It is not boring, at all, Kamas. The Fringe is, well, that. Some want to get hyper-involved in the minutia of a situation, and others just want to talk about, say, the factions involved, or the technical aspects of the designs themselves. Room for all here, and I appreciate your leg work because it makes it easier for me to take your hard fundamental work and port it over to a world that seems similar.
Now, let's look at some fluff for a vehicle so old that its initial draft in my old HMV still referenced BattleMechs (!) It is one of the first 6mm models I bought to be used as cheap fodder for BattleTech games; the Wolf tank from GZG (then under the Future Wars blister-pack line). Take a look at what is arguably the Fringeverse's version of the Scorpion Light Tank:
Fringeverse AFV Technical Readout
* CUSTOM WEAPONS
Type/Model: M10 Wolf Light Tank
Tech: Mixed Tech / 2464
Config: Tracked Tractor
Rules: Level 3, Custom design
Mass: 28.03 tons
Power Plant: 145 Continental AVDS-4750-2 I.C.E. (IS)
Cruise Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Armor Type: Ceramic Heavy Weave Standard
Armament:
1 NRM KwK82 90mm Rifled SC/9*(IS)
1 NRM Flieschaken MG93 7.62mm APW/M*(IS)
Manufacturer: Rossler/Shives Land Systems
Location: Merriweather
Communications System: AN/VRC-3412
Targeting & Tracking System: JTIS-124
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
The M11 Wolf Light Tank is the direct result of a design initiative begun in 2470
by Rossler/Shives Land Systems of Merriweather. As interstellar discourse
began to increase following the Second Troubles, so too did Mankind's penchant
for conflict. Many worlds with standing militaries armed themselves with
effectively civilian vehicles modified to quasi-military standards. These were
found to be lackluster during sustained operations, and unsatisfactory when
facing purpose-built gear, rare enough as it was.
The executive board of R/SLS thus decreed that an inexpensive, low-technology
tank could be very fruitful for the design firm, which until then was but a
local concern. The new tank had to be capable of surviving on a battlefield
against then-similar competitors (such as the recently introduced M5 Herman
From Consolidated Arms of New Detroit or the Novosibirskan T40) as well as
capable of being maintained by local forces that procured it.
The result, released operationally in 2474, was a no-frills light tank designed for general combat,
armed-reconnaissance, and infantry support duties. Lightly armored and armed,
the Wolf was designed for inclusion in the planetary defense force and for
general sale to other worlds. It used technology that would not be out of
place on worlds just past the colonization stage, but also--critically--would
not be giving away Merriweatheran technology. Most importantly, it was a financial and even a
critical success, putting R/SLS on the map and starting a long line of (both literally and
thematically) related armored vehicles.
==Capabilities:==
The M11 Wolf Light Tank is designed for low-intensity warfare in a sector of space
where it would face similar, if not lesser, foes. At the time of its genesis,
it could stand reasonably comfortably against its likely opponents.
The tank is laid out conventionally, with a rear engine compartment, extremely
tight turret with a one- or two-man crew, and driver's compartment
forward. It is a small vehicle, shorter then an M5, but wider and with a
notably angular turret.
Powered by a multi-fuel/diesel turbine, the Wolf can attain speeds of up to 84
kph in open terrain. It is minimally protected by just over seven tonnes of
patented Ceramic Heavy Weave armor which is proof against most infantry and
light anti-armor weapons that insurgents may field. The front and sides are
proof against light autocannon fire, but it is woefully underprotected against
all but the lightest tank-guns. Additionally, it all but lacks any specialized
defensive systems.
The Wolf is armed with weaponry that has long been license-produced from
NeuRhineMetall of Hochstadt. Its main gun is a relatively light, low-recoil, rifled
90mm cannon. The weapon is an old, battle-tested, and capable design that can fire a
wide range of basic ammunition, including anti-tank, -personnel-, and
-materal. It is a viable main armament for a light tank designed to support
friendly infantry against light insurgent forces or break armored cars or give
a credible first-shot capability against a peer-level foe. It is fed by an autoloader with
a comparatively small magazine holding 21 rounds. This was considered acceptable
given the tank’s role and structural limitations but has caused some issues during
active operations.
A 7.62mm MG 93 medium machine gun is coaxially mounted along with the main gun to
provide heavy suppressive fire against enemy dismounts. A light machine gun is often
mounted on a pintle at the commander's cupola, though this has limited
battlefield utility against armored targets and is not, strictly speaking, standard equipment.
A notable drawback of the Wolf is its small turret-ring diameter. This was not
considered a hindrance when first conceived as the 90mm gun could easily
destroy any of its common foes. Now, however, it virtually precludes the Wolf
from accepting heavier armament, as well as providing very tight space for the crew,
making it uncomfortable to crew for long periods and hard to evacuate in an emergency.
==Battle History:==
The M11 Wolf Light Tank has served for nearly forty years. In the last decade or
so, the rapid pacing of armored vehicle design has shown the Wolf may be past
its prime. Originally designed to be the better answer for buyers used to
making do with often-makeshift equipment, the Wolf has become the
lesser-equipment when going up against the new design paradigms of the last
decade.
