Key Data
Key Data
Crew: 4 crew members (driver, commander, two engineers/gunners).
Cost: $7.5 Million NSD per unit; Heiliger Blitz MCS: $8 Million NSD per unit.
DPR: $150 Billion for vehicle and all equipment (rockets/missiles not included); $75 Billion for all (besides ABM and AA equipment - rockets/missiles not included). Heiliger Blitz MCS is an additional $20 Billion NSD to above DPR prices.
Dimensions
Length: 6 m.
Height: 3 m.
Width: 2.6 m.
Weight: 9071.85 kgs.
Performance
Maximum Speed: 136.79 kph.
Range: 480 km.
Propulsion: MTU Empire Diesel V6 12.1 liter 445 hp (332 kW).
Transmission: Allison 4500SP/5-speed automatic.
Traverse: 360 degrees.
Accuracy: Guided and unguided rockets and missiles.
Reloading time/pod replacement time: 4 to 7 minutes.
Armament
Main Armament: A modular cradle system for rocket/missile pods. Various missiles and rockets.
Additional: Gunring mount above passenger seat, interchangeable with various weapon systems (GPM, HMG, AGL, etc). (1,200 rounds machine gun).
Armour and Protection
Non-active: Two sheet 4th Generation WA-STEEL ARMOX ADVANCE alloy build with kevlar spall center lining; three-layer thick bullet proof windows/windscreen (glass and plastic build).
Active: 'Shield' Active Protection system. CERA tiles and eight 80 mm smoke grenade launchers.
Background & Design
The Heiliger Blitz Multiple Rocket Launch System (Holy Bolt) is a modular multiple rocket and missile launching system. Commissioned by the TECT Armed Forces, Wolf Armaments took up the bid to design a MRLS that fit the request. Commanders called for a small mobile vehicle launch system, modular ability to launch both rocket and missile ordinances, and a whole new cabin design. This multi-use artillery system essentially had to have an advanced crew space, launch artillery rockets and missiles, launch surface-to-air missiles, and plug into air defense networks, support request hot-lines, and command structures.
Initial designs called for high mobility - the design crew initially tested multiple carrier systems, such as armored personnel carriers and all-terrain vehicles. These systems were found to not be swift enough and were too heavy for the desired weight limit. An 8x8 truck system was eventually chosen to be the carrier; a cabin modification for targeting and management, a cradle system was installed, and all new concept were put into the design. This prototype was tested in 2000 with some positive and negative results; the concept and idea wasn't an issue, rather, the execution wasn't sharp. The most bright example of initial failures was a failed launch test of ordinance - this large rocket was fired from the side and was so strong that it flipped the truck on its side. Examples like this were seen and corrected through an extensive process of tests and fixes; the provided example was corrected with a series of automatic deploying ground support legs that balance the vehicle platform. In 2003, the Heiliger Blitz passed final tests for Wolf Armaments and proceeded to pass tests by the TECT Imperial Army. The following month the Heiliger Blitz was approved for production with large orders made by the TECT Armed Forces.
The Heiliger Blitz's conception was based around an idea of a mobile MRLS that was as fast as it was powerful. In order to perfect this concept, designers chose to use a large 8x8 heavy cargo truck and a large cradle system to use on its rear 360 degree traverse. To alleviate the force produced by launches, four dual-arm automatic support pressure legs deploy into the ground; the idea is that the vehicle is lifted slightly and has firm arm deployments to keep it balance - this allows the Heiliger Blitz to launch munitions from almost any direction without fear of being thrown off. The crew cabin is made up of an extended cabin that has a seat for the driver, a passenger/gunner (for the remote weapon system or other mount), and two electronics operators - these two crew members also include the vehicle commander and an engineer; windows and windshields are constructed of Sapphire Glass with additional shades to protect crew inside from the produced light. Command, targeting, and other sensitive equipment is managed in the extended rear portion of the cabin.
The unique cradle system mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle is designed to fire multiple rocket and missile designs. The hallow interior allows for the mounting of firing tubes that can be reloaded quickly; the mounts are easily mounted and removed, meaning rockets/missiles that use in-tube designs can still be replaced quickly. The cradle can angle as high as eighty degrees and traverse 360 degrees.
Armament
The Heiliger Blitz has a series of domestic produced rockets and missiles that it uses; Heiliger Blitz's, however, can fire almost any rocket or missile as long as its system fits into the cradle system. For example, a list will be provided below of current and popular systems in use with the Heiliger Blitz.
- M118 'Pfeil' Rocket Series (120mm - 220mm) - 40-20 rockets maximum.
- Grad Rocket - 40 rockets maximum.
- Uragan Rocket - 20 rockets maximum.
- M30 Rocket - 20 rockets maximum.
- MGM-140 ATACMS - 2 rockets maximum.
- TRS 'Fromme Faust' Rocket Series - 2 rockets maximum.
- WA New Age Guided Missile 'Slingshot' - 20 missiles maximum.
- SSM-7 'Mary Sue' Anti-Ship Missile Series - 4 missiles maximum.
- SSM-7 Mk. 2 Heavy Anti-Ship Missile 'Mary Blue' - 4 missiles maximum.
Networking & Guidance
The Heiliger Blitz operates with the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking system, as well as boasting other electronic and information warfare modules. The Heiliger's battlespace network inputs and actively seeks information from a wide variety of sensory sources, including (but not limited to) the thermal or daylight weapon sight, GPS, a laser rangefinder, radar systems, automatic crosswind sensor, barometer, meteorlogical datastreams, a pendulum static cant sensor, ammunition type and temperature, and so on. It uses these systems, among others, to actively seek and destroy enemy units from varying distances. The Heiliger is linked to an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximizes its accuracy and lethality on the battlefield, but can operate solo based on its own targeting systems if desired. With other units connected to this battlespace network, and command points/resource points connected as well - the Heiliger Blitz is a nearly perfected rocket artillery system with the help of allies and data information.
