LaserGrenadiers

26. Remotely-Controlled and Automated Weapons

 

1. Remotely-controlled and automated vehicles and weapons perform a wide variety of useful functions on the battlefield.

 

Type

Definition and application

MAV

Miniature air vehicle – an extremely small, battery-operated vehicle utilizing satellite navigation and equipped with video transmission equipment to perform short-range reconnaissance missions.

MTEV

Micro-tactical expendable vehicle – a very small flying machine (200 mm or less) equipped with video transmission equipment to perform reconnaissance.

RPV

Remotely-piloted vehicle – generic term for the entire class of vehicles.

RWT

Remote weapon turret – automated weapon equipped with IFF and programmed to fire on enemy forces. Unmanned strongpoints fall into this category.

SARV

Surveillance and reconnaissance vehicle – equipped with video transmission equipment and an enhanced detection system to perform its missions.

UAV

Unmanned air vehicle – equipped with video transmission equipment to perform reconnaissance.

UGV

Unmanned ground vehicle – equipped with video transmission equipment and weapons, the UGV can perform as a remote warbot.

 

2. Remote weapons platforms were developed to remove the burden of physically transporting infantry support weapons and mortars from infantry units. These self-propelled platforms are maneuvered and fired by operators who are free to take advantage of concealment and their own mobility.

 

3. Remote reconnaissance probes can scout enemy positions.

 

4. Remote demolition vehicles can be piloted to enemy defenses and detonated without risking lives.

 

5. Automated gun turrets serve as miniature strongpoints, guarding routes of advance and inhibiting enemy movement.

 

Operators

 

1. A remotely-controlled piece must have an operator to communicate with it in order to perform its function on the battlefield. When the operator is not in communication the piece will be inactive that turn.

 

2. Communication is determined when the owning player has the initiative and wants the remotely-controlled piece to perform an action.

 

3. Only the original operator may control a remotely-controlled piece during a game. If he is eliminated during a game the remotely-controlled piece will remain inactive for the rest of the game.

 

4. If the owning player is playing a series of games as part of a campaign, he can designate a new operator to control a remotely-controlled piece in later games.

 

Automated weapons

 

1. An automated weapon operates on the basis of internal programming. They are equipped with IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) devices that enable them to distinguish friendly forces from enemy forces.

 

2. An automated turret is programmed to rotate in the direction of the first enemy piece it detects each turn that is within range and open fire on it.

 

3. Most automated turrets cannot be contacted and given instructions. They will follow their basic programming, which is usually a logic sequence to fire on all nearby targets that are not identified as friendly by their IFF codes.

 

4. Some automated turrets are part of defense networks controlled by consoles. These weapons can be reprogrammed if the console is captured. The basic aim of reprogramming is to input IFF codes to protect friendly forces and target enemy forces.

 

 

 

 

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