TF Amethyst

TFA1 3.3 – Major Military Equipment

Hangar A40, Edward AFB

08:05, 18 Nov 2023

After absorbing all the information he needed, Vex then directly examined the weapon system he would choose. Fortunately, the previous team had stored some samples at Edward AFB, one of the largest USAF Air Bases located 367 miles south of San Francisco.

As soon as they arrived, Vex and Bob immediately rushed to Hangar A40, a small hangar located in a remote corner of Edward AFB. Over there, an arm dealer named Andrew Fox was already waiting for him. Vex had a few transaction through Andrew, so the two already knew each other. Without further ado Andrew brought Vex and Bob to enter the hangar.

"Welcome to TF Victory's showroom, what system would you like to see first?"

Vex calmly answered, "LAV Shorad."

"Good choice."

Wasting no time Andrew brought Vex and Bob to see an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle while giving them some explanation.

The LAV Shorad was built based on LAV-25 that served as the backbone of USMC's armored reconnaissance elements, and was combined with the simplified sensors and weapon systems on Stryker IM-Shorad.

To enable air drop from Hercules, the outer armor of LAV-25 was removed so its combat weight fell from 16.5 to 12 tons. As for sensors, fire control systems, and the other sensitive equipment, the modular type was selected so it could be easily re-packaged using an anti-impact packing and quickly re-assembled after the drop.

Scrap price for LAV-25 was USD 100 thousand, a running cost of USD 400 thousand, and another USD 1.5 million for sensors, fire control system, Chain-gun M230 30 mm, and Medium Machine Gun M240 7.62 mm.

To add the ability to fire Stinger effectively, an additional USD 3 million was required. Meanwhile, radar, digital integrated network, and the ability to fire Longbow Hellfire brought the total price to USD 18 million, or equivalent to 2 units of M1A2 Abrams.

The LAV Shorad was highly reliable for point air defense roles, such as convoy escort or hide-and-seek tactical deployment to intercept hostile flights. However, without area air defense it would not survive in a contest against high-tech adversary.

An UAV flying at an altitude of 12,000 meters could kill LAV Shorad using smart ammunition without having to worry about retaliate fire, as Stinger could only reach a target at a maximum altitude of 3800 meters to a distance of 4500 meters.

Vex turned to Andrew before saying, "Make a projection cost for three battalion of LAV Shorad, 36 units each, complete with support elements.”

"Roger."

Vex pondered for a moment before asking, "Can we install RIwP turret to M1151 Humvee, and combined it with M230, M240, and 4-cell Stinger launcher."

Andrew answered steadily, "Just a suggestion, for a combination of three weapon systems in a Humvee, it would be more cost-effective if the Stinger is replaced with Talon laser-guided rocket.

Humvees also can't generate enough electricity to power the digital network centric, so the crews can only communicate using Loud Mouth Mk.2 aka radio."

"No problem, give me the projection cost for 800 units Humvees equipped with RIwP then."

"Roger." Andrew noted down Vex's request while asking, “In the list you gave me, I did not find M1A3 Abram, M2A5 Bradley, or other heavy assets. Are you sure about that?"

Vex casually answered, “The systems I buy are far less in type, but I can assure you the nominal are much larger, so don't worry about the total value of this project."

In the concept he composed, Vex indeed only spends 30% of the budget on the main weapon systems, and spent the remaining budget on spare parts and components. However, he also drew up new budget for massive purchase of ammunition separately.

After grinning from ear to ear Andrew said, "Well, thanks then."

After the initial inspection, Andrew then took Vex to an office and a bedroom he could use while he was at Edward AFB.

---

Apartment 2701, Royal Crown Tower

22:10, 8 Dec 2023

Claire carefully compared the list assets of TF Victory and TF Amethyst, and the more she read it the more she creased her brows.

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

TF Victory

Ground Combat Group

M1A3 Abrams 124 unit

M2A5 Bradley 350 unit

M270 MLRS 24 unit

M109 Paladin 48 unit

M142 HIMARS 12 unit

Caesar SPH 155 28 unit

Stryker (all variant) 840 unit

Humvee 105 unit

Air Combat Group

F-15E 18 unit

F-16/C/D 54 unit

A-10 Warthog 32 unit

AH-64E Apache 24 unit

UH-60 Blackhawk 52 unit

CH-47 Chinook 24 unit

E-3 Sentry 8 unit

C-130J Hercules 32 unit

C-17E Globemaster 12 unit

Artillery

Howitzer 105 mm 148 units

SAM Network

1 NASAM II 28 unit

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

TF Amethyst

Ground Combat Group

M113A3 144 unit

M142 HIMARS 12 unit

Caesar SPH 155 28 unit

LAV (all variant) 200 unit

Humvee (all variant) 2000 unit

Air Combat Group

AH-1Z Viper 16 unit

UH-1Y Venom 10 unit

CH-47 Chinook 36 unit

P-8 Poseidon 18 unit

C-130J Super Hercules 56 unit

AV-8E Harrier II 48 unit

V-22 Osprey 8 unit

Artillery

Howitzer 155 mm 72 unit

Mortar 120 mm 164 unit

Mortar 81 mm 54 unit

Mortar 60 mm 80 unit

SAM Network

Tamir ADS 24 unit

===//===//===//===//===//===//===//===

Apart from cutting down on the types of assets, Vex also cut its numbers. Judging from the statistics, TF Amethyst's combat capacity was only 30% of TF Victory's. It made Claire deeply wondered about Vex’s train of thought on it.

