Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform

From Beyond the Frontier
Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform
Overview
Designation: Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform
Manufacturer: The Initiative
Specifications
Crew: 4 (Driver, Gunner, 2 loaders)
Armament: 1x 6-barreled 120mm Artillery Coilgun
1x Remote-controlled 12.7mm Coilgun
Engine/Power Plant: Antimatter Fuel Cell

The Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform is a form of self-propelled artillery utilized by The Initiative.

History

Designed during the later years of the War of Secession, the Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform saw very limited used during that time. The Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform was intended to be artillery that could be mobilized to respond to emergencies, as well as move quickly to avoid counter-artillery fire.

Design

The Mark I Mobile Artillery Platform (MIMAP) is mounted on a hovering chassis, while the hull is similar to that of the Mark I Main Battle Tank (MIMBT), in order to make fabrication of parts easier, as well as to make use of the expansive space of the tank's hull. Where much of the space of the MIMBT's hull is taken up by ammunition for the 120mm main gun, the three 12.7mm coilguns, and the defensive systems, the hull of the MIMAP is taken up by hardware designed to integrate with the command and control systems of nearby units, to gather targeting data from other units in the field. Additionally, much of the interior space is utilized for racks of ammunition for the six-barreled artillery piece mounted to the top. Located near the rear of the MIMAP is the ammunition hatch, that can be opened to feet munitions directly in via a conveyor belt from an ammunition carrier or by hand.

The 6-barreled artillery around which the MIMAP is designed is designed to rotate, allowing the barrels to cool between firing, to diminish the risk of an artillery shell detonating in the tube. The artilery piece is designed as a coilgun that can have its power altered to alter the amount of force the shells are fired with, thereby altering their range.

The MIMAP is designed to be operated by as small a crew as possible, with a regular MIMAP having a minimum crew of two, comprised of a driver, and a gunner, with the ammunition being loaded by machine. Standard crews are of four, comprised of a gunner, two loaders, and the driver.