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Athara magarat wrote:And let's say, the greyscale map thing is successful and we move to next phase...What start dates should be there?

769? 867? New 936? Classic 1066? All of them (all other start dates in real CK2 base game)?

Or just one start date we all can agree on (will make things easier for us)?

Havalland didnt exist until 1603 which going on from the 10th into the 18th century sounds like fun

Alteran republics

Miklania wrote:Dammit you already took the A13. I'll have to scheme up something similar.

Yeah, my full list is in the IW thread.

Athara magarat wrote:Regarding this, I am sure we can do this.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/276069920901431318/620625958948306944/Screenshot_208.png

When I tried, the map was weird. There were too many mountains and too many islands. Not to mention the border between sea and land was too ugly and uneven. You will notice how I was unable to separate Argus and Gael? Which is why, if we are ever to see a TWI mod, we will need a greyscale map of TWI that is 4096 x 2048 in dimension.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/276069920901431318/620632986018119691/provinces1.png

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/276069920901431318/620632422790332439/provinces2.png

The provinces map. The provinces were generated by AI. It depends on the map; which is why some places like Townside and Norstham or Roendavar and Scantarbia unfortunately are shown as wastelands. I believe the greyscale map will fix this issue.

What map did you use as a base for that one? The reason the land-sea borders are inaccurate is because you're using more than one pixel width for them. It needs to be as thin as possible. And if you based the heightmap off of the same one, that's also the reason it looks like everything has sea cliffs.

Razzgriz and Athara magarat

Alteran republics

Wellsia wrote:Once you mount the 75 mm, you no longer need the CS version since it could fire HE rounds. The 2 pdr and 6 pdr only fired anti-tank rounds so needed the CS version to deal with AT guns and infantry.

6pdr fired HE, AP and a whole smörgåsbord of munitions.

Alteran republics

Will write up about the Vanguard tomorrow morning, but the 3rd Alteran tank of the IW rolls onto the field!





Alteran Armour of the Imperial War
An archive of armoured fighting vehicles during the Imperial War

As the clouds of war loomed over much of the region, the Alteran Republics - then part
of the Noronican Empire - knew it needed to be ready for the upcoming conflict. Believing strongly in
the new lessons of mobile and mechanized warfare, the fledgling nation poured an astronomical
amount of resources into the importation, development and production of armoured fighting
vehicles; many of which would go on to be exported and sold to nations around the region.

A2 Cavalry Tank 'Viking'


A2 Cavalry Tank 'Viking'


Photo of the A2M2 Viking, armed with
the reliable 2 pounder gun

Role

Light / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1936 - 1943

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The Cavalry Tank (A2), more commonly known as 'Viking', was an Alteran cavalry tank of the Imperial War. It followed directly on from the Cavalry Tank (A1). The first A2s were A1s with extra armour fitted to the turret and the hull. Later A2s were built with the complete extra armour. In addition, the A2 featured a roomier turret and more powerful engine to compensate for the extra armour. The tank was used in Altera as their main tank in the 1940s, but was quickly sidelined to reconnaissance and defense duties when more advanced vehicles became available. In total, over 300 of these tanks were built in Altera, and many more around the region.

Development and Design


In the years leading up to the outbreak of war, many nations around the region were fully aware that a global conflict was on the cards - and that a significant proportion of the conflict would feature armoured combat. How and where these tanks would be used was still an unknown, but many nations were beginning to opt various doctrines; Altera choosing a focus on mobility and exploiting breakthroughs. The vast majority of the work would be undertaken by light, well armed vehicles that would quickly exploit breaks in the line, outflank and encircle enemy positions. The cavalry tank was to feature heavily in this line of thinking.

The Cavalry Tank (A2) 'Viking' was the second tank to be developed within Altera to fit in with this doctrine. The nation knew that, despite being the jewel in the crown of the Noronican Empire, they could not rely on Noronica reinforcements arriving swiftly in the event of an invasion. Additionally, there was a strong possibility that - if Alteran and Noronica waters remained patrolled and safe from invasion - Altera's colonial masters would call upon an expeditionary force from Altera to be deployed overseas. Therefore, it was decided that the nation should prioritise on domestic production.

With a prototype tank featuring Christie suspension imported in the 1930s, work on an Alteran vehicle began swiftly. Despite some opposition from within the Curia and war-deniers, the project went ahead with the first prototype tested in 1938. Originally only armed with a water cooled .303 machine gun, it was quickly replaced with a 2 pounder, 40 mm, anti-tank gun. As the war went on, this was replaced with the more potent 6 pounder gun. It would remain in this configuration until the end of the war.

In the outbreak of war, the tank performed admirably, with crews adoring the layout and hard-hitting main gun. However, after two years of fighting, it was clear that - even with the 6 pounder upgrade - the tank was becoming obsolete. It was quickly pulled from frontline service as newer and more advanced designs became available and was kept to reserve, training and reconnaissance duties. Excess stock was eventually sold on to other nations or for strap.

Variants


'Viking' A2M1

First production version, fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Viking' A2M2

Second production version, same armament as A2M1, but with a larger and better armoured turret with a new internal layout.

'Viking' A2M3

Third production version, fitted with the powerful 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A2M1 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A2M2 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A2M3 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A3 Cavalry Tank 'Valkyrs'


A3 Cavalry Tank 'Valkyrs'


Photo of the A3M3 Viking, note the use
of riveting instead of welding

Role

Light / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1939 - 1946

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The Cavalry Tank (A3), more commonly known as 'Valkyrs', was a Alteran Cavalry tank of the Imperial War. The Valkyrs was the second cavalry tank design to be given a name. Designed by the Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.) and Talbot Engineering Works as a better-armoured replacement for the the Viking A2 Cavalry tank, it was ordered into production in 1940, despite some early issues with its engine. Whilst problems with the design began to spiral after the first variants rolled off the production line, they were quickly rectified with subsequent variants and quick-fixes.

Development and Design


With the successful deployment of the A2 Viking, designers learned valuable design and engineering lessons from their first two vehicles and were extremely confident when the Alteran government issued a request for an up-armoured and more mobile armoured vehicle to compliment and eventually replace A2. The designers at Talbot and A.M.C. quickly got to work, swiftly developing the A3 Valkyrs design - which was a rapid departure from the previous A1 and A2 designs.

