayer, Battle Tank

The F23A4 is a powerful heavy ground tank comparable to the French CC-21 and Manchurian Type-27. Whilst an old design the F23A4 has been progressively updated with new components to ensure it is still a competent battle vehicle. The F23A4 equips two out of four tank companies in the armoured squadrons of the 25th, 32nd and 47th (Tracked Armoured) Brigades of Field Command, all of which are reserve formations. The F23A4 is similar in layout to the B1 model however it retains an older main weapons turret with a 12-cm Mass Driver Cannon and a 100-MW laser system. In addition some other components are less advanced and the armour is not as comprehensive. The missile launcher cell is not located within the turret as in the B1 but in a raiseable mount on the rear hull section.

Type: obsolete tracked main battle tank
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2281
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 24,000-kg

Armour: suspension: 20, front: 200, overhead: 80, other faces: 80
Armament: F102B3 12-cm mass driver gun, F39B1 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 10
Evasion: 2
Sensor Range: 10-km (+1)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: one passenger and 500-kg
Max Speed: 120-kph
Cruise Speed: 80-kph
Combat Movement: 250-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2 × 1.5-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 1,440-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 60-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 110,050 (Lv 880,400)

 

Bendigo F23A2 Crocodile I Tracklayer, Battle Tank

The F23A2 is an obsolete heavy ground tank comparable to the original models of the French CC-21 and Manchurian Type-27. Like these vehicles the F23A2 is an old design that isn’t as effective as it once would have been on the modern battlefield, however they are still imposing, effective vehicles able to dominate most combat zones. The F23A2 equips two out of four tank companies in the armoured squadrons of the 25th, 32nd and 47th (Tracked Armoured) Brigades of Field Command.

Type: obsolete tracked main battle tank
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2251
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 22,000-kg

Armour: suspension: 20, front: 180, overhead: 80, other faces: 80
Armament: F102A1 12-cm mass driver gun, F40B1 12-mm machinegun, F21B2 9-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 10
Evasion: 2
Sensor Range: 10-km
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +2
Cargo: one passenger and 500-kg
Max Speed: 120-kph
Cruise Speed: 80-kph
Combat Movement: 250-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2 × 1.5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 1,440-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 60-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 94,990 (Lv 759,920)

 

Salta F80 Gatto Hovercraft, Battle Tank

The Gatto, [Sp: cat] named after a poisonous wildcat like predator native to New Canberra, is the new standard main battle hover tank of the ADF Field Command. Conceived as the mobile striking arm of FD COM the F80 is highly manoeuvrable as well as being heavily defended and equipped with the wherewithal to defeat any foreign counterparts. The first thing an American, African or European hover tanker will notice about the F80 is its considerable mass compared to their designs; this is because of the different operational requirements for hover tanks in the Pacific and Asian regions. Outside the Asia-Pacific the distances that hover tanks are expected to operate over are considerably shorter. Correspondingly hover tanks can be designed with shorter range and less protection, as there is always sufficient support centres nearby. The large distances between operational bases and considerable over-water requirements of the Asia-Pacific has lead Australia, Japan, Manchuria and other regional nations to design much larger and heavier hover tanks, something the French lead European armies found out the hard way in the Central Asian War. The F80 is about 20% larger than other hover tanks like the American M-9 and German LkPz-IX but is over twice as heavy as these tanks and about the same weight as a main battle tank. The F80’s Australian origin is clearly recognisable with its angular body and wide low turret and attention to stealth and camouflage. It caries a similar weapon fit to the F23B1 main battle tank. The F80 carries as standard a Whisperdrone tethered reconnaissance drone, satellite communications uplink, a microwave relay for electrical power transfer and communications and automatic ammunition reload system. Like most other hover tanks the F80 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: hovercraft main battle tank
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2290
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 20,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 35, front: 150, overhead: 100, other faces: 100
Armament: F40A1 500-MW plasma gun, F39B5 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F72A2 250-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 16 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 5
Evasion: 6
Sensor Range: 12-km (+2)
Drone System: F2A2 Whisperdrone
Range Finder Bonus: +4
Cargo: one passenger and 250-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph
Cruise Speed: 180-kph
Combat Movement: 410-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 5-MW fuel cell, 30,000-MJ photonic loop
Fuel Capacity: 2,400-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 100-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 125,100 (Lv 1,000,800)

 

Salta F65A2 Darrago Hovercraft, Battle Tank

The Darrago, named after the nightmarish analogue of the hippopotamus found in the rivers of New Canberra, is the second line hover tank in Australian service. An excellent tank upon entering service the F65 is now somewhat dated but still a lethal fighting machine. The F65 looks very much like a Gatto hovertank as the latter’s design is an evolution of the F65. Like most other military hovercraft the F65 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: obsolete hovercraft main battle tank
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2260
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 16,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 20, front: 100, overhead: 80, other faces: 80
Armament: F110A2 9-cm mass driver, F39B1 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 6
Evasion: 6
Sensor Range: 10-km (+1)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: one passenger and 250-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph
Cruise Speed: 180-kph
Combat Movement: 410-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 5-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 1,600-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 100-kg per hour
Endurance: 16 hours
Expense: kA$ 62,750 (Lv 501,820)

 

Armoured Personnel Carriers

 

Bendigo F25A5 Wombat Tracklayer, Assault Carrier

The F25 looks very much like half a Crocodile MBT as its hull and automotive equipment is based on a lengthened rear-half of the heavier main battle tank. The F25 is low and squat with two remote turrets, the forward with a 25-mm autogun and the rear with a 9-mm machinegun. Eight vertical launching missile cells are fitted at the rear with four on either side of the rear ramp. F25s haven’t been upgraded to the latest technology like the Crocodile III but are still serviceable and effective APCs.

Type: tracked armoured personnel carrier
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2259
Crew:
Crew: 3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 10,000-kg

Armour: suspension: 20, front: 120, overhead: 80, other faces: 80
Armament: F35B1 25-mm automatic cannon, F21B2 9-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard small size VLS cells
Signature: 6
Evasion: 2
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +1
Cargo: seven passengers and 1,000-kg
Max Speed: 120-kph
Cruise Speed: 80-kph
Combat Movement: 200-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1.5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 1,720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 13,300 (Lv 106,400)

 

Salta F76 Wirrenda Hovercraft, Assault Carrier

The Wirrenda, named after a gathering, squirrel analogue in New Canberra which itself is named after an extinct type of rock wallaby, is a purpose designed armoured personnel carrier designed to replace the Nantawarra in service with the assault troopers of the Australian Armoured Corps. The design incorporates technology from the Gatto project and the F76 is a perfect companion to this powerful vehicle. F76 production is lagging so not all Gatto equipped armoured squadrons have the new F76, they have to make do with the older Nantawarra APC. The F76 has a two level turret forward able to elevate up to 10-m on a snorkel. The vertical launch missile cells are located at the rear of the vehicle in two boxes outside the armoured shell. The dismount section enters and leaves the APC through a large ramp between the missile cells. Like most other military hovercraft the F76 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: hovercraft armoured personnel carrier
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2299
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 10,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 25, front: 90, overhead: 90, other faces: 60
Armament: Armament: F39B5 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F72A2 250-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 16 × Australian standard small size VLS cells
Signature: 3
Evasion: 8
Sensor Range: 12-km (+1)
Drone System: F2A2 Whisperdrone
Range Finder Bonus: +4
Cargo: seven passengers and 2,000-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2.5-MW fuel cell, 1,500-MJ photonic loop
Fuel Capacity: 1,200-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 50-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 44,105 (Lv 352,000)

 

