Roudland Military

Roudland Defence Ministry

The Military of Roudland

Roudland’s Military Ethos

Roudland's position as a military power is in no doubt. This has its roots in Roudland's history, and this is reflected in the Roudland Military Ethos. The Armed Forces are one of the largest and best funded in the region, which means that Roudland has a well-trained, well-equipped, flexible force that it can count on. The Army itself numbers around 2.5 million men, with over half of those being active duty combat soldiers. Of course, many of these troops are not needed, but it is reassuring to know that they are present. This is a part of the ethos; having a large number of men. Roudland believes that strength is partially derived from numbers, and so a lot of money is spent sustaining a very large standing army.

Further to this, Roudland is a country of efficient, hard working people. This is reflected in the vehicular technology that it employs. The Warrior and Challenger 2 armoured vehicles are very strong, their weapons are reliable, and they are practical to use. This again is part of the ethos; having technologically advanced equipment that is easy to operate and maintain.

Mobility is important in an age when conflicts are fast and contained to a relatively small area. For this reason, integration between the armed forces is a key priority. Air Force planes transport supplies to battlefields as Navy vessels carry Marines to the conflict. Furthermore, Airbourne troops are a large part of the Roudland Army, being carried to battle in Rhino Dropships, allowing large-scale deployments in a short amount of time. This completes the main part of the ethos. In short, efficiency, sustainability and flexibility are Roudland's watchwords.

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. To this end, the ideal way of describing how Roudland fights is to take in to account past examples. When Moronyickan forces attempted to annexe Hannigan Island, Roudland had two divisions (15,000 soldiers each) already on standing alert. The forces then needed to recapture the island were loaded onto assault transport ships and taken to the island with the help of a substantial naval taskforce. This all took less than 2 weeks, considering the island is 4000 miles from Roudland's coast.

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. A Naval recruit will receive 5-7 months training, whereas an Airbourne soldier will be trained for 9 months, and a Marine will have 11 months training. This contributes to the superior aspect of the Roudland Armed Forces.

Roudland technology, such as vehicles and equipment, is of the practical variety, and this is reflected in how they are used. WOLF jeeps travel alongside infantry columns to shield them from attack, whereas Warrior IFVs can be dropped into the middle of an urban street by a Rhino-AT dropship. The element of (heavily armed) surprise is key to how Roudland fights, and this ties in with vehicles and infantry units that can be swapped and adapted. Roudland tries to always have the right man for the job; when military bases are erected, there is space for armoured vehicles, Rhinos, and Warrior IFVs so that all basic troop types are catered for. When on offensive operations, a task force will always include more men than it needs, as well as a wide variety of soldiers for each situation. If this is not possible, the task force can still carry on; all Roudland soldiers are versed in all basic combat types and are more than competent in a variety of roles.

In short, Roudland fights in large numbers, heavily supported and armed, and with interconnection between the Armed Forces branches. A Roudland Task Force will never be allowed to be surrounded or cut off, and neither will it not be able to perform a task because no one is trained for it. This stems from the mantra that training is very important, and can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Training and Selection

As previously stated, all of Roudland's soldiers, airmen and naval personnel are trained for a long time. This means, of course that training plays a very important part in shaping Roudland's Army.

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.

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.

Cadets are not allowed to join up if they cannot lift half their body weight comfortably, as this is often the weight of their supply packs. A long time is also spent honing their weapons skills; the best marksmen, for example, will often get seconded to the Gothrian Sniper Academy in New Silent Hill. Once they have learnt their skills, they return for final training and deployment. Naval recruits may train aboard a Great Wrightland ship, especially commanders. This is an important part of Roudland's military philosophy; learning from the best. 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

H&K G36K Assault Rifle- The standard weapon of the Roudland Army, the G36K is an extremely reliable rifle. Firing the 5.56 mm round from translucent 30- round magazines, the G36K is also polymer based, and so up to 30% lighter than other rifles in service across the Alliance. It has a built in 3x-magnification sight, and back-up standard down sights. Its fire modes are single shot, 3-round burst, and fully automatic. It can be fitted with the HK 40mm Grenade Launcher.