Featuring a wider, but lower hull, the tank had - for the time - a very small silhouette which was hoped to make the vehicle a difficult target to hit. Another departure from the A2 design philosophy was the use of welding to join the various portions of the vehicle - eliminating the need for an internal frame and thus saving significant weight. Whilst Talbot, more accustomed to riveting, grumbled at the design - welders from Noronica and Altera's ship building industry were drafted in to - at first assemble - then teach the workers welding techniques to use on production of the vehicles.

With angled frontal and turret armour, crews like the vehicle for its protection against anti-tank rounds - even if it was at the cost of comfortable and internal space. Early versions gave the vehicle an effective armour rating of around 1.3 inches of armour (30 mm), though later models would nearly double this to 2.2 inches of effective armour by 1943. The turret was based upon the A2M2 turret, though enlarged to accommodate room for the 6 pounder gun and extra ammunition.

The tank would enter service in 1939, romping across the battlefield alongside its rapidly ageing A2 siblings. In 1943, A.M.C. authorised the production of a riveted version of the A3 in a bid to save time and material - claiming that the rivets made the tank easier to repair and quicker to produce. Despite there being no real difference in production times (as the assembly to the frame took as long as it did to weld plates together), production of this variant would last less than a year. The A3M4 (commonly known as the 'Whore' or the 'Plated Bastard') was widely disliked by Alteran crews, but was popular with nations wanting to build their own vehicles, but lacking the capacity for large scale production of welded vehicles. The A3 would remain in service until 1946, when it was eventually replaced with the A5 Vampire and A6 Valour cavalry and light tanks.

Variants


'Valkyrs' A3M1

First production version, fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Valkyrs' A3M2

Second production version, same armament as A2M1, but now fitted with a 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Valkyrs' A3M3

Third production version, uprated engine and increased armour protection of the hull. Fitted with 75mm gun.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 CS

As third production version, fitted with a 3 inch howizter for close support.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 ARV

As third production version, with turret removed to act as an armoured recovery vehicle.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 BL

As third production version, with turret removed to act as vehicle mounted and operated bridge layer - 34 feet (10 m) long and 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) wide.

'Valkyrs' A3M4

Fourth production version, uprated engine and increased armour protection of the hull. Limited production. Chassis and turret was riveted to an internal frame.

'Valkyrs' A3M5 Exp

Fifth experimental version, saw limited production. Fitted with new turret to accommodate 77m gun, a shortened version of the 17 pounder. Scrapped in favour of A5 and A6 vehicles.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A3M1 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A3M2 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A3M3 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A4 Cavalry Tank 'Vanguard'


A4 Cavalry Tank 'Vanguard'


Photo of the A4M1 Vanguard (Prototype),
armed with the reliable 2 pounder gun

Role

Medium / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1943 - 1952

Primary Users

Alteran republics

Whilst the A2 and A3 performed admirably in the early years of the Imperial War, feedback from the frontlines and Armoured Corps commanders was simple: the tanks worked - but they needed something heavy, better armoured, just as fast and with a wider range of gun options. Development of the A4 began as far back as 1938, but most of its credible development took place in the early 1940s. When the first units rolled off the production line and saw active service in late 1943, it soon became clear that the Alterans had stumbled onto a winning design. The Vanguard lived up to its name, able to charge into combat, take considerable punishment and, thanks to its 77mm and 17 pounder gun variants - not many tanks could survive an engagement with the vehicle.

Development and Design


With the A4 tank project arriving at a relatively late juncture in the Alteran munitions program there were no available facilities equipped to roll armored plate in the thicknesses required. An innovative solution was devised in order to counter this problem. A.M.C. and Talbot would instead cast the whole hull in six sections which would be bolted or welded together to form a rigid whole. Talbot, being ship builders, naturally wanted to bolt the section together. However, given the similar rivet vs. welding debate that arose during the development of the A3, the order was given for the tank to be welded. Additionally, as the supply of nickel, typically used in cast armour, were earmarked as critical war resources and thus unavailable, Alteran scientists had to search for an alternative.

To deal with the nickel problem metallurgists at Halbot Centre for Applied Sciences (H.C.A.S.) developed a new armored steel formula, Alteran Bulletproof Plate 4 (ABP4), utilising zirconium in place of nickel. Zirconium was chosen due to Altera possessing some of the world’s largest readily available stocks of naturally occurring zircon sand - though these deposits were largely found in the then-fought over regions in the south of the country.

The suspension changed configuration during the development stage, with prototype vehicles having a trailing return roller, and production vehicles having the return roller on top. The A4 was designed to be able to use either locally produced steel tracks of a similar configuration to those used on the Alteran A3 and allied Noronican tanks or alternatively locally sourced rubber block tracks.

The turret was fully cast with a 54 inch (1.37 m) turret ring, very similar to earlier cavalry tanks, and the hull kept a low profile as intended. Armament was initially similar to earlier tanks, with the 2-pounder as the main armament - however this was quickly changed to the 6-pounder in production vehicles. Another curious design choice in the development of the tank was the inclusion of a water-cooled machine gun located in the front hull - which was encased in a heavy steel housing - earning the tank an unfortunate nickname of "Spotted Richard" until it was replaced with an air-cooled machine gun (which itself was dropped from the A4M4 and M5 designs).

Variants


'Vanguard' A4M1 (Prototype)

First version (prototype), fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Vanguard' A4M1

First production version, same configuration as the A4M1 Prototype, fitted with the 2 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M2

Second production version, same configuration as the A4M1, fitted with the "Little John" adaptor for the 2 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M3

Third production version, same configuration as the A4M1/2, fitted with the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M4-17 "Knight"

Modified version of the A4M3, mounting a devastating 17 pounder anti-tank gun and a modified turret.

'Vanguard II' A4M5

Fifth production version. Featured new "Vanguard II" turret, increased frontal armour and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard II' A4M6

Sixth production version. Featured new "Vanguard II" turret and the 77mm anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard II' A4M6*

Modified version of the A4M6. Mounted with the 17 pounder anti-tank gun and was used extensively as a late war tank hunter, or supporting tank platoons with a more potent anti-tank capability.

