STARSHIP ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
THE ‘BOBCAT’ ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLE BY COLIN DUNN & MARK HIRST The Bobcat is an advanced eightwheeled vehicle built on the same basic chassis as the older Lynx. While the drive train is retained, the vehicle is equipped with a more powerful MHD turbine that provide power not just for the drive, but also for the storage banks that supply energy for the vehicle’s primary weapon, a compact laser cannon. The light laser cannon operates in two firing modes. One is a low-power target designator, painting targets for guided missiles and artillery rockets. The other, high-powered, mode is suitable for engaging incoming artillery rounds, including heavy tube artillery, along with a respectable anti-armour capability for engaging light vehicles and combat walkers at ranges out to 5 kilometres. The power cells for the laser are charged by the MHD turbine, and hold enough power for five shots. The cells recharge at the rate of one shot per minute while the vehicle is moving, and two shots per minute if the vehicle
is at rest. The Hunter variant removes the infantry compartment, and instead fits additional banks of power cells and a second MHD turbine to power the laser. This system holds enough power for 20 shots, and recharges at the rate of two shots per minute, whether the vehicle is at rest, or not. The infantry compartment holds 10 soldiers and their personal gear, including weapon and pack, and the two heavy weapons, one per fireteam. Entry and exit is through the rear doors, which feature drop-down panels of armour-cloth backed by kinetic gel, to protect the troops as they disembark.
Kinetic Gel Kinetic gel is a thick, flexible material, about 2 centimetres thick, that hardens instantly when struck by a fast moving object. It provides AV 10 for the round in which it is struck. AV declines by 2 each combat round it is hit until the AV reaches 0, at which point the entire panel is rigid and useless. Deployment
The Bobcat lacks any secondary armament, though some vehicle commanders add remote-controlled turrets with heavy machineguns. Aftermarket anti-missile/anti-personnel charges are likewise a common addition.
America is by far the biggest purchaser of the Bobcat but other countries have also seen a need for the light multiuse role that the Bobcat caters to.
Features: Advanced controls, Autopilot (Drive/1), Aquatic Drive, Eight Wheels, AFV, Short Term Life Support, Hostile
Considering that the main companies that provide parts for the
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