Benowa F53A3 Nantawarra Hovercraft, Assault Carrier

The Nantawarra [SA Ab: black kangaroo] is a heavily armed and armoured version of the ubiquitous Kangaroo, specialising in transporting assault troopers alongside Darrago hovertanks. The F53 adds new armour, weapons and sensors to the basic Kangaroo design. The most radical change is the replacement of the single propulsion and lift turbine with two separate turbines. The turbines are positioned so as to fit a large rear ramp to the F53 allowing the assault troopers to disembark in full kit from the rear. The F53 has a two level turret with the 30-mm grenade launcher and most sensors on the bottom and the 100-MW laser on the top. This enables the laser to act as a point defence weapon automatically engaging incoming missiles and shells. The Drop Bear rocket launcher is mounted at the rear of the hull. The F53A4 replaces the rocket launcher with two missile boxes like the Wirrenda but with only four small size missiles each. The F53A4is usually issued one per platoon. Like most other military hovercraft the F53 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: hovercraft armoured personnel carrier
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2273
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 6,500-kg

Armour: plenum: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F39B1 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, F29B2 8-cm rocket launcher (F35A3) or 8 × Australian standard small size VLS cells (F53A4).
Signature: 5
Evasion: 8
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: seven passengers and 500-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 19,005 (Lv 152,000)

 

Benowa F30C1 Kangaroo IV Hovercraft, Assault Carrier

The Kangaroo is the basis of a large family of hovercraft in Australian service. The F30C1 is the last version of the original Kangaroo to remain in service. Originally an assault trooper carrier most F30s are now in service as liaison vehicles for headquarters personnel and general run-arounds. The F30 has four ball mounts, two facing forwards and one on each side. Two 12-mm machineguns are issued as standard and the ball mounts can also be fitted with individual weapons like 9-mm machineguns. F30s are also provided to peacekeeping units where their inoffensive nature (compared to a Gatto HBT) is supposed to assist the units in gaining the trust of locals. Like most other military hovercraft the F30 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: obsolete hovercraft armoured personnel carrier
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2284 (C generation), 2259 (A generation)
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 4,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 10
Armament: F35B1 25-mm automatic cannon, 2 × F40B1 12-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 5
Evasion: 6
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +1
Cargo: six passengers and 2,000-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph
Cruise Speed: 180-kph
Combat Movement: 410-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 270-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 15-kg per hour
Endurance: 18 hours
Expense: kA$ 6,065 (Lv 48,500)

 

Sumatro Fabrique F47A5 Waikerie Hovercraft, Airmobile Carrier

The Waikerie [SA Ab: wings, anything that flies] is a lightweight hover armoured personnel carrier designed to be easily deployable by air and space transport. This vehicle is the cornerstone of FD COM’s airmobile infantry brigades. The vehicle’s automotive system is based on the F39 a common utility vehicle in the ADF. By using the same engine, hover system, propulsion system and controls as the F39 the F49 can be quite cheap, easy to build and maintain. The vehicle is conventional in layout with the 0.35-MW fuel cell and fuel supply located in the nose and the crew and cargo load in the rear. However unlike the F39 the crew bay is masked from the front by the low-profile turret. The turret has a limited angle of rotation being confined to the forward 270° by the crew compartment. However the remote mount for the machinegun on top of the turret has a full 360° rotation. The low-profile turret is armed with an F8B4 40-MW triple plasma gun and a co-axial missile launcher for F55B1 Funnel Web II anti-vehicle missiles and/or F60A1 Dust Reaper anti-aircraft missiles feed from a six missile rotary magazine. The remote turret has a ubiquitous Corvussnake 9-mm machinegun for local defence. The vehicle’s crew sits in three rows of three seats with the front row facing forward with workstations to operate the vehicle’s systems and the dismount riflemen occupying the rear two rows, facing backwards. The seats are crash absorbent and quite comfortable but there is very little spare room in the Waikerie, especially for the dismount section who store their packs and weapons paratrooper fashion – in your face. The crew and dismount section’s main entry and exit point is a one person hatch located between the two main propulsion fans at the rear. While it may seem to be a difficult mission to dismount quickly the rear six seats fold flush with the floor to enable quick and easy egress. This hatch comprises two pieces opening up and down. The top part of the hatch has, beneath an armoured cover, an observation window with a firing port to enable the centre rear passenger to comfortably fire a personal weapon to the vehicle’s rear. When the armoured cover for this window is open there is a 15% chance that a hit on the vehicle’s rear will strike the window which only has AV: 2. Another egress hatch is mounted on the roof above the commander’s seat on the front right of the crew compartment. This hatch provides the commander the ability to easily get in and out of a fully loaded Waikerie and is also used to replace the 9-mm ammunition cassette. While the basic vehicle has a quite low level of protection FD COM has recently fielded an appliqué array for the Waikerie. This armour is an active array that is effective against all sorts of anti-armour weapons including plasma and kinetic energy. Once expended however that area is unprotected (10% cumulative chance to avoid the appliqué armour in a particular angle of attack after each hit). Like most military hovercraft the Waikerie has a limited jump-jet capability, each minute in jump-jet mode uses 10 minutes of fuel and speed is quartered. The Waikerie also has an integral drogue parachute mount which combined with the jump-jets provides it with an air-drop deployment capability. The vehicle will usually be air-dropped with the full crew and passengers on board and then controlled to a safe landing through a combination of the parachute and jump jets.

Type: air deployable armoured personnel carrier hovercraft
Nation:
Australia
In-Service-Date:
2266
Crew:
3 (gunner, driver, commander)
Weight: 2,400-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 6 (20 with appliqué armour)
Armament: F8B4 40-MW triple plasma gun, co-axial missile launcher for 6 × Australian standard light missiles, F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 3
Evasion: 9
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +1
Cargo: six passengers and 500-kg
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.35-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 264-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 11-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 10,500 (Lv 84,000)

Fire Support Vehicles

 

Salta F68A4 Kamarga Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer

The Kamarga [Qld Ab: storm] is the standard self-propelled hovercraft artillery piece of FD COM Tactical Artillery units. The F68 is based on the chassis of the Darrago hovertank. The name Kamarga is actually from the artillery weapon the vehicle carries; an 18-cm, 50-calibre (nine meter long barrel) Gauss railgun. The barrel is mounted inside a large hexagonal cover, which protects and stealths the Gauss coils that propel the projectiles at controllable velocities up to 4,500 meters per second. An automatic reload system is fitted that can load any round in under a second after the firing cycle is completed. The ammunition for the railgun comes in two families; the long range, self-guiding shell is 15 calibres long and weighs up to 150 kg, the short range, dumb” shell is 5-calibes long and weighs around 50 kg. Different velocities are used depending on the shell type, range to target and firing mission. All fire control functions are self-contained; the F68 just needs to be supplied target location from any other observation post, aircraft, vehicle or battlesuit linked to its network. Like most other military hovercraft the F68 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered). The F68 carries as standard, a satellite communications uplink, microwave relay for electrical power transfer and communications and eight Deathleaper missiles are for air-defence.

Type: hovercraft-propelled gun-howitzer
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2275
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 16,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 20, front: 80, overhead: 80, other faces: 60
Armament: F105A6 18-cm mass driver gun, F21B2 9-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 6
Evasion: 6
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +2
Cargo: 250-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph
Cruise Speed: 180-kph
Combat Movement: 410-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 1,600-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 100-kg per hour
Endurance: 16 hours
Expense: kA$ 88,880 (Lv 710,800)

 

Bendigo F27B2 Dullamah Tracklayer, Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer

The Dullamah [NSW Ab: terrific hailstorm] was once the standard tactical artillery piece of FD COM. Based on an articulated chassis of the old Buffalo tank (replaced by the earlier mark of the Crocodile) the F27 is a tracked artillery piece. The main weapon is a DunArmCo Dullamah 15-cm binary propellent gun-howitzer with a 60 calibre barrel. The Buffalo and F27 chassis is similar to that of the Crocodile except each hull section does not have its own power-plant. The rear hull has a 2-MW MHD turbine which provides motive power to both hull sections electric track drives. The vehicle is able to articulate its hulls to squeeze around corners or up and down sharp gradients. The articulation is limited to only 15º in the horizontal when the 15-cm binary gun is stowed in its travel lock. The forward hull section comprises the remotely operated main gun turret and the 15-cm ammunition. On top of the artillery turret is a remote mount for the anti-aircraft 12-mm machinegun. The turret faces to the rear for travel and the barrel is securely locked, though this limits the extremes to which the two hulls can “bend”. The rear hull section contains the power-plant and crew workstations as well as some of the liquid binary propellent magazine. Above this hull section too the right and rear is another remote turret for a 9-mm machinegun used to provide in close protection for the gun-howitzer. While not as effective as the Kamarga the F27 is still in service providing tactical artillery to the tracked armoured brigades and several corps level tactical artillery groups. About 300 F27s remain in storage in several ADF defended logistics facilities and some have been made available for sale to friendly nations.