'Vanguard II' A4M5/DG

Modified version of the A4M5, mounting a devastating 25 pounder "demolition gun". Used extensively by engineers for demolition, but also drafted in for tank-to-tank/pillbox combat.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A4M1 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M2 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M3 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M4 A4M4-17 'Knight-Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M5 'Vanguard II'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M6 'Vanguard II'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A5 Cavalry Tank 'Vampire'


A5 Cavalry Tank 'Vampire'


Original b/w photo of a late production
A5M5 'Vampire' cavalry tank

Role

Medium / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics

Manufacturer

Ludlum Carriage Works (L.C.W.)

Designer

Consortium

In service

1938 - 1950

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The A5 'Vampire', or more commonly known as the 'Vamp', was a vehicle that was rushed through production and into service - but it ended up being one of the most reliable and steadfast vehicles employed by the Alteran military. To reduce costs and complexity, the Vampire's lower part was almost identical to the A2 Viking cavalry tank designs. The engine was also the same, as well as the transmission, drivetrain, steering, tracks, and roadwheels, but the upper hull was lowered, and the specially designed turret was more compact and also lowered.

This rushed set of specifications resulted in a compact, if cramped design, easier to protect. Although by the middle of the war, the armour would prove inadequate and required a series of modifications to protect the vehicle, at the beginning of the Imperial War is was on par with most other tanks of its class. Initially, the Council for Defense were deeply concerned at the size of the original turret, which only allowed for two crew. They would have preferred a three-man turret to allow the commander to be fully cleared of other tasks. But, by 1939, war was looming and the design was finally approved in a stroke in April, in exchange for a fast delivery schedule. The vehicle began mass production and, included all its subsequent upgrades and variants, would become one of the most produced Alteran tanks of the war.

Development and Design


To reduce the complexity of the vehicle, the general vehicle layout was straightforward, with a clear compartmentalization in three sections, the driver, fighting and engine compartments. The transmission was short, directly connected to the drive sprockets at the rear, keeping the hull as low as possible. The driver was located at the front center, along with all the steering levers and clutches, which acted on control rods running through the entire length of the hull to the rear gearbox. The driver had good peripheral vision through a direct vision port and two periscopes. Access was possible through two hatches (one per side), and a small escape hatch behind his seat. The early two-man turret had a cylindrical shape, made of rolled plates, with a squared bulkhead protecting the mantle at the front and a short rear basket.

The gun was positioned just between the gunner (left) and the commander (right), who also loaded it. When the new turret was introduced with the A4M3, the commander was relocated further back, which allowed for the accommodation of a gunner to the vehicle.

The A5M1 set the tone for the entire series of six main variants, with many sub-variants, and a staggering total an excess of 6,000 units. The main armament and turret design, as well as the engine and protection, were continuously improved while keeping the same general appearance until the end of the war. The A5M1 was recognizable by its original two-man turret and 2-pdr gun; perfectly adequate for the outbreak of war, but it was quickly superseded by more powerful armour protection and anti-tank gun weaponry. In the M1 and M2 turret designs, the crew was formed of only three men due to the cramped interior, and the commander was also busy acting as gun loader, machine-gunner and radio operator. The production was rushed to such a point that many problems were later detected and fixed with the next set of variants. The original main engine was the Rowlands A183 petrol delivering only 135 hp, and the hull was a mixture of riveting and castings.

Since the 2-pounder was found inadequate against the opposition tanks of 1942, Alteran engineers worked frantically on a way to adapt the much more massive, long-barrel 6-pounder into the cramped M3 turret. The A5M4 received the Alteran Rowlands A190 diesel, but the A4M3 retained the Rowlands A183 petrol engine, which was upgraded towards the end of the production in 1942, now giving 160 hp. The M4 was also the viest variant to be made of entirely cast and welded parts, doing away with the earlier rivetted design.

Variants


'Vampire' A5M1 (Prototype)

The first version (prototype), fitted with a .303 medium machine gun in the Mk.I turret.

'Vampire' A5M1

The first production version, fitted with the 2 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret.

'Vampire' A5M2

A production version of the A8M1, fitted with a slightly modified Rowlands engine, as well as mountings to allow for full side-skirts.

'Vampire' A5M3

Third production version, fitted with a modified Mk.II turret and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vampire' A5M3 CS

Close support modified version of the A5M3 version, fitted with a modified Mk.II turret and 3 inch demolition gun.

'Vampire' A5M4

Fourth production version, fitted with a Mk.III turret and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vampire' A5M4 FM

Modified version of the M4 to mount a muzzled loaded 90mm 'flame mortar', designed to fire white phosphorus shells over long ranges.

'Vampire' A5M4 'Wallaby'

Modified version of the M4 with the turret ring removed, to allow for troops to side partially enclosed. Added raised side-skirts to protect troops. Used to reposition troops whilst under fire.

'Vampire' A5M4 BL

Modified version of the M4 with the turret ring removed, fitting of light bridge-layer equipment, allowing trucks and similar class vehicles to pass over up to 10 metre gaps.

'Vampire' A5M5

Fifth production version, identical to the A5M4 but featuring a redesigned front hull, allowing for more frontal armour. Also featured a short frontal side-skirt as standard.

'Vampire' A5M6

Modified version of the M5 production version, fitted with a Quick Fire 75mm anti-tank gun.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A5M1 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M2 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M3 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M4 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M5 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M6 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A8 Infantry Tank 'Victorious'


A8 Infantry Tank 'Victorious'


Original b/w photo of the A8M1,
shortly after final assembly in Altera

Role

Heavy / Infantry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics

Manufacturer

Ludlum Carriage Works (L.C.W.)

Designer

Consortium

In service

1944 - 1950

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The A8 Victorious, commonly referred to as a Victorious, Victoria or Vicky, was a the final product, and the first to be fielded Infantry tank design. The so-called "Infantry Tank" was designed as a heavier vehicle, featuring better armour and firepower than vehicles such as the A4 Vanguard. It was purpose-designed as the vehicle that would breach enemy defences in the upcoming liberation of Southern Altera and then push on into enemy territory, all whilst supporting the infantry assaulting enemy defences. Whilst much slower than earlier cavalry tanks - speed was not the priority of the vehicle - rather, the ability to mount a heavy gun and substantial armour to withstand punishment.

The Victorious would go on to serve in multiple theatres across the globe, with numerous nations manufacturing their own licensed vehicles - as well as developmental improvements. It was also used as a test-bed for internationally developed A9 Valiant.

