Difference between revisions of "Roudland Military"

Revision as of 19:47, 7 March 2007

Roudland Defence Ministry

The Military of Roudland

Roudland’s Military Ethos

Roudland’s position as a military power is in no doubt. Its armed forces are one of the largest and well-funded in the region. The annual military budget rose to 50 trillion Roudollars in November of 2006, and this increase has been instrumental in preparing Roudland’s military for the challenges of warfare in the modern era.

Strength is achieved in multiple areas, and Roudland is dominant in its ability to field a large, well rounded force that can adapt to many different mission and engagement scenarios. The armed forces are large, have many different facets and troop types, as well as numerous networking schemes that come together to create what has been dubbed ‘the joined-up military’. In an age where information is key on the battlefield, Roudland leads the way, employing UAVs, Satellite Communications networks, advanced weapon and helmet camera systems, and many more smaller components.

Modern combat can take many shapes and forms, but one thing it is not is slow. This necessitates a military that can move to an area and have all the required assets in order to achieve any given objective in that area. Roudland’s military has reflected this since the mid 1990s, and this continues today; the Army, long the primary instrument of armed foreign policy, is integrated with the Navy, Air Force and Space Force, to create a linked system of transport and operational action. Naval craft are designed with amphibious operations and sea/airspace control in mind, leaving the Air Force with clearly defined roles of air supremacy, army close support, and force projection and protection. The Army, with its own transport and close support networks, is a near-autonomous unit if needed in certain situations, but can (and does) work well with naval and air forces in joint-arms operations. The Space Force, a new branch of the military, is designed with spacial supremacy in mind, and with the support of allied operations outside the atmosphere. However, it is not separate from the rest of the forces, and the ships of the fleet carry out orbital surveillance as well as providing satellite communications (and orbital security) over areas in which operations are ongoing.

The ethos of the military is strong, and reflects the way that Roudland conducts itself on the international stage. The ethos of Roudland’s military can be summarised in three words: efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

Efficiency comes from networked forces that work together to achieve objectives at the tactical and strategic levels; intel sharing and collating, satellite positioning ensuring real-time situational awareness and clearly defined command structures help to achieve this goal of efficiency in actions.

Flexibility comes from forces that are not only networked to each other, but are able to assist in objectives and operations that demand more than force, and more than one skillset. Integrated airpower into the navy and army, integrated command chains in all the forces, and cross-compatible equipment and weaponry ensure that one unit can participate in another’s actions, even if they are not originally assigned to.

Sustainability comes from the combination of efficiency and flexibility. Roudland’s forces can conduct operations far longer than most other nations because of both the superiority of the forces, and the fact that Roudland’s resources can feed into a war scenario with efficiency. The sustainable force is large, well equipped and well motivated, knowing that the administration does not abandon its armed forces in a mire, and will always have a clear endgame in sight.

How Roudland Fights

Because of Roudland's size and military mantra, getting quickly to a conflict is essential to the Armed Forces. Thus, most deployments happen quickly and involve a lot of manpower. Roudland has the second largest military of any nation, and the largest force-projection capability of any of the three hyperpowers. If needed, Roudland could fight several medium-sized wars at the same time, in different areas of the globe. This is a direct result of the way that that the military itself is structured; the way that Roudland fights.

The way Roudland fights is ‘unconventional conventional’ warfare. Roudland’s military is the match of any other in the world, because it acts in such a way as to play to the enemy’s weaknesses, and never to give the enemy forces a chance at a ‘fair fight’. The integration and networking of the Roudland forces helps greatly in achieving this end

When looking at land-based conflicts, it must not be forgotten that both the Navy and the Air Force play an important role. At the battle of Grenôl during the Feetbunions war, 5 entire mechanised brigades were transported ashore during daylight just 35 miles from the battlefield. This was only possible because of the interconnection of the military branches. Roudland believes that a force is stronger if it acts together, and so most operations involve at least two armed services.

On the ground, Roudland military thought is that of simple superiority; that is, a superior class of soldier operating superior technology than the enemy. If the enemy is both bigger and more advanced, Roudland believes that well trained troops can win the day. This is why all Roudland citizens receive basic training at the age of 18. As well as this basic training, Roudland armed servicemen have very long training programmes (detailed in the next section). On land, large numbers of infantry, be they airborne, mechanised, armoured or light, are deployed to attack key enemy formations, strongholds and positions whilst maintaining force cohesion. There is a clear idea of how all the ‘pieces’ are falling into place from the ground up to the highest level of command, due to systems like Archer. In addition, Roudland fights as sustainable groups in every situation; it is ensured that units attempting to achieve an objective will always have the means to do so. This means air power, armoured vehicles, naval-based cruise missile strikes and other infantry units will be available to those on the ground. The same concept is applied to naval and air units; refuelling, recon and heavy support are all catered for in regards to those two forces.

Along with cohesion of force, Roudland fights with utility of force; units and formations are capable not only of specific tasks, but of general purpose tasks, due in part to their training, and to the standardisation of equipment, vehicles and weaponry throughout the armed forces.

Stealth technology is also proliferated throughout the armed forces, with items such as the nEUROn UAV, B-2 Bomber, Type-45 Destroyer and other equipment leading to Roudland’s ability to mount surprise attacks on enemy nations. A B-2 stealth bomber is completely invisible to radar until the moment it decides to drop its bombs; surprise attacks such as these are forming part of a new mantra in the RAF certainly, and throughout the military as a whole.

Roudland fights then, heavily armed, heavily supported by a multitude of vehicles and equipment, with sustainable forces that move with speed and aggression. Surprise takes a key role, especially in the Navy and Air Forces, as does the concept of a ‘networked military’.

Training and Selection

Training is absolutely key to the continued respect and successes of the Roudland military. It is one of the highest priorities in the Defence Ministry, and the amount of time and effort put into training new recruits reflects this. All of Roudland’s soldiers, sailors airmen and space force personnel are trained comprehensively in combat skills, advanced orienteering and ‘outdoors’ survival skills, given a standard of basic education and brought up to and kept at a standard level of physical fitness.

Citizens of Roudland may volunteer for the Armed Forces at the age of 16, but they will not be posted to a combat unit until they are 18. Selection criteria are tough and demanding; Roudland believes that this gives it the upper hand in terms of troop quality. Abilities such as quick reflexes, high stamina, mental and physical agility, as well as mental reasoning, crisis response and high stress threshold are all necessary to join up. All Army recruits, in particular, are tested rigorously in mental and physical abilities so that they fulfil the role that Roudland believes they should; being in the Armed Forces isn't just about fighting, it is about knowing how and when to fight. This is a key part of Officer training.

