User:The All-knowing Sith'ari/M274 Mongoose

The M274 Mongoose is a lightweight, all-terrain reconnaissance and load-carrying vehicle manufactured by AMG Transport Dynamics in use with the United Nations Space Command Defence Force.

Design
The M274 Mongoose is a four-wheel drive quad bike used for rapid reconnaissance and transportation. The driver sits in the middle of the vehicle, which sacrifices personal protection for an all-round field of view. The M274's engine system is a centrally-housed, low-profile liquid-cooled 1000cc hydrogen internal combustion engine. Hydrogen fuel is burned at very high temperature with a synthetic carbon/silicon catalyst to achieve even better fuel consumption. This hydrogen engine produces a power output that is 20% greater than that of a similar petroleum engine. The design of the engine, however, allows for the use of petroleum-based fuels if necessary, and with the use of nanoreagent hydrocarbots, virtually any form of carbon-rich matter can be broken down for fuel (current field manuals actually instruct UNSC servicemen to make use of enemy corpses to provide fuel in the event of a logistics crisis). The Mongoose can reach a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour.

The Mongoose has permanent four-wheel drive arrangement with the front two wheels steered conventionally by using a rotating handlebar arrangement. These handlebars also operate the steering brakes which act independently on each side of the vehicle giving brake steering. The M274 is built around a rectangular hollow section chassis frame of steel, which forms the entire shape of the vehicle and to which all components and attachments are fitted.

The Mongoose carries a rear platform that allows it to carry either a small amount of cargo, or a single armed passenger to provide self-defence. The Mongoose is not intended to function as an AFV, and is instead intended for reconnaissance, rapid transportation of supplies, and swift recovery of injured troops. Because it carries no armament of its own, having a passenger is usually essential if engaging in a combat zone. A smaller cousin to the ubiquitous Wheeled Armoured Tactical High-Speed Off-Road Ground Vehicle, the Mongoose is a difficult target for the enemy, as opposed to the Warthog, whose size is somewhat substantial. The Mongoose exerts low ground pressure, enabling it to traverse rough terrain whilst carrying one driver, and either one passenger or supplies.

M274 Mongoose Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle
The Mongoose ULATV was the original model of Mongoose introduced in 2523 during the Insurrection to deliver food, water and ammunition to the front line on Tribute in difficult to access areas or where larger vehicles were not suitable, effectively running alongside those who were on dismounted operations.

The ULATV was not well received by UNSC troops, who lambasted the vehicle for its low cargo capacity, lack of armour and mounted weapons, inability to tow a trailer, and inability to operate in water bodies less than seven feet deep. Commanders described the vehicle as noisy, prone to roll-over, and demanding a level of skill from its operator impossible to expect during combat conditions. The ULATV lacked a radio of its own, was not equipped with a GPS, and even lacked speed and fuel gauges. One Marine bitterly attacked the vehicle with: "The only piece of equipment more primitive is the crate it ships in".

In response to mounting criticism, the UNSC High Command ordered a redesign of the Mongoose in June 2524. However, contact with the Covenant and the outbreak of the First Great War led to the project being shelved until 2551, due to the diversion of resources to the development of warships and front-line combat vehicles.

M274A1 "Supergoose" All-Terrain Mobility Platform
The M274A1 "Supergoose" ATMP was a redesign of the Mongoose begun in 2524 but only completed in 2551 due to the resource demands of the First Great War. The body of the Mongoose was redesigned to form a hull, which enables the vehicle to float and protects the majority of mechanical components. The Supergoose is an amphibious vehicle and can travel in non-surf bodies of water at a maximum speed of twelve kilometres per hour.

The Supergoose is equipped with a radio, GPS, and gauges, and can now tow a trailer allowing it to carry large amounts of ammunition, food, and other supplies to the front line. The trailer can also fit two stretchers to evacuate two casualties at a time, thereby speeding up emergency aid. The trailer can be configured for a variety of roles, including the basic ATMP trailer; the Fork Lift Pallet Trailer, which can lift, handle and carry pallets up to 1.6 tonnes; the Self Loading Lightweight Pallet Trailer; the "Fuel Goose", which is able to carry and pump up to 1000 litres of aviation fuel, and also carries an engine start system for the aircraft and an Air Portable Fuel Container; a mounted crane; aircraft crash recovery; a radio rebroadcast station; and casualty evacuation.

The M274A1's most distinctive feature, however, is a roll cage that provides greater protection to the driver in the event of a roll-over, and also provides a mounting point for a number of weapons, including the M247H machine gun, the M247 general purpose machine gun, the MA5MG SAW, the MG460 grenade launcher, and the M19 Surface-to-Surface Missile Launcher. The roll cage can be removed if necessary.

Operators

 * United Nations Space Command