The IFV-44 Grinder
History
In the second half of the Gibetian-Britannian War of which Strykla was a part of, MBT-6 Predator tanks had been deployed from a port in Northern Gibet. They had to be transported a long ways to get to the battlefield, and their heavy construction and need for lots of maintenance, like any MBT, greatly slowed their transportation. By the time the Predator tanks were at the battle, the enemy forces had already overrun the Stryklan garrison, and the battle had been lost. So while the Predator tanks perform very well in the battlefield, it has problems getting there. Another problem was that the Predators are, like all tanks, vulnerable to enemy infantry, especially in urban environments. APCs, too, are not always available, and they, having both heavy armor and many heavily armed infantry to protect, were often slower than the Predators themselves, and Stryklan APCs have been prone to breaking down. A new IFV was needed that was faster than the Predator and could carry infantry.
Design
Originally, the design called for reinforced aluminum armor and a small autocannon, along with space for up to fourteen troops. Wheels were chosen over tracks because tracks are expensive to maintain, and are generally slower than wheels. But the design team changed their plan to a vehicle capable of engaging tanks in a head-on battle, so the heavier(But far stronger) composite armor was chosen. This composite armor, made from multiple layers of ceramic, titanium, and depleted uranium was used and armors the front, back infantry compartment, and turret. The turret was changed from a 30mm autocannon to a 120mm cannon similar to that on the Predator. The gun stores its ammunition in the lower turret assembly, using an autoloader. The driver sits in the front-center of the Grinder, using a system that mounts a camera above and to the back of them, as well as using viewing prisms. The commander uses a system similar to helicopters' Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, allowing him/her to see in infrared, optical, and in night vision, as well as designate targets. The gunner sits in the turret, using fire control systems exactly similar to those on the Predator, giving the Grinder immense accuracy. A co-axial 20mm grenade launcher sits under the barrel.
The vehicle is powered by four Gerrat 350-horsepower engines, each providing power to the eight wheels and turret, as well as a large battery pack for operating other equipment. Everything here took up too much space, and eventually the troop size was shortened to six soldiers. The vehicle can traverse uneven terrain up to 34 MPH/55 KPH and on flat or paved surfaces, 50 MPH/80 KPH. The suspension can give up to one foot and is electronically controlled so that the vehicle can raise and lower each set of two wheels individually. Run-flat ties ensure that the vehicle can go anywhere in combat conditions.
In the back, the troop compartment has room for six fully armed and armored soldiers. The compartment is separately armored so if the vehicle is shot through, additional explosions will not harm the precious cargo. The door is either hydraulically or manually operated, and sealed for CBRN operations, just like the rest of the vehicle. Fans keep the pressure inside slightly higher than outside the vehicle, so air can escape but nothing can get in. Above the troop compartment, a large crane-like system is used for dragging damaged vehicles, extra equipment, et cetera.
The Grinder technically not amphibious, though it can ford water up to three feet deep. The underside of the hull is roughly V-shaped, so landmines and IEDs are not as deadly as they would be were the Grinder flat-bottomed.
OOC: If there is anything I missed, please tell me.