Talk:AFOH/@comment-27015223-20151011192904

TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED NO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

IC: -DORAD Report to High Command, PROJECT STALKER-

Commodore Leader has recently proposed a concept for yet another new type of AFV and Ground Forces unit. This new unit would not be a "ground" forces unit, however, but would rather be a part of the Aerospace Fleets.

The concept in question revolves around the creation of a warp capable AFV. Analysts have concluded that with small fighter craft like our Dark Wolf being warp capable, similarly sized AFVs should also be able to have the same capability. This would allow them to deploy to remote locations with instantaneous speed. The main implication of interest, however, is the use of warp capable AFVs to board and sabotage or capture enemy aerospace capital ships.

The creation of such a vehicle and unit would mean that boarding actions, which have not been relevant to warfare since the age of sail, would see a resurgence in importance. Shipboard complements of marines, having largely been traditional or for special purposes only, would once again become a crucial component of a ship's company, only now they would be equipped with warp-capable Armored Fighting Vehicles. The modern space fleets of mighty capital ships and dashing fighters would be joined by rugged space marine tanks.

Not all is perfect about this concept however. First, the existence of warp disrupters means that as long as an enemy has these devices active, no boarding forces could warp into an enemy ship. Second, the type of warping needed for a boarding action into a maneuvering ship of limited space would require extremely precise target warping. We estimate that, on average, only about 60% of forces attempting a boarding action would be able to successfully warp into the interior of a modern capital ship, with only about 50% actually warping safely into a targeted open space such as an aircraft hangar, with the remaining 10% of the "successful 60" warping into uninhabitable areas such as a solid block of armor and thus being instantly terminated. The 40% who missed the target warp would be able to warp back to their mothership (with 99% success rate due to it being friendly, but accidents do happen) assuming their vehicles have full life support, and that they are not blown up by enemy forces before their warp drives fully charge up.

With a high attrition rate, but invaluable tactical options, it is recommended that a Warp Unit be formed as a Penal Battalion and/or be offered generous rewards upon successful completion of a boarding action. The vehicle itself would focus exclusively on riding that knife's edge of cost-effectiveness for firepower and protection, with mobility being a secondary concern. Having the vehicle be as small as possible while still having enough room for a warp drive is also an important design goal.