OACS-03M/COM ELINT SILVERSCALE

The Basilisk proved its worth to the armies of the South by becoming the basis for a variety of technically advanced variants which belie the chassis’ humble beginnings. The rugged and reliable frame came to house valuable electronics carried into the battlefield for various specialized roles. The Elint Silverscale — part of the Silverscale family of Basilisk variants — was just one such model, a very effective electronic intelligence platform. The Gear was designed to travel quickly over contested ground and monitor enemy frequencies, jamming them if need be, but, more importantly, gathering valuable tactical information from intra- and inter-unit communications. The Elint was heavily modified for its task, having many of its composite steel alloy armor plates replaced by lighter ballistic cloth in order to reduce overall weight and increase speed. In addition to the target designator/sensor mast used by the Silverscale, the Elint was also equipped with secondary sensor pods on each shoulder and with a large listening dish. Together this package consisted of some of the most sophisticated electronic signal gathering equipment on the battlefield at that time. Offensive firepower was very limited, however, with the Elint shedding its Vogel rocket pod and PR-25 autocannon. A simple DP76 20 mm pack gun was provided for defensive purposes. All in all, the Gear was not designed for combat, with few weapons, light armor and very vulnerable systems.

The events of the Polar War caused the involved nations to reconsider many aspects of their military doctrine and organization. Some military thinkers pushed the idea that airborne forces need to be expanded beyond simple paratrooper operations. Opponents of this theory argued that the type of static warfare that such a unit would be suited for is not common enough on Terra Nova to justify its existence. The events of the CEF invasion however caused this to be revisited. Much more static, perpetual contact situations formed across the planet. This broke with the more fluid style of warfare seen in previous conflicts.Traditional paratrooper units still retain their function as large scale assault forces that can strike deep in enemy lines. They are equipped to handle any foe and hold onto territory until reinforcements arrive. This type of massed assault is not suited to breaking a defensive line however and several nations on Terra Nova have developed a solution to that.

Force Recon Squads are often made up of lighter mounts, used for corporate facility patrols, checking mining operations and similar security detail. In the Post-CEF world, these squads have become the recon and front-line troopers of Caprice.

Using Specialist Combat Groups in Heavy Gear Blitz!

Constructing a Specialist Combat Group is a bit different than a normal Blitz! combat group. Instead of picking the role and secondary role for the unit and filling it how you please, you must instead adhere to strict rules for composition, which may even include only running specific variants or upgrades. In exchange for adhering to this rigid formation, you may be able to run some models in a Role they may not normally fit in, or gain access to some unique options.

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OACS-03M/AB NASH BASILISK

The Nash Basilisk was one of the earliest southern gears to be equipped with a radar absorbent material coating which resulted in an early stealth gear. The modifications were originally made by technicians from the MILICIA’s 11th Gear Regiment, the Rapiers, in the TN 1860s. The Rapiers treated more favorably than most MILICIA units. Consequently, it was the Rapiers who found that, in open ground, the gear remained difficult to conceal even after the coating was applied. However, when used in combination with natural cover, the gear’s new skin permitted the vehicle to approach targets while very likely remaining undetected. Should the gear remain immobile in cover, stealth performance goes from good to excellent. The Rapiers immediately began using the new model as an ambush specialist, equipping it with heavy weaponry such as bazookas.

HACS-01LG-MP METAL CAT

Shaian’s main claim to fame is the Cheetah, an insanely nimble but incredibly expensive recon gear that is so capable that it outshines every opponent in its class. This however led to a problem, a gear that is expensive to make and maintain and serves mainly as a dedicated EW platform is not always in high demand. Simple economics dictated that in order to survive Shaian would need something closer to the baseline.

I finally finished my Black Talon force for Heavy Gear Blitz. 13 models being more than enough for the most elite army in the game. A nice contrast to my sprawling Southern horde, featuring all the Claw series of gears.

I wanted to do a classic black, but I also didn’t want them literally black, so I started with a kinda darkish grey and highlighted up and then shaded the whole thing down with a wash. They were looking a little simple through, so I added a high contrast fluorescent looking couple parts in orange. My head canon is that they’re narrow spectrum optical IFF flags. A passive IFF system to keep them invisible unless you’re looking in a very specific range band.

Medium Hovertanks (often called Predators) are the backbone of CEF armored units currently operating on Terra Nova. Originally during the first invasion these tanks were classed as heavy hovertanks, but that designation changed when even heavier units were identified. Regardless these tanks are the most easily recognized and highly visible part of the CEF’s armored forces. Survivors of engagements with these units say nothing compares to the sudden havoc that can be wrought by hovertanks. Using their superior mobility, these units can easily bypass heavily defended positions or densely packed formations of conventional armor to strike from unexpected directions. This allows the CEF to exploit nearly any weakness in an opponent’s order of battle swiftly and decisively. Hovertanks are hungry and thirsty beasts however and due to their incredible maintenance demands, not to mention cost, it is rare for medium hovertank patrols to form more than half a larger battle group’s standing force. This formation and doctrinal mission are still present in Port Arthur who has since modified it to include the Hetairoi hovertanks available to NuCoal forces.

F-27 Sarru