Malice AW-50A2

Mass: 50 tons
Movement Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: GH PowerMaxx 230 FuelCell Plus
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armor: StarSlab Standard
Armament:
     1 Machine Gun
     1 SRM 6
     1 Large Laser
Manufacturer: TriStar Intersellar
     Primary Factory: Sherwood
Communication System: TriStar Multilink II
Targeting & Tracking System: TriStar TrackMaster III W/ ArtiSpot
Introduction Year: 3020
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-D-D-C
Cost: 1,291,458 C-bills

Overview
The Malice series of wheeled fighting vehicles began as a response to the Tennessee Star Guards requirement for a durable, effective, 50 ton tank that would have a per-unit cost of under 1 million c-bills. First developed in 3011, the Malice features a modular turret assembly similar to the Phalanx AFV, along with a rugged, simplified drivetrain and "soldier proof" electronics suite. After an initial run, it was decided to move to an all-electric drivetrain and fuel-cell power, which caused a major rethinking on the Malice's primary weapons systems. The A2 model, which premiered in 3021, replaced the autocannon with the readily available Sunglow Mk 2 large laser. While it retains the infantry bay for 2 squads, fuel connects have been added so that extended range fuel tanks can be added for extended operations instead. The B2 model replaces the Sunglow with an Holly 15 tube system, and paired Defiance B3M lasers for short range firepower. These are deployed in a 1:3 ratio with A2's, providing indirect fire and longer range reach. The B2 supersedes the original PPC-armed B1 variant, which was trialed but found that the additional firepower of it's Magna Hellstar was less advantages than hull-down indirect fire support. For close support, the C1 variant mounts a Defiance Killer Type T, same as the short lived Rommel manufacturing run on Memphis from 3020-3027, with a Defiance B3S small laser and coax machinegun in the turret. The infantry bays are converted to ammo storage in this model. Organic artillery is provided by the D1 series, with a turret mounted Thumper and GlideTrack turret stabilizers allowing for fire on the move. The D also carries a squad of infantry as a utility team. Heavier artillery support is the province of the E1 variant, which mounts lighter armor to accommodate it's massive Trolland and Trolland Sniper artillery system - the chassis was found to be unable to effectively support a turret mounted system.

Capabilities
When it was first introduced, many critics attacked the Malice for it's lack of tracks. Although a tracked vehicle does have lower ground pressure, and better all-terrain capabilities, the Malice features a modified Greene and Harvester independent suspension coupled with an automatic tyre pressure regulator, that gives it much of the terrain handling abilities of a tracked vehicle - equal to or surpassing the Vedette, with it's triple track system.

Deployment
The Malice looks to form the core of the TSG's medium and light armor units, becoming a "budget omnitank". As TriStar Interstellar owns both Memphis Motive Systems and the TriStar Guards, it is unlikely that this situation will change. Sharing the same hydrogen logistics chain, and utilizing an all-electric motive system, maintenance on the Malices is more similar to it's fusion power tracked brethren than the original -50A models.

History
The initial 50A Malice was a serviceable combat vehicle, but not a loved one. It lacked any true standout features, and it struggled to provide enough power to it's infantry bays to charge weapons and provide adequate cooling in hot environments. The A2 won over it's 'passengers' by being able to use the laser's power amplifiers as an on-demand generator, and won quick acceptance by the TSG as it's logistics train matched their primarily fusion focused plan.

Type: Malice
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Tonnage: 50
Battle Value: 714