T-62Ms and MiG-21s of the German Democratic Republic's Nationale Volksarmee.
In the alternate worlds of Muv-Luv Unlimited/Muv-Luv Alternative, Tactical Surface Fighters are only the tip of the spear of humanity's fighting force, with support vehicles, warships, aerial craft and aerospace vehicles augmenting the deadliness of TSFs on the field either directly or indirectly.
Before the rise of TSFs, land vehicles were the first to face the BETA in combat, usually suffering massive losses from having to cover the ultra-wide battle lines formed by BETA swarms, as well as dealing with BETA strains several times their size with no effective way to take them down or being overwhelmed by the ridiculous numbers of smaller strains. Now, with TSFs taking up the brunt of the fighting, most land warfare vehicles have taken a position at the rear, although this does not mean that they are obsolete in a new age of warfare; rather, the support they provide for TSFs remain invaluable, and some vehicles are outright indispensable in a frantic combat situation.
Formerly the main fighting force on land, the presence of Destroyer and Tank-class BETA ensured that a tank-based victory would be either a hard-fought one or nonexistent. Nevertheless, main battle tanks are an important corner of any nation's military arm; these relatively low-cost vehicles free up TSFs from guarding duties, and their main weapons are by no means underpowered against the BETA.
Japanese Tanks[]
(FD) IJA/MDF Type-90 MBT.
Type-90 MBT[]
- Armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon, a 12.7mm heavy machinegun and a 7.62mm mounted automatic weapon, the Type-90 is Imperial Japan's primary battle tank, used in support of advancing TSFs or in the defence of a key location. Despite its powerful main armament, the Type-90 was deployed in force during the 1998 Invasion of Japan to little avail despite home ground advantage.
- Little is known of its service record in 2001. Presumably, its role as an MBT would have seen it deployed to major battles around Japan.
Soviet Tanks[]
T-54/T-55[]
- Post World War II-era battle tank, the T-54/T-55 family was mostly obsolete by the time the BETA made landfall. Several were still deployed by the NVA of East Germany during the defence of their nation. It is equiped with a 100mm rifled cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the loaders hatch.
T-62[]
- Direct descendant of the T-55, the T-62 served as the main battle tank of the Soviets for many years througout the BETA war. It is equiped with a 115mm smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the loaders hatch. Some T-62's have been seen to have a extra 12.7mm heavy machine gun on the commanders hatch as an attempt to increase firepower.
T-62M[]
- The result of a massive refurbishment of the T-62, the T-62M has improved armor, gun systems, engines, frame, a modern Volna fire control system, and the added capability to fire ATGMs through its gun.
T-64[]
- The gateway unit to modern Soviet battle tanks, the T-64 was a continuation of the Obiekt 430 project and the T-64 was initially known as Obiekt 432 untill 1966. The T-64 is equiped with a 125mm smootbore gun, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun and a 12.7mm remote controlled NSVT heavy machine gun on the commanders hatch which he could use to engage ground and aerial targets. Several versions of the T-64 was produced.
T-72[]
- A significant simplification of the T-64 using ideas from Obiekt 167, the T-72 was first known as the Obiekt 439 but then renamed it into Obiekt 172. The T-72 was aimed to be a more economical and downgraded version of the T-64 while retaining the firepower of the T-64. The T-72 was one of the most powerful main battle tank at the time of its introduction and served both East Germany and Soviet frontline forces. It has the same firepower as the T-64 but with a different autoloader and no remote heavy machine gun but a pintle mounted one instead on the commanders hatch.
T-80[]
(TE-VN) T-80s of the Soviet Army.
- The modern main battle tank model of the Soviets, the T-80 is their primary frontline battle tank and often serves as support for TSF forces engaging the enemy. Main difference that the T-80 have between the T-72 and T-64 is that it uses a turbine engine giving it higher tactical mobility. It does not have a remote heavy machine gun. Some turrets of T-80 have been installed on on the Sado island base's seawall during the BETA Invasion of Japan.
T-80UM[]
- An upgraded version of the T-80, the T-80UM is a next-generation main battle tank used by the Soviets.