Type: self-propelled gun-howitzer
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2274 (B generation), 2241 (A generation)
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 19,600-kg

Armour: suspension: 10, front: 50, overhead: 50, other faces: 25
Armament: F86A8 15-cm binary gun, F40B1 12-mm machinegun in remote turret, F21B2 9-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 12
Evasion: 1
Sensor Range: 4-km
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +1
Cargo: 500-kg
Max Speed: 110-kph
Cruise Speed: 65-kph
Combat Movement: 240-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2-MW MHD turbine
Fuel Capacity: 1,080-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 45-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 68,830 (Lv 550,450)

 

DunArmCo F13B3 Warral Tracklayer, Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar

The Warral [NSW Ab: earthquake] is an old but still powerful heavy mortar weapon firing an enormous 24-cm shell. The F13 has a purpose built tracked chassis that was once used for a range of supporting vehicles but have all been replaced by Wallaroo modular load carriers. The main weapon is a DunArmCo Warral 24-cm gun-mortar with a 25 calibre barrel that uses a binary propellent system where two otherwise inert liquids are mixed together to become explosive. The chassis of F13 is an old-style one piece hull with the power-plant turbine at the rear. The very front has an elevated cab for the crew and operating systems. This cab extends to the rear and houses the aft facing 24-cm gun-mortar system. The Warral gun-mortar is fixed within the cab but can train up to 30º left and right. Mounted above the cab is the remote mount for the 12-mm air defence machinegun. Ammunition for the Warral gun-mortar is stored at the bottom of the vehicle’s hull and can be automatically reloaded from grounded ammunition pallets through a port beneath the crew cab. The F13 is found in four heavy tactical artillery batteries of FD COM and is used to provide very heavy fire onto fortified targets with its 160-kg shells. While range is limited this weapon provides a useful capability in high intensity warfare. There are some rumours that a battery of F13s is to be deployed to the European Arm of space to be used against Kafer fortified “safe-places”.

Type: self-propelled gun-howitzer
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2286 (B generation), 2232 (A generation)
Crew:
3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Weight: 9,000-kg

Armour: F45B3 24-cm binary gun, F40B1 12-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 10
Evasion: 1
Sensor Range: 4-km
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +1
Cargo: one passenger and 500-kg
Max Speed: 110-kph
Cruise Speed: 65-kph
Combat Movement: 240-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 2-MW MHD turbine
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 45-kg per hour
Endurance: 16 hours
Expense: kA$ 60,035 (Lv 480,120)

 

Benowa F51A2 Malagara Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Gun-Mortar

The Malagara [Qld Ab: lightning] is a variant of the Nantawarra specialising in fire support. The assault trooper compartment of the Nantawarra is replaced with a remotely operated turret for a 12-cm gauss mortar and its magazine. Unlike other fire support vehicles the F51 has a high power remote laser weapon for self-defence as it operates closer to the line of battle. F51s are found in the mortar platoons of armoured squadrons.

Type: fire support hovercraft
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2275
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 7,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F90B1 12-cm mass driver gun, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 5
Evasion: 8
Sensor Range: 10-km (+0)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: 500-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 2225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 22,895 (Lv 183,100)

 

Benowa F45A1 Yeraan Hovercraft, Self-Propelled Rocket Launcher

The Yeraan [NSW Ab: high wind] is the principal weapon of FD COM’s operational artillery units and provides long range missile fires to destroy enemy formations. The vehicle itself is externally indistinguishable to the Wallaroo flatbed carrier (see below) with a standard cargo pallet. However in the F45 the pallet pickup system is the trainable mount for a large missile battery disguised as a cargo pallet. The missile launcher can take four missile packs, packs can contain one 48-cm missile, two 24-cm missiles or eight 12-cm missiles.

Type: hovercraft-propelled missile launcher
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2271
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 7,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 10, all faces: 20
Armament: 12-cm/24-cm/48-cm rocket launcher, F21B2 9-mm machinegun in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 6
Evasion: 8
 Cargo: 500-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 27,550 (Lv 220,300)

 

Benowa F52A3 Bundarra Hovercraft, Reconnaissance Vehicle

The Bundarra [NSW Ab: large kangaroo] is a specialist reconnaissance version of the Kangaroo IV family of combat hovercraft. The F52 is based on the Nantawarra assault carrier but with a lower hull and larger turret. The crew compartment is located in the middle of the hull, behind the turret and before the two main propulsion turbines. It has considerably more firepower than a basic Nantawarra as its primary role is to provide screening and counter-counter reconnaissance. F52s have been compared to lightweight hovertank designs like the American M-9 and Bavarian LkPz-VIII. The F52 is found in the guide platoons of armoured squadrons, reconnaissance companies of brigades and the divisional and corps reconnaissance squadrons.

Type: reconnaissance hovercraft
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2276
Crew:
3 (command gunner, driver, command rider)
Weight: 7,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F100A6 6-cm mass driver, F39B1 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 4
Evasion: 8
Sensor Range: 15-km (+2)
Drone System: F2A2 Whisperdrone
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: one passenger and 500-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 35,640 (Lv 285,000)

 

Benowa F54A6 Tibarri Hovercraft, Surveillance Vehicle

The Tibarri [Qld Ab: eye] is a specialist surveillance version of the Kangaroo IV family of combat hovercraft. The F54 is based on the Bundarra reconnaissance vehicle and is externally identical to it. However on the F54 the 6-cm mass driver gun is a dummy mount replaced in the turret by a very large extendable mast for a long-range sensor suite. The F54 is also fitted with a fourth work-station dedicated to remote scout drone operation of which a reconnaissance platoon usually has four. The F54 is found mixed with F52s in the guide platoons of armoured squadrons, reconnaissance companies of armoured brigades and armoured reconnaissance squadrons. The F54A7 hovercraft, forward observation version is specialised for artillery forward observers. This vehicle replaces the drone operation equipment with more accurate weather sensors, including weather balloons and other artillery specific equipment.

Type: surveillance hovercraft
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2276
Crew:
4 (command gunner, driver, command rider, drone operator)
Weight: 6,800-kg

Armour: plenum: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F39B1 30-mm gauss grenade launcher, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system, 8 × Australian standard medium size VLS cells
Signature: 4
Evasion: 8
Sensor Range: 25-km (+3)
Drone System: remote operation of up to two drones, F2A2 Whisperdrone
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: 500-kg
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell, 500-MJ capacitator
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 37,060 (Lv 296,400)

 

Sumatro Fabrique F33A4 Warroo Hovercraft, Scout Vehicle

The Warroo, named for the small, fast scorpion like predator common to the Duffer’s Strip of New Canberra itself named for an Aboriginal word for red hornet because of its large stinger and reddish colouring, is a light hovercraft specially designed for scouting and guide missions. The basis of the design is the Matsu Snow-Demon copies of which were purchased by Sumatro Fabrique in the 2230s. The F33 has very little fire-power but it is designed for stealth and a low profile to carry out its scouting mission. The scout ACV’s primary sensors can be raised on a telescope up to 10-m above the vehicle. Like most military hovercraft the F33 has jump jets but they are limited to lifting the vehicle about two meters into the air at a cost of 15 minutes fuel for each minute in jump mode.