In Roudland, all able citizens are conscripted into the Armed Forces for 1 year before university. During this time, they may study a foundation course in the subject that they wish to pursue. Military training for conscripts is 3 months long, and covers all basic skills needed for service. The government hopes that this training will stay with them throughout their lives, keeping them healthy and mentally aware. The Army unit for conscripts is called the Mobile Infantry, the Naval unit is called the Naval Reserves, and there is currently no Air Force conscript unit. Those who post for this are redirected to combat engineering courses for planes and land vehicles.

Training occurs for roughly six months for a basic airborne soldier or mechanised infantryman, and increases to around eight to ten months comprehensive advanced training for marines, space force marines and other specialised troops. Special forces soldiers are trained separately on top of their basic soldiering training, as they only take applicants who are already in the armed forces to ensure a certain level of guaranteed skill. Weapons skills and marksmanship are emphasised as key skills, as is efficient handling of data through Archer. Training may take place at several locations, depending on the particular career path of the recruit. Initial ‘boot’ or basic training would take place at a large fort, usually a ‘corps base’, which would be the home to somewhere in the region of 200,000 soldiers, with maybe half of those recruits. Weapons and physical training would undoubtedly be held at this fort, however advanced weapons skills such as sniping and tank-hunting may be held at another, smaller base, such as the Gothrian Sniper Academy, or Connors Field Fort in southern Roudland. The Roudland military believes in learning from the best, and so recruits will be sent to various nations’ facilities to hone their skills, such as desert training in Kegmenistan, arctic training in McPsychoville, naval officer advanced training in Great Wrightland and the aforementioned sniper training in Gothria. In this way, the most experienced and battle hardened veterans are those who teach the next generation of soldiers and the like, not a group of fresh from college instructors. This, Roudland believes, keeps the skill of its Armed Forces alive

Weapons

Heckler and Kock G36K Assualt Rifle

The Heckler and Koch G36K assault rifle is the standard weapon of the Roudland Army and Navy (the standard Air Force weapon is the HK G36C, and the Space Force uses a variety of specialised weapons). The G36K is made from polymers and steel innards, is chambered in 5.56x45mm, and utilises a 30 round detachable box magazine that can clamp to other magazines with its locking lugs. The G36K has three fire modes, Semi-Auto, 3-round burst, and Full-Auto. There are two scopes attached to the rifle: an in-built 1x magnification day scope, and the 3.5x magnification smartscope situated above the built-in sight. The smartscope is both day and night sighted, and incorporates a digital camera element. This camera feed can be relayed to the AX-10A helmet of the user, allowing them to fire round corners and above walls. The G36K can be fitted with the AG36 40mm grenade launcher attachment, which fires lethal and non-lethal rounds, and a number of other additions can be made to the rifle, such as a foregrip, laser pointer, torch, and underslung shotgun. The G36K has proven to be very accurate, durable and reliable since its adoption in 1995, and it is liked by the troops of the Roudland military.

Over the past few years there have been various weapons programmes circulating in Roudland that have been slated to compete to replace the G36K when it reaches its 12-year cycle end in 2007. The competitors include the XM8 weapons system, the Sig SG552A, the HK416, the FN SCAR-L and the G37K 6.8mm interim system. Of these, it seems most likely that the G37K (which is a G36 chambered in 6.8x43mm) will be chosen, although it is facing stiff competition from the 416 system.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30 (box), 100 (drum)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 800m

G36C

The G36C is a compact version of the G36K that has a shorter barrel, stock and body. It has no carrying handle like the K, but instead has a picatinny rail to mount scopes and other accessories. It is favoured by special forces and paratroopers who favour a smaller rifle with good stopping power. Parts are fully interchangeable with the other rifles from the G36K family

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30 (box), 100 (drum)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 400m

G36DMR

The G36DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) is a long bodied, heavy barrelled variant of the G36K that is designed to give squads the same functionality of a rifleman, but with the range approaching that of a sniper, without a weapon that is not suited to close-counter combat. The DMR uses the same parts, calibre and magazines of the G36 series, but instead can only fire semi-automatic, and has a large scope mounted, as well as a heavier and longer barrel to improve long-range accuracy.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30

Fire Modes: Semi-Automatic

Effective Range: 950m

USP Pistol

The HK USP is a polymer-based, double action pistol in service with the Roudland Military. Firing a 9mm round from a 15-round magazine, the USP is durable, modular and has good penetration against body armour. Used as a last-resort weapon, or in situations when a submachine gun or carbine cannot be found for close quarters, the USP is a favourite among troops, and has recently been complemented by a .45 cousin, the Mark 23, which is in service with special forces. The USP can mount a number of accessories, such as a torch, laser pointer and silencer.

Calibre: 9mm HP/Para

Magazine Capacity: 15, 12 (compact)

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

Effective Range: 50m

UMP 9mm Submachine Gun

The standard submachine gun of the Roudland Army and Navy is the HK UMP 9mm. The UMP is a compact, polymer-based SMG that fires a 9mm round from a 30-round magazine. The weapon also features a picatinny rail atop the receiver, a folding stock and the ability to mount scopes, laser pointers, torches and hand grips.

Calibre: 9mm Para

Magazine Capacity: 30

Fire Modes: Semi-, Two-round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 100m

MP7 Personal Defence Weapon

To fill a hole between the USP and UMP, the MP7 provides the accurate, lethal force of a submachine gun, in dimensions that are closer to a large pistol. Like other H&K weapons it is made from polymers and steel innards, and features a collapsible stock and folding forehandle. Firing the new 4.6mm round, it has very low recoil and its compact dimensions make it ideal for special forces, tank crews and pilots. It has a number of rails to allow the mounting of accessories.

Calibre: 4.6x30mm

Magazine Capacity: 20 or 40

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three-round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 100m

MG4 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)

The MG4 is the standard SAW of the Roudland Army, firing a 5.56 round from a 100-round belt. The MG4 can mount a scope, has a fixed bipod and can accept regular G36 family magazines into a lower well in the receiver. It is issued at a rate of two per 8-man fireteam, and has replaced the MG36 that was previously in this role.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt (also 30-round box)

Fire Modes: Full Auto

Effective Range: 1000m

L7A2 GPMG

The L7A2 is a 7.62mm belt-fed general purpose machine gun used by the Roudland Military, traditionally mounted on vehicles, but also in a platoon fire-support role in larger engagements due to its excellent stopping power and long range. It can most often be seen on a Challenger 2 tank or Warrior IFV as a secondary weapon.