A retreating T-80 MBT, with turret pointed towards its rear.
European Tanks[]
Leopard 2A7I[]
(MLA) Leopard tanks engaging enemies at range.
- A 3.5th generation battle tank and the latest incarnation of the enduring Leopard design, this West German-manufactured battle tank is seen in use with several nations, either with their respective armed forces or as part of UN forces. Its 120mm smoothbore main gun and armor are treated with anti-laser coating, giving it greater battlefield presence in support of TSF forces.
- Several units of Leopard 2A7Is were stationed at Yokohama Base, and saw combat use during the Defence of Yokohama Base.
(MLA) A formation of Leopard tanks.
Challenger 1[]
- The former main battle tank of United Kingdom forces, several Challenger 1s were seen deployed in Egypt in 1989, during the Defence of the Suez Canal. [1]
AMX-56 Leclerc[]
(TDA03) French Republic AMX-56 Leclerc.
- The primary main battle tank of the French Republic.
Trivia[]
- The Leopard 2A7I's closest equivalent is the Leopard 2A7+.
- The miniature models used to represent the Challenger 1 MBTs in TSFIA #5 were actually listed as Challenger 2 models from Doyusha's Challenger II/Warrior 1 set.
- The T-64 was only used by the Soviet Union and was never exported to anyone during the cold war.
References[]
(TE-VN) BM-21 Grads of the Soviet Army.
Artillery is an aspect of delivering long-ranged firepower against an enemy force to soften it up for direct engagement; with the invasion of the BETA in 1973, artillery has become an inseparable part of warfare, allowing humanity to even the numerical odds before having to engage the BETA up front. Their powerful guns are the strongest weapons a land army can field, and without the artillery, casualty rates in any battle would be beyond crippling.
Japanese Artillery[]
(TE An.) Artillery firing at BETA.
Type-99 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer[]
- Self-propelled howitzer system mounted on a tank chassis, used by the Imperial Army for artillery operations.
- Several of them were deployed in the month-long campaign to defend the Japanese mainland, notably at Kyushu and later at the closing days of the siege of Kyoto.
American Artillery[]
M2001 Crusader[]
(MLA) A battery of Crusaders providing support.
- Self-propelled howitzer system mounted on a tracked chassis, the Crusader is a reliable field artillery system capable of providing valuable support fire against BETA swarms.
- Several units were deployed by the UN 11th Force during the Defence of Yokohama Base, providing first-strike firepower against approaching BETA forces during the opening minutes of the battle from flank locations. However, when the BETA penetrated into the base's boundaries, the support fire was called off.
M270 MLRS[]
(TDA) An MLRS battery awaits orders.
- Unlike shell-based artillery, the M270 MLRS (meaning "Multiple Launch Rocket System") is an American-made system that provides precision fires with high-speed, long-ranged rockets, that can be outfitted with various munitions, against BETA hordes. A reliable system, the M270 is in use by both US, UN, and Imperial Japan forces, with several units stationed at Yokohama Base.
- Several units were involved in the Defence of Yokohama Base, providing first-strike firepower against approaching BETA forces during the opening minutes of the battle from flank locations. However, when the BETA penetrated into the base's boundaries, the support fire was called off.
(TDA) A battery of MLRS firing.
Soviet Artillery[]
2S19 MSTA[]
(TE-VN) A battery of 2S19 Msta of the Soviet Army.
- Soviet-made self-propelled field howitzer, the MSTA carries a 152mm cannon that can fire up to eight shells per minute. Several of these are deployed at the Kamchatka defence line held by the Soviets.
BM-21 Grad[]
- Soviet-made rocket launcher system mounted on a truck chassis, manufactured in the early 1960s. Its low sophistication and range is compensated by a rate of fire that is unmatched by any single modern vehicle.
Trivia[]
- While the Type-99 SPH was deployed in real life in 1999, its appearance in Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse, during the BETA Invasion of Japan in 1998, meant that its designation number would have been Type-98, assuming that its deployment was an official decision. However, no confirmation of its name has been given in any materials.
From support firepower to transport, armored vehicles provide valuable backup in rough terrain. While some utilize the hardy tank chassis as their base design, others use wheels for a faster mode of travel.
