FAV Mark I Wildcat

The Falkirk Armored Vehicle Mark 1, designated "Wildcat", was an infantry tank designed in Falkirk in 2485 in response to unrest in the Gaelic system, and to the threat of the widening in the Outer