Calibre: 7.62x51mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt

Fire Modes: Full Auto

Effective Range: 1,800m

XM312 .50cal Machine Gun

The XM312 is the replacement for the M2 .50cal. It is relatively lightweight, man-portable, and has a quarter of the M2’s recoil, due to the XM312’s polymer design and ergonomics. It is fitted on WOLF jeeps and other vehicles as a heavy weapon to be used against light vehicles, helicopters/dropships and masonry-protected emplacements.

Calibre: 12.7x99mm

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt

Fire Modes: Semi-, Full Auto

Effective Range: 2,000m

XM307 Grenound Machine Gun

The XM307 is a new weapon designed to give vehicles such as the WOLF, Cougar and Warrior more firepower against armoured vehicles or aircraft. Portable by a two man crew, and weighing around the same as a XM312, the 307 fires a 25mm round or shell of various types. Ammunition used includes HE, SLAP (Saboted Light Armour Penetration) LARDEN and airburst shells such as PDR-3a Anti-Personnel Flak, and the DF-1 Phosphorous shell.

Calibre: 25x59mm Grenound (Roudland Military term for Grenade-Round)

Magazine Capacity: 50 round belt

Fire Modes: Semi-, Full-Auto

Effective Range: 2,300m

M4 Shotgun

The M4 Super 90 combat shotgun is used by assorted units for special CQB needs, whether they be personal defence or entry/occupation of a building etc. Semi Automatic, and with a moderate magazine size, the M4 is favoured by those soldiers who need a little ‘kick’ from their weapon, or those who are one of the first ‘in the door’ when it comes to house-clearance. It is also employed extensively by police units in Roudland itself.

Calibre: 12 Gauge

Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds

Fire Modes: Semi-Automatic, Pump-Action

Effective Range: 40m

AT-4CS

The AT-4CS is a special purpose light anti-armour missile launcher that replaced the LAW 66 in service with light and special forces troops of the Roudland military. It is short range but high-potency, and can defeat APC armour at most ranges. It is a fire-and-drop weapon, and is lightweight to enable more than one launcher to be carried by one man. It can be used indoors, as with all other Roudland anti-tank weapons.

Calibre: 84mm

Range: 300m

Fire Modes: Unguided

MBTLAW

The MBTLAW is the main medium-range anti-tank missile launcher of Roudland’s forces, designed to counter main battle tanks at short ranges as well as buildings, fortifications and non-armored vehicles. It is used by all troop types, as it is individual man-portable, and can be fired even from a standing position. It can destroy tanks in the Type 72-Leopard 1 range with just one shot, and can be disposed of if necessary.

Calibre: 115mm

Range: 600m

Fire Modes: Inertial Guidance/ Predicted Line Of Sight

Javelin

The Javelin Anti-Tank missile launcher system is the world’s most advanced anti-armour missile launcher, capable of destroying all but the heaviest armoured MBTs in one shot. It can be reloaded, and is designed to engage heavily armoured vehicles and targets at long range.

Calibre: 127mm

Range: 2,500m

Fire Modes: Infra-Red Fire-and-Forget Self-Seeking Guidance

H&K GMG

The GMG is the world’s only 40mm grenade machine gun, providing lethal and suppressive fire with explosive force against masonry and lightly armoured targets, as well as infantry formations. It is found on vehicles as well as set up on tripods defending installations.

Calibre: 40x53mm Grenade

Magazine Capacity: 40 round belt

Fire Modes: Semi- Full-Automatic

Effective Range: 1,500m

Ground Combat Vehicles

WOLF (Will go OverLand Fast) jeep

The WOLF (Will go OverLand Fast) jeep is a medium weight general purpose vehicle that is normally used in the recon/logistics role, as well as for small troop movements. Also, in areas in which Roudland troops are deployed for unconventional warfare or peacekeeping, they serve as the means of patrolling territories. The WOLF has been adopted by a number of countries, including Friendly Aliens and Great Wrightland, as well as the FCI and P-TAC law-enforcement agencies inside Roudland. The armament station can carry a number of different weapons, including a 5.56mm, 7.62mm or .50cal machine gun, or a Javelin missile launcher or Mk19 GMG. The standard variant is supplied with a L7A2 7.62mm MG, which can be controlled from within the vehicle by a remote weapons station, and has some ablative armour in order to repel heavy small arms fire.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: Can vary, but typically either an L7A2 or MG4

Speed: circa 90mph

Cougar Heavy Patrol Vehicle

The Cougar armoured jeep is a heavier medium weight vehicle used for logistics, recon and patrols/troop movements. It is favoured for roles which have an increased chance of coming under direct heavy fire, due to its survivability (it can withstand a blast from an anti –tank mine), durability and range of heavy armaments that can be mounted on the roof turret, which is armoured, unlike the WOLF’s. Cougars are currently deployed in the DSUT/ Fastodia border, as well as on the Mortuus Angelus DMZ. Though expensive, it has quickly become very popular with troops who prefer the armoured capability of a Warrior IFV with the speed of a lighter vehicle.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: Can vary, but typically L7A2, XM312 or GMG

Speed: circa 80mph

FMTV (Familiy of Medium Tactical Vehicles

The logistics needs of Roudland’s Military are catered for by the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). FMTV is essentially a base ‘truck’ around which three basic variants are built (there are numerous other ‘specialised’ variants used by specific units). The FMTV designation is MTV, with a number attributed to the vehicle to stress its relation to the others. The MTV-30 is a basic truck, with room for around 20-25 troops inside. It is the typical ‘army truck’ thought of by the public and seen in numerous films and television programmes. The MTV-45 is a flat-bed version of the 30, with small modifications such as a strengthened suspension system in anticipation of heavier cargo. The MTV-70 is a very large truck with an extended wheelbase that can carry around 50 troops or a vast amount of equipment. The FMTV series runs on a diesel engine (typically 5.7litre), and are not intended to see combat. However, in some instances, they may be fitted with some armour and a roof turret mounted L7A2.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner (if gun in place)

Troops Carried (varies) 20-50

Armament: can be fitted with L7A2

Speed: around 50mph

Scimitar Light Recon Tank

The Scimitar light tank is another development by SWORD, and is deployed in the recon tank/ heavy patrol vehicle role by the Roudland and Kegmenistani Armies. The Scimitar is similar in appearance to a Warrior, but sports a lower profile and no troop-deployment capacity. It can be used in small numbers as a patrol or area-control force, or can be used in an advanced-recon role by large armoured formations seeking battle. It is also designed to be effective at supporting troops in urban combat, as it has a short wheelbase and narrow width compared to an MBT.