H&K MG36 Squad Automatic Weapon- The SAW of the Roudland Army, the MG36 is a long-barrelled version of the G36, with a bipod and 100-round drum mag as standard. It also fires the 5.56mm round. It has the same fire modes as the G36K.

H&K USP- The standard side arm of the Roudland Army, the USP fires a 9mm round from a 15 round magazine. It is also polymer based for ease of cleaning.

Sig Sauer SSG 3000- The standard sniper rifle of the Roudland Army, the SSG fires a Remington 7.62mm round from a drop-free 5-round magazine. It is also favoured by snipers from Gothria for its reliability and stopping power.

H&K UMP Submachine gun- Used as a special forces/sniper back up weapon, the UMP fires a 9mm round from a 30-round magazine. Reliable and easy to use, the UMP is favoured by many drop-engineers and tank gunners.

H&K MP7 PDW- The MP7 is designed to be used by pilots and vehicle crews if in the event of a forced landing or disembarkation. It fires a 4.6mm round from a 20 or 40 round mag.

L7 A2 GPMG- This platoon support machine gun fires 7.62mm rounds from a disintegrating 100 round link belt. It is often mounted on jeeps, tanks and IFVs as a secondary weapon.

M2 .50 cal- The favoured heavy machine gun of many Armies, the M2 fires a 12.7mm round from a 100 round belt. This has excellent anti-personnel and anti-armour penetration.

FIM-92 Stinger Anti-Aircraft Missile Launcher- 70mm Anti air missile launcher with laser tracking features. Fired from shoulder whilst standing.

NLAW 94 Anti-Armour Missile Launcher- 94mm Anti Armour missile launcher with limited lock-on capability. Usually fired whilst kneeling, and capable of usage in Urban Combat.

LAW 66- 66mm Disposable Anti-Armour rocket laucher. Can defeat the armour on a BMP at close range. Lightweight, and normally used by Special Forces or light infantry.

Ground Combat Vehicles

WOLF (Will go OverLand Fast) jeep

This jeep is used for recon, supply movement, rapid assaults, and defending small installations. To operate basically, it requires 2 soldiers; 1 driver and 1 gunner. There is a turret on the roof, which is partially enclosed, and room for a section of infantry in the back.

Armament- 1 .50 cal M2/ HK G15 Grenade Cannon

Crew-2, plus 8 infantry

Max speed- 90mph

Warrior IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle)

This vehicle is the standard method of transport for Roudland's Mechanised Mounted Infantry divisions. It carries an 8-man unit, as well as 2 crewmen. It is light enough to be carried by modified Rhino-AT transport dropships, and has a limited amphibious capacity. The armour is Dorchester-Class (Chobham Variant), and will withstand several rocket attacks. The standard weapon has the potential to lay down cover fire, as well as suppress a stronghold, support a firebase and act in an anti-light armour role as part of a major cavalry engagement.

Armament-1 30mm Rarden Cannon, 2 L7 MGs, smoke grenade modules

Crew-1 gunner, 1 driver, 8 Infantrymen

Speed- 50-55mph on all surfaces

Armour- Dorchester Active Armour/ Slatted Shielding

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 a new but valuable addition to the Roudland Army.

Armament- 1 HK G15 Grenade Cannon, 2 L7 MGs

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

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

Armour- Light Dorchester (rolled)/ permanent Slatted Shielding

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank

Simply the best Main Battle Tank in existence, the Challenger 2 is produced by Northern Defence Systems for the Roudland and Gothrian Armies. It is equipped with first rate weaponry, armour and design, and has served both armies effectively since 1998.