Development and Design


The A8 Victorious was an Alteran heavy infantry tank used in the First Imperial War, best known for its heavy armour, large longitudinal chassis with all-around tracks with multiple bogies, its ability to climb steep slopes, and its use as the basis of many specialist vehicles. It was one of the heaviest Allied tanks of the war.

The origins of the Victorious' design lay in the expectation that in order to break the statement on the Alteran front and liberate the south of the country, the ability to cross difficult ground under heavy fire would be required. The Victorious was hurried into production in order to build up Alteran assault forces to push through the statement along the Boucourt defence line.

The hull was made up of simple flat plates, which were bolted together in earlier models and were welded in later models. The hull was split into four compartments: the driver's position at the front, then the fighting compartment including the turret, the engine compartment, and the gearbox compartment. The suspension was fitted under the two large "panniers" on either side of the hull, the track running over the top. There were eleven bogies either side, each carrying two 10-inch wheels. Only nine of the bogies normally took the vehicle weight, the front coming into play when the vehicle nosed into the ground or against an obstacle, the rear acting in part as a track tensioner. Due to the number of wheels, the tank could survive losing several without much in the way of adverse effects as well as traversing steeper terrain obstacles. As the tracks ran around the panniers, escape hatches in the side could be incorporated into the design. These were retained throughout the revisions of the Victorious and were of particular use when the Victorious was adopted as the AVRE.

The Victorious was used by Alteran and other Free Powers forces during the Alteran/North Argus campaigns but were retired shortly after 1950 with the development of the A9 Valiant Universal Tank.

Variants


'Victorious' A8M1 (Prototype)

The first version (prototype), fitted with the 6 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret.

'Victorious' A8M1

The first production version, fitted with the 17 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret. Hull modified from prototype to increase frontal sloped armour, increasing relative thickness to over 4 inches of rolled steel.

'Victorious' A8M1 AVRE

A production version of the A8M1, fitted with a direct-fire 25 pounder gun. Used by engineers in the demolition role.

'Victorious' A8M2

The second production version, fitted with a modified Mk.I turret and the 20 pounder anti-tank gun. Used primarily as a test-bed for the larger gun, then as a stop-gap until production of the A9 Valiant.

'Victorious' A8M2-105 "Nosferatu" (Prototype/Concept)

Post-war prototype. As with the M2, but fitted with a prototype 105mm gun. Was considered as an emergency measure to retrofit IW1 A8s with a more potent gun, to serve alongside the A9 Valiant.

'Victorious' A8M3-20 "Dracula" (Testbed)

A modified late-war version of the A8M3, mounting a devastating 20 pounder anti-tank gun. Fitted with the Mk.I turret for the A9 Valiant tank. Mainly used as a testbed for the turret.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious' (Prototype)
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious' AVRE
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M2 'Victorious'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M2-105 'Victorious' "Nosferatu"
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M3 'Victorious' "Dracula"
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



Read dispatch

Miklania and Athara magarat

Alteran republics wrote:Will write up about the Vanguard tomorrow morning, but the 3rd Alteran tank of the IW rolls onto the field!





Alteran Armour of the Imperial War
An archive of armoured fighting vehicles during the Imperial War

As the clouds of war loomed over much of the region, the Alteran Republics - then part
of the Noronican Empire - knew it needed to be ready for the upcoming conflict. Believing strongly in
the new lessons of mobile and mechanized warfare, the fledgling nation poured an astronomical
amount of resources into the importation, development and production of armoured fighting
vehicles; many of which would go on to be exported and sold to nations around the region.

A2 Cavalry Tank 'Viking'


A2 Cavalry Tank 'Viking'


Photo of the A2M2 Viking, armed with
the reliable 2 pounder gun

Role

Light / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1936 - 1943

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The Cavalry Tank (A2), more commonly known as 'Viking', was an Alteran cavalry tank of the Imperial War. It followed directly on from the Cavalry Tank (A1). The first A2s were A1s with extra armour fitted to the turret and the hull. Later A2s were built with the complete extra armour. In addition, the A2 featured a roomier turret and more powerful engine to compensate for the extra armour. The tank was used in Altera as their main tank in the 1940s, but was quickly sidelined to reconnaissance and defense duties when more advanced vehicles became available. In total, over 300 of these tanks were built in Altera, and many more around the region.

Development and Design


In the years leading up to the outbreak of war, many nations around the region were fully aware that a global conflict was on the cards - and that a significant proportion of the conflict would feature armoured combat. How and where these tanks would be used was still an unknown, but many nations were beginning to opt various doctrines; Altera choosing a focus on mobility and exploiting breakthroughs. The vast majority of the work would be undertaken by light, well armed vehicles that would quickly exploit breaks in the line, outflank and encircle enemy positions. The cavalry tank was to feature heavily in this line of thinking.

The Cavalry Tank (A2) 'Viking' was the second tank to be developed within Altera to fit in with this doctrine. The nation knew that, despite being the jewel in the crown of the Noronican Empire, they could not rely on Noronica reinforcements arriving swiftly in the event of an invasion. Additionally, there was a strong possibility that - if Alteran and Noronica waters remained patrolled and safe from invasion - Altera's colonial masters would call upon an expeditionary force from Altera to be deployed overseas. Therefore, it was decided that the nation should prioritise on domestic production.

With a prototype tank featuring Christie suspension imported in the 1930s, work on an Alteran vehicle began swiftly. Despite some opposition from within the Curia and war-deniers, the project went ahead with the first prototype tested in 1938. Originally only armed with a water cooled .303 machine gun, it was quickly replaced with a 2 pounder, 40 mm, anti-tank gun. As the war went on, this was replaced with the more potent 6 pounder gun. It would remain in this configuration until the end of the war.

In the outbreak of war, the tank performed admirably, with crews adoring the layout and hard-hitting main gun. However, after two years of fighting, it was clear that - even with the 6 pounder upgrade - the tank was becoming obsolete. It was quickly pulled from frontline service as newer and more advanced designs became available and was kept to reserve, training and reconnaissance duties. Excess stock was eventually sold on to other nations or for strap.

Variants


'Viking' A2M1

First production version, fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Viking' A2M2

Second production version, same armament as A2M1, but with a larger and better armoured turret with a new internal layout.