"Does Vex underestimate the potential adversary to be faced, or he has solid reasons for his choice?"

Without delay Claire then grabbed her smartphone and called Bob. "Bob, where's Vex?"

[We just finished talking with Raytheon’s representatives, and Mr. Vex has entered his bedroom.]

". . . "

[Do I need to wake him?]

"No, but tomorrow I want to discuss a few things with him. Make sure he has the time.”

[Understood.]

"Thanks Bob, and good night."

After disconnecting the call, Claire then typed various questions that popped up in her mind.

---

Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower

08:20, 9 Dec 2023

Claire took a deep breath before turning her laptop on and activated a two-way secure connection. The connection could only be used to send text, but its security was almost unmatched. It took 30 seconds before Claire connected to Vex, and she immediately typed.

<Claire:

Mr. Vex, I'm sorry I asked you to take your time out of the blue, but I need to ask you a few things.>

<Vex:

No problem. I'll do my best to answer your questions.>

<Claire:

Thank you, now for the first question. Can you explain why you didn't choose M1A3 Abrams and M2A5 Bradley as the backbone of the cavalry element?>

<Vex:

The reasons I mentioned also apply to M270 MLRS and M109 Paladin. Tracked-armored platforms require high operational costs as well as complex logistical and technical support.

For example, the Abrams’ engine has to be overhauled every two hours, while the chain needs to be maintenance every 300-500 km. The support for the Bradley is slightly lighter, but still too complex.

Also, the intel you provide me does not mention the presence of armored elements as a potential opponent, while the main objective of MBT deployment is to counter enemy tanks whether it is light tanks or main battle tanks.

The doctrine you are proposing also places great emphasis on speed of reaction and ease of deployment. It was something that quite difficult to fulfill by Abrams, Bradley, Paladin, or M270 MLRS, where deployment prep for a battalion-level unit takes time between 1-2 weeks.

To destroy structures with thick walls like the ones mentioned in the intel, there are many other cheaper and more practical ways other than maintaining a large number of MBTs. For example, using Hellfire from Viper.>

<Claire:

I'll have to review your explanation, but for now we'll move to the next question.

Why did you choose Harrier II? I don't know much about aerial combat, but I do understand that the combination of F-16 as workhorses and F-15 as heavy fighter is a very good mix of both capability and cost.>

<Vex:

The combo of F-16 and F-15 is well suited for modern air combat, but the intel does not mention the presence of fighter jet that allows modern air combat scenarios, and on this occasion I also want to confirm.

The intel mentioned that the opponent has a slightly larger Radar Cross Section than an eagle, but its speed far exceeds the fastest eagle on earth and is almost the same as a World War II fighter. So, I wonder if the opponent is a giant bird, a small plane like a Twin Otter, or maybe it’s an F-22 Raptor flying in casual speed.

Moreover, the intel also mentioned a very small turn rate, excellent acrobatic maneuverability, and numbering in thousands. Honestly, the thought of thousands of Raptors as potential opponents give me a chill on my nape.>

<Claire:

I can guarantee that the flying profile of opposing aerial asset does not exceed World War II fighter.>

<Vex:

Then, why do we need a combination of F-16 and F-15 to fight World War II fighters? Moreover, the doctrine only required an attacker which could be operated from a small forward base with minimum infrastructure, to provide close air support, all-weather day and night reconnaissance, and combat air patrol.

I don't think there is better platform suited for that mission than the Harrier II. As for the long-range bombing mission, P-8 Poseidon can take it.>

<Claire:

Mr. Vex, are you sure Poseidon can carry a long-range bombing mission?”

I know Poseidon can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and depth charges, but I've never heard of Poseidon being used for bombing mission.>

<Vex:

Poseidon can carry 18 General Purpose Bomb Mk.83, in either the dumb, GBU, or JDAM configuration. The payload is equivalent to F-15E but with a longer range.

And because according to the intel, the opposing side does not possess adequate air defense to take down even a helicopter, we don't need to worry they will shot down Poseidon while it carry out a bombing mission.>

<Claire:

It seems apart from AWACS fleet, I need to form Poseidon fleet.>

<Vex:

Ms. Claire, in the initial operation, Poseidon can also be used for land patrol, mapping, bombing, limited electronic warfare, and has been equipped with AWACS capabilities since leaving the factory.

In the initial phase, we don’t need to establish a dedicated airborne early warning and combat control system. Poseidon has everything we need so you don't need to maintain two fleets of aerial asset with astronomical operational costs and overlapping capabilities.>

<Claire:

Understood, and can you explain why you chose a used or leased platform?>

<Vex:

First, compare to buying new asset, the acquisition time of used asset or leased asset is shorter, only in a matter of months. Second, the price is cheap but it meets the needs.

To be honest, I also wonder why the previous team chose a platform with a combat capacity far exceeding the need in the initial phase, but not meeting the mobility, reaction speed, and ease of deployment that are deeply emphasized in the doctrine.

One more thing I don't understand. I'm sure whoever is compiling the doctrine you propose is a genius who has a real field experience, but why is the team trying to translate it so stupid.>

<Claire:

Well, at least I have the comparison now, and we will continue the discussion after I review it.>

<Vex:

Understood.>

*****