American Vehicles[]
M2 Bradley[]
- The M2 is the primary IFV of the US Army, providing quick transportation and fire support to infantry in combat situations.
(TDA03) IJA infantrymen boarding an American M2 Bradley.
Japanese Vehicles[]
Type-87 SPAAG[]
(FD) IJA/MDF Type-87.
- Armed with a 35mm rapid-fire cannon system, the Type-87 is designed to be a cheap counter to smaller BETA strains. While it excels in its high rate of firepower output, it is woefully outmatched in direct combat, where it is easily overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
Type-87 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle[]
- An 8-wheeled armored vehicle, with a cannon weapon mounted on a main turret.
Komatsu LAV[]
- A lightweight, 4-wheeled armored vehicle with the capability to mount a selection of armaments on the top of the vehicle.
Flamethrower Tank[]
- A tank chassis outfitted with a flamethrower system, commonly used to dispose of BETA corpses after a battle. Direct combat situations are not recommended for this vehicle.
Soviet Vehicles[]
BMP-1[]
- An IFV used by both the Soviets and the East Germans, the amphibious BMP-1 has a crew of 3; the driver, the gunner, and the commander. The vehicle, with an armament of a 73mm main cannon, a 7.62mm machinegun, and a missile launcher, can carry up to 8 passengers, who can provide additional firepower from inside the BMP due to the vehicle's firing ports, allowing them to fire on targets. However, exoskeleton-armed infantry cannot enter because of the vehicle's small size.
ZSU-23-4[]
- Also known as the Shilka, first adopted in 1962 by the Soviet army mainly to provide air defence for frontline ground troops with secondary role of direct ground support it quickly found itself after 1973 with the Invasion of Kashgar and humanity's loss on the moon only in the ground support role; it's quad 23mm autocannons with a rate of fire reaching 1000 per barrel and high ammuniton supply of total 2000 rounds gives the ZSU-23-4 a formidable firepower, allowing it to defeat smaller BETA strains more effectivly then other conventional ground vehicles in the Soviet armed forces.
2S6 Tunguska[]
- Designed to replace the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, the 2S6 Tunguska boast an different chassis and various upgraded and different systems. The main big difference between the Tunguska and Shilka in the ground support role is that the 2S6 Tunguska uses 2 dual 30mm autocannons instead of 23mm autocannons, giving it higher destructive firepower due to larger rounds which have more kinetic energy. Firing at a rate of 1200 rounds per barrel with a total ammuntion supply of 1904 rounds the 2S6 Tunguska easily beat the ZSU-23-4 Shilka in raw combat performance but at the cost of weighting 34 tons, 14 tons more then the shilka.
- Several of these vehicles are stationed at Kamchatka as ranged support for the Soviet forces holding the Far East defence line.
European Vehicles[]
Armored Personnel Carrier[]
(MLA) A VBL (front) and APC (back) in motion - the VBL is equipped for recon.
- An armored fighting vehicle designed in Switzerland, the APC in use by UN forces carries both light ahd heavy machineguns to combat smaller strains of BETA, as well as ferry infantry into the heat of combat. However, its small size prevents it from transporting troops outfitted with combat exoskeletons.
VBL[]
- Also known as the Véhicule Blindé Léger (meaning "Light Armored Vehicle"), this lightweight French-made 4x4 all-terrain vehicle comes with various weapon and equipment customization options (varying from reconnaissance to heavier armaments) and is in use by various countries.
(MLA) An APC and VBL convoy. The VBLs here are armed with anti-tank rocket tubes.
(TE An.) From foreground to background: Jeeps, ARVs, and supply trucks of the Imperial Army.
Armies, like any other large organization, require an equally impressive logistics system to keep their forces well-armed, well-supplied, and mobile, and clear communication to ensure that the right orders are given at the right times. Vehicles in this section are dedicated to keeping the war machine running, to facilitate communications between command soldiers, or other purposes.
Japanese Vehicles[]
Supply Truck[]
(MLA) Several supply trucks in support of a UN squad.