'Viking' A2M3

Third production version, fitted with the powerful 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A2M1 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A2M2 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A2M3 'Viking'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A3 Cavalry Tank 'Valkyrs'


A3 Cavalry Tank 'Valkyrs'


Photo of the A3M3 Viking, note the use
of riveting instead of welding

Role

Light / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1939 - 1946

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The Cavalry Tank (A3), more commonly known as 'Valkyrs', was a Alteran Cavalry tank of the Imperial War. The Valkyrs was the second cavalry tank design to be given a name. Designed by the Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.) and Talbot Engineering Works as a better-armoured replacement for the the Viking A2 Cavalry tank, it was ordered into production in 1940, despite some early issues with its engine. Whilst problems with the design began to spiral after the first variants rolled off the production line, they were quickly rectified with subsequent variants and quick-fixes.

Development and Design


With the successful deployment of the A2 Viking, designers learned valuable design and engineering lessons from their first two vehicles and were extremely confident when the Alteran government issued a request for an up-armoured and more mobile armoured vehicle to compliment and eventually replace A2. The designers at Talbot and A.M.C. quickly got to work, swiftly developing the A3 Valkyrs design - which was a rapid departure from the previous A1 and A2 designs.

Featuring a wider, but lower hull, the tank had - for the time - a very small silhouette which was hoped to make the vehicle a difficult target to hit. Another departure from the A2 design philosophy was the use of welding to join the various portions of the vehicle - eliminating the need for an internal frame and thus saving significant weight. Whilst Talbot, more accustomed to riveting, grumbled at the design - welders from Noronica and Altera's ship building industry were drafted in to - at first assemble - then teach the workers welding techniques to use on production of the vehicles.

With angled frontal and turret armour, crews like the vehicle for its protection against anti-tank rounds - even if it was at the cost of comfortable and internal space. Early versions gave the vehicle an effective armour rating of around 1.3 inches of armour (30 mm), though later models would nearly double this to 2.2 inches of effective armour by 1943. The turret was based upon the A2M2 turret, though enlarged to accommodate room for the 6 pounder gun and extra ammunition.

The tank would enter service in 1939, romping across the battlefield alongside its rapidly ageing A2 siblings. In 1943, A.M.C. authorised the production of a riveted version of the A3 in a bid to save time and material - claiming that the rivets made the tank easier to repair and quicker to produce. Despite there being no real difference in production times (as the assembly to the frame took as long as it did to weld plates together), production of this variant would last less than a year. The A3M4 (commonly known as the 'Whore' or the 'Plated Bastard') was widely disliked by Alteran crews, but was popular with nations wanting to build their own vehicles, but lacking the capacity for large scale production of welded vehicles. The A3 would remain in service until 1946, when it was eventually replaced with the A5 Vampire and A6 Valour cavalry and light tanks.

Variants


'Valkyrs' A3M1

First production version, fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Valkyrs' A3M2

Second production version, same armament as A2M1, but now fitted with a 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Valkyrs' A3M3

Third production version, uprated engine and increased armour protection of the hull. Fitted with 75mm gun.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 CS

As third production version, fitted with a 3 inch howizter for close support.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 ARV

As third production version, with turret removed to act as an armoured recovery vehicle.

'Valkyrs' A3M3 BL

As third production version, with turret removed to act as vehicle mounted and operated bridge layer - 34 feet (10 m) long and 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) wide.

'Valkyrs' A3M4

Fourth production version, uprated engine and increased armour protection of the hull. Limited production. Chassis and turret was riveted to an internal frame.

'Valkyrs' A3M5 Exp

Fifth experimental version, saw limited production. Fitted with new turret to accommodate 77m gun, a shortened version of the 17 pounder. Scrapped in favour of A5 and A6 vehicles.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A3M1 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A3M2 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A3M3 'Valkyrs'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A4 Cavalry Tank 'Vanguard'


A4 Cavalry Tank 'Vanguard'


Photo of the A4M1 Vanguard (Prototype),
armed with the reliable 2 pounder gun

Role

Medium / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics
Noronica

Manufacturer

Alteran Motor-Carriage Company (A.M.C.)
Talbot Engineering Works

Designer

Consortium

In service

1943 - 1952

Primary Users

Alteran republics

Whilst the A2 and A3 performed admirably in the early years of the Imperial War, feedback from the frontlines and Armoured Corps commanders was simple: the tanks worked - but they needed something heavy, better armoured, just as fast and with a wider range of gun options. Development of the A4 began as far back as 1938, but most of its credible development took place in the early 1940s. When the first units rolled off the production line and saw active service in late 1943, it soon became clear that the Alterans had stumbled onto a winning design. The Vanguard lived up to its name, able to charge into combat, take considerable punishment and, thanks to its 77mm and 17 pounder gun variants - not many tanks could survive an engagement with the vehicle.

Development and Design


With the A4 tank project arriving at a relatively late juncture in the Alteran munitions program there were no available facilities equipped to roll armored plate in the thicknesses required. An innovative solution was devised in order to counter this problem. A.M.C. and Talbot would instead cast the whole hull in six sections which would be bolted or welded together to form a rigid whole. Talbot, being ship builders, naturally wanted to bolt the section together. However, given the similar rivet vs. welding debate that arose during the development of the A3, the order was given for the tank to be welded. Additionally, as the supply of nickel, typically used in cast armour, were earmarked as critical war resources and thus unavailable, Alteran scientists had to search for an alternative.

To deal with the nickel problem metallurgists at Halbot Centre for Applied Sciences (H.C.A.S.) developed a new armored steel formula, Alteran Bulletproof Plate 4 (ABP4), utilising zirconium in place of nickel. Zirconium was chosen due to Altera possessing some of the world’s largest readily available stocks of naturally occurring zircon sand - though these deposits were largely found in the then-fought over regions in the south of the country.

The suspension changed configuration during the development stage, with prototype vehicles having a trailing return roller, and production vehicles having the return roller on top. The A4 was designed to be able to use either locally produced steel tracks of a similar configuration to those used on the Alteran A3 and allied Noronican tanks or alternatively locally sourced rubber block tracks.

The turret was fully cast with a 54 inch (1.37 m) turret ring, very similar to earlier cavalry tanks, and the hull kept a low profile as intended. Armament was initially similar to earlier tanks, with the 2-pounder as the main armament - however this was quickly changed to the 6-pounder in production vehicles. Another curious design choice in the development of the tank was the inclusion of a water-cooled machine gun located in the front hull - which was encased in a heavy steel housing - earning the tank an unfortunate nickname of "Spotted Richard" until it was replaced with an air-cooled machine gun (which itself was dropped from the A4M4 and M5 designs).