Crew: 4 (Gunner, Commander, Loader, Driver)

Armament: 30mm RARDEN Cannon, 2 L7A2 MGs

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: 55mph

Stryker IFV

The Stryker is a new addition to the Roudland Army, designed by specialists at SWORD, intended for light troop transport and optimum air/sea/land mobility. It is the standard ground assault vehicle of the Orbital Marines, and has been adopted by armoured recon regiments to travel alongside the Scimitar light tank. The Stryker is a departure from previous Roudland armoured vehicles, which have been exclusively tracked; the eight wheels of the Stryker however, provide excellent traction and mobility over very rough terrain, as well as over normal road surfaces. As is standard practice in the Roudland military, the Stryker has been adapted for numerous purposes. Engineering and Command variants are being developed, as well as a heavy anti-armour vehicle named the MGS (Mobile Gun System).

Crew: 3 (Driver, Gunner, Commander)

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: 30mm RARDEN AutoCannon, Coaxial L7A4 7.62mm Chain Gun, L7A2 7.62mm MG, RARDEN can be replaced with a GMG.

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: around 60mph

Stryker SMAH

The Stryker Anti-Air variant, (colloquially called ‘Smasher’ after its official designation – Stryker Missile Air Defence, Heavy (SMAH)) is deployed with large concentrations of armour and infantry along with air power to guard against enemy aircraft such as strike jets or attack helicopters. The Stryker carries a powerful radar system that detects enemy aircraft and dispatches a ‘Rapier’ anti-aircraft missile to intercept and destroy the helicopter or jet. The Rapier is a powerful explosive missile along the lines of a TAN (Tank AnnihilatioN), that can be launched from either a six-missile launcher mounted on top of an armoured vehicle (some Warriors have Rapier systems). Strykers carry twelve additional missiles inside the vehicle. One SMAH can ‘control’ 100sq Km of airspace on its own.

Crew: 4 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Radar Operator)

Armament: 18 Rapier Anti-Air Missiles, 1 L7A2 MG

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: around 60mph

AAV-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle

The Roudland Marines operate roughly a third of their mechanised divisions with this vehicle. Able to traverse any depth of water with ease, and heavily armoured for ground combat, the AAV is being phased out in mid 2007 in favour of a newer model of amphibious APC currently under development.

Armament- 1 HK GMG, 2 L7 MGs

Crew- 1 Driver, 1 Gunner, 1 Commander, 24 Infantrymen

Speed- 10mph in water/20mph off road/45mph on road

Armour- Light Dorchester (rolled)/ permanent Slatted Shielding

ATAV

The Striker Anti-Tank Armoured Vehicle (often called ATAV or FV 102 to distinguish it from the Stryker IFV) is a small armoured vehicle that carries a missile launcher designed to defeat enemy armour in ambushes and long-range engagements. The CKEM (Compact Kinetic Energy Missile) are mounted in a five missile pod atop the striker, with a further 10 missiles stored within the vehicle itself and, thanks to a radar tracking and guidance system, can engage armour such as IFVs and MBTs at a distance of 8 miles, longer than any other ground-based missile system in service. They are intended operate equally well in wooded areas and fields as well as urban environments, where they are a useful asset available to soldiers through the Archer network.

Crew: 3 (Driver, Radar Operator/Commander, Gunner/Loader)

Armament: 15 CKEM Missiles, 1 L7A2 MG

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: 55mph

Warrior IFV

The Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle is the primary means of battlefield mobility and support for Roudland’s Mechanised and Armoured Infantry Brigades. The Warrior incorporates cutting edge technology, and since the November 2006 upgrades, an entirely new main cannon, new weaponry and new armour, as well as an upgraded engine and on-board computer system. It can now act as a truly mobile cavalry support piece, as well as being able to traverse urban and country terrain with ease, and now has increased survivability. Its 30mm Cannon can punch holes through all but the most advanced MBT armour, and the new Javelin Missile pods are designed to give the Warrior the ability to punch well above its weight. In addition to this, the new Archer Battlefire on board computer has been upgraded to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the Archer network, giving the IFV real-time data on the troops surrounding it, as well as any immediate action and support orders coming in. The Commander can now see video footage from the soldiers near the vehicle, giving him the ability to ‘scout’ potential hot spots in urban environments before proceeding. The armour has been upgraded to the newest generation of Chobham Armour, the 4th generation, making it the toughest IFV in existence.

Crew: 3 (Gunner, Driver, Commander)

Armament: 1 RARDEN II Cannon (fires AP, APFSDS, Incendiary, Bunker-Buster HE and DU rounds at typically 200rpm), 1 Javelin Missile Pod (Carrying 4 127mm Missiles, with 8 spare) with the option of a second, 1 Coaxial .50 Cal MG, 2 L7A2 7.62mm MGs

Armour: 4th Generation Chobham (Classified Composition)

Speed: 60mph (Roads), 50mph (Rough Ground)

Carries: 8 Troops

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank

The Challenger 2 MBT is the main armoured element of the Roudland Army. It is arguably the world’s finest tank, and has been given a major mid-life upgrade as of November 2006. The Challenger is equipped with first rate weaponry, armour and equipment, and combines the best protection of any tank in the world, with the world’s premier tank gun, the advanced-capability L55.

Developed in 1998, the Challenger 2 has gone through a number of upgrades and refits in its lifetime, which can actually be considered as having produced a new tank, the ‘Challenger 3’ or ‘Challenger 2.5’. This can be asserted because the upgrades that took place in July 2002 and, most significantly, November 2006, have greatly increased the tank’s vital specs (Speed, Armour, Lethality) to the point at which they are far removed from the original design specs delivered to the Defence Ministry in 1996.

The Challenger is currently the world’s fastest Main Battle Tank, with a speed on road of 50mph, and an off road speed of 44mph (though it can ‘sprint’ for short times at 50mph) despite weighing 60 tons. It makes good use of this speed in all areas of battle, and the advanced Hydropneumatic suspension that both the body and turret of the tank are equipped with means that the turret is always stable and level, even at high speeds and over uneven ground.