- Large supply truck ferrying various types of supplies to locations that need them; several of them supplied Squad 207 during the 12/5 Incident. A variant exists that can carry the supply containers used by TSFs to rearm during combat.
Type-82 Combat Vehicle[]
- A lightly armed and armored combat vehicle in use with Imperial Japan and UN forces stationed in Japan, the Type-82 also acts as as mobile command post for small groups of maneuver forces. A 12.7mm heavy machinegun offers a small measure of protection against smaller BETA strains.
Type-87 Transport Vehicle[]
- A flatbed truck with facilities to transport a TSF via land, when flying is not feasible or not economical. Several of them were used by Squad 207 during the 12/5 Incident.
(MLA) Foreground: Type-82 CV. Background: Type-87s setting up TSFs.
Trivia[]
- Despite the Type-82 sharing the same name with a real-life combat vehicle, it is instead visually closer to the much-later Type-87 ARV.
(MLA) Schematic view of a Type-89 Feedback Protector, with an exoskeleton system and a Surface Pilot mounted inside.
Type-89 Feedback Interface[]
- The standard cockpit seat/piloting interface of all TSFs, the Feedback Interface can also function as a light exoskeleton system if the need arises.
Type-89 Mechanized Infantry Armor[]
- A heavier exoskeleton system, the Type-89 is an auxiliary system used to supplement the Type-89 Feedback Interface for use by TSF pilots in emergency situations.
Type-89 Feedback Protector[]
(Resurrection) Type-89, combat variant.
- A combat variant of the Type-89 Mechanized Infantry Armor usually seen as part of a TSF's cockpit block systems, this variant of the Type-89 has been outfitted for combat use, with Jump Units, improved sensors, a .50 caliber machinegun and even an eight-shot rocket pod.
(Resurrection) Type-89 FP, showcasing removable head cover.
(Resurrection) A combat Type-89 engaging an enhanced human in a melee fight.
(Resurrection) A picture showing the additional head cover of the Type-89 FPunderneath the sensors.
(MLA) Schematic view of a Type-89 FP.
US Feedback Protector System[]
- A modern development of the Feedback Protector that most TSF cockpit blocks are armed with, this system is an exoskeleton system armed for combat against anti-infantry BETA strains. This US Army machine is armed with a 12.7mm heavy machinegun, flares, a portable missile launcher, and is equipped with small-scale Jump Units for boosted jumps under the increased gravity of Earth.
Multi-leg Transport Vehicle[]
- For use as equipment mules during Hive infiltration.
Trivia[]
- The Feedback Protector and its subsequent variants were heavily inspired by the exoskeleton-equipped Mobile Infantry in the original Starship Troopers novel.
- The Muv-Luv version of the US Forces' Feedback Protector shares a similar name to the real-life Hardiman.
Prior to the BETA landing at Kashgar in 1974, humanity had already engaged them on the surface of the Moon. From 1967 to 1973, in what would later be known as the First Lunar War, humanity, outnumbered and on an unfamiliar battlefield, had to hastily refit many of their utility vehicles used on the lunar surface with weapons, often with less-than-stellar results.
Lunar Vehicle-2[]
(IW) LV-2 schematic.
- The LV-2 is a wheeled vehicle designed to operate under lowered gravity conditions; specifically, on the surface of Luna. Originally a transport vehicle with the ability to tow a cargo module, the First Lunar War saw the LV-2 being refitted with two rocket launchers behind the driver and passenger cabins for combat support roles; its cargo module was used to carry ammunition.[1] The use of rocket launchers on the vehicle has contributed greatly to a lack of recoil when using its weapons; as a rocket is accelerated by its own propellant, there is no gun system needed to fire it, and no resulting recoil from it. This also contributed to soldiers comparing it to the original Soviet-made Katyusha rocket launcher by nicknaming the LV-2 "Stalin's Moon Organ" and the "Lunar Katyusha".[1]
- Its operational payload used smaller rockets than the initial design called for, as issues were raised about the supply line and the vehicle's capability to hold the frontlines if it had used larger rockets.[1] Despite that, the vehicle proved less effective than expected in combat; the vehicles produced could not match the sheer number of the BETA, as well as the debris thrown up during combat and other issues served to undermine its effectiveness in battle.[1] The LV-2 was eventually used as a direct-fire weapon against large targets.
