Hangar A40, Edward AFB
08:05, 18 Nov 2023
After absorbing all the information he needed, Vex then directly examined the weapon system he would choose. Fortunately, the previous team had stored some samples at Edward AFB, one of the largest USAF Air Bases located 367 miles south of San Francisco.
As soon as they arrived, Vex and Bob immediately rushed to Hangar A40, a small hangar located in a remote corner of Edward AFB. Over there, an arm dealer named Andrew Fox was already waiting for him. Vex had a few transaction through Andrew, so the two already knew each other. Without further ado Andrew brought Vex and Bob to enter the hangar.
"Welcome to TF Victory's showroom, what system would you like to see first?"
Vex calmly answered, "LAV Shorad."
"Good choice."
Wasting no time Andrew brought Vex and Bob to see an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle while giving them some explanation.
The LAV Shorad was built based on LAV-25 that served as the backbone of USMC's armored reconnaissance elements, and was combined with the simplified sensors and weapon systems on Stryker IM-Shorad.
To enable air drop from Hercules, the outer armor of LAV-25 was removed so its combat weight fell from 16.5 to 12 tons. As for sensors, fire control systems, and the other sensitive equipment, the modular type was selected so it could be easily re-packaged using an anti-impact packing and quickly re-assembled after the drop.
Scrap price for LAV-25 was USD 100 thousand, a running cost of USD 400 thousand, and another USD 1.5 million for sensors, fire control system, Chain-gun M230 30 mm, and Medium Machine Gun M240 7.62 mm.
To add the ability to fire Stinger effectively, an additional USD 3 million was required. Meanwhile, radar, digital integrated network, and the ability to fire Longbow Hellfire brought the total price to USD 18 million, or equivalent to 2 units of M1A2 Abrams.
The LAV Shorad was highly reliable for point air defense roles, such as convoy escort or hide-and-seek tactical deployment to intercept hostile flights. However, without area air defense it would not survive in a contest against high-tech adversary.
An UAV flying at an altitude of 12,000 meters could kill LAV Shorad using smart ammunition without having to worry about retaliate fire, as Stinger could only reach a target at a maximum altitude of 3800 meters to a distance of 4500 meters.
Vex turned to Andrew before saying, "Make a projection cost for three battalion of LAV Shorad, 36 units each, complete with support elements.”
"Roger."
Vex pondered for a moment before asking, "Can we install RIwP turret to M1151 Humvee, and combined it with M230, M240, and 4-cell Stinger launcher."
Andrew answered steadily, "Just a suggestion, for a combination of three weapon systems in a Humvee, it would be more cost-effective if the Stinger is replaced with Talon laser-guided rocket.
Humvees also can't generate enough electricity to power the digital network centric, so the crews can only communicate using Loud Mouth Mk.2 aka radio."
"No problem, give me the projection cost for 800 units Humvees equipped with RIwP then."
"Roger." Andrew noted down Vex's request while asking, “In the list you gave me, I did not find M1A3 Abram, M2A5 Bradley, or other heavy assets. Are you sure about that?"
Vex casually answered, “The systems I buy are far less in type, but I can assure you the nominal are much larger, so don't worry about the total value of this project."
In the concept he composed, Vex indeed only spends 30% of the budget on the main weapon systems, and spent the remaining budget on spare parts and components. However, he also drew up new budget for massive purchase of ammunition separately.
After grinning from ear to ear Andrew said, "Well, thanks then."
After the initial inspection, Andrew then took Vex to an office and a bedroom he could use while he was at Edward AFB.
---
Apartment 2701, Royal Crown Tower
22:10, 8 Dec 2023
Claire carefully compared the list assets of TF Victory and TF Amethyst, and the more she read it the more she creased her brows.
