Another one of the Southern Cross vehicles adapted for the REEF's own use and for sales to mercenary companies and other governments. The design is little changed from the original Southern Cross design but is very useful. The principle in the design is that the missile launcher is simply design for long range support of troops and to protect bases. In the later role, the missile launchers are used most frequently by the REEF. Five Hundred of the launchers are positioned around their main base and are remotely controlled from the base's command facility. These missile launchers can target ground and surface targets. These launchers gives the ability to launch approximately two thousand long range missiles and four thousand medium range missiles in support of their main base. Most mercenary companies use the vehicles in the support role for troops. In support it is used for both ground bombardment and anti air defense. The ATV design is relatively cheap and as such is quite popular. In some ways, the design is quite similar to a version of the Iron Armory Mountain Lion class wheeled vehicles with one key difference being that the design has six wheels instead of eight.

Although the modifications are comparatively minor compared to many other designs, they are still quite useful. The improvements include the engine, the weapon systems, armor, and electronics.

The propulsion system has been replaced by a more powerful unit which increases the top speed by about 30%. The power system has been upgraded and the vehicle is available with an improved gas turbine system, special electric battery system, or by a fusion powered system. The range with gas turbine and electrical power system has about 20 percent better range than the original ATV missile launcher had and the nuclear power system has virtually unlimited ranges. The most common version in service with the REEF is the electric model.

The weapon systems have only minor modifications. The long range missile system has been modified so that it uses standard Rifts type missiles and that instead of one long range missile, two medium range missiles can be fitted into a launcher. Added is a mount for a light weapon for close protection. While the REEF Models normally do not carry any additional weapon systems, missile launchers in mercenary service often will carry a rail gun or powerful laser to protect from attacking troops.

The armor is simply replaced with stronger alloys which allow it to withstand more damage than previously possible. The armor has been replaced on all location including replacing the tires with stronger materials.

The electronics is one of the key area that the design has been modified. The missile vehicle has a special remote system that allows the firing of missiles without a crew being onboard. The REEF operates most of their missile launchers in this fashion with all of them linked to the base by fiber optic cable with a virtually unjammable laser communication system as backup. When the systems operate on standby, they can last for months without needing to be recharged.

Model Type: REEF-ATV-02
Vehicle Type: Long Range Mobile Missile Artillery.
Crew: Three (Driver, Commander, and Missile Operator) with room for three others in the crew compartment.

M. D. C. by Location:

	[1] Wheels (6):	50 each
	Headlights (3):	10 each
	Long Range Missile Launcher:	225
	Launcher Rotor:	100
	Reinforced Crew Compartment:	125
	[2] Main Body:	400

Notes:
[1] If one tire on a side is destroyed, the vehicle is reduced in top speed by 20% and has a -25% to piloting rolls when being operated off-road but vehicle can still be piloted
[2] If all the M.D.C. of the main body is depleted, the vehicle is completely shut down and unsalvageable, but crew may survive in their reinforced compartment.

Speed:
Ground: Cruising speed on land is 20 mph (32.2 kph) with a 40 mph (64.4 kph) maximum;
Water Capabilities: Cannot drive on the surface of the water but can drive at 18 mph (30 kph) underwater driving on the sea floor with a maximum depth of 1 mile (1.6 km)
Maximum Range: Gas Turbine & Electrical: 360 miles (579 km) Fusion: Effectively Unlimited

Statistical Data:
Height: 14 feet (4.3 meters) with missile launcher fully retracted and 26 feet (7.9 meters) fully extended
Width: 10 feet (3.0 meters)
Length: 22 feet (6.7 meters)
Weight: 24 tons (21.8 metric tons) empty and 32 tons (29 metric tons) fully loaded
Power Source: Three versions. Nuclear with 10 year fusion reactor, Electric, and Gas Turbine liquid fuel that uses aviation gas.
Cargo Capacity: Minimal storage space in pilots compartment; Used for weapons and extra equipment. Up to six suits of body armor, six energy rifles, six energy pistols, and twelve weeks worth of emergency supplies are normally carried.
Black Market Cost: 3 million with gas turbine engine, 3.5 million for electrical propulsion, and 14.5 million with nuclear powered version with a fusion reactor.

Weapon Systems:

1. Long Range/Medium Range Missile Launchers: Mounted as a retractable box launcher in the middle rear of the vehicle. The box launcher can rotate 360 degrees and has a 90 degree arc of fire. The launcher mount has two rows of four launchers immediately ready to fire (8 tubes total) but does not carry any reloads. Each launcher cell can fit one long range missile or two medium range missiles which use a special adapter to use the same launcher. Long range missiles are normally used against large targets and aircraft further out and the medium range missiles will normally be used to engage closer targets.
   Maximum Effective Range: As per long or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega Damage: As per long or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, 6, or 8.
   Payload: 8 missile cells in the launcher (maximum of 8 long range missiles, 16 medium range missiles, or a combination of both). Launcher carries no reloads.
2. One Forward Weapon Mount: For protection against troops at close range, one weapon can be mounted in a front mount. Weapons possible include rail guns, grenade launchers, and heavy laser weaponry. On REEF operated versions of this vehicle, no weapon is usually mounted.

Sensory Equipment:
The missile vehicle carries all standard equipment of a robot vehicle plus this special equipment:

• Radio/ Video Communications: Long range, directional, has a range of 500 miles with short range directional radio of 5 miles (8 km).
• Laser Targeting System: Range is 2 miles (3.2 km) and gives +1 to strike with long range weapons.
• Combat Computer/ Targeting Computer: Assist in the tracking of targets.
• Radar: 50 miles (80 km), can identify 96 targets and track 48 as low as 500 feet (152.4 meters). Same as robot's Maxi-Radar.
• Full Life Support: Protects crew and vehicle from heat and radiation and gives a breathable atmosphere inside the tank for up 48 hours in vacuum and three weeks with scrubbers.
• Thermo-Imager: Range: 2,000 ft (609 m). Finds the infrared radiations of things that are warm. Also enables pilot to see in smoke, shadows and darkness.
• Nightvision Optics: Range: 2,000 ft (609 m). Uses light amplification to make a picture. Emits no light but will not work in absolute darkness. System can be dazzled by sudden bright lights but does not physically blind the pilot.

[ Naruni TM, Shemarrian TM, and Coalition TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]
[ Robotech® is a registered trademark owned and licensed by Harmony Gold USA, Inc. ]

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune ).

Copyright © 2001, Kitsune. All rights reserved.