MR2 Buffalo

The MR2 Force Application Vehicle (MR2 FAV), commonly referred to as the Buffalo, is a fast attack vehicle serving as the United Space Command Armed Forces’ primary joint light tactical ground vehicle, the Buffalo played a vital role in various conflicts, including the First Energy War and the Second Nuclear War. However, its prominence began to diminish with the introduction of the MR2B Buffalo in the late 2500s. Among the various models within the Buffalo family, the MR2 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle variants emerged as the most prevalent. Equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance capabilities and a rear turret-mounted machine gun, these models boast enhanced defensive capabilities. Since their introduction in 2109, the MR2 has been an integral component of the USC Armed Forces' mechanized infantry and armored vehicle divisions. In fact, the MR2 has become not only a quintessential part of their arsenal but also a recognizable symbol to the public.
Towards the later stages of the Second Nuclear War, the MR2 witnessed a variant known as the MR2B Buffalo entering service with select units of the USC Armed Forces. This further diversified the available options and increased the overall efficiency and effectiveness of ground operations. As the global conflict evolved and the demands of warfare changed, the MR2B Buffalo was introduced, demonstrating the commitment of the USC Armed Forces to adapt and improve their capabilities.

Design details

MR2 Buffalos can use a six-wheel or all-wheel drive system, with active 6 or all-wheel steering, a manual transmission and a 12 litre hydrogen-injected internal combustion engine. The ICE powers an infinitely variable transmission.
MR2 Buffalo variants can have a top speed of 125 kilometres per hour (78 mph) or 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph). and its hydrogen tanks can power a maximum range of 790 kilometres (490 mi). The Buffalo can employ "Slop" to help render carbon heavy matter into useable fuel for the power plant or employ a Graf/Hauptman Solar/Saline Actuator to filter water or crack it into fuel.
All MR2-based vehicles are designed to travel both on and off-road, in all weather conditions though it is regarded as a huge, unwieldy, difficult to steer vehicle — until a user learns how to drive it properly. The Buffalo has superb traction on off-road terrain and an updated braking system alongside enhanced suspension. With proper application of the hand, or "e-brake" the MR2 can actually turn on a dime. Massive disc brakes and its automatic braking systems allow the vehicle to come to a near immediate, but controlled stop should the driver be ejected, or choose to leave the vehicle. The Buffalo is prone to rolling over on tight corners.
The MR2 Buffalo shares parts – and handling characteristics – with the chevrolet colorado zh2 and its sibling frontier trucks, which means that many recruits are already proficient with basic vehicle maintenance and off-road driving skills before they ever arrive at USC military boot camp.
The base model of the MR2 has no doors and has a total seating of two (though additional personnel can be carried in the cargo bed, be it a single gunner or multiple additional riders). The instrumentation package available to the driver or passenger include GPS, navigational assisatance, emergency beaconing and dataports. The Buffalo has armor plating covering the vehicle's chassis and the front of the mounted turret capable of resisting conventional heavy machine gun fire and improvised explosive dvices. The Buffalo's armor plating is comprised of ballistic polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, built upon a titanium frame. However, USC military service personnel typically believe the vehicle could benefit from an armor upgrade.

Variants

Given the Buffalo's extensive service life, the vehicle has seen dozens of alterations and produced variants. The turret in the back of the vehicle is removable and replaceable. Although some Buffalos are used solely for transportation, most are armed and have a multi-mission capability, with variants capable of performing armament carrier, utility, command and control (shelter), ambulance, reconnaissance and a variety of other tactical and logistic support roles. Major variations are informally named by their year of production.
The armament of a given Buffalo vehicle typically decides its designation, with the most ubiquitous being the M99 chaingun, seen on MR2 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle configurations. The armament of an G57 rocket turret, P21 Gauss cannon, or G65 rocket launcher typically designate a given Buffalo as a Light Anti-Armor Vehicle, such as the MR2A4 Rocket Buffalo, MR2P1 Ion Buffalo and MR2A Rocket Buffalo. Buffalos lacking any armament are sometimes referred to as Scout Buffalos.
Other Buffalo variants also exist, one of the more common ones being the MR78 Troop Transport Buffalo. Some Buffalos are also created for specialized environments including the MR88 and MR89 Arctic Buffalos, MR68 Tropic Buffalo and the MR91 Recovery Vehicle.

Production information

Manufacturer

Mars Corps Armory

Product line

Buffalo

Model

MR2 FAV

Cost

$352,000 (Without weapons)

$578,000 (with weapons)

Technical specifications

Length

6 meters (20 ft)

Width

3 meters (9.8 ft)

Height

3.2 meters (10 ft) (basic model)

Mass

3 metric tons

Maximum speed

125 km/h (78 mph)

Engine(s)

12.0 L liquid-cooled hydrogen-injected ICE

Hull

Ballistic polycarbonate, titanium, carbon nanotube

Armament

Variable

Crew

1 driver, 1 passenger (varies by model)