Type: reconnaissance hovercraft
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2262
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver)
Weight: 1,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 5
Armament: F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: -1
Evasion: 9
Sensor Range: 15-km (+2)
Drone System: F2A2 Whisperdrone
Cargo: 500-kg
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.1-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 144-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 3-kg per hour
Endurance: 48 hours
Expense: kA$ 2,250 (Lv 18,000)

 

Bridgeport-Swift F73 Liarbird Hovercraft, Scout Vehicle

The Bridgeport-Swift Songbird is one of the most popular off-road hovercraft in human use, coming in a wide range of versions and local adaptations. The Liarbird is a special militarised Songbird designed to be in all appearances a regular civilian vehicle while possessing a range of military features. This hovercraft has mostly been found in Special Forces units but is now available on the open market and though very rare has become popular with police units, local militias, mercenaries and crime gangs (though sometimes the later two groups are hard to tell apart). Liarbird’s are in service with the SASR and some selected recce units of the ADF. The Liarbird looks identical to a hard-top Songbird but is equipped with armour sufficient to defeat most personal weapons, an extendable weapons mount, jump-jets for extra mobility and a more powerful engine with long range fuel tanks. When lowered the extendable weapon is carried within the vehicle and is not noticeable. It can be extended on a snorkel mount up to 2-m above the vehicle and has a full 360° firing arc. The weapons mount is modular and is offered with four different types of weapon fits, though some units have fitted their own weapons to the mount in order to increase firepower or standardise. Like most combat hovercraft it possesses a limited jump-jet capability, which uses 10 minutes of endurance for every minute of flight. Speed is quartered in jump mode. The Liarbird is often painted to look like a civilian vehicle with interspatial aide agencies and TRI-D network paint schemes being the most popular. The modular armament is interchangeable between the following systems: MG mount (DunArmCo Mini-12 with 250 round cassette), PG mount (Quinn-Darlan Mk 2-A2 with 100 round cassette), AVM mount (Twin launcher for Panzerfaust-93 missiles) or AAM mount (Twin launcher for Hornisse missiles).

Type: special reconnaissance hovercraft
Nation: international
In-Service-Date: n/a
Crew:
2 (command gunner, driver).
Weight: 1,400-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 6
Armament: modular remote mount (see above), F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 1
Evasion: 9
Sensor Range: 10-km (+1)
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +2
Cargo: four passengers and 400-kg
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.35-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 300-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 11-kg per hour
Endurance: 27 hours
Expense: kA$ 6,260 (Lv 50,100)

 

Rheinfabrik F16A6 Binkenbar Tracklayer, Assault Gun

The Binkenbar [Qld Ab: small tortoise] is the Australian version of the Westfälisch Armee’s infantry Sturmgeschutz-5 Keiler [Ger: wild boar] assault gun. The Binkenbar is a lightweight, very low profile armoured vehicle used to provide fire support to infantry. It was the mainstay of the fire and mobility support companies of the infantry battalions but have now being replaced by Emu and Cassowary combat walkers. However the Binkenbar remains in service in the territorial defence units (TDU) of the Militia. Each TDU has four Binkenbars forming the fire support sections of the headquarters platoon. However some TDUs with large geographic areas of responsibility replace their Binkenbars with Kangaroo IVs. The vehicle is fully tracked with the propulsion system in the front and the operator sitting reclined at the rear. The retractable weapon mount is located in the middle of the vehicle. When retracted the weapon mount can fire forward to 30º of the central axis. Fully extended the weapons are raised 1.5-m above the vehicle roof and have a full 360º arc of fire. In order to lower its profile the road wheels can be retracted and the Binkenbar is lowered to a height of only 1.4 meters. Binkenbars are frequently equipped with a trailer which is used to tow up to 400-kg of cargo, mostly ammunition for supporting infantry.

Type: obsolete tracked infantry assault gun
Nation: Germany
In-Service-Date: 2238
Crew: 1 (operator)
Weight: 450-kg
Armour: Suspension: 5, Others: 15
Armament: F8B4 40-MW triple plasma gun,
F21B2 9-mm coaxial machinegun
Signature: 1
Evasion: 3
Sensor Range: 4-km
Cargo: 100-kg
Max Speed: 80-kph
Cruise Speed: 60-kph
Combat Movement: 170-m
Off Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.1-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 24-kg of hydrogen
Fuel Consumption: 3-kg per hour
Endurance: 8 hours
Price:
kA$ 4,500 (Lv 36,000)

Utility Vehicles

 

Salta F49B1 Yerrah Hovercraft, Engineering Vehicle

The Yerrah [NSW Ab: digger] is the standard multi-purpose combat engineering vehicle of FD COM. The F49 utilizes a purpose designed and built hull shared with the Currawah recovery vehicle. The F49 is a combination vehicle that has both a hovercraft and tracked suspension system. For transit and some engineering tasks like mine clearing the F49 uses the hovercraft system for motive power but when better traction is needed four tracked pods drop from the hover tub as the plenum is deflated. The vehicle is fully able to manoeuvre under each system and is even able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered). The F49 is a double ended vehicle with the crew located in the middle and engineering equipment at both ends. However it is only able to travel at full speed on the air cushion in one direction (the front) but is easily able to both backwards and forwards on tracks. Above the crew cab is the remote turret for the high power laser and close defence system. The purpose of the F49 is to bring combat engineering equipment into the battlefield under armour protection. The F49 has four main engineering implements as well as the crew and a large amount of stored engineering equipment like explosives and tools. At the rear end of the vehicle is a large dozer blade able to move 250-m3 of earth an hour. Mounted above and behind the scoop is a telescoping digger bucket able to reach up to 8-m from the vehicle to dig holes or tear down obstacles. The front end of the F49 has the more aggressive equipment with the mine clearing array and the demolitions projector. The mine clearing array consists of four X-ray laser sensor/destroyers. These arrays scan an arc up to 20-m ahead and to either side of the vehicle to detect mines based on their explosive content. Once detected a high power burst is charged into the explosive to detonate or make inoperable the mine.

Type: combination tracked/hovercraft engineering vehicle
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2289 (B generation), 2265 (A generation)
Crew:
3 (commander, driver, engineering operator)
Weight: 12,000-kg

Armour: plenum/suspension: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F91A1 8-cm gauss projector, F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 6
Evasion: 8 (hover), 2 (tracks)
Sensor Range: 10-km
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: four passengers and 2,000-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph (hover), 120-kph (tracks)
Cruise Speed: 180-kph(hover), 80-kph (tracks)
Combat Movement: 410-m (hover), 250-m (tracks)
Off-Road Mobility: full (both modes)
Power Plant: 5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 1,600-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 100-kg per hour
Endurance: 16 hours
Expense: kA$ 56,355 (Lv 450,500)

 

Salta F48B3 Currawah Hovercraft, Recovery Vehicle

The Currawah [NSW Ab: fixer] is the standard multi-purpose armoured recovery vehicle of FD COM. The F48 utilizes a purpose designed and built hull shared with the Yerrah engineering vehicle. Like the Yerrah the F48 is a combination vehicle that has both a hovercraft and tracked suspension system. The F48 utilises the tracked system for much improved traction when it is towing or winching immobile vehicles. Unlike the Yerrah the F48 isn’t a “double ended” vehicle but it does carry as standard a large amount of recovery and repair equipment. At the front of the vehicle is a large dozer blade, similar to that on the Yerrah able to move 250-m3 of earth an hour. The dozer blade is also used as part of the stabilising system which has automatic levelling adjustment to maintain a solid lifting base during recovery operations. There are three winches on the F48 including the main winch at the front which is 120-m long and able to pull 10,000-kg while on tracks and 75,000-kg when stabilised. The two auxiliary winches found fore and aft can pull 5,000-kg each and have a 40-m long cable. The F48 also has a telescopic lifting crane able to lift 24,000-kg and when fully extended has a total reach of 20-m. Also standard at the rear of the vehicle is an automatic towing device that includes a plenum hose, automatically attaching tow-bar and power transfer cabling. The F48 carries a large amount of tools and repair equipment to enable the crew to carry out field expedient repairs. The vehicle also has a large under armour cargo bay for modular replacement parts like spare air-cushion cells, tracks, blower turbines, fuel cells, etc.