===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===
TF Victory
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Ground Combat Group
M1A3 Abrams 124 unit
M2A5 Bradley 350 unit
M270 MLRS 24 unit
M109 Paladin 48 unit
M142 HIMARS 12 unit
Caesar SPH 155 28 unit
Stryker (all variant) 840 unit
Humvee 105 unit
Air Combat Group
F-15E 18 unit
F-16/C/D 54 unit
A-10 Warthog 32 unit
AH-64E Apache 24 unit
UH-60 Blackhawk 52 unit
CH-47 Chinook 24 unit
E-3 Sentry 8 unit
C-130J Hercules 32 unit
C-17E Globemaster 12 unit
Artillery
Howitzer 105 mm 148 units
SAM Network
1 NASAM II 28 unit
===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===
TF Amethyst
Ground Combat Group
M113A3 144 unit
M142 HIMARS 12 unit
Caesar SPH 155 28 unit
LAV (all variant) 200 unit
Humvee (all variant) 2000 unit
Air Combat Group
AH-1Z Viper 16 unit
UH-1Y Venom 10 unit
CH-47 Chinook 36 unit
P-8 Poseidon 18 unit
C-130J Super Hercules 56 unit
AV-8E Harrier II 48 unit
V-22 Osprey 8 unit
Artillery
Howitzer 155 mm 72 unit
Mortar 120 mm 164 unit
Mortar 81 mm 54 unit
Mortar 60 mm 80 unit
SAM Network
Tamir ADS 24 unit
===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===
Apart from cutting down on the types of assets, Vex also cut its numbers. Judging from the statistics, TF Amethyst's combat capacity was only 30% of TF Victory's. It made Claire deeply wondered about Vex’s train of thought on it.
"Does Vex underestimate the potential adversary to be faced, or he has solid reasons for his choice?"
Without delay Claire then grabbed her smartphone and called Bob. "Bob, where's Vex?"
[We just finished talking with Raytheon’s representatives, and Mr. Vex has entered his bedroom.]
". . . "
[Do I need to wake him?]
"No, but tomorrow I want to discuss a few things with him. Make sure he has the time.”
[Understood.]
"Thanks Bob, and good night."
After disconnecting the call, Claire then typed various questions that popped up in her mind.
---
Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower
08:20, 9 Dec 2023
Claire took a deep breath before turning her laptop on and activated a two-way secure connection. The connection could only be used to send text, but its security was almost unmatched. It took 30 seconds before Claire connected to Vex, and she immediately typed.
For example, the Abrams’ engine has to be overhauled every two hours, while the chain needs to be maintenance every 300-500 km. The support for the Bradley is slightly lighter, but still too complex.
Also, the intel you provide me does not mention the presence of armored elements as a potential opponent, while the main objective of MBT deployment is to counter enemy tanks whether it is light tanks or main battle tanks.
The doctrine you are proposing also places great emphasis on speed of reaction and ease of deployment. It was something that quite difficult to fulfill by Abrams, Bradley, Paladin, or M270 MLRS, where deployment prep for a battalion-level unit takes time between 1-2 weeks.
To destroy structures with thick walls like the ones mentioned in the intel, there are many other cheaper and more practical ways other than maintaining a large number of MBTs. For example, using Hellfire from Viper.>
Why did you choose Harrier II? I don't know much about aerial combat, but I do understand that the combination of F-16 as workhorses and F-15 as heavy fighter is a very good mix of both capability and cost.>
The intel mentioned that the opponent has a slightly larger Radar Cross Section than an eagle, but its speed far exceeds the fastest eagle on earth and is almost the same as a World War II fighter. So, I wonder if the opponent is a giant bird, a small plane like a Twin Otter, or maybe it’s an F-22 Raptor flying in casual speed.
Moreover, the intel also mentioned a very small turn rate, excellent acrobatic maneuverability, and numbering in thousands. Honestly, the thought of thousands of Raptors as potential opponents give me a chill on my nape.>
I don't think there is better platform suited for that mission than the Harrier II. As for the long-range bombing mission, P-8 Poseidon can take it.>
I know Poseidon can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges, but I've never heard of Poseidon being used for bombing mission.>
And because according to the intel, the opposing side does not possess adequate air defense to take down even a helicopter, we don't need to worry they will shot down Poseidon while it carry out a bombing mission.>
In the initial phase, we don’t need to establish a dedicated airborne early warning and combat control system. Poseidon has everything we need so you don't need to maintain two fleets of aerial asset with astronomical operational costs and overlapping capabilities.>
To be honest, I also wonder why the previous team chose a platform with a combat capacity far exceeding the need in the initial phase, but not meeting the mobility, reaction speed, and ease of deployment that are deeply emphasized in the doctrine.
One more thing I don't understand. I'm sure whoever is compiling the doctrine you propose is a genius who has a real field experience, but why is the team trying to translate it so stupid.>
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