RAPTAR

The RAPTAR (Rapid-All-Purpose-Tactical-Assault-Rover) is a specialized military vehicle used exclusively by the Tactical Orbital Defense Troopers of the USC military Special Operations Division. The RAPTAR’s original design is taken from the Polaris MRZR Alpha 2 & 4 platforms with an added .50cal mounted turret in the rear.

Design Details

RAPTARs can use a four-wheel or all-wheel drive system, with active 4 or all-wheel steering, a Automatic transmission and a 6 cylinder turbo hydrogen-injected ICE. The ICE powers an infinitely variable transmission.

RAPTAR 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).

All RAPTAR 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 RAPTAR 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 RAPTAR 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 RAPTAR is prone to rolling over on tight corners.

The base model of the RAPTAR 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 a few additional riders). The instrumentation package available to the driver or passenger include GPS, navigational assisatance, emergency beaconing and dataports. The RAPTAR 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 devices, as well as providing limited protection from enemy small arms fire. The RAPTAR's armor plating is comprised of ballistic polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, built upon an ogrium frame. However, USC service personnel typically believe the vehicle could benefit from an armor upgrade.

Earlier RAPTAR models used in the late 25th century employed a pneumatically-powered swivel mount for the turret, though this was later changed to a hydraulic-powered mount.

Variants

RAPTAR-R1

The RAPTAR-R1 is the standard version of the assault and reconnaissance vehicle in use to the Tactical Orbital Defense Troopers. It sits only two, a driver and passenger, in the rear-the R1 features a M99 Light Anti-Aircraft/anti-vehicle Machinegun manned by one gunner.

RAPTAR-R2

Much like the R1 variant, the RAPTAR-R2 features a M99 Light Anti-Aircraft/anti-vehicle Machinegun. The differences with the R2 is an extended frame that adds an extra two seater-row with side firing-detachable .50cal machine guns and an armored-enclosed front driver and passenger seats.

Production information

Manufacturer

Mars Corps Armory

Model

RAPTAR

Technical specifications

Length:

118 inches (R1)

140 inches (R2)

Width

69.5 inches

Height

74 inches

Mass

3.5 metric tons

Maximum speed

125 km/h (78 mph)

Engine(s)

8.5 L liquid-cooled Turbo Electric hydrogen-injected internal combustion engine

Hull

Ballistic polycarbonate, titanium, carbon nanotube

Armament

M99 chaingun

Crew

1 driver, 1 passenger, 1 gunner (R1)

1 driver, 3 passenger, 1 gunner (R2)

Usage

Branch

Tactical Orbital Defense Troopers

Role(s)

Armed escort, quick evasion, anti-personnel

In service

2487 - present