MF Vehicles IV: The Mantis
Originally, the Noran Humvees were supposed to be the last chapter. However, while surfing the Internet, I discovered that Israel once again did the unthinkable:
Imagine wearing the same type of helmets used by aircraft pilots, except have tank crew use them.
OK, that was weird but cool.
Now, how about a vehicle with a cockpit that feels more like driving an aircraft?
The result is this:
Mantis NEO
Origin: Mantis of Israel
Crew: ?
Weight: 3-6 t
Hull Length: 5.6-6.1 m
Width: 2.5-3.0 m
Height: 2.2-2.8 m
Maximum Road Speed: 360 km/h
Maximum Off-Road Speed: 180 km/h
Overview
The Mantis NEO (Newly Empowered and Operated) is the Noran version of the Mantis ATV, a newly designed light patrol vehicle. It is unlike any vehicle in both Senshazon and Human worlds. It underscores the ingenuity of Israeli military companies. It is one of the most advanced vehicles ever, and one of the lightest ever.
Description
The Mantis NEO is unmistakable, with its clean sleek design and a welded appearance that renders it looking almost like a Lego design. Indeed, when it appeared, it made such a stir; many Senshazons gave it a variety of nicknames, ranging from "space buggy" to even "Lego-mobile." It clearly shows that it is ultra-advanced for a 4X4 vehicle.
It has multiple features that make it unique and bizarre. For one thing, the front cabin's interior is designed more like an aircraft cockpit, with the driver seated in front and in the middle. This allows for an enhanced field of vision and optimal control of the various digital systems in the cabin. The commander and the gunner seat behind.
The Mantis NEO, like the original Mantis, also is modular in design. It has modular armor, allowing it to add on armor plates thick enough to block certain tank shots. It also has a modular platform, allowing the vehicle to accommodate a variety of roles in combat. The "floating floor" system also protects the crew (and loaded soldiers) from dangerous mines. The Mantis NEO is fully equipped with a variety of camouflage systems, ranging from thermal resistance to even invisibility!
Even better, the vehicle is designed with foldable weapons systems, which can retract into the armored shell, depending on the mission module.
Roles
The Mantis NEO is one of the very lightest of all vehicles in Senshazonia. Combined with ultra-advanced features, this vehicle is considered a little overpowered. Unless noted, all weapons systems in the Mantis family are designed to be retractable. It has multiple variants:
-General utility vehicle: 3 + 4 (equipped with a 15.7-mm or 17.7-mm machine gun turret that can be retracted)
-APC: 3 + 12
-Reconnaissance vehicle: 4
-Mortar carrier: 5, with a 155-mm mortar
-Missile carrier: 4
-Light FSV: 4, with a 30-mm or 36-mm assault machine gun turret
-FSV: 4, with a 45-mm assault machine gun (cannot be retracted)
-FSV: 4, with a 90-mm cannon (cannot be retracted)
-Heavy FSV: 4, with twin 30-mm assault machine guns (cannot be retracted)
-Heavy FSV: 4, with a 125-mm gun (cannot be retracted)
-Ambulance: 4
-Repair vehicle: 4
-Bio-repair vehicle: 4
-Sniper vehicle: 4, with a single sniper cannon
Other Traits
The Mantis NEO is one of the newest vehicles of NOR, and it became an instant hit. Thousands of vehicles have been produced, and Miho herself even drives one herself!
Mantis HOT
Origin: Mantis of Israel
Crew: ?
Weight: 4-13 t
Hull Length: 6.1-7.4 m
Width: 2.5-3.0 m
Height: 2.2-3.5 m
Maximum Road Speed: 360 km/h
Maximum Off-Road Speed: 180 km/h
Amphibious Speed: 90 km/h (only for amphibious variants)
Overview
The Mantis HOT (Heavily Operated and Transformative) is the 6X6 version of the Mantis NEO. It is obviously designed for heavier roles. It is one of the most popular vehicles in NOR.
Description
The Mantis HOT is technically the same as the Mantis NEO, but extended to be a 6X6 wheeled vehicle. It shares all of the features of the Mantis NEO, so it is ultra-advanced. However, its extended hull allows it to carry more cargo, more troops, and even carry more systems.
Roles
The Mantis HOT is still light for a vehicle of its class, and is still super-strong. It has more variants than the Mantis NEO (unlike NEO, HOT can retract all weapons), including amphibious variants:
-General utility vehicle: 3 + 8 (equipped with a 15.7-mm or 17.7-mm machine gun turret that can be retracted)
-APC: 3 + 24
-Amphibious APC: 3 + 18
-IFV: 3 + 16 (with a 30-mm assault machine gun)
-Amphibious IFV: 3 + 12
-Amphibious reconnaissance vehicle: 5
-Mortar carrier: 5, with twin 155-mm or 210-mm mortars
-Amphibious mortar carrier: 5, with a single 155-mm or 210-mm mortar
-Missile carrier: 4
-Amphibious missile carrier: 4
-MLRS carrier: 4, with a single rocket pack
-Light patrol vehicle: 4 + 4, with twin 30-mm or 36-mm assault machine gun turret
-Amphibious FSV: 4, with a 45-mm assault machine gun
-FSV: 4, with a 90-mm or 125-mm cannon
-Heavy FSV: 4, with triple 30-mm or 36-mm assault machine guns!
-Heavy FSV: 4, with a 140-mm gun
-Amphibious ambulance: 4
-Amphibious repair vehicle: 4
-Amphibious bio-repair vehicle: 5
-Amphibious sniper vehicle: 4, with a single sniper cannon, ultra-long
-Railgun vehicle: 5, with an experimental 165-mm railgun!
Other Traits
The Mantis HOT is also an instant hit. It is used much like normal Humans use minivans and pickup trucks.