H-1 Light Battle Tank

Template:Vehicle-Current The H-1 Light Battle Tank is the premier battle tank of the Hapes Consortium, introduced in 4026 as an alternative to older and less effective tank models. It was the last vehicle still in service that was designed with the help of Charubah Industries, previously the finest heavy weapons producer of the Consortium. Today the tanks are widely used in the Royal Hapan Army, deployed alongside AT-PT walkers in planetary garrisons. The amazing speed of the vehicles make up for what it lacks in firepower and armour, enabling it to traverse the countrysides of many large Hapan worlds.

History

Background

During the Hapan civil war, the splintered Hapes Consortium saw the rapid development of massive war machines with arsenals suited for total war. Following the end of the massive cluster-wide conflict, the use of such assault vehicles greatly diminished. The Royal Hapan Army and Ministry of Defence under Grand General Harr sought funding from Lorell Hall to design a new type of patrol tank that could be mass produced and deployed to all planetary garrisons. Charubah Industries cooperated with the Royal Engineering Corps in designing the tanks.

The H-1 Light Battle Tank was not meant to imitate the SN-7 Battle Tank or any other heavy tank. It's strength does not lie in heavy armour nor overwhelming firepower. Its operators know that its biggest advantage over other constructions is speed and agility. Operators are trained mostly in hit&run tactics that allow swift and deadly strikes aimed at the rears of enemy armoured units. During the engagement, a H1 tank platoon is expected to outmaneuver and outnumber heavier and clumsier units. Its speed also allows daring raids on enemy supply points and infantry units that are not protected by tanks.

Service

The H-1 Light Battle Tanks first saw action during the Black Sun Crisis when they were tasked with escorting the Royal Hapan Marine Corps in to the shantytowns of Black Sun on the surface of Lorell. Following engagement with insurgents, the tanks were called back as the Royal Hapan Navy bombarded targets within the cities.

The tanks were also deployed during the Dellalt Conflict, guarding Nikklon Mining Incorporated's mining facilities on Gantari.

Vehicle Statistics

Design & Hull

As the H1 was not designed for direct combat with heavier armoured units, it is outfitted with thin Quantum armour which does not limit its formidable maneuverability and speed but provides excellent protection against infantry based attacks. It is due to thinness of it’s armour the H1 is considered as anti-infantry/reckon unit and only meant to engage in tank to tank battle as a support unit.

Armament

It must be also noted that any enemy unit attacking the H-1 has to face its front mounted dual medium blasters which can easily decimate infantry unit or lightly armoured vehicle. Placement of the Medium blasters ensures that the light tank faces the enemy with its front armour plates – which are the thickest – that solution protects the tank and it’s operator from eventual return fire. It’s almost legendary agility mades up for the lack of turret.

Engines

The H-1 Light Battle Tank comes with a CI 110 turbine engine which is what gives the tank its formidable speed and agility. It was initially designed by Charubah Industries for light speeder vehicles and was later adapted to fit the tank design.

Special Modules

Unique feature of the H1 is the viewing globe which provides the operator with excellent (360 degree) angle of vision – making it impossible for the enemy to approach it without being noticed. Placement of the globe allows it’s operator to hide his tank in deep trenches or terrain depression so that only the globe sticks out – which makes the tank useful for reckon tasks and ambushes.