- The lack of success with the LV-2 saw the vehicle refitted again at a later point in time as a carrier and resupply vehicle for Feedback Protector-equipped troops, in addition to its original role as a multipurpose transport.[1] Its rocket launchers found second use as turret-mounted weapons used by lunar bases for defence purposes until humanity retreated from the moon.[1]
Lunar Vehicle-4[]
(IW) LV-4 schematic.
- Named the LV-4 for short, the vehicle was originally a wheeled materials and personnel transport re-purposed as a self-propelled gun for surface warfare, as was normal for most lunar vehicles during the 1967 BETA invasion of Luna.[2]
- The LV-4's main armament was a low-recoil cannon system.[2] However, the lack of an atmosphere on the moon meant that high-explosive shells could not be used to full effect, and the lowered gravity compared to Earth's meant that despite the lowered recoil, the LV-4 was still often pushed out of position when firing its cannon, a fault that compromised its accuracy.[2] A temporary measure was found by increasing the cannon's angle of fire to brace the LV-4 against the ground while firing, but this severely limited the LV-4's total combat range, and never completely solved the problems caused by recoil issues.[2]
- As the Lunar War escalated, LV-4 cannon systems were eventually removed from their vehicles and installed in lunar bases as cannon turrets, remedying the recoil issues.[2]
Lunar Carrier Module[]
(IW) Diagram of an LCM.
- Nicknamed the Carpet and/or Magic Carpet for its design and method of movement, the LCM-2 was a non-wheeled hovercraft that moved by means of its four rocket thrusters; these thrusters allowed the LCM to hover and move over the lunar surface without touching it.[3] It was originally an unarmed cargo transport, but the BETA invasion of Luna in 1967 in saw it refitted with a 20mm autocannon as a stopgap measure. Due to the emergency nature of the refit, the recoil from the autocannon often shifted the vehicle off-course during operation.[3]
- An upgraded version was later produced on Luna; the LCM-2A1 was deployed with an automated computer link between the autocannon and thruster systems, allowing the thrusters to fire to counteract the recoil of the autocannon. However, because of the fuel issues presented by this solution, firing the autocannon whilst flying was restricted to emergency situations only.[3]
Feedback Protector[]
(IW) Feedback Protector, circa 1967.
- An early-model powered exoskeleton, the Feedback Protector, named the Hardiman, was originally developed from the Manned Maneuvering Unit used for construction work in outer space.[4] Designed to be equipped over the standard space suit, the FP was used to allow soldiers to handle weapons that would otherwise be too heavy for them, as well as engage in 3-dimensional warfare, its key advantage over other lunar vehicles.[4]
- The Feedback Protector was further developed in the years that followed, and served as the basis for the exoskeleton systems found in TSF cockpit blocks, as well as in TSF development itself.[4]
Manned Maneuvering Unit[]
- Often shortened to MMU, it is a large bipedal machine, often used for heavy construction work involving orbital/surface ships and assets in sub-1G gravity conditions. Its basic frame and design would be used for the development of the the Hardiman Feedback Protector during the 1967 Lunar War.
NCAF-X1[]
(IW) NCAF-X1
- A further development of the LMMU, the NCAF-X1 was originally a proof-of-concept machine developed by McDaell.[5] During the 1967 Lunar War, several units were deployed to the lunar frontlines to gather combat data, although its exact performance was unknown, and remains classified to this day.[5] Known to the public are the facts that it was at least armed with a 17mm chaingun fixed to its arm, early-design supplemental armor, as well as thruster units for boosted jumps when moving across the lunar surface.[5]
- The NCAF-X1's lineage would be continued in the F-4 Phantom line, when the machine underwent operational trials to be re-purposed as a terrestrial-use combat machine against the BETA.
Trivia[]
- The nicknames for the LV-2 are a nod to the nicknames of the real-life Katyusha series of rocket launchers.
- The Feedback Protector is named for the exact same (unsuccessful) experimental system in real-life, developed by US company General Electric in 1965.