Malice IFV AW-41A

Mass: 40 tons
Movement Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: GH PowerMaxx 180 FuelCell Plus
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 75.6 kph
Armor: StarSlab Standard
Armament:
     1 ISCASE
     1 Machine Gun
     1 ISUltraAC5
Manufacturer: TriStar Intersellar
     Primary Factory: Sherwood
Communication System: TriStar Multilink II
Targeting & Tracking System: TriStar TrackMaster III W/ ArtiSpot
Introduction Year: 3050
Tech Rating/Availability: IS Level 4
Cost: 2.10 million 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 3030, the Malice features a modular turret assembly similar to the Phalanx, along with a rugged, simplified drivetrain and "soldier proof" electronics suite. While many were surprised to see a new vehicle produced for a relatively new merc unit, the Fourth Succession War had made TriStar Interstellar a great profit, and with demand for military goods rising, producing the Malice was seen as a good investment. Another factor in it's development was a Request for Proposal for a replacement vehicle for the umbiqitous Vedette that armed so many of the AFFS's militia armor battalions.

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 independant 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. Being a wheeled vehicle is also beneficial to it's intended market: Mercs and smaller militaries, who can't afford luxuries such as dedicated tank transports to shuttle units around a planet. The Malice can travel under it's own power, and does not rip up streets or valuable cropland like a tracked unit would. Also, millions of farmhands have repaired a G&H machine at one point in their life, making maintanance far simpler than most quartermasters would ever believe. The user-friendly nature extends to the weapons layout, as well. All weapons are mounted in a easy-to-change turret module, allowing for rapid upgrades or swapping of roles. And end-user can purchase a company of Malices with A turrets, and purchase 12 C model turrets, and be able to go from a tank destroyer company to urban defense unit in a matter of hours. The fire control systems are updated via firmware in the turret assembly, and the case-protected ammo bays are designed to accomodate everything from artillery ammunition to long-range missles. Crew comfort has made the Malice a popular mount by armor crews. In addition to the NBC-rated climate control system, the CASE protected ammo bins mean that the Malice crewmember is far more likely to survive an encouter, even if the vehicle doesn't. The Malice series features modified versions of battlemech weapon systems, as the modular turrets do not allow for a manual loader. Aside from the benefits of standardization, this allows for a smaller crew size of three(Commander, Driver, Gunner). The AW-51 upgrade is significant - moving to a Fuel Cell engine and full environmental sealing, along with a 2 ton infantry bay, transforms the Malice into a versitile IFV.

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 Tennessee Star Gurads, it is unlikely that this situation will change. The AFFS has ordered a demonstration company of AW-50's with a number of additonal turrets for possible use with March Defense units. The A model, with it's standard autocannon, is belived to be a prime choice due to it's ability to handle specialty ammunition.

Notes
The A model was released with a standard AC/10, with a SRM-6 as a back up weapon. The A1 swaps out the AC/10 for a LB series weapon with more ammo, with the A2 packs a rapidfire cannon with 2 tons additional ammo. The B series denotes missile carriers; the B packing twin Holly LRM-15 launchers with 4 tons of reloads, and the B1 with a close-range punch of 4 Hovertek Hex launchers. The AW-50C carries a Trolland and Trolland Thumper series artillery canon, providing medium armor units with integral artillery support. The C1 model packs a Trolland and Trolland Arrow IV missile artillery system.

Type: Malice IFV
Technology Base: IS Level 4
Tonnage: 40