Type: combination tracked/hovercraft engineering vehicle
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2291 (B generation), 2260 (A generation)
Crew:
3 (commander, driver, chief mechanic)
Weight: 10,000-kg

Armour: plenum/suspension: 10, front: 40, overhead: 40, other faces: 20
Armament: F66A5 100-MW laser in remote turret, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 6
Evasion: 8 (hover), 2 (tracks)
Sensor Range: 10-km
Drone System: none
Range Finder Bonus: +3
Cargo: four passengers and 4,000-kg
Max Speed: 200-kph (hover), 120-kph (tracks)
Cruise Speed: 180-kph(hover), 80-kph (tracks)
Combat Movement: 410-m (hover), 250-m (tracks)
Off-Road Mobility: full (both modes)
Power Plant: 5-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 1,600-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 100-kg per hour
Endurance: 16 hours
Expense: kA$ 36,350 (Lv 290,450)

 

Benowa F41A2 Wallaroo Hovercraft, Medium Carrier

The Wallaroo, a type of large brown kangaroo, is a modular APC designed to carry a large number of infantry or cargo to and from the battle. Unlike Australian assault carriers the F41 is not meant to be a fighting vehicle except in emergencies. The F41 is based on the Nantawarra chassis, itself an enlarged Kangaroo, but with the vehicle’s fuel-cell power and propulsion turbine systems moved to the front and bottom. This makes the F41 much higher than the low, sleek Nantawarra but considerably increases the vehicles useable volume. The driver, self defence system and room for a single passenger are located forward in a cab behind the fuel cell. Immediately aft of the control cabin is a large flatbed for various modules which can be replaced in the field. FD COM modules include: APC module for 18 passengers and 1,000-kg of cargo, flatbed carrier module with a remote 4,000-kg pallet pickup system, multiple launch rocket system (see Yeraan above), medical centre, command post, etc. Like most other military hovercraft the F41 is able to carry out limited jumps using booster jets (10 minutes of endurance for every minute in flight and speed is quartered).

Type: cargo hovercraft
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2265
Crew:
1 (driver)
Weight: 2,500-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 5
Armament: F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 6
Evasion: 8
Cargo: one passenger, 500-kg and a 4,500-kg module.
Max Speed: 250-kph
Cruise Speed: 225-kph
Combat Movement: 520-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 1-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 720-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 30-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 4,000 (Lv 32,000)

 

Sumatro Fabrique F38A6 Warrigal Hovercraft, Light Carrier

The Warrigal is the standard light utility vehicle of the ADF and is named for a Aboriginal word for wild usually applied to dingos, the native wild dog of Australia, and given to all wild dogs in New Canberra. Performance wise the F38 is very similar to the civilian Bridgeport-Swift Songbird, except the F38 has an enclosed body, remote machinegun turret, jump jets (limited to lifting the F38 about two meters into the air at a cost of 15 minutes fuel for each minute in jump mode) and is considerably better protected. Designed to be the general work vehicle of the ADF the F38 is widely issued, even to spaceships, and can be found anywhere Australian troops are likely to be.

Type: utility hovercraft
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date:
2258
Crew:
1 (driver)
Weight: 1,000-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 5
Armament: F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 1
Evasion: 9
Cargo: five passengers and 1,000-kg
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.25-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 192-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 8-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 3,250 (Lv 26,000)

Sumatro Fabrique F39A4 Werai Hovercraft, Medium Carrier

The Werai [NSW Ab: look out] is the Australian name for a common Tirane cat with large eyes found throughout the Duffer’s Strip region. The F39 is an enlarged version of the F38 for those utility tasks that require a heavier load but not large enough to warrant a Wallaroo. The F39 has many of the features of the F39 including the enclosed body, armour protection, remote machinegun turret and jump jets.

Type: utility hovercraft
Nation: New
Canberra
In-Service-Date:
2259
Crew:
1 (driver)
Weight: 1,500-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 5
Armament: F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 3
Evasion: 9
Cargo: two passengers and 2,000-kg
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.35-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 264-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 11-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 4,625 (Lv 37,000)

 

Sumatro Fabrique F39B2 Werai II Hovercraft, Logistics Carrier, Airborne

The F39B2 is a modified F39 specialising in the support role for airmobile infantry. The F39B2 adds the high power jump jets of the F47 and drogue parachute to the basic F39 utility vehicle. In addition the rear cargo section of the F39 is modified to be replaced with varying modules like the Wallaroo carrier. This creates a flexible logistics vehicle for use by the rapid deployment airmobile infantry brigades. Like most military hovercraft the F39B2 has a limited jump-jet capability, each minute in jump-jet mode uses 10 minutes of fuel and speed is quartered. The F39B2 also has an integral drogue parachute mount which combined with the jump-jets provides it with an air-drop deployment capability. The vehicle will usually be air-dropped with the full crew and passengers on board and then controlled to a safe landing through a combination of the parachute and jump jets.

Type: air deployable cargo hovercraft
Nation: New
Canberra
In-Service-Date:
2261
Crew:
1 (driver)
Weight: 1,500-kg

Armour: plenum: 2, all faces: 5
Armament: F21B2 9-mm machinegun, F1 6-cm close defence system
Signature: 3
Evasion: 9
Cargo: two passengers and 2,000-kg module
Max Speed: 240-kph
Cruise Speed: 200-kph
Combat Movement: 500-m
Off-Road Mobility: full
Power Plant: 0.35-MW fuel cell
Fuel Capacity: 264-kg H2
Fuel Consumption: 11-kg per hour
Endurance: 24 hours
Expense: kA$ 5,250 (Lv 42,000)

 

Vehicle Mounted Weapons

 

DunArmCo F40A1 500-MW Plasma Gun

The F40 is a new type of plasma gun that does not use a photonic core to power the plasma ignition and targeting laser. Instead the hydrogen pellet is feed into the breech by itself and the plasma gun sources the required energy from the vehicles own power cell. 50 mega joules are required for each shot, necessitating a large vehicle power cell. The F40 is the standard first line fighting vehicle weapon for the ADF. This weapon is one of the most powerful plasma guns in service and is extremely lethal against armoured and area targets.

Type: 500-MW plasma gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2290
Action:
single shot
Ammunition: 30-mm × 45-mm hydrogen pellet
Pulse Energy: 50-MJ
Magazine: 240 (not including pulse energy)
Aimed Fire Range: 2,500-m
ROF: 5
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 50)

 

DunArmCo F8B4 40-MW Triple Plasma Gun

The F8B4 or “Mark Eight” as it is commercially known is a Gatling style plasma gun with rotating “barrels”. The weapon has three plasma ignition chambers and firing lasers, rotating between them to assist in cooling. An old design the F8 is still a powerful weapon able to pump out burst after burst of plasma.

Type: triple 40-MW plasma gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: B generation 2274, A generation 2238
Action:
single shot
Ammunition: 30-mm × 90-mm 40-MW photonic core plasma cell
Magazine: 150
Aimed Fire Range: 2,000-m
ROF: 3
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 6)

 

SCL F72A2 250-MW Laser

The Southern Cross Lasers F72 is a high power laser weapon found on the latest Australian hovertanks. The primary role of the F72 is point defence against incoming missiles and shells. It has secondary roles as an anti-vehicle weapon in its own right and local defence against infantry. The F72 usually operates in automatic mode and will engage missiles and personnel that come within range without appropriate IFF signals. The standard weapon turret of an F72 is mounted on an extendable telescope able to lift the weapon 10-m above the top of the vehicle. This enables the laser to fire upon targets while the vehicle is masked by terrain.

Type: 250-01 laser
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2290
Action:
Single shot or bursts
Pulse Energy: 2.5-MJ
Aimed Fire Range: 4,500-m
ROF: 10
Area Fire Range: 3,200-m
Area Fire Burst: 50 (AFV = 5)
DPV: 7

 

SCL F23B1 150-MW Laser

The vehicle mounted version of the laser machinegun F23 Brownsnake the F23B1 is only fitted as standard to the new F6 Cassowary combat walker. This laser can either fire high-powered single shots or bursts at a much lower power. Like the hand carried version the F23B1 is a very impressive weapon but with prodigal power requirements.