On Montelimar, for example, the newer ground-effect armored vehicles of Hochstadt's
Foreign Service Regiment ran rough-shod over the Doomsayers, costing them the
Contract and almost two-battalions' worth of experienced troopers. Many destroyed
M11s were found to have been penetrated but remained intact because they had long
run out of main gun ammunition.
However, at its inception, it played a pivotal role in Merriweather's
take-over of the tobacco markets on New Carolina, where the primary foes were
local farmers who had taken up a guerilla campaign. Its armor was proof against
small arms and lighter man-packed weapons and its ammo reserves were enough to
face down isolated packets of irregulars.
Present on hundreds of battlefields, sometimes as the heaviest vehicle on either side,
the Wolf does well so long as its crews and commanders remember its deficiencies
and play to its strengths. It has been produced in the many-thousands and will likely
continue to soldier on for decades longer in the more forgotten corners of the Outer Fringe.
In any event, the M11 and its derivatives have proven their mettle time and again, and
potential buyers still find time to view Rossler/Shives Land Systems
promotional material and make procurement orders, nearly three decades after the
design's release.
==Variants:==
There are many variants of the Wolf chassis, though they are all
factory-produced models from the R/SLS facility on Merriweather.
The M12 Fire Wolf initially utilized massed salvo-rocket launchers for indirect fire
support. This was later upgraded to the M12B in 2485 with more a purposeful light
multiple-launch rocket artillery system. This variant is slightly heavier, and its lack
of reloads makes its use heavily curtailed, but popular amongst users who want to
minimize hull-specific maintenance infrastructure.
.
An air-defense variant, the M13 Sky Wolf, utilizes two rapid-fire light autocannon tied
to a basic air-defense capable tracking system in a high-angle-fire turret. The light
weapons offer only fair range against attacking aircraft, but their power is low.
However, it makes a frightful area-denial system against infantry and light vehicles,
especially in built-up or otherwise close terrain.
A combat engineering variant, the M14 Brown Wolf, features a bulldozer blade
attachment on the front, a mine-clearance charge in a bow-mount, and a cargo winch
on the redesigned turret that replaces the 90mm. It does retain the MG93 for
close-defense. It also functions as a recovery vehicle amongst mechanic sections and
is still seen in lighter elements of the Earth Shakers supplementary mercenary command
as well as heavy M10-series Wolf users.
The Wolf has also lent its hull to the ten-tonne M221 APC, which has a bewildering number
of variants itself.
At the Kahler Interstellar Arms Expo 2505, a new derivative, the M41 Coyote Scout
Tank, was unveiled. Hailed by many observers as Wolf Mark II, the Coyote is a
new-build hull and completely new turret with a heavy rapid-fire autocannon
and different power pack and bolstered armor and defensive array. It is yet to
be seen if the Coyote will provide the R/SLS with a boost in sales that have
remained steady since the release of the M20 Grey- and M30 Dire Wolf Medium- and Heavy
Tanks.
==Deployment==
The M11 is deployed by several militaries throughout the Settled
Worlds, andespecially the Outer Fringe. Indeed, along with the M5 and now T75,
the Wolf has become a yardstick for tanks within the public consciousness.
Many forces still use it as their standard tank design, and others for specific
roles. Its most prominent users are the Merriweather Armed Forces and the
Doomsayers independent mercenary brigade.
On Merriweather, it functioned for nearly thirty years as the primary combat
tank, supplanted only by the more recent Grey- and Dire Wolf marks. In the
Doomsayers, it is was initially fielded at battalion-level to provide the
mechanized infantry with close fire-support and minimal anti-tank capability.
Eventually, two out of four companies within a Doomsayer battalion would be
Wolf tanks (the other two being mechanized infantry aboard M221 APCs).
Used within its means, the Wolf performs its generally limited roles
admirably. Against tougher foes, it has been shown to be outdated and
obsolete. Most modern armored cars and wheeled AFVs carry main weaponry
capable of defeating it. Still, with thousands produced and still being built in small
numbers via license, the Wolf will be a common sight on the battlefields of
the Settled Words, and particularly the Outer Fringe, for perhaps decades
more.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Wolf Light Tank OF
Mass: 28.03 tons
Construction Options: Fractional Accounting
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 15 pts Standard 0 2.81
Engine: 145 I.C.E. 0 10.00
Cruise MP: 5
Flank MP: 8
Heat Sinks: 0 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 1.41
Crew: 2 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 .41
Armor Factor: 127 pts Standard (IS) 0 7.94
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 3 35
Left / Right Sides: 3 26/26
Rear: 3 10
Turret: 3 30
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 SC/9* (IS) Turret 0 21 2 4.95
1 APW/M* (IS) Turret 0 80 2 .26
1 Trailer Hitch Front 1 .00
1 Trailer Hitch Rear 1 .00
Basic TTS (-1 THM) Body 1 .25
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 0 7 28.03
Items & Tons Left: 3 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 417,865 C-Bills
Battle Value: 181
Cost per BV: 2,308.65
Weapon Value: 179 / 179 (Ratio = .99 / .99)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 8; MRDmg = 5; LRDmg = 1
BattleForce2: MP: 5T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 5
Damage PB/M/L: 1/1/-, Overheat: 0
Class: GL; Point Value: 2
