TGC45 Skirmisher Gun/Troop Carrier

"Riding in the back of a Skirmisher is like being put into a big metal shoe box and tossed around by some giant. I wasn't sure whether I should be more concerned about a lucky mortar round taking us all out, or my fillings coming loose." - Extremi Soldier after the Battle of Dead Man's Road, the first major engagement to feature Skirmishers

Early Pre-war accounts taught the Extremis of the importance of providing a quick, safe, and reliable method of getting troops into the battlefield. Many of the proposals, however, fell short, due to lack of practicality, technology, or funding. However, one idea that showed potential was that of the Armored PErsonnel Carrier, or APC. Nothing could be done to make advanced machines like the days of the past, but what was plausible was converting an existing design, in this case a Lancer Gun Carriage, into a capable transport vehicle. The result was the Skirmisher gun/troop carrier  

The Skirmisher is more or less just a Lancer with the main gun removed, and the boxy rear hull's height extended and armored up, the ammunition compartments replaced with benches. While by no means a comfortable ride, the durable hull provides protection for the passengers from all but the heaviest of fire. Since it shares its hull with the Lancer, repairs are easier, and the durable Royal Knight-based chassis  means it can keep up with the armor. It shares many qualities with the Lancer as well, such as a radio room at the co-pilot's position, an open-topped back, and engine compartment in the forward hull just behind the driver. 

Features: 
-Bench seating holds ten in rear hull, plus one machine gunner.
-Driver's compartment in forward hull in front of engine; while this provides driver safety from enemy fire, it makes communicating with the driver and radio operator more difficult.
-Uses same engine as the LAncer and Royal Knight, making repairs more managable
-Engine access in front of rear hull, machine gunner's step folds up to allow for access
-machine gun on ring mount for antiaircraft defense duties, however the open top of the vehicle's rear hull leaves passengers exposed to air attack and artillery.
-rear hatch drops down for quick disembarkement, though the steepness and lack of steps makes embarking somewhat of a hassle.

SPECS: 
Height: 11.3'
Length: 23.8'
Width: 8.8'

Weight: 43 tons

Armanent: 1 x .50 caliber heavy machine gun. 


Powerplant:  1 Ransel Ghost Radial Aircraft Engine