The Challenger 2 is the only MBT in the Alliance to utilise a rifled tank gun (known as the L30). This gives it the ability to fire HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) rounds, as well as traditional saboted rounds. HESH have a higher penetration against masonry and IFV-type armour than HEAT or APFSDS shells. The gun itself is regulated by a Fire Control System developed in conjunction with the Challenger programme in the late 1990s by Tyrell Corp. of Retroit. This system means that multiple targets can be engaged in quick succession; the Commander’s gunsight has 360degree visibility, and can mark targets with a laser rangefinder. The gunner has a similar sight attached to the gun itself, meaning that as the gunner is firing at one target, the commander can designate another’s location on the gunner’s HUD; the tactical advantage that this gave the Challenger in 1998 was unprecedented. Other countries now employ similar systems in their MBTs. Further to this, the Fire Control System utilises TOGS III (Thermal Observation and Gunnery Sight), meaning that the tank can operate effectively in the lowest light conditions through the night. The four man team inside the tank are all Archer-equipped, meaning that forces around the tank’s AO (Area of Operations) can communicate with and designate targets for the vehicle.

In terms of protection, the Challenger 2 is also at the forefront of technology; it employs third generation Chobham Heavy Active Armour, developed in Roudland during the late 60s, and widely acknowledged as the best tank armour bar none. The amount of high spec systems in place on the Challenger account for the enormous R&D costs; no expense was spared in the creation of the most dominant land vehicle in existence. The composition of Chobham is still classified, but the Allies of Roudland (most notably Great Wrightland and Super Rome) have developed armour systems similar to it. Inside the turret, there is an NBC pod, and the Challenger 2 has equipment for survival o 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 62 tons, but is still capable of over 45mph cross country, and can be deployed amphibiously from LCACs and Cerberus LC/MTs. This speed is complimented by agility and stability; stabilised hydropneumatic suspension means that the turret stays completely level on all but the harshest terrain. The accuracy of the tank is greatly enhanced by this.

In terms of armament, the Challenger 2 is very versatile, firing HESH, HEAT, APFSDS, CHARM 3 (depleted uranium) rounds, as well as smoke shells and the infamous PDR-6 Grapeshot round. The turret is fitted with a coaxial L7 MG, as well as a forward facing M2 MG and an additional swivel-turret L7 MG.

The Challenger 2 has served with distinction for several years, and has continually proved to be a vital part of Roudland’s (and Gothria’s) military forces.

Armament-1 L36 120mm Rifled Tank Gun, 2 L7 MGs, 1 M2 MG, smoke grenade canisters

Crew- 1 Gunner, 1 Driver, 1 Loader, 1 Commander

Speed- 45mph over uneven ground/ 55mph on road

Armour- Chobham Active Heavy Armour/ Ablative Blocks/ Anti-rocket slats

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.

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.

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

When Roudland envisaged combat in space, one thing was immediately thought of; Firepower. Because of the nature of space battles, first volley ability was a priority. The Conciliator class, therefore, had the main function of delivering a large payload to the enemy, with the ability to this at differing ranges. At the same time, Roudland's Space Agency was working on a high-atmosphere fighter in an anti-bomber role. With some modifications, this became the Tyr class fighter that is the mainstay of the Conciliators' fighter compliment. It was also thought, when designing a series of space vessels, that, theoretically, troops could be carried on board, and delivered to a battlefield as a rapid reaction force. Thus, each Conciliator carries a Dark Shock Drop Trooper compliment, alongside other elite troops, the Roudland Orbital Marines. These troops are carried in Rhino Mk5 VDOD craft (Vertical Descent Orbital Dropship). The VDODs are carried, alongside the Tyr fighters, in the Conciliators' prominent hanger bays, positioned on the underside of the ship. There follows a list of specs for the Conciliator Orbital Cruiser:

Length- 770m Width (at widest point)-170m Height (at highest point)-170m

Armament-

• 15 18-Inch Rail Guns

• 15 200mm Double-Barrelled Medium Range Cannons

• 16 39-Inch Rail Guns

• 15 'Envoy' Missile Tubes

• 24 Quad-Barrelled 25mm Fighter Defence Modules

Hanger Compliment

• 50 'Tyr' class fighters

• 30 Rhino Mk5 VDOD

Troop Compliment

• 320 Dark Shock Drop Troopers

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