The Armament of the Challenger 2 is also first class. The L55, a new long-barrelled smoothbore gun, fires at a higher velocity, enabling rounds to have increased lethality. The L55 fires a variety of rounds at a typical rate of one round every 4-6 seconds. The turret is stabilised by a hydropneumatic gas system, and around 60 shells for the L55 can be stored in the tank. The shells normally used are HESH, HEAT, APFSDS, CHARM 4 (DU), SM-34 Smoke Rounds, WP06A White Phosphorous Rounds and the PDR-6 Grapeshot Round. The gunnery control system is now in its 3rd updated form, and was originally developed in the late 1990s by Tyrell Corp of Retroit.

A mainstay of Roudland MBTs since the 1960s, Chobham Industries has again produced the armour for the Challenger 2. Upgraded to the brand new 4th Generation of Chobham, the armour is now unparalleled in terms of strength and durability. Chobham is weighty, making the Challenger 2 somewhat damaging to road surfaces, but this disadvantage is compensated for by the fact that the Challenger 2 is near-invulnerable, with instances of a Challenger surviving first a HEAT, then two follow-up Sabot rounds in testing. In addition to this, a Challenger 2 in the Southern Gulf War was hit by both barrels of a Perpendicular (SR imported) SPNKr rocket launcher. The hits scored a mobility kill, knocking off the tank’s right track, but did not penetrate the armour (it is of note that this tank was fitted with 3rd, not 4th Gen armour). The crew was subsequently rescued and the tank was recovered.

The electronic systems used in the Challenger are highly advanced. The TOGS IV system is used for gunnery sighting, with the commander benefiting from 360 degree vision of the battlefield in day or night sights complete with Archer systems designation overlays. Friendly units are highlighted, and a continuous stream of data regarding enemy positions is transmitted to all persons in the tank, through means such as satellite imagery, UAV footage, or video feed from soldiers and other tanks. Using a laser rangefinder, the commander can designate up to 4 targets for the gunner’s display in degrees of priority, leaving the gunner free to operate the L55 efficiently and without distractions. The tank itself is Archer enabled, having several systems inside the hull which relay data to troops inside and outside the tanks, and allow troops outside the vehicle to easily transmit orders, data or merely to communicate with the crew. On top of this ability, the Challenger itself sports a number of cameras mounted on the outside of the tank to enable supporting infantry to attain an elevated viewpoint; in addition to this, the front turret camera has long-range laser designation ability, giving the Challenger the ability to call in air support from Apaches and the suchlike to deal with threats that tank cannot or is unwilling to.

Inside the turret, there is an NBC pod, and the Challenger 2 has equipment for survival of the ‘electronic battlefield’; gauss coils are located beneath the main armour to protect the tank from EMP effects following a nuclear strike. During battle, Explosive Armour and slatted rocket shields are attached to the Challenger’s exterior, making it an extremely protected vehicle.

The Challenger 2 weighs in at 60 tons, but is still capable of over 44mph cross country, and can be deployed amphibiously from LCACs and Cerberus LCUs. It is a testament to the tank’s reputation that some Perpendicular frontline tank units literally got out of their vehicles and ran when faced with battalions of the Challenger 2. The Roudland Military has maintained that it will keep the Challenger on, in a combat capacity, for at least the next 20 years, due to its amazing combat performance.

Crew: 4 (Gunner, Driver, Loader, Commander)

Armament: 1 L55 Enhanced Capability and Lethality Smoothbore Tank Gun (ECAPS) (typically firing HESH, HEAT, CHARM 4 and APFSDS), coaxial 7.62mm L7A4 Chain Gun, 1 M2 .50 cal MG, 1 7.62mm L7A2 MG, smoke grenade canisters, optional Mk19 GMG for frontline units

Armour: 4th Generation Chobham (Classified Composition), with additional slatted armour and ablative blocks

Speed: 50mph (Roads), 44mph (Rough Ground)

Air Combat Vehicles

Rhino Mk 5 Dropship

This vehicle is powered by two massive jet engines, and has a sustained VTOL capacity, as well as a large array of weapons. It is designed to drop two 8-man units into battle, even if that means coming under direct hostile fire. To that end, the Rhino is both heavily armed and armoured. Its crew comprises two pilots and two drop engineers, and when unladen with soldiers, it can carry a large amount of supplies. Furthermore, the Rhino can land on virtually any surface as long as its weight is supported. An artillery piece can be underslung, and two M2 MGs can be stored in the troops department, ready for later deployment. The stripped-down, powered-up variant, the Rhino-AT, can hold Warrior IFVs in its massive locking arms.

Armament- 1 30mm Chain Gun, 2 20mm AutoCannons, 6 Brimstone Anti-Armour Rockets, 8 Sidewinder Anti-Air missiles, 1 M2 MG Turret Crew- 2 Pilots, 2 Drop Engineers Capacity-16 Infantrymen Speed- 470mph

Cobra Mk2 Assault Dropship

A variant of the Rhino Mk5, which was developed alongside the Super Roman Albatross dropship programme. The Cobra is 150% bigger than the Rhino, and is designed to be able to carry large amounts of troops or equipment into battle. However, the size of the Cobra means that it is rarely used in the same way as the Rhino; the Cobra is usually landed away from enemy fire to deploy the soldiers or supplies. However, the craft is easily able to take care of itself, and is heavily armoured. Cobra-AT variants, which are stripped-down and powered-up, are capable of carrying a Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

Armament- 1 30mm Chain Gun, 2 20 mm AutoCannons, 2 M2 MG Turrets, 6 Brimstone Anti-Armour Rockets, 8 Sidewinder Anti-Air Missiles Crew-2 Pilots, 3 Drop Engineers Capacity-40 Infantrymen+WOLF/ 16 Infantrymen+2WOLFS Speed-350mph (laden)

Apache AH-67 Longbow Attack Helicopter

A Gothrian made helicopter that is part of the Joint Defence Programme between the two nations. The Longbow is used for supporting armoured engagements, scouting enemy territory, hunting enemy armour, and escorting other aircraft, such as Rhinos. The Longbow contains a very advanced RoudCorp targeting system that allows the pilot to fly 'weapons free'. If the pilot wishes, the Longbow radar system automatically targets and designates up to 256 separate subjects, and then deploys the necessary weaponry to destroy them. It is, simply, very little short of unstoppable.

