The Multigunner IFV


Designation: Multi-purpose Combat Support Vehicle
Manufacturer: Towne-Travers Technologies
Country of Origin: Australia
Serially manufactured at: Allied Weapons Factory

Accessories:

• Specialised multi-turret
• Multi-purpose missile system
• Fully adjustable all-terrain suspension
• Passenger/gunner compartment
• “Run Flat” spare tyre



Few vehicles in the Allied Forces have been as indispensable for as long as the Scalable Infantry Fighting Vehicle, renowned for its speed and reliability in most combat scenarios. Whilst most details of the ICV and the Australian company responsible for its unique weapon system are widely known, this on-the-ground report on such a vehicle by the distinguished war correspondent Selby K. Stewart highlights one of the cornerstones of the Allies’ robust defence network.

Excerpts from “Allies on the Front Line” by Selby K. Stewart: Day 12 – Budapest Border

“We’re cool, mate, we’re adapting,” says Specialist Boone as he reconfigures the multi-turret on his vehicle for a Peacekeeper from the 125th. Reports indicate a large contingent of Soviet infantry is heading towards the front, so Boone has stowed the standard missile launcher in favour of a weapon better suited to combat. The Peacekeeper is quiet, examining what looks like an oversized Combat Shotgun mounted on the roof of the armoured vehicle. Boone is talkative, however, maintaining a steady stream of jokes about the war, his family back home and the various units he’s worked with since his deployment.

“We had one of those Javelin Soldiers last week. A decent bloke, a professional, with a real team spirit. I just had to link his Scorpion Rocket to the VCI’s targeting system,” – and here Boone demonstrates a procedure that is both quick and complex, which words alone cannot do justice to – “…and it’s like peanut butter and chocolate, isn’t it? And last month I was attached to an engineering section, helping to repair the 43rd’s armoured vehicles after Toledo. I don’t know how we managed to fix those things. Those engineers are a clever lot. Great blokes.”


The multi-turret can be adapted to almost any weapon, making the VCI an extremely versatile weapon.

Specialist Boone’s experience is remarkable, but not unique. Although Multigunner IFVs are modified for their own units, in practice they are constantly assigned to support other combat teams. The VCI is uniquely suited to this role: its primary firing system allows it to utilise its passengers’ special weapons and equipment in an enhanced or modified manner, whilst safely preventing untrained users from accessing any unauthorised configurations. In fact, the different types of co-pilots each grant the VCI distinct capabilities, allowing battlefield commanders to rapidly customise their forces to respond to whatever threats they encounter. Even without a co-pilot on board, VCIs often provide excellent anti-air support against heavily armoured targets via their light missile launchers.

On average, a Multigunner IFV can expect to spend 80 per cent of its operational time operating outside its base configuration. This must be a real challenge for most Soldiers. Boone’s Commander, Captain McGregor, explains:

“Unit cohesion is key. It’s that sense of family that keeps the Soldiers fighting even when things start to get tough. Being shunted from one unit to another, always working with new people – most people would find that very difficult. But that’s what VCI crews have to do all the time. You need someone special to remain effective in combat in this environment.”

But Boone rejects the idea that he is special: “I’m surrounded by the best Soldiers in the world. I can’t imagine giving my all.”


The VCI’s standard Salamander missile launcher has become the bane of the Soviet air force.

When asked if he’d ever had to transport someone he didn’t like, he grimaces and laughs. “Let’s just say that some K-9 crews aren’t as qualified as they ought to be.”

Just as Boone finished a final systems check, the Peacekeeper joined in the conversation. VCI conductors are known for having an intuitive knack for quickly building rapport with other Soldiers. Undoubtedly, this is the key to the survival of VCI crews and their co-pilots, beyond the versatility and effectiveness of the Multigunner IFV as a combat unit.


Reconnaissance on the battlefield has at least revealed the following facts about the Multigunner IFV:

• Anti-Air Power- The Multigunner IFV is equipped with a light missile system designed primarily to target and neutralise enemy aircraft. Combined with high speed and the ability to fire accurately whilst on the move, the Multigunner IFV is designed for anti-air defence in its standard configuration.

-Ground Targets- The light missile system can be used against ground targets. The high rate of fire somewhat compensates for the relatively low impact of the missiles, which were primarily intended to penetrate the armour of aircraft-which is lighter than that of heavier ground vehicles or small targets such as infantry.

-Taxi!- The VCI is capable of carrying one co-pilot at a time, and its special Turret automatically adapts to whatever equipment the co-pilot is using, allowing the VCI to enhance its passenger’s capabilities. The downside is that the VCI is unable to use its own missile system whilst carrying an infantry unit.

-High speed - The VCI sacrifices armour for speed and is capable of outpacing most other land vehicles. Consequently, most commanders prefer to use the VCI for lightning attacks and rapid counter-attacks. It is also effective at rapidly transporting infantry onto the battlefield, which has led to many daring sabotage missions by Allied Engineers.

Transformation

The weapon of the Multigunner IFV/Multigunner Turret changes depending on the infantry unit stationed within it. The Attack Dog, the Bear and flying units such as the Rocket Angel or the Japanese Burst Drone cannot enter structures or vehicles (exception: the Attack Dog and the Bear, which can enter the Multigunner IFV).

Here’s what it looks like for the Attack Dog or the Bear:


Here’s what you’d get if you placed a Conscript/Imperial Warrior (light machine gun):


Here’s what you’d get if you placed an Allied Peacekeeper (two Combat Shotguns):


Here’s what you’d get if you deployed an Engineer, regardless of their faction (a small crane, which repairs your vehicles if you place your damaged units next to it):


Here’s what you’d get if you placed a Flak Trooper (Bulfrog’s small weapon):


Here’s what you’d get if you placed a Spy (A small cannon):


Here’s what you’d get if you placed a Tesla Trooper (Small Tesla Coil):


Here’s what you’d get if you deployed a Javelin Soldier (Scorpion Rocket launchers):


Here’s what you’d get if you deployed Tankbuster infantry:


Here’s what you’ll get if you deploy Natasha (a small Sniper):


Here’s what you’d get if you chose Tanya (Two small guns):


Here’s what you’d get if you chose Yuriko (Little Weapon of Destruction):


Here’s what you’ll get for the Shinobi: