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Ku

Armament:

1 Series 7J ER Large Laser

1 Series 1 ER Small Laser

1 Type 9 Ultra AC/10

1 Pattern JX Streak SRM 4

Manufacturer:    Various

   Location:    (Unknown)

Communications System:    Build 1685 Tacticom

Targeting & Tracking System: Series VI Integrated TTS

Overview:

         Based on the SLDF Turhan chassis, the Ku assault tank was designed with a single goal in mind: closing with the enemy and inflicting the maximum amount of damage.

Capabilities:

         Powered by a class-180 fusion plant, the Ku is capable of speeds up to 65 kph. Its wheeled drive system, however, while making excellent use of the power plant's output, limits the terrain across which the tank can pass without sustaining damage to the undercarriage to open or urban sites.
         Seven tons of the Magnum ferro-fibrous armor compound give the tank crew and systems considerable protection from enemy fire. Further, the armor is only marginally biased toward the front and sides, reflecting the fact that the vehicle is regularly used to penetrate enemy formations and so requires even its rear to be able to withstand multiple hits. As is usual for tanks, the turret possesses the least protection, but its design limits exposure to enemy fire.
         Though small, the crew compartment of the Ku provides all the facilities the driver, gunner and commander need to conduct an extended campaign in enemy territory. The cabin is fully pressurized, allowing the vehicle to operate in a vacuum or tainted atmosphere, and the commander's exit hatch serves as a compact but functional airlock. A built-in heating element allows the crew to prepare field rations, and a fold-down bunk above the gunner's position even allows the crew to sleep in shifts. Unfortunately, sanitary facilities are limited and so Ku crews have developed special procedures to prevent the atmosphere becoming unpleasant during extended campaigns.
         Offensive firepower is provided by a Series 7 extended-range large laser mounted coaxially with a Type 9 75mm autocannon. The clip-reload system for the autocannon allows the gunner to select a one- or two-round burst, giving the tank a devastating volley-fire capability. A cupola-mounted extended-range small laser provides secondary fire capabilities, as does a quad-pack short-range missile launcher mounted above the driver's position. The gunner controls all weapon systems, but secondary fire controls at the commander's position allow the tank to continue fighting even if the gunner is disabled.

Deployment

         The best-known use of the Ku occurred on Arcadia in 3002, when Clans Ghost Bear and Steel Viper clashed over control of a manufacturing complex. The Vipers considered defense of the facility a low priority and so assigned the site only a vehicle Trinary from the Ninety-third Viper Assault Cluster (The Immortals). The Viper commander chose to defend his position despite the apparent inequality of forces, and though the Vipers eventually lost control of the factory, a Star of Ku assault tanks crippled or destroyed an equal number of Ghost Bear OmniMechs.

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Type/Model:	Ku Wheeled Assault Tank
Mass:	50 tons

Equipment:		Items	Mass
Internal Structure:	25 pts Standard	0	5.00
Engine:	180 Fusion	0	7.00
Shielding & Trans Equip:		0	3.50
Cruise MP:	4
Flank MP:	6
Heat Sinks:	14 Single	0	4.00
Cockpit & Controls:		0	2.50
Crew:	4 Members	0	.00
Turret Equipment:		0	1.50
Armor Factor:	134 pts Ferro-Fibrous	1	7.00