The Heiliger Blitz uses these resources to compute a firing solution for its crew; it is heavily based on analysis of the target and any imported information. It does this within fractions of a second to two seconds - faster then it takes for the system to adjust for aiming or almost any other operation system. The generated solution is near-perfect at its standard ranges. Combined with its high speed analysis and computing; the Heiliger Blitz accelerated processing time permits error-free input and output of information from a range of data resources. Combining this data with the Heiliger Blitz'z impressive fire control computer increases its overall accuracy; it can also share this intel with allies on the battlespace network or using other systems. Accuracy, being of great importance, is focused heavily upon by the vehicle's fire control and targeting systems; even every rocket has systems to assist its flight targeting. Forcing auto locking breaks to tires and other non-fixed points, deploying balance locks, continuously scanning surrounding terrain and receiving updated data, and the utilization of guided munitions. It's strategic and mission systems, for example, are widely used to deliver munitions as accurately as possible on enemy targets in lightning speed; such as highly specific localized weather pattern calculating software for bomblet and rocket dispersal patterns, terrain following guidance packages, doctrinal AI-based AA and ACM defense pattern analysis, mid-course threat-level flight adjustment and multiple redundant target re-acquisition software/capabilities.
While deployed as an air defense/missile defense unit; the Heiliger Blitz utilizes a mobile radar & control center and electric generator. Using these tools allows the Heiliger Blitz to effectively deploy highly accurate air defense missiles. The system comes standard with the WA/APA-12 Radar Set, AB-285 Antenna Mast Group mounted on a separate cargo vehicle, EPP-III Diesel- Electric Power Plant (EPP), and the Heiliger Blitz's launcher as the launching station/command point (though a separate command point can be used and the Heiliger Blitz used for a launcher platform solely).
Finally; the system, in its entirety, is fully insulated against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 624 bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security.
Variants
Heiliger Blitz Multiple Cradle System (MCS or HBMCS): The MCS system of the Heiliger Blitz is a cradle system designed to carry and launch more munitions. It utilizes a long bed attached to the main body of the vehicle behind the command station. Six launch pods are standard issue on the six 360 degree pivot stations. These pods all equal up to 240 (40 tubes per cradle) tubes total; it effectively replaces up to six smaller launchers and vehicles. Other pods standard to the vehicle can be used on the bed cradle system as well.
The increased firepower is, however, the only primary benefit. The vehicle's mobility and speed is cut significantly and the system becomes a bigger target to enemy forces. Designers were clear that this variant is a battery replacement vehicle - it was designed to be its own battery and replace multiple vehicles. It was not designed to act independently like its standard variant; its primary role is to stay within protected areas or with armored forces to provide support.
Export
The Heiliger Blitz is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront for $7.5 Million NSD per unit - Heiliger Blitz MCS costs $8 Million per unit. Domestic Production Rights are as listed: $150 Billion for vehicle and all equipment (rockets/missiles not included); $75 Billion for all (besides ABM and AA equipment - rockets/missiles not included). Heiliger Blitz MCS is an additional $20 Billion NSD to above DPR prices.
Operational History
New Edom: The Heiliger Blitz has been purchased and deployed by New Edom. New Edom uses its arsenal for defensive purposes primarily.
Tyran Deployments: Tyran as a region has bought into the Heiliger Blitz system - major powers listed below have bought medium to large arsenals of Heiliger Blitz vehicles, missiles/rockets, or own DPR rights associated to them. These deployments are believed to be primarily for defensive uses only; such examples are Ossorian Strategic Battery deployments and Schottian maintenance of batteries. Shalum, however, has used its own arsenal in the past for both defensive and offensive purposes.
Uncivil War, Shalum Invasion of Azurlavai: Shalum, a dedicated TECT ally, has bought into the Commoner arms industry in order to increase its defensive power and economic ties. Part of its purchases included Heiliger Blitz systems that it is using for both defense and offensive purposes. Heiliger Blitz were deployed with the 118th Artillery Regiment and were said to have reportedly fired volleys on Azzie positions across the border.
The Match, Shalum Deployment: Shalum, as a New Edomite ally, has deployed troops to New Edom in a show of support. Heiliger Blitz were reportedly part of this force, which was deployed along the border of Deadora on patrol duties. The two sides are at high tensions due to historical and territorial disputes; Deadora is not unused to having Commoner made weapons aimed at it also due to TECT and Deadoran hostilities in the past - tensions and weapons pointed at the other since such events.
Invasion of Roski (TECT): During the Invasion of Roski, or labeled the First Roski Civil War of 2013 by TECT, Heiliger Blitz among many other Commoner vehicles were used during the Commoner invasion operation. Heiliger Blitz specifically served with the Imperial Army's 202nd Mechanized Division, 3rd Artillery Regiment. A single battalion was deployed with their vehicles as part of the offensive artillery and air/missile/shipping defense forces. Although; most ground forces never actually saw combat during the theater operation due to no enemy counter attack - Heiliger Blitzs did however participate in bombardments against a Roski fleet and against an abandoned settlement used by Roski Army forces as a last stand point. Both missions are classified as a success - no naval ship from said targets were seen again and the settlement was completely destroyed. Many of the estimated kills during the invasion are credited to the Heiliger Blitz, which was above thirteen thousand due to unknown sailors lost at sea.