Variants


'Vanguard' A4M1 (Prototype)

First version (prototype), fitted with 2 pounder anti-tank gun, wireless radio and three air-cooled .280 Alteran machine guns (hull, co-axial and turret ring).

'Vanguard' A4M1

First production version, same configuration as the A4M1 Prototype, fitted with the 2 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M2

Second production version, same configuration as the A4M1, fitted with the "Little John" adaptor for the 2 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M3

Third production version, same configuration as the A4M1/2, fitted with the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard' A4M4-17 "Knight"

Modified version of the A4M3, mounting a devastating 17 pounder anti-tank gun and a modified turret.

'Vanguard II' A4M5

Fifth production version. Featured new "Vanguard II" turret, increased frontal armour and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard II' A4M6

Sixth production version. Featured new "Vanguard II" turret and the 77mm anti-tank gun.

'Vanguard II' A4M6*

Modified version of the A4M6. Mounted with the 17 pounder anti-tank gun and was used extensively as a late war tank hunter, or supporting tank platoons with a more potent anti-tank capability.

'Vanguard II' A4M5/DG

Modified version of the A4M5, mounting a devastating 25 pounder "demolition gun". Used extensively by engineers for demolition, but also drafted in for tank-to-tank/pillbox combat.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A4M1 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M2 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M3 'Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M4 A4M4-17 'Knight-Vanguard'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M5 'Vanguard II'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A4M6 'Vanguard II'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A5 Cavalry Tank 'Vampire'


A5 Cavalry Tank 'Vampire'


Original b/w photo of a late production
A5M5 'Vampire' cavalry tank

Role

Medium / Cavalry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics

Manufacturer

Ludlum Carriage Works (L.C.W.)

Designer

Consortium

In service

1938 - 1950

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The A5 'Vampire', or more commonly known as the 'Vamp', was a vehicle that was rushed through production and into service - but it ended up being one of the most reliable and steadfast vehicles employed by the Alteran military. To reduce costs and complexity, the Vampire's lower part was almost identical to the A2 Viking cavalry tank designs. The engine was also the same, as well as the transmission, drivetrain, steering, tracks, and roadwheels, but the upper hull was lowered, and the specially designed turret was more compact and also lowered.

This rushed set of specifications resulted in a compact, if cramped design, easier to protect. Although by the middle of the war, the armour would prove inadequate and required a series of modifications to protect the vehicle, at the beginning of the Imperial War is was on par with most other tanks of its class. Initially, the Council for Defense were deeply concerned at the size of the original turret, which only allowed for two crew. They would have preferred a three-man turret to allow the commander to be fully cleared of other tasks. But, by 1939, war was looming and the design was finally approved in a stroke in April, in exchange for a fast delivery schedule. The vehicle began mass production and, included all its subsequent upgrades and variants, would become one of the most produced Alteran tanks of the war.

Development and Design


To reduce the complexity of the vehicle, the general vehicle layout was straightforward, with a clear compartmentalization in three sections, the driver, fighting and engine compartments. The transmission was short, directly connected to the drive sprockets at the rear, keeping the hull as low as possible. The driver was located at the front center, along with all the steering levers and clutches, which acted on control rods running through the entire length of the hull to the rear gearbox. The driver had good peripheral vision through a direct vision port and two periscopes. Access was possible through two hatches (one per side), and a small escape hatch behind his seat. The early two-man turret had a cylindrical shape, made of rolled plates, with a squared bulkhead protecting the mantle at the front and a short rear basket.

The gun was positioned just between the gunner (left) and the commander (right), who also loaded it. When the new turret was introduced with the A4M3, the commander was relocated further back, which allowed for the accommodation of a gunner to the vehicle.

The A5M1 set the tone for the entire series of six main variants, with many sub-variants, and a staggering total an excess of 6,000 units. The main armament and turret design, as well as the engine and protection, were continuously improved while keeping the same general appearance until the end of the war. The A5M1 was recognizable by its original two-man turret and 2-pdr gun; perfectly adequate for the outbreak of war, but it was quickly superseded by more powerful armour protection and anti-tank gun weaponry. In the M1 and M2 turret designs, the crew was formed of only three men due to the cramped interior, and the commander was also busy acting as gun loader, machine-gunner and radio operator. The production was rushed to such a point that many problems were later detected and fixed with the next set of variants. The original main engine was the Rowlands A183 petrol delivering only 135 hp, and the hull was a mixture of riveting and castings.

Since the 2-pounder was found inadequate against the opposition tanks of 1942, Alteran engineers worked frantically on a way to adapt the much more massive, long-barrel 6-pounder into the cramped M3 turret. The A5M4 received the Alteran Rowlands A190 diesel, but the A4M3 retained the Rowlands A183 petrol engine, which was upgraded towards the end of the production in 1942, now giving 160 hp. The M4 was also the viest variant to be made of entirely cast and welded parts, doing away with the earlier rivetted design.

Variants


'Vampire' A5M1 (Prototype)

The first version (prototype), fitted with a .303 medium machine gun in the Mk.I turret.

'Vampire' A5M1

The first production version, fitted with the 2 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret.

'Vampire' A5M2

A production version of the A8M1, fitted with a slightly modified Rowlands engine, as well as mountings to allow for full side-skirts.

'Vampire' A5M3

Third production version, fitted with a modified Mk.II turret and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vampire' A5M3 CS

Close support modified version of the A5M3 version, fitted with a modified Mk.II turret and 3 inch demolition gun.

'Vampire' A5M4

Fourth production version, fitted with a Mk.III turret and the 6 pounder anti-tank gun.

'Vampire' A5M4 FM

Modified version of the M4 to mount a muzzled loaded 90mm 'flame mortar', designed to fire white phosphorus shells over long ranges.

'Vampire' A5M4 'Wallaby'

Modified version of the M4 with the turret ring removed, to allow for troops to side partially enclosed. Added raised side-skirts to protect troops. Used to reposition troops whilst under fire.

'Vampire' A5M4 BL

Modified version of the M4 with the turret ring removed, fitting of light bridge-layer equipment, allowing trucks and similar class vehicles to pass over up to 10 metre gaps.