Armament-1 30mm Chain Gun, 16 Hellfire Anti-Armour missiles, 32 Hydra Rockets Crew- 2 Pilots Speed- 240mph

Army Maritime Craft

Viper ALV (Aggressive Landing Vessel)

This fast assault boat is used by the Roudland Marines for the purposes of getting quickly to a beachhead, transporting small amounts of supplies, patrolling rivers and even the insertion and extraction of Marine Special Forces. It has a single driver, can carry a 16-man unit, and is lightly armoured for speed.

Armament-2 L7 MGs

Crew- 1 Driver

Capacity- 16 Infantrymen

Speed-55-60mph

The Army

Roudland believes that with a well-trained group of men on the ground, victory is very likely. This is why the Army is the best funded of the Forces, and it is easily the largest. It is also the largest employer in Roudland itself, and takes up almost 66% of all military spending.

Whereas the Navy and Air Force are both moderately sized, the Army is massive, consisting of 6 separate armies of 400,000 troops each, as well as a seventh reserve army of over 700,000 men. Each army is self contained, with its own marines, armoured brigades, air support and transport capabilities.

The Infantry are used in large numbers, and their deployments are carefully planned and executed. For this reason, infantry are equipped almost identically, whether they are deployed from a Rhino, a Viper or a Warrior. There follows a list of infantry kit.

Each soldier carries:

• G36K Rifle or variant

• USP Pistol

• Mk 3 Frag Grenades

• FD2 Phosphorous Grenades

• Compact (Night Sight) Binos

• Ration Pack

• Archer Radio Set

• Combat Knife

Each soldier wears:

o Combat jacket and trousers (camo)

o Gothrian Kevlar (Gothlar) body armour

o CAT boots with wrap-around Gothlar protection

o RoudCorp AX 10 Combat Helmet

o Combat webbing with space for 12 primary mags, 6 secondary, and 6 grenades

o Small MediKit in hip pouch

Descriptions of key items

Gothrian Defence (now part of NDS) manufactures the Body Armour that infantrymen wear. It uses an advanced lightweight Kevlar fabric that spreads the impact of bullet hits, therefore dissipating the energy. In some tests, Gothlar has withstood multiple hits from 5.56mm rounds at 10 metres, and some 9mm rounds at almost point-blank range.

RoudCorp manufactures the AX 10 helmet that is worn by all infantrymen. The helmet is comfortable and uses lightweight materials. It incorporates a HUD that flips down over whichever eye the user does not aim with. The HUD is 4.5cm x 3cm, and can display video messages from command bases, as well as the latest tactical messages and satellite readouts. The helmet includes a small antenna to receive these signals, as well as a GPS beacon so that the user and his commander can see the location of any soldier at any time, often in relation to real-time satellite imagery of the battlefield. A Roudland/ Gothria/ Great Wrightland Defence conglomerate designed the helmet itself, and the GPS system was designed by a Violet Strawberries government research department.

Infantry Squad Structure

Roudland infantry works in squads of 8 or 16, with at least a Lance Corporal in command, if not a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant. The squads are designed to be able to function well on their own, and are armed heavily enough to sustain a firefight for several hours. Each squad normally has anti-armour capability, although this is not enforced when intelligence suggests that there will be no need. However, the final say goes to the c/o. There follows a description of a typical 8-man squad and the weapons they carry:

• 1 Commander (G36K)

• 1 Radioman (G36K)

• 2 Machine Gunners (MG36)

• 3 Riflemen (G36K)

• 1 Heavy Rifleman (G36K and LAW 94)

This structure can vary, because of factors such as they vehicle they are carried in (an Airborne squad will typically be lighter than a Mechanised squad), or the task they are asked to perform (a Tank Hunting squad will have 3 or 4 Heavy Riflemen, whereas an emplacement defence team may have a sniper and more MGs), but typically it remains the same.

Types of Infantry

All types of infantry have the same basic training, and so in a ground battle, they are near identical in their abilities and combat style. The thing that differentiates the infantry types is the way they are deployed, the vehicles that they travel in, and the tasks that they are given.

Mounted or Mechanised Infantry- Carried to battle in a Warrior IFV, Mechanised Infantry are traditionally used to capture or overwhelm heavily armed enemy positions. This includes forts, key installations, towns, cities, and even mountains and tall hills.

Airborne Infantry- Carried in a Rhino Mk 5 Dropship, these troops are of the Rapid Assault/Reaction variety. Generally used for large deployments or surgical drops, Airbourne soldiers are used to having to fight their way out of their landing zone, such is their commanders' confidence in their ability.

Marines-Only the toughest, fittest, most intelligent soldiers will be accepted into the Roudland Marines. Marines are normally used as the frontline in an invasion using an amphibious landing element, and are also often entrusted with spearheading other attacks, no matter where it might take place. They travel to battle in Rhinos, Warriors, and Viper ALVs.

Engineers- Armies cannot function without equipment that works, vehicles that are maintained, bridges to cross and bases to command from. Roudland knows this, and so places a division of 10,000 Engineers with each Army. They travel in WOLF jeeps, and, unless needed, will not operate in ordinary combat.

Mobile Infantry- These are the conscripted element of Roudland's Army, and so will not see combat unless absolutely needed. They are trained in basic warfare skills, and often act as logistical support or base staff on a large operation. They can also be used as National Guard or border staff in Roudland itself, support for humanitarian work, and DMZ border guard support personnel, as in between Gothria and Mortuus Angelus, and the Zakmenistani DMZ.

Orbital Marines- The strongest, most intelligent, battle-hardened Marines and Airbourne troops can be selected for the Orbital Marines. These soldiers are stationed aboard Conciliator Battle Cruisers, and travel in Rhino Mk 6a VDODs (Vertical Descent Orbital Dropship). Often, Orbital Marines are given experimental weapons and equipment, and are used in a variety of roles, from boarding enemy ships to creating an advanced beachhead; Orbital Marines are Roudland's foot soldiers in space.

