This highly campaign-specific vehicle is for a planetary exploration campaign I am planning (a bit of a cross between Stargate SG-1 and Fringeworthy). All vehicles are transported to other world via a "dimensional platform." The M23 is one of the better vehicles available to the organization (which is top secret). It is designed for long term exploration of worlds with hostile environments and is intended to operate in pairs (only twenty-three have been constructed). Cargo space is used for miscellaneous scientific equipment. Other specialized vehicles are sent in if detailed scientific study is deemed worthwhile. It is used in situations where the larger M19 would be hampered by poor terrain.
All vehicles used by the organization have a grid built into them that allows the dimensional transport gear back at the base to lock in on them for recovery (and sending). Also included is a small control box with a half-dozen switches, each sending a pre-recorded message back to the base when tripped (no other contact between vehicles in the field and the Earth base is possible). If the vehicle calls for immediate recovery, there is a lag of some 4-10 minutes before it can be brought back. For contruction purposes, the grid and box have no extra weight or cost.
Most vehicles in the campaign are TL8. All armaments are surplus TL7. Most vehicles are armed in case of hostile natives or animals. The heavier weapons are carried because there is evidence of another dimension hopping race, which may be hostile. Other vehicles include the M19 Land Ark (3 times the size, double the crew, used alone), the M213 APC (8 man crew, basically an improved M113) and HUMVEEs in low- threat/earth-normal environments.
Subassemblies: tracks, two full rotation turrets
Body Features: 30 degree front Slope on body and turrets
Propulsion: 300 kW tracked drivetrain and two 1600 lbs thrust
hydrojets
Weaponry (both turrets): 40mm grenade launcher, 7.62mm minigun,
600xHEDP shells, 4000x7.62mm rounds
Weapon Accessories: full stabilization and univeral mounts for
all weapons
Instruments and electronics (each turret): one thermograph (3
mile, Scan 14), laser rangefinder (5 miles)
Instruments and electronics (body): radar (no targeting, 10 miles,
Scan 17), thermograph (5 miles, Scan 15), low-light TV (10x, bonus +3/+6),
10' sensor periscope for radar/thermograph/LLTV, active sonar (no targeting,
2 miles, Scan 13), light amplification (driver), two medium range scrambled
radios, mini computer, hardened small computer, four terminals, inertial
navigation system, HUDWAC x2, spotlights x2
Miscellaneous: 8 Dischargers w/ Blackout Gas, full fire supression,
ST 250 winch, one-man airlock, basic tool kits
Controls: Computer
Occupancy: Long
Passengers: None
Crew: Commander, Gunner, Driver and one crew specialist in normal
crew stations, four crashwebs
Accomodations: 3 bunks
Environmental Systems: 4 NBC kits, full life support for 4 men,
400 man/days rations
Power: 360 kW radiothermal generator, 1 rechargable E-cell batteries
Access, Cargo and Empty Space: each Turret - 3.8 cf empty space,
Body - 5.2 cf empty, 90 cf cargo and 86.4 cf access space
Volumes: Body 1000 cf, each Turret 15 cf, Tracks 600 cf; Surface
Area: Body 600 sf, each turret 36 sf, tracks 427 sf, Total Area 1135 sf
Structure: heavy frame
Hit Points: Body 1800, Turret (each) 108, Track (each) 1281
Structural Options: sealed, improved suspension, basic chameleon,
basic sound baffling
Armor (body/turrets): PD 5 DR 180 front, PD 4 DR 120 all other
sides
Statistics: Loaded Weight 46,202 lbs (23.1 tons), Volume 1630
cf, Size Modifier +7, Price $981,700, HT 12
Ground Performance: Speed 47 mph, gAccel 3 mph/s, gDecel 10 mph/s,
gMR 0.75, gSR 7, very low ground pressure, 4/5 off-road speed
Water Performance: can float, drag 1288, motive thrust 2100 lbs,
top speed 8 mph, wAccel 1 mph/s, wDecel 10 mph/s, wMR 0.5, wSR 5, Draft
2.4 feet