TANK DESIGN
RHILUS HEAVY TANK

Overview:
     For many years, the standard TOG space doctrine has been one of missiles, missiles and more missiles. Missiles were emphasised on almost all designs, culminating in the development of the Onagri. So why exactly are we talking about interceptor designs when this is a tank?
     Enter Arcing Enterprises, a new engineering firm. Enter the Rhillus, their first design. The team, apparently influenced by a retired TOG Navy commander, applied the concept of "Missiles on Everything" to a ground vehicle, creating a tank which can only be called a missile boat. Except for a GMDC 15 and a Vulcan system, the tank carries nothing but missiles.

Capabilities:
     Using the latest missile technology available, the Rhillus takes the concept of a missile engine to the extreme. Unlike the graceful or needle- like hulls of most tanks, the Rhillus sports a squat and dome-shaped front end. Inside this monstrosity lies the tank's main offensive punch, all in the form of the new homing missiles. No less than two HM-3s, two HM-2s, one HM-1 and an HM-4 system occupies the internals of this bloated hulk. This kind of missile load gives the Rhillus an excellent long-range standoff capability, as well as a good damage potential. Each of the HM systems is subbed out to various companies, as there is no single firm that actually makes every class of HM.
     Supporting the HMs-galore is an equally grotesque turret that mounts far more conventional weaponry. Again, missiles dominate, with two HottAss TVLG 6 systems, and a IRDC SMLM 2 mount. Required to give the tank some direct fire capacity, an Indy GMDC Class 15 weapon was installed, with the bulk of the weapon running inside the turret. This sorely limits the weapon's elevation capacity, leaving the barrel exposed as just another wart on the tank's exterior.
     The designers at Arcing weren't going to let their tank be the fodder for Commonwealth missiles, however. A squat Vulcan IV anti-missile system perches on the top of the turret, with a clear 360 degree arc of fire. Shield ratings are also high, with 80s all around, save for the bottom, protected with a 60 rating. While the Rhillus is but a medium tank, a whopping 56 tons of armour is moulded onto its chunky frame. A standard complement of digging charges round out it's defensive capabilities.

Deployment:
     It is unknown why the designers chose to make this tank so hideously ugly, but TOGSOG has payed that aspect little heed. Intrigued with the possibilities inherent in the tank, they have ordered Arcing to produce a few prototypes for testing. TOGSOG believes that a platoon or three of these vehicles, attached to an ordinary strike legion, could add an aggressive new potential. It is not known where the testing will take place, but it is very likely the new tanks will be sent to the TOG/Commonwealth front for a trial by fire. If successful, the new units could begin popping up in TOG Legions within a year.

    
Class:  Medium Grav Missile Carrier     Digging Cannons:  Yes
 Mass:  278 tons                         Infantry Squad:   No
 Cost:  1,341,100                       Scenario Points:   14
   
                  Rating       Power        Mass        Cost
Engine              2000        2000          48      500000

Thrust:  5      

Shields           Rating
       Front          80          96           2       40000
       Right          80          96           2       40000 
        Left          80          96           2       40000 
       Stern          80          96           2       40000 
      Bottom          60          24           2       30000 

Armour            Points
       Front         100           0          10         500 
       Right         100           0          10         500 
        Left         100           0          10         500 
       Stern         100           0          10         500 
      Bottom          60           0           6         300 
      Turret         100           0          10         500 
                                                             
Hull Weapons      Hull #
HM-3                   1           2          12       35000 
HM-3                   1           2          12       35000 
HM-1                   1           1           8       28000 
HM-2                   2           1          10       32000 
HM-4                   2           2          14       37000 
HM-2                   2           1          10       32000 
                                                             
Turret Weapons                 Power        Mass        Cost 
TVLG 6                             0           9       30000 
TVLG 6                             0           9       30000 
SMLM 2                             0           6       20000 
GMDC 15                            7          24      165000 
VULCAN IV                         15          15       60000 
Turret                             1           4        4000 
                                                             
Crew and Targeting 
Crew                   1           3           3         300 
Infantry               0           0           0           0 
                                                             
Digging Cannons                
# Of Charges           4          13          25        2500 
                                                             
Anti-Grav Drive                  275           3      137500 
                                                             
                               Power        Mass        Cost 
Totals:                          731         278  $1,341,100 
Excess Power:                   1269------------------------ 


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Last Updated:  09 26 97