Shock Commandos- The Roudland government does not accept the existence of the Shock Commando programme, and this is for a good reason. The Shock Commandos Troopers are genetically modified soldiers, taken from birth and raised to be nothing more than a highly-efficient killing machine. Army Intelligence chooses only a select few children, noticeable for their natural abilities and potential, and abducts them from the hospital. The parents are told that their child has perished, and the infant itself is taken to a highly secure military compound to begin augmentation, conditioning and training. Commandos are 'designed' to be the perfect soldier; their brain is conditioned to remember large amounts of information, their eyes are fitted with Iris inserts to give them ultra-clear day and night vision, their muscles are fine tuned and upgraded, their respiratory systems are vastly increased in capacity. The Roudland military hierarchy does not believe in turning soldiers into machines; for this reason, Shock Commandos are not cyborgs like the Super Roman Spartans. Instead, the Commandos are physically conditioned to be better soldiers-they are not ‘super soldiers’, rather, they are just very good combatants. The only technology contained within their bodies is that of a high-spec iris insert. On top of their conditioning, they accumulate a large tactical knowledge in their 16-year training programme, their weapons skills are unparalleled, they have unstinting morale and they are totally committed to their objective. A Shock Commando will never leave its post, will never surrender, and, if captured, will never give up information. They are used in many roles, on land and in space, and travel to battle in modified Rhino Mk 6 dropships. They are the pinnacle of soldiering, and are used sparingly by Roudland.

Roudland Air Force

The Roudland Air Force is mainly Naval-based, in that Roudland believes that it needs air superiority at sea and over deployment areas. Potential enemy air travel over Roudland is near impossible due to a large air defence network, and a number of friendly airbases stationed within Roudland itself. Considering this, Roudland’s current air power, excluding the transport dropships that belong to the Army, is centred on fighter-bombers and rapid-response fighters. The following is a list of the main aircraft in service.

Missiles and Bombs in Roudland service

Hawk Naval/Air Force Fighter-Bomber

The Hawk J-35 is a multi-role fighter-bomber that is deployed with the Naval and the mainland Air Forces. It is designed as a low-to-medium altitude craft that penetrates enemy lines at up to mach 1.7, and drops a payload that varies from air-to-air missiles, anti-armour missiles, heavy and light laser-guided bombs, and anti-emplacement bombs. It cruises at 26.000ft, and has a crew of 1. The Navy version has a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability.

Armament-27mm Mauser Cannon, 2 Sidewinder air-defence missiles, 8 Brimstone anti-armour missiles, 2 Paveway bombs.

Crew-1

Speed- Mach 1.7

Typhoon Fighter

The Typhoon is an all-weather attack fighter that is designed to be sent out in front of allied operations to clear the skies of enemy threats. It also has a limited ground attack role and several were used in the Feetbunions conflict to take out supply convoys for the enemy armies. However, its main strength lies with its ASRAAM and AMRAAM anti-aircraft missiles.

Armament- 27mm Mauser Cannon, 4 AMRAAMS, 2 ASRAAMS, 4 Brimstone Missiles

Crew-1

Speed-Mach 2.3

C-130 Hercules Moderate Lift Cargo Plane

The Hercules is used to transport moderate amounts of men and equipment to places just behind a frontline, where a runway may not have been constructed yet. It can land on virtually any surface, and forms a useful role as a sort of ‘troop taxi’ during a conflict. Variants include a ‘Spectre’ gunship version for air support operations, and the ‘Crossbow’ command plane that includes Archer Communications Network equipment.

Armament- (C-130) 2 Rear Mounted GPMGs, (Spectre) 2 M2, 4 L7 and 3 Miniguns

Crew- 4 or 6

Capacity- (C-130) 64 troops with some small cargo, (Crossbow) 25 staff plus equipment

C-17 Globemaster Heavy Lift Cargo Plane

With similar applications to the C-130, the C-17 is used as an unarmed delivery platform for long-range deployments of light infantry. It can house a number of troops, supplies, artillery places and jeeps, and travels at a speed that makes cross-continental deployments painless for logistics. A number of airborne divisions are permanently on standby for deployment with these large aircraft.

Crew- 4

Capacity- 102 troops with small cargo, or up to 4 WOLF jeeps with infantry

C-5 Galaxy Ultra Heavy Lift Cargo Plane

The C-5 is a major new joint development with the Kegmenistani Airborne Corps to create an extremely heavy lift aircraft capable of landing and entire Mechanised regiment along with their IFVs. Utilising cutting edge jet technology that powers the craft, the C-5 is capable of tasks that were not thought possible before. It can carry three Main Battle Tanks, six IFVs or 8 WOLF jeeps at any one time.

Crew- 7

Capacity- 80 troops plus aforementioned cargo or 200 troops

Roudland Navy

Basic Structure

The size of the Roudland Army necessitates the need for a large naval transport and protection force. To this end, the Roudland Navy is substantial in size, and comprises many armed transporters, floating docks, carriers, amphibious landing craft, dropship carriers and supply vessels. These ships are supplemented by a large number of anti-air Destroyers, anti-ship Frigates, Nuclear Submarines, and Heavy Cruisers. The ships are mostly multi-role to a limited degree, and this contributes to the intended flexibility of the Roudland Armed Forces.

Vessel Guide

Glorious Class Carrier-The mainstay of the RN fleet, the Glorious class came into service in1993, and was immediately hailed as the best ships in the armada. Their large, overpowered engines, long flight deck, considerable compliment of weapons, and their ability to service and carry Rhinos, Apaches, Hawks and other naval aircraft makes the Glorious class a truly great vessel. It is protected by Phalanx and Goalkeeper automated guns.

Atlas Class Carrier- The Atlas Class was put into service in 1975, and only a few of these ships remain in service, in heavily refitted forms. They are smaller that the Glorious Class, and have a much more limited role than their successor. Nevertheless, they still provide good air cover to smaller operations, and are especially useful in peacekeeping operations. They have been re-fitted to support Rhinos and have a large compliment of Marines just as the Glorious class does. It is also protected by Phalanx and Goalkeeper automated guns.

Type 45 Destroyer- For a fleet as large as Roudland’s to be sufficiently protected from air attack, a large force was needed to protect them. The old Lithium class destroyers were retired 4 years ago, and Great Wrightland was commissioned to produce a new, Radar-Resistant Destroyer class. The result was the Type 45, a destroyer that can evade enemy radar, allowing it to travel undetected into a war zone and strike at will with a large array of anti-air and some anti-ship weapons. These include Sea Dart and Sea Wolf, developed by Great Wrightland.

Type 67 Frigate- The Type 67 is now quite aged, but it still performs its task of anti-ship warfare well. Many of these vessels are in service with other friendly nations, and they proved their worth during the Feetbunions conflict when only 2 were lost to enemy fire. The Type 67 performs well when against aircraft, but is primarily used to engage hostile ships. The main weapon is the Harpoon missile, although Roudland is looking at commissioning Great Wrightland to design and build a new Frigate class built around an entirely new weapons system.

