3.3 - Asset Comparison
Hangar A40, in one corner of Edward AFB
0805 hours, November 18, 2023
After absorbing all the information he needed to form a Task Force according to the doctrine Claire had wanted, Vex then began conducting interviews and directly examining the weapon system he would choose.
Fortunately, the previous team already had several examples of assets stored at Edward Air Force Base. One of the largest USAF airbases located 367 miles south of San Francisco.
As soon as he and Bob arrived at Edward Air Force Base, Vex immediately rushed to Hangar A40. At the hangar, a black market dealer named Andrew Fox was waiting for him.
Vex has transacted several times through Andrew, so the two of them already know each other.
Without further adoration, Andrew immediately brought Vex into the hangar while saying.
"Welcome to TF Victory's showroom, what item would you like to see first?"
Vex calmly answered.
"LAV Shorad."
"Good choice.'
Without wasting time, Andrew brought Vex and Bob over to an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle while giving a long explanation.
The LAV Shorad builds base on LAV-25 that served as the backbone of USMC's armored reconnaissance elements. Combined with the sensors and weapon systems on the Stryker IM-Shorad, but slightly simplified.
In order for the LAV Shorad to be parachuted from Hercules, its protective layer was removed so its combat weight fell from 16.5 to 12 tonnes.
In addition, sensitive equipment such as sensors and fire control systems are selected for the modular type that is easily removable, and can be re-packaged using a special anti-impact packing.
USMC set a scrap price for LAV-25 of USD 100 thousand. While a Ministry of Defense contractor set a running cost of USD 400 thousand, and additional sensors, fire control system, 30 mm canon, and 7.62 mm medium machine gun at USD 1.5 million.
For the LAV Shorad to be able to fire short-range heat-seeker missiles like the Stinger, an additional USD 3 million was required. Meanwhile, the addition of a radar, digital integrated network, and the ability to fire the Hellfire Longbow, brought the total price of the LAV Shorad to USD 18 million. Equivalent to 2 units of the M1A2 Abram which new price is around USD 9 million.
The LAV Shorad is highly reliable in fulfilling point air defense roles, such as convoy escort, or hide-and-seek tactical deployment to intercept hostile flights.
However, without area defense support, the LAV Shorad will not survive a battle against high-tech militaries such as Russia or China.
A UAV flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters can finish off the LAV Shorad using smart ammunition without worrying about retaliation, as the Stinger is only able to reach targets at a maximum altitude of 3800 meters to a distance of 4.5 km. While the range of Longbow Hellfire is only 8 km.
Vex turned to Andrew before saying.
"Make a price projection for the 108 Shorad LAVs, divided into a 3 battalion structure complete with support elements for each."
"Roger."
Vex pondered for a moment before saying.
"Can the RIwP turret on the LAV Shorad be attached to the M1151 Humvee, and be combined to a 30 mm canon, 7.62 mm machine gun, and a Stinger launcher."
Andrew answered steadily.
"Just a suggestion, for a combination of the three weapon systems in a humvee, it would be more cost-effective if stinger replaced with a Talon laser-guided rocket."
". . . "
"Humvees also can't generate enough electricity to power a digital network-centric, so the crews can only communicate using Loud Mouth Mk.2 aka radio."
Vex nodded slightly before answering.
"No problem, make me a projection for the price of 800 Humvees then."
"Roger."
Andrew immediately noted down Vex's request before speaking.
"In the list of weapons you submitted, I did not find the M1A2 Abram, M2 Bradley, or any other heavy assets. Are you sure about that?"
Vex casually answered.
"The items I bought were of far less variety and quantity, but I can assure you that my purchases are much larger. So you don't have to worry. "
In the concept he composed, Vex indeed only spends 30% of the budget for spending on the main weapon systems. Meanwhile, he plans to spend the remaining budget on spare parts and components. He will also draw up a new budget for the massive purchase of ammunition separately.
Grinning from ear to ear, Andrew then said.
"Well, thanks then."
After finishing around checking various weapon systems, Andrew then took Vex to an office and a bedroom that he could use while he was at Edward AFB.
- - - - -
Apartment 2701, Royal Crown Tower
1010 hours, December 8, 2023
Claire carefully compared the assets of TF Victory and TF Amethyst, and the more she read the creases on her forehead became thicker.
=== // === // === // === // === // === // ===
TF Victory
Ground Combat Group
124 units M1A2 Abram
350 units M2A3 Bradley
800 units Stryker all variants
400 units Humvee
24 units M270 MLRS
24 units M109 Paladin
12 units M142 HIMARS
28 units Caesar SPH 155
Air Combat Group
18 units F-15E/F
48 units F-16C/D
16 units A-10 Warthog
24 units AH-64E Apache
32 units UH-60 Blackhawk
12 units CH-47 Chinook
32 units C-130J Hercules
12 units C-17E Globemaster
8 units E-3 Sentry
Artillery
128 units Howitzer 105 mm
SAM network
28 units NASAM II
=== // === // === // === // === // === // ===
TF Amethyst
Ground Combat Group
2000 units Humvee all variant
144 units M113A3 APC
200 units LAV all variant
12 units M142 HIMARS
28 units Caesar SPH 155
Air Combat Group
18 units AH-1Z Viper
10 units UH-1Y Venom
32 units CH-47 Chinook
18 units P-8 Poseidon
56 units C-130J Hercules
36 units AV-8 Harrier II
Artillery
160 units Mortar 120 mm
48 units Howitzer 155mm
SAM network
18 units Tamir ADS
=== // === // === // === // === // === // ===
Without delay, Claire immediately grabbed the smartphone in her pocket and called Bob.
[Miss Claire, what can I do for you?]
"Bob, where's Vex?"
[We just finished talking with Raytheon representatives, and Mr. Vex has entered his room.]
". . . "
[Do I need to wake him?]
"No, it's just that tomorrow I want to discuss a few things with Vex. So make sure he has time."
[Understood.]
"Thanks Bob, and good night."
After disconnecting from Bob, Claire then immediately typed various questions that pop up in her mind.
*****
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