Chi-Ha

Description
The Chi-Ha is a light infantry combat vehicle, intended as a troop transport and light support vehicle. It was first produced in what would become the Draconis Combine during the early years of the Age of War Era.

History
Originally designed as an armed cargo transport vehicle, the Chi-Ha was adopted and modified by Daisho MilWorks of New Samarkand as a troop transport for the Planetary Militia's infantry starting in 2284. However, when Shiro Kurita rose to power and began efforts to form his large interstellar empire, the Chi-Ha was a key vehicle used by the Combine military to bring worlds under the its control. As Shiro's efforts brought more worlds under his domain, Chi-Ha production would be expanded to four other worlds to meet his growing army's transportation needs. It became a primary vehicle of the newly formed DCMS until the late twenty-fourth century, when it was phased out of front-line combat and relegated to support roles. Upgraded versions of the vehicle would stay in service throughout the Age of War and Star League Era in the Combine. Though obsolete, limited production runs would be made during the Succession Wars due to a need for vehicles of all kinds to serve the armies of the Dragon.

Weapons and Equipment
In its latest version the Chi-Ha still utilizes Primitive Technology in its construction. Its internal combustion engine is geared to move troops at a reasonable pace of 64 kph over most terrain, with a range of over a thousand kilometers. Though no longer a front-line combat vehicle as it once was, its armor protection is adequate for secondary tasks. The vehicle's passengers and crew are protected by 2 tons of BAR-6 rated armor, strong enough to handle light machine gun attacks by enemy infantry.

Not intended for heavy combat, the Chi-Ha is lightly armed with three Machine Guns; two mounted in a turret and the third mounted in the front. These guns share one ton of ammunition to help the gunners sustain the vehicle through long combat exchanges with lightly armed foes and support its passengers.

For its intended role as an infantry transport, the Chi-Ha is designed to handle a platoon of troops in its 3-ton Infantry Compartment. These troops exit the vehicle into combat from two rear doors.

Variants

 * Chi-Ha (Civilian Version): Originally started out as a narrow four-axle/twelve-wheel vehicle, which was initially faster than the military version.


 * Chi-Ha ICV (Original): This was the original military version of the Chi-ha when it first premiered for military service on New Samarkand. The vehicle, while armed with same weapons layout, had extended range in comparison to the Standard or 2350 model version. Its armored chassis only carries BAR-5 rated armor, a Basic Fire Control for its weapons, and the vehicle can only move up to 54 kph. BV(2.0)=115

Similar Vehicles
Other corporate interests of other Great Houses have similar models of the Chi-Ha ICV.


 * Cellco Ranger UPU-3000 - Is a 17 ton equivalent, which originates from the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth. This vehicle is used as a police/riot suppression unit.


 * Urban Enforcer IV - This armored law enforcement vehicle is found in the Capellan Confederation.


 * Raptor RRV - A Free Worlds League advanced and more sophisticated vehicle. However the vehicle is lighter and less-heavily armored than other urban armored vehicles. The vehicle does feature an extended range support laser with a basic fire control system, a large passenger bay with extra room for field gear and additional heavy weaponry.

Design Quirks
The Chi-Ha ICV (Standard) has the following Design Quirks;
 * Low Profile

Alpha Strike
This is a direct link to the MUL page for the Alpha Strike cards:
 * Chi-ha ICV (Standard)
 * Chi-ha ICV (Original)