Type 92 Cruiser- The Type 92 is essentially a large destroyer that has the ability to fire cruise missiles as well as a variety of anti-air and anti-ship missiles. The cruiser is normally used for protecting shipping routes and supporting large amphibious deployments in a shore-bombardment role.

Amphibious Landing Craft

These craft represent the need for Roudland to quickly deploy troops, equipment and vehicles to an area of operations, if necessary under fire. To this end, Roudland operates a fleet of 40 Wasp class Amphibious Landing Carriers, which can all hold 2000 men and supplies, plus up to 20 IFVs and Tanks. The Wasp class are complemented by their LCAC hovercraft landing vessels (each Wasp has 6), which can transport troops, equipment and armour to a landing site at speed approaching 50mph. In addition to the LCACs, Superior landing craft can carry more armour, albeit at a slower speed, and are usually deployed for second wave attacks, behinds the initial advance. Although the fleet of 40 Wasp class fulfil a vital role, Roudland operates 12 Cerberus Class Amphibious Docks, which are normally utilised for heavier operations needing more armour/supplies and fewer troops. As such, they do not operate LCACs, and instead have 6 Superior Armoured Beaching Vessels (ABVs) and an overall capacity of 20 IFVs, 12 Main Battle Tanks, 25 WOLF jeeps and 350 troops. In order to facilitate landings which are rapid, secure and covered by air, Wasp class vessels have 8 Apache Longbow helicopters, 6 Cobra Mk2 dropships and 6 J-35s with which to support landing operations. Cerberus vessels have 6 Apaches and 4 Cobras.

Wasp Class Amphibious Landing Carrier (AMLAC)

Designed for infantry/vehicle landings needing a large amount of materiel or manpower, the Wasp class can carry two battalions of infantry, plus supporting vehicles, something that is currently unmatched in the rest of the Alliance. It also has a substantial wet dock within its hull, with which amphibious deployments are initiated, utilising LCAC hovercraft or conventional Superior class LC/MT craft. The wasp also can deploy small amounts of troops by air, utilising its flight deck and fleet of Cobra dropships. Combined with its air cover potential of VTOL J-35s and Longbow helicopters, the Wasp class is truly an awesome vessel, capable of carrying out allied operations virtually anywhere with relative impunity. It forms part of the Roudland 'Strike First, Strike Hardest' mantra, and has been exported to a number of other nation's navies, most notably Great Wrightland. The Wasp class gives Roudland the ability to intervene with armed force across the globe; there are 40 of these vessels in service (with another 10 planned), and they were used widely in the 3rd Moronyickan War, the Hannigan Island Conflict and the Abbayish Civil War.

RSS Sekhmet deploys an LCAC during Operation Stormcloud

Cerberus Class Amphibious Assault Vessel (AAV)

For operations needing less infantry and more armour/ supplies, the Cerberus serves the role of waterborne command and deployment centre. Although not as big or fast as the Wasp class, the Cerberus is equally fitted to protect itself and its cargo of Tanks, IFVs, jeeps and supporting infantry. It lacks a flight deck, thought it has several landing pads with which it deploys Apache gunships and Cobra dropships. It also has a wet dock, though lacks the necessity for LCACs, and so normally operates exclusively Cerberus, though Viper ALVs have been stored aboard during major conflicts. There are currently 35 in service, and they form a vital part of Roudland's foreign policy commitments; there are currently three deployed near the Mortuus Angelus/ Gothrian DMZ in case of emergency.

Superior Class Materiel/ Tank Landing Craft (LC/MT)

The Superior class fulfils the role of heavy beach landing craft, with the ability to land Main Battle Tanks, IFVs and artillery pieces (with supporting infantry) at moderate speed to a potentially hostile landing site. It is heavily armoured, and is often seen transporting Marines and supplies etc. to battlefields whilst they are still under fire. During the Hannigan Island only three LC/MTs were sunk, due not to ground fire but airstrikes. The vessel is adaptable to ships' designs, and they are found inside the landing areas of larger ships of the fleet, such as the Type 45s and 92s.

Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCAC)

The LCAC is one of the more recent additions to the Roudland Navy, having entered service with the Wasp class in 1996. It is a fast, agile, heavily armed transporter used for moving men and vehicles to beachheads or areas not normally accessible by conventional transport craft. It can land whilst taking fire, and has been known to withstand rocket hits to the outer hull without severe damage and casualties. Coupled with the Wasp class, the LCACs make the Roudland Navy a fearsome fighting force, and currently the largest amphibious landing contingent in the world, with the capability to deploy around 90,000 men and over 400 armoured vehicles by sea alone.

Hydra Class Dropship Carrier- For large deployments of Airbourne troops, there must be a capability to move their Dropships to an ideal deployment zone. For this purpose, the Hydra class was created. The same size as a Glorious class carrier, but instead equipped with enhanced aircraft storage space, the Hydra again is well suited to Roudland’s operational needs. It is armed similarly to the Glorious class.

Venture Class Attack Submarine- Submarines remain the largest threat to allied ships. Because of this, a small, quick anti-submarine was created to hunt other subs. Armed with a large compliment of torpedoes, the Venture class are a formidable force, with advanced anti-sonar stealth technology.

Vector Class Nuclear Submarine- Vector Class submarines were originally created to patrol the waters off Moronyicka during the late 1990s. However, following the Morionyickan conflict, and the establishment of the Bar-Miller patrols, Great Wrightland took over the role of patrolling. Consequently, the Vectors form Roudland’s nuclear deterrent, carrying 18 ICBMs each. They are the most potent arm of the Navy.

The Roudland Space Combat Initiative

The Roudland SCI is a common name for the Roudland Space Military Research and Developmental Scheme (SPARSE). The rest of the military has traditionally 'looked down' on the space programme, and the funding for the SCI has never been very high. At the present moment the SCI is in the process of becoming a fully fledged member of the Roudland Military Forces, and will be renamed the Roudland Space Force. The primary ships of this new force are expected to be the Retribution Class battleships, though the Hydra Class carriers and Vengeance Class cruisers are also being considered for service. The curent class of ships, the Conciliator Orbital Cruiser, are expected to be phased out over the next year after poorer-than-expected performance during the Southern Gulf War due to ageing systems. Current budget increases and muti-national research projects are likely to result in the reaffirmation of Roudland as the premiere space power next to Super Rome. The new classes of ship are apparently being designed to support SR ships in orbit and to take on new roles that were not considered before. Conciliator Orbital Cruiser:

Information on the new spacefleet can be found at Roudland Space Force