U.S. M-2036 “Fairy” Heavy Equipment Ferrying Truck (HEFT):


Although an army's main face to the public are the more "sexy vehicles, like the main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and heavy artillery pieces, it is the smaller "behind-the-scenes" workhorses that keep the military running smoothly. The M-2036 “Fairy” was a prime example of a simply vehicle designed to fill many roles. Meant to replace the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), the M-2036 used a common frame to provide transport capabilities for re-supply of combat vehicles and weapons systems formerly done by the HEMTT.


Design began on the “Fairy” in 2036, hence its M-2036 designation, to replace the M977 cargo truck and its associated brethren. The M-2036 was to replace the M977 for two reasons. First, the availability of high-strength, non-corrosive materials meant that the standard steel frames of the M977 were outdated and required higher maintenance. Second was the power system in the M977. Traditional fossil-fueled vehicles were being replaced throughout the US military. The recent introduction of fusion reactors to power military vehicles meant that the entire force would be traveling faster and further than ever before. However, fusion reactors were still too expensive to justify putting them into a vehicle roughly the size of a HEMTT. It was therefore decided the vehicle would use a fuel cell system like those in the AAAV-10 Wolverine, M1A5 Abrams, and M2001 Crusader. The fuel cells operate by pulling the electrons off of an H2 molecule, splitting it into 2H+ molecules and 2 electrons. The electrons pass through the “load” (engines, weapons, avionics, etc.) creating current and powering the systems. Meanwhile, the 2H+ molecules pass from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. At the other “End,” the electrons then recombine with the 2H+ molecules and Oxygen (from the air) and are release as water from the rear of the vehicle.


The Fairy's name came partially from the military's name for the project, the Heavy Equipment Ferrying Truck (HEFT), but mostly from the troops it supported. The trucks were used to resupply all manor of troops in extremely remote areas at times. Dropping off munitions and supplies, the vehicles seemed like fair god-mothers at times. The name was shortened by soldiers in the field and the name stuck. The truck became popular in the civilian market as well. It was used extensively by construction and off-road hauling companies.


The Fairy sported a wide wheel-base like the HEMTT to use the same wheel-base as the M1A5 Abrams Main Battle Tank and M2A7 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. It could traverse terrain that normal trucks and jeeps were not able to cross. The Fairy was equipped with automatic transmission and four wheel drive. The vehicle could carry approximately 20,000 kilograms or has room for twenty-four passenger.


It was air transportable and could be from a variety of aircraft. The standard vehicle frame had an enclosed crew compartment, but left the rear cargo bed open. The crew compartments was air tight with all doors sealed and while the vehicle does not provide full environmental systems, the scrubbers in the air circulation unit can filter out most toxic gasses. The Fairy was not fitted with weapons mounts, but passengers in the cargo bed could fire all manner of weapons out the sides, top, and back of the vehicle.


With the introduction of the new breed of hover vehicles in the later half of the 21st century, many people thought that the end of the Fairy was at hand. This could not have been further from the truth. A hover truck design had just entered the design phase when the Great Cataclysm uprooted any plans for such a vehicle. Indeed, the new design was never intended to replace the M-2036 but to act as a supplement. Thousands of Fairy's survived the Great Cataclysm and are still in use by mercenary companies and civilian adventurers.


Model Type: USA-M-2035 CHAMP
Vehicle Type: Heavy Support 20 ton truck
Crew: Two (Driver, Commander/Navigator); Can carry up to twenty-four additional passengers with gear in cargo bed on standard model. Three passengers can be carried in cargo compartment in cramped conditions.


M.D.C. By Location:

[1] Headlights (4):5 each
Reinforced Crew Compartment:60
[1] Tires (4):45 each
[2] Main Body:200


Notes:
[1] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the attacker to make a “called shot,” but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.
[2] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the unit down completely, making it useless.


Speed:
Ground: Cruising speed on land is 60 mph (76.5 kph) on roads and 35 mph (44.6 kph) off road maximum
Maximum Range: 500 miles (805 kilometers)


Statistical Data:
Height: 9.3 feet (2.84 meters) with no weapon extended from the top
Width: 12.0 feet (3.67 meters)
Length: 36.0 feet (11 meters)
Weight: 40,806 lbs (18,500 kg) empty.
Power System: Fuel Cell System
Cargo Capacity: 44,114 lbs (20,000 kg)
Black Market Cost: 150,000 credits


Weapon Systems:
No weapon systems are carried by the vehicle. However, passengers in the cargo bed could fire all manner of weapons out the sides, top, and back of the vehicle.


Sensory Equipment:

Bonuses:


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Writeup by Kamikazi (kamikazi_gm@hotmail.com).


Copyright © 2005, Kamikazi. All rights reserved.


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