High Readiness Attack Drone

From NSwiki, the NationStates encyclopedia.
Jump to: navigation, search

Overview

The HRAD concept was pioneered by Santa Barbaran arms manufacturers as the first fully automated combat "micro-tank" to be used by the ITDO. Intended to be produced and deployed in very large quantities, the HRAD is primarily an anti-personnel, reconnaissance and mine warfare platform.

Description

A low-profile, crewless micro-tank, the HRAD (High Readiness Attack Drone) is powered by extremely efficient MHD cells. Tracked, it has a top road speed of 80 kph, even with it's high density, 1.4 cm thick armor. Like most modern ITDO equipment, it is well shielded against EMP, and laser/heat/shrapnel weaponry. While many infantry weapons are capable of taking a HRAD out of commission, their combat algorithms make them more than just mindless, easy-to-kill automatons. They are commanded much like ordinary troops are, from secure, dispersed command vehicles either on or above the surface, or even in orbit.

HRADs rely on this communication for some of their power, but are efficient killers on their own with a 200 MIPS combat microcomputer, using startlingly human tactics to evade, trick, trap, detect and gun down the enemy. HRADs are equipped with up to 300 kilograms of munitions, including thermobaric or fuel air explosive laser-guided rockets, grenades, demolitions, 5.62 mm hypervelocity rounds, flechettes, and of course a short-range cutting laser.

The modular, factory-line deployment process means that HRADs are constructed en masse near the battle lines, in dispersed, rapid-deployment, and/or mobile factories. This enables "wave" tactics to become a viable possibility, as long as raw materials and supply lines can be successfully maintained. HRADs are also constructed in the rear, and shipped to the front.