Type: 150-01 laser
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2295
Action:
Single shot or bursts
Pulse Energy: 1.5-MJ or 0.3-MJ when firing bursts
ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 2,500-m
Area Fire Burst: 25 (AFV = 4)
Area Fire Range: 2,000-m
DPV: 4 (area fire 1)

 

SCL F66A5 100-MW Laser

The F66 is a high power laser weapon usually powered from a 500-MJ capacitator integral to the vehicle. This weapon is used as point defence against missiles and medium velocity shells for most of the older series of Australian combat vehicles. The weapon is also very useful for anti-infantry tasks, keeping the enemy away from launching lethal close range attacks against combat vehicles. Like the more modern F72 laser the F66 is usually controlled by the vehicles integral computer on automatic mode.

Type: 100-01 laser
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2266
Action:
Single shot or bursts
Pulse Energy: 1-MJ or 0.3-MJ when firing bursts
ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,800-m
Area Fire Burst: 30 (AFV = 3)
Area Fire Range: 1,200-m
DPV: 3 (area fire 1)

 

DunArmCo F45B3 24-cm Binary Gun

The F45 or Warral artillery weapon first entered Australian service close to 100 years ago. At this time it was a pioneering binary propellent weapon, now its age is definitely showing. However the F45 has the advantage of firing a huge 160-kg shell able to deliver massive explosive power onto a target, albeit at short range. The weapon is feed from an automatic magazine for up to 40 shells. Ammunition types are limited but include a HEPD (High Explosive, Point Destruction) round for destroying fortifications. The binary propellent is stored in two tanks as a liquid with a total full mass of 240-kg. The precise amount of propellent used is dependent on the range to the target. The F45 is classified as a mortar in Australian service due to its short range. Unlike much smaller calibre mortars the F45 can’t fire on the move.

Type: obsolete 240-mm gauss gun-mortar
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2270 (B generation), 2209 (A generation)
Ammunition:
240-mm ×950-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 720-mps
Magazine: 40, 240-kg binary propellent
Ammunition Weight: 160-kg, 6-kg binary propellent (maximum range)
ROF: 2
Indirect Fire Range: 22,500-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: as explosion (EP = 120)
High Explosive, Point Destruction: as tamped explosion (EP = 120)
Submunition: burst radius 800-m (DPV = 7)
Smoke: as explosion (EP = 35) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 10 minutes (smoke cloud is 500-m long and 200-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: kA$ 30 (Lv 245)
High Explosive, Point Destruction: kA$ 36 (Lv 288)
Submunition: kA$ 48 (Lv 384)
Smoke: kA$ 60 (Lv 490)

 

DunArmCo F86A8 15-cm Binary Gun

The F86 or the Dullamah has been replaced in ADF service by the Kamarga artillery weapon. However the F86 is still found in service supporting tracked armoured brigades, in some tactical artillery groups and in old fixed defences. The F86 is a binary propellent weapon and uses the same binary liquid propellent as the 24-cm Warral artillery system. The gun is feed from an automatic, adaptable magazine able to store 96 standard 15-cm rounds or 32 of the longer extended-range shells or an appropriate mix. The binary propellent is feed from two tanks with a total mass of 96-kg. Extended-range munitions have a rocket booster and glide wings which enable them to be fired to a considerably boosted range.

Type: obsolete 150-mm binary gun-howitzer

Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2241
Ammunition:
150-mm ×650-mm (standard), 150-mm ×1,400-mm (extended-range)

Muzzle Velocity: 1,240-mps

Magazine: 96 standard or 32 extended-range, 96-kg binary propellent

Ammunition Weight: 50-kg (standard), 110-kg (extended-range), 1-kg binary propellent (standard to maximum range), 2.5-kg binary propellent (extended-range to maximum range)

ROF: 5

Indirect Fire Range: 85,000-m (standard), 120,000-m (extended-range)

DPV: dependent on shell used (DPV is the same for standard and extended-range munitions):

High Explosive: as explosion (EP = 40)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 80) with quarter normal fragmentation
Submunition: burst radius 250-m (DPV = 7)
Anti-Vehicle, Submunition: deploys two anti-vehicle missiles equivalent to F63
Smoke: as explosion (EP = 10) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 10 minutes (smoke cloud is 150-m long and 50-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: kA$ 10 (Lv 80)
High Explosive – Extended Range: kA$ 25 (Lv 200)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 15 (Lv 120)
High Explosive, Thermobaric – Extended Range: kA$ 40 (Lv 320)
Submunition: kA$ 15 (Lv 120)
Submunition – Extended Range: kA$ 40 (Lv 320)
Anti-Vehicle: kA$ 1,275 (Lv 10,200)
Anti-Vehicle – Extended Range: kA$ 1,310 (Lv 10,500)
Smoke: kA$ 20 (Lv 160)
Smoke – Extended Range: kA$ 50 (Lv 400)

 

San Diego Ingenieria F105B6 18-cm Mass Driver Gun

The standard artillery piece for the ADF the F105 or Kamarga is found primarily on self-propelled hovercraft mounts or in fixed defences. The F105B6 is the current self-propelled version and is the primary armament of the F68 hovercraft. The gun can fire standard or extended-range projectiles from its modular, self-loading magazine.

Type: 180-mm Gauss gun-howitzer

Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2275
Ammunition:
180-mm × 950-mm (standard), 180-mm × 2,600-mm (extended-range)

Muzzle Velocity: 2,450-mps

Magazine: 120 standard or 40 extended-range

Ammunition Weight: 90-kg (standard), 210-kg (extended-range)

ROF: 5

Indirect Fire Range: 85,000-m (standard), 130,000-m (extended-range)

DPV: dependent on shell used (DPV is the same for standard and extended-range munitions):

High Explosive: as explosion (EP = 70)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 140) with quarter normal fragmentation
Submunition: burst radius 450-m (DPV = 10)
Anti-Vehicle: deploys four anti-vehicle missiles equivalent to F63
Smoke: as explosion (EP = 20) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 10 minutes (smoke cloud is 300-m long and 100-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: kA$ 20 (Lv 160)
High Explosive – Extended Range: kA$ 50 (Lv 400)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 30 (Lv 240)
High Explosive, Thermobaric – Extended Range: kA$ 80 (Lv 320)
Submunition: kA$ 30 (Lv 240)
Submunition – Extended Range: kA$ 80 (Lv 320)
Anti-Vehicle: kA$ 2,560 (Lv 20,500)
Anti-Vehicle – Extended Range: kA$ 2,600 (Lv 20,800)
Smoke: kA$ 40 (Lv 320)
Smoke – Extended Range: kA$ 100 (Lv 800)

 

DunArmCo F90B1 12-cm Mass Driver Gun

The F90 or Malagara is a mobile gun-mortar artillery system used to provide fire support to manoeuvre units. Because of its lower muzzle velocity the F90 is able to fire while its carrier vehicle is moving.

Type: 120-mm Gauss gun-mortar

Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2275
Ammunition:
120-mm × 350-mm

Muzzle Velocity: 645-mps

Magazine: 96

Ammunition Weight: 15-kg

ROF: 5

Indirect Fire Range: 18,000-m

DPV: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: as explosion (EP = 12)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 24) with quarter normal fragmentation
Submunition: burst radius 75-m (DPV = 6)
Anti-Vehicle: deploys anti-vehicle missile equivalent to F63
Smoke: as explosion (EP = 3) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 10 minutes (smoke cloud is 45-m long and 15-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive: kA$ 6 (Lv 48)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 9 (Lv 72)
Submunition: kA$ 9 (Lv 72)
Anti-Vehicle: kA$ 640 (Lv 5,100)
Smoke: kA$ 16 (Lv 128)

 

DunArmCo F102B3 12-cm Mass Driver Gun

The F102B3 is the latest version of the F102 12-cm Gauss gun mounted as the standard armament of the Crocodile-11 main battle tank. The F102B3 has significantly higher muzzle velocity and a more capable anti-armour round.

Type: 120-mm Gauss gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2281
Ammunition:
120-mm × 600-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 1,620-mps (HEMP)
Magazine: 64

Ammunition Weight: 25-kg

ROF: 3
Aimed Fire Range: 5,000-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: 100
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 30)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: burst radius: 500-m (DPV = 5)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: burst radius: 25-m (incendiary fragments), smoke extends 100-m downwind in one turn

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: kA$ 45 (Lv 360)
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 9 (Lv 72)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 12 (Lv 96)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: kA$ 15 (Lv 120)

 

DunArmCo F102A1 12-cm Mass Driver Gun

The F102A1 is the older version of the F102 12-cm Gauss gun mounted as the standard armament on the later versions of the Crocodile-1 main battle tank.

Type: obsolete 120-mm Gauss gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2251
Ammunition:
120-mm × 600-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 1,350-mps (HEMP)
Magazine: 64

Ammunition Weight: 25-kg

ROF: 2
Aimed Fire Range: 3,100-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: 80
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 30)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: burst radius: 500-m (DPV = 5)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: burst radius: 25-m (incendiary fragments), smoke extends 100-m downwind in one turn

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: kA$ 32 (Lv 256)
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 9 (Lv 72)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 12 (Lv 96)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: kA$ 15 (Lv 120)

 

San Diego Ingenieria F110A2 9-cm Mass Driver Gun

The F110 is the main armament of the Darrago hover battle tank. With a calibre of 9-cm the F110 is one of the most powerful Gauss guns found on a hovercraft. The gun uses much of the breakthrough mass driver technology of the Kamarga artillery system. This makes the F110 one of the most effective weapons of its generation.

Type: 90-mm Gauss gun
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2260
Ammunition:
90-mm × 450-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 1,550-mps (HEMP)
Magazine: 72

Ammunition Weight: 10-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,800-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: 90
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 15)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: burst radius: 250-m (DPV = 5)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: burst radius: 15-m (incendiary fragments), smoke extends 100-m downwind in one turn

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: kA$ 25 (Lv 200)
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 5 (Lv 40)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 6 (Lv 48)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: kA$ 8 (Lv 64)

 

Bendigo F91A1 8-cm Mass Driver Gun


The F91 is more of a projector than a gun as it simply fires three types of demolition charges. The first two are a standard HEMP shell for un-reinforced obstacles and a thermobaric shell for clearing minefields through the overpressure generated by fuel-air explosion. The third shell is a sophisticated HEPD shell containing three separate, precisely-timed warheads. When the HEPD shell hits the target the forward warhead creates an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) to shatter the surface of the obstacle or reinforced structure. The second warhead is also an EFP that “drills” a hole 2-m deep into the target. The third warhead is a detonation charge of 2.5-kg of high explosive. It enters the target and does massive damage upon detonation. This HEPD shell is able to destroy the most reinforced obstacle or fortification.

Type: 80-mm low-velocity Gauss gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2265
Ammunition:
80-mm × 660-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 250-mps
Magazine: 48

Ammunition Weight: 15-kg

ROF: 1
Aimed Fire Range: 800-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 20)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 40) with quarter normal fragmentation
High Explosive, Point Detonation: 80 and explosion (EP = 5)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 5 (Lv 40)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 7.5 (Lv 60)
High Explosive, Point Detonation: kA$ 20 (Lv 160)

 

Ansbach Industrie-Gesellschafte F100A6 6-cm Mass Driver Gun

The F100 is a licence built Australian version of the Bavarian (now German) 6-cm mass driver gun fitted to the LkPz-VIII. A powerful and lightweight weapon the F100 provides the FD COM armoured reconnaissance force with excellent firepower.

Type: 60-mm Gauss gun
Nation: Germany
In-Service-Date: 2276
Ammunition:
60-mm × 300-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 1,510-mps (HEMP)
Magazine: 120
Ammunition Weight: 5-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,800-m
DPV: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: 80
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 18)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: burst radius: 120-m (DPV = 3)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: burst radius: 10-m (incendiary fragments), smoke extends 100-m downwind in one turn

Ammunition Expense: dependent on shell used:

Armour Piercing, Flechette: kA$ 20 (Lv 160)
High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 4 (Lv 32)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 5 (Lv 40)
Smoke, Red Phosphorous: kA$ 8 (Lv 64)

 

AST F39B5 3-cm Gauss Automatic Grenade Launcher

The Australian Steel & Technologies F39B5 is the latest version of their successful family of 3-cm grenade launchers. The F39 is a cassette feed, externally powered automatic weapon. The grenade launcher is found on most of the latest of the ADF’s combat vehicles where its multi-use nature lends itself well as a secondary weapon. The 3-cm grenades are interchangeable with those of the hand carried grenade launchers. The F39B5 differs from the older F39B1 in that it is able to fire the new second generation High Explosive, Targeted Burst (HETB) grenade. This grenade has an infra red sensor in the nose which before bursting detects the closest concentration of targets and directs the grenades burst in that direction. This is especially useful for, not literally but effectively, shooting around corners and in complex targeting environments like city scapes and close jungle. The F39’s automatic magazine is able to load any type of grenade on demand.

Type: 30-mm Gauss gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2290
Ammunition:
30-mm × 300-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 800-mps
Magazine: 240
Ammunition Weight: 0.3-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,000-m
DPV: dependent on grenade used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 4)
High Explosive, Targeted Burst: as explosion (EP = 4) + 20% to chance of being hit by fragmentation

High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 8) with quarter normal fragmentation
Anti-Personnel, Canister: area fire value = 2 (DPV – 0.5)
Smoke:
as explosion (EP = 1) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 4 minutes (smoke cloud is 20-m long and 10-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on grenade used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: A$ 625 (Lv 5)
High Explosive, Targeted Burst: kA$ 2 (Lv 16)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
Smoke: kA$ 1.25 (Lv 10)

 

AST F39B1 3-cm Gauss Automatic Grenade Launcher

The older version of the F39 grenade launcher the F39B1 is found in second-line vehicles. The F39B1, however, is still a potent combat weapon. F39s fitted as secondary weapons are usually fitted in independent mounts with high degrees of elevation as they are very useful anti-personnel weapons in close terrain like city scapes.

Type: 30-mm Gauss gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2268
Ammunition:
30-mm × 300-mm
Muzzle Velocity: 600-mps
Magazine: 240
Ammunition Weight: 0.3-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 750-m
DPV: dependent on grenade used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 4)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 8) with quarter normal fragmentation
Anti-Personnel, Canister: area fire value = 2 (DPV – 0.5)
Smoke:
as explosion (EP = 1) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 4 minutes (smoke cloud is 20-m long and 10-m high)

Ammunition Expense: dependent on grenade used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: A$ 625 (Lv 5)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
Anti-Personnel, Canister: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
Smoke: kA$ 1.25 (Lv 10)

 

DunArmCo F35B10 25-mm Automatic Cannon

The F35B1 is the vehicle-mounted version of the F35 or Mini-25 autocannon. The F35 is not dismountable from the parent vehicle. The magazine is a modular cassette that can be reloaded with individual rounds from under armour.

Type: 25-mm conventional autocannon
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2262
Action:
single shot or bursts
Ammunition: 25-mm × 175-mm fixed cartridge APHE
Muzzle Velocity: 1,100-mps
Magazine: 250
Ammunition Weight: 0.3-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,000-m
Area Fire Burst: 10 (AFV = 1)
Area Fire Range: 800-m
DPV: 6 (+ fragmentation burst radius = 5-m)
Ammunition Expense: A$ 500 (Lv 4) for a box of 100

 

DunArmCo F40B1 12-mm Conventional Machinegun

The F40B1 is the vehicle mounted version of the F40 or Mini-12 machinegun. The F40B1 can be dismounted and fired from a field mount.

Type: 12-mm conventional machine gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2267
Action:
single shot or bursts
Ammunition: 12-mm × 95-mm fixed cartridge APHE
Muzzle Velocity: 940-mps
Magazine: 250
Ammunition Weight: 0.07-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,200-m
Area Fire Burst: 15 (AFV = 1.5)
Area Fire Range: 950-m
DPV: 4
Ammunition Expense: A$ 375 (Lv 3) for a box of 100

 

DunArmCo F21B2 9-mm Conventional Machinegun

The F21B2 is the vehicle-mounted version of the standard light support weapon of the Australian infantry. The F21B2 can be dismounted from a vehicle and fitted with man-machine interfaces (stock, trigger, sling, etc.) and is almost identical to the standard F21.

Type: 9-mm conventional machine gun
Nation: Australia
In-Service-Date: 2255
Action:
single shot or bursts
Ammunition: 9-mm × 45-mm fixed cartridge APHE
Muzzle Velocity: 900-mps
Magazine: 500
Ammunition Weight: 0.013-kg

ROF: 5
Aimed Fire Range: 1,200-m
Area Fire Burst: 20 (AFV = 2)
Area Fire Range: 800-m
DPV: 1
Ammunition Expense: A$ 500 (Lv 4) for a box of 100

 

Bendigo F29B2 8-cm Rocket Launcher

The F29B2 is the vehicle-mounted version of the infantry’s standard man-portable rocket launcher. The F29 was developed in cooperation with Australia's American allies who call the weapon the M-29 Rocket Launcher, Man Portable. The weapon is a short-range rocket launcher in a portable backpack unit. The weapon consists for four tubes mounted on the top of a vehicle. The missiles can be fired individually, in pairs or all at once. The F29 fires standard High Explosive Multi-Purpose (HEMP) round. There are non-standard rounds available like smoke, decoy, anti-personnel and jamming rounds. The F29 can also fire the guided F63 Red Back missile.

Type: quadruple 8-cm vehicle-mounted rocket launcher
Nation: America & Australia
In-Service-Date: 2275
Rocket Weight:
3-kg each
Range: 4,000-m
Guidance: none
Attack Angle: overhead
DPV: Dependent on rocket used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: as tamped explosion (EP = 15)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: as explosion (EP = 30) with quarter normal fragmentation
Submunition: burst radius 25-m (DPV = 0.8)
Smoke: as explosion (EP = 1) but no fragmentation, creates a thick obscuration cloud, which blocks visual and thermal images, for 10 minutes (smoke cloud is 30-m long and 10-m high)

Ammunition Expense: Dependent on rocket used:

High Explosive, Multi Purpose: kA$ 50 (Lv 400)
High Explosive, Thermobaric: kA$ 75 (Lv 600)
Submunition: kA$ 56 (Lv 450)
Smoke: kA$ 69 (Lv 550)

 

Mossburg Arsenal F1 6-cm Close Defence System

The F1 close defence system is an active defence system firing 6-cm grenades designed to engage near threats to the vehicle. Based on an American design, the M1, with some modifications F1s have been retrofitted or built as standard on most ADF combat vehicles. F1s are used as back-ups to laser point defences in more sophisticated vehicles or as stand-alone systems. The system is designed to immediately deploy smoke to conceal the vehicle as necessary. The F1 consists of four banks of six 6-cm ordnance launchers, one located at each corner of the turret (front and back), to provide 360o protection to the vehicle. In vehicles without large turrets (or very small turrets like the Kangaroo) the ordnance launchers are located together forming a circular structure. Typical load-out is two anti-missile rounds, two anti-personnel rounds, and two smoke rounds per discharger, though other options may be loaded as necessary. When activated, the F1 system fires one or more 6-cm grenades at the incoming target, or to place smoke. Grenades may be fired at targets up to 100 meters away from the vehicle.

Type: 6-cm close defence system
Nation: America
In-Service-Date: 2265
Ammunition:
6-cm propelled grenades
Grenade Weight: 1-kg each
Range: 100-m
Guidance: none
Attack Angle: direct
DPV: Dependent on grenade used:

Anti-Missile: burst radius: 10-m (DPV = 0.8)
Anti-Personnel: burst radius: 25-m (DPV = 0.5)
Smoke: burst radius: 25-m (incendiary fragments), smoke extends 100-m downwind in one turn

Ammunition Expense: Dependent on grenade used:

Anti-Missile: kA$ 1.25 (Lv 10)
Anti-Personnel: kA$ 2 (Lv 16)
Smoke: kA$ 2.5 (Lv 20)

 

Urandangi F63 Red Back Multi-Purpose Missile

The F63 can be targeted against both aircraft and vehicles. With a flick of a switch the missile can change its warhead, motor and guidance modes to better engage a number of different targets. F63s can be loaded in the F29B2 rocket launcher fitted to several ADF combat vehicles. An appropriate hand held launcher can also fire the F63.

Type: vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft or anti-vehicle missile
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2297
Launcher Type:
F29B2
Missile Weight: 5-kg
Range: 5,000-m
Guidance: automatic following gunner lock-on
Homing Value: 25
Attack Angle: selectable
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 25)
Expense: kA$ 690 (Lv 5,500)

 

Urandangi F55B1 Funnel Web II Anti-Vehicle Missile

The F55 is the lightweight anti-vehicle missile in Australian service, designed and manufactured at the Defence Material Agency’s principal missile facility on the Pampas in New Canberra. While an old design it has been updated with new technology and is still able to destroy just about any vehicle out to 10-km from the launcher.

Type: vehicle-mounted anti-vehicle missile
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2295 (B generation), 2260 (A generation)
Launcher Type:
small size Australian standard VLS
Missile Weight: 23-kg
Range: 9,000-m
Guidance: automatic following gunner lock-on
Homing Value: 15
Attack Angle: selectable
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 40)
Expense: kA$ 750 (Lv 6,000)

 

Urandangi F60A1 Dust Reaper Anti-Aircraft Missile

The F60 is a capable anti-aircraft missile fired from vehicle launchers or semi-mobile field mounts. The F60 is a short range missile usually assigned to defend a point target.

Type: vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft missile
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2288
Launcher Type:
small size Australian standard VLS
Missile Weight: 25-kg
Range: 11,000-m
Guidance: automatic following gunner lock-on
Homing Value: 31
Attack Angle: selectable
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 10)
Expense: kA$ 1,062 (Lv 8,500)

 

Urandangi F49A1 Huntsman Anti-Vehicle Missile

The F49 is a long range anti-vehicle missile fired from vehicle launchers. The F49 is semi-autonomous after launching and will scan the designated area for enemy vehicles and subsequently attack the highest priority target.

Type: vehicle-mounted anti-vehicle missile
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2290
Launcher Type:
medium size Australian standard VLS
Missile Weight: 52-kg
Range: 22,000-m
Guidance: automatic
Homing Value: 20
Attack Angle: selectable
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 55).
Expense: kA$ 1,165 (Lv 7,000)

 

Urandangi F51A2 Deathleaper Anti-Aircraft Missile

The F51 is a medium range anti-aircraft missile fired from vehicle launchers or fixed mounts. The F51 is a very high speed missile with several targeting systems to counter enemy countermeasures.

Type: vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft missile
Nation: New Canberra
In-Service-Date: 2290
Launcher Type:
medium size Australian standard VLS
Missile Weight: 55-kg
Range: 24,000-m
Guidance: automatic following gunner lock-on
Homing Value: 30
Attack Angle: selectable
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 10)
Expense: kA$ 1,375 (Lv 11,000)

 

Acknowledgements

 

The vehicles detailing ADF artillery are heavily dependent on Peter Grining’s work on artillery in 2300AD. The M1 point defence system is from James Boschma’s article on the M9 “Lee” hover battle tank. The Kangaroo IV hovercraft is from Loren K. Wiseman’s Ground Vehicle Guide and the M29 rocket launcher is from Clare W. Hess’s Operation Overlord.