'Vampire' A5M5

Fifth production version, identical to the A5M4 but featuring a redesigned front hull, allowing for more frontal armour. Also featured a short frontal side-skirt as standard.

'Vampire' A5M6

Modified version of the M5 production version, fitted with a Quick Fire 75mm anti-tank gun.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A5M1 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M2 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M3 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M4 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M5 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A5M6 'Vampire'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



A8 Infantry Tank 'Victorious'


A8 Infantry Tank 'Victorious'


Original b/w photo of the A8M1,
shortly after final assembly in Altera

Role

Heavy / Infantry Tank

National Origin

Alteran Republics

Manufacturer

Ludlum Carriage Works (L.C.W.)

Designer

Consortium

In service

1944 - 1950

Primary Users

Alteran republics

The A8 Victorious, commonly referred to as a Victorious, Victoria or Vicky, was a the final product, and the first to be fielded Infantry tank design. The so-called "Infantry Tank" was designed as a heavier vehicle, featuring better armour and firepower than vehicles such as the A4 Vanguard. It was purpose-designed as the vehicle that would breach enemy defences in the upcoming liberation of Southern Altera and then push on into enemy territory, all whilst supporting the infantry assaulting enemy defences. Whilst much slower than earlier cavalry tanks - speed was not the priority of the vehicle - rather, the ability to mount a heavy gun and substantial armour to withstand punishment.

The Victorious would go on to serve in multiple theatres across the globe, with numerous nations manufacturing their own licensed vehicles - as well as developmental improvements. It was also used as a test-bed for internationally developed A9 Valiant.

Development and Design


The A8 Victorious was an Alteran heavy infantry tank used in the First Imperial War, best known for its heavy armour, large longitudinal chassis with all-around tracks with multiple bogies, its ability to climb steep slopes, and its use as the basis of many specialist vehicles. It was one of the heaviest Allied tanks of the war.

The origins of the Victorious' design lay in the expectation that in order to break the statement on the Alteran front and liberate the south of the country, the ability to cross difficult ground under heavy fire would be required. The Victorious was hurried into production in order to build up Alteran assault forces to push through the statement along the Boucourt defence line.

The hull was made up of simple flat plates, which were bolted together in earlier models and were welded in later models. The hull was split into four compartments: the driver's position at the front, then the fighting compartment including the turret, the engine compartment, and the gearbox compartment. The suspension was fitted under the two large "panniers" on either side of the hull, the track running over the top. There were eleven bogies either side, each carrying two 10-inch wheels. Only nine of the bogies normally took the vehicle weight, the front coming into play when the vehicle nosed into the ground or against an obstacle, the rear acting in part as a track tensioner. Due to the number of wheels, the tank could survive losing several without much in the way of adverse effects as well as traversing steeper terrain obstacles. As the tracks ran around the panniers, escape hatches in the side could be incorporated into the design. These were retained throughout the revisions of the Victorious and were of particular use when the Victorious was adopted as the AVRE.

The Victorious was used by Alteran and other Free Powers forces during the Alteran/North Argus campaigns but were retired shortly after 1950 with the development of the A9 Valiant Universal Tank.

Variants


'Victorious' A8M1 (Prototype)

The first version (prototype), fitted with the 6 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret.

'Victorious' A8M1

The first production version, fitted with the 17 pounder anti-tank gun and Mk.I turret. Hull modified from prototype to increase frontal sloped armour, increasing relative thickness to over 4 inches of rolled steel.

'Victorious' A8M1 AVRE

A production version of the A8M1, fitted with a direct-fire 25 pounder gun. Used by engineers in the demolition role.

'Victorious' A8M2

The second production version, fitted with a modified Mk.I turret and the 20 pounder anti-tank gun. Used primarily as a test-bed for the larger gun, then as a stop-gap until production of the A9 Valiant.

'Victorious' A8M2-105 "Nosferatu" (Prototype/Concept)

Post-war prototype. As with the M2, but fitted with a prototype 105mm gun. Was considered as an emergency measure to retrofit IW1 A8s with a more potent gun, to serve alongside the A9 Valiant.

'Victorious' A8M3-20 "Dracula" (Testbed)

A modified late-war version of the A8M3, mounting a devastating 20 pounder anti-tank gun. Fitted with the Mk.I turret for the A9 Valiant tank. Mainly used as a testbed for the turret.

Liveries



Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious' (Prototype)
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M1 'Victorious' AVRE
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M2 'Victorious'
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M2-105 'Victorious' "Nosferatu"
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force


Alteran republics' A8M3 'Victorious' "Dracula"
of the Royal Alteran Defence Force



Read dispatch

Is that the Australian Sentinel tank?

OwO

Alteran republics, Brulafi, and Aizcona

Miklania wrote:Is that the Australian Sentinel tank?

Looks like a Sentinel or maybe the British Crusader

Athara magarat

Verdon wrote:What map did you use as a base for that one? The reason the land-sea borders are inaccurate is because you're using more than one pixel width for them. It needs to be as thin as possible. And if you based the heightmap off of the same one, that's also the reason it looks like everything has sea cliffs.

Exactly. That's the problem (the provinces map show the land-sea border as being too dark and thick). Which is why I need the help of someone with cartography skills. I used this TWI physical map as base. However, CK2 modders state that greyscale map should be used.

Sir, could you provide a greyscale map of TWI that is 4096 x 2048 in dimension with Color 96 as the thin land-sea border?

Dothrakia wrote:Looks like a Sentinel or maybe the British Crusader

The picture is definitely a Sentinel.

Wellsia, Alteran republics, and Brulafi

Athara magarat wrote:Exactly. That's the problem (the provinces map show the land-sea border as being too dark and thick). Which is why I need the help of someone with cartography skills. I used this TWI physical map as base. However, CK2 modders state that greyscale map should be used.

Sir, could you provide a greyscale map of TWI that is 4096 x 2048 in dimension with Color 96 as the thin land-sea border?

You must use greyscale for heightmap.
I'll see what I can do - though I'll tell you've I've already attempted this for eu4 - complete map overhauls are extremely tedious.

Domanania and Athara magarat

Verdon, pleasure to see you again my dude. How's it been? Polar btw.

Verdon and Athara magarat

How wide are factbooks? 1800px? I wanna make a graphic that stretches the width of the factbook





Brulafi GovOnline
Operations and Technology Directorate,
Central Intelligence Bureau





Brulafi Revolutionary Defense Force





Uh-oh, stinky!


Personnel




Funny poop!


Engagements




Haha, poopy!


Mission




I made a poopoo, funny!


Read dispatch

Do these six branches look good, too, or should I ditch the gendarmerie

I mean why is Special Operations Command a branch of the military of the same accord as the Army and Navy and Airforce and what is the People's Gendarmerie? Is that like a national guard or militia? If so would that fall better under the army?

Aizcona wrote:I mean why is Special Operations Command a branch of the military of the same accord as the Army and Navy and Airforce and what is the People's Gendarmerie? Is that like a national guard or militia? If so would that fall better under the army?

I was going off of the Special Operations Command of Russia, which is its own branch, and the Gendarmerie is its own branch in several countries such as Argentina. (The People's Gendarmerie is just a Gendarmerie.)

I might replace SOC with a medical corps, actually, since some countries have an independent branch for that.

Brulafi wrote:I was going off of the Special Operations Command of Russia, which is its own branch, and the Gendarmerie is its own branch in several countries such as Argentina. (The People's Gendarmerie is just a Gendarmerie.)

I might replace SOC with a medical corps, actually, since some countries have an independent branch for that.

Ah, then understandable

Brulafi

Brulafi wrote:I was going off of the Special Operations Command of Russia, which is its own branch, and the Gendarmerie is its own branch in several countries such as Argentina. (The People's Gendarmerie is just a Gendarmerie.)

I might replace SOC with a medical corps, actually, since some countries have an independent branch for that.

Whether or not services get status as an independent, co-equal branch is entirely a matter of politics. Many countries whose governments came to power through a revolution (9/10 commies) or a military coups tend to have their services split into multiple branches with competing turf, to prevent one from being too powerful. Not being overthrown is a big concern for people who came to be where they are by overthrowing somebody. For examples, look at Russia and their menagerie of security branches, many of which used to be centralized under one roof, located at 2 Dzerzhinsky Square, Moscow Centre. Around here you can look to Thuzbekistan, whose Army is mistrusted by the civilian government for a variety of reasons. To counterbalance them he has a large and powerful Navy and Marine Corps, and an Air Force split into two different parts: one with small fighters and ground attack planes to closely support the Army and the other with fighter-interceptors and boatloads of SAMs to manage the air defense of the country. Guess who would win if the less politically reliable members of the Army decided to be 'anti-social'.

In countries with less cutthroat politics, the general rule that it's all political still holds true. For instance, look at the creation of the US Air Force, and the hullabaloo this caused in Washington. Competition for precious budget dollars is usually what they fight over. In the USAF case, the Army relinquishing its control over the land based air forces resulted in the Navy having a conniption: the infamous "Revolt of the Admirals". Essentially the new Air Force, no longer under the watchful eye of the Army, was free to pursue its mission of winning every war from the air. That meant they needed lots and lots of bombers. Lots and lots of bombers costs a lot of money. The only place to get more money since they'd already taken a goodly portion of the Army's budget with them was in the Navy's budget. They suggested totally scrapping carriers, almost all naval aviation, handing what was left of it over to the Air Force to manage, and relegating the fleet to convoy protection to support the occupation forces that waltz in after the heroic flyboys nuked the enemy into submission. No exaggeration. That was the plan. The Navy was not amused. Political shenanigans ensued, admirals went to the press, bureaucratically sabotaged things, and threatened to resign publicly. Fortunately for the country, they won, and military strategy for the rest of the 20th century was not "bomb them to ashes then send in some soldiers to mop up". A slightly better attempt to prevent this sort of thing from happening after the Imperial War is why the Miklanian Air Force is still part of the Army. And even then, come budget season it tends to be the Army and Navy fighting side by side to stop the air power lobby from carrying away all the pie. Which would obviously lead, in short order, to the end of civilization.

Athara magarat, Almorea, and Brulafi

Miklania wrote:Snip, but out of love

Wow, this was actually super cool and taught me a lot of stuff I didn't know! Thanks! In Brulafi, I think the idea was that there's ground-attack attached to each Army brigade, and naval aircraft attached to the Navy. The Air Force itself controls interceptors and SAMs/radar installations/other air defense stuff, as well as logistics for long-distance units. Also, the Navy has the Naval Infantry, and paratroopers are technically part of the Air Force, so I suppose that could be our own measure to prevent a branch-based revolt: each of the major branches has both ground and air capabilities to balance the others.

Something something checks and balances

Athara magarat

Miklania wrote:-snip-

"The Soviets are our adversary. Our enemy is the Navy."

— Curtis LeMay, General, US Air Force

Miklania, Wellsia, Almorea, and Brulafi

Athara magarat

Miklania

nation=athara_magarat/detail=factbook/id=504940

Say, I can still have the hangates having their own paramilitary forces right?

Athara magarat wrote:

nation=athara_magarat/detail=factbook/id=504940

Say, I can still have the hangates having their own paramilitary forces right?

You're telling me psychohang has his own guys with guns?

Brulafi

Athara magarat

Ainslie wrote:You're telling me psychohang has his own guys with guns?

As mentioned in this dispatch, Athara Magarati people do not trust the army (everyone wants to blame someone and most Magaratis blame the military for past wars and disasters).

Despite the rising anti-MSTO trend, most Magarati citizens pretty much disrespect their armed forces. Magarati soldiers (excluding the fallen or traumatized individuals) are often portrayed as stupid and badly equipped by the Magarati media. This is highly in sharp contrast with local paramilitary forces that considered "brave" or the "better warrior" Gurkha regiments that are part of the United Noronnican Army or the Miklanian Army. Unlike Magarati soldiers, these Gurkhas are regarded as smart, disciplined and professional soldiers who are among the best military units. In fact, most of the recruits in the Athara Magarat National Army are boys or girls who failed to qualify into the Noronnican Brigade of Gurkhas or the Miklanian Gurkha Regiment.

But somehow they are perfectly fine with their local leaders raising "puppy legions".

Post self-deleted by Alteran republics.

Alteran republics

Miklania wrote:Is that the Australian Sentinel tank?

Slight modification of the Sentinel (as the actual turret of cramped A.F. - not as bad as the Firefly mind you ...)

I have the graphics for the Vampish and Valour - will upload them to the dispatch tonight I reckon and try get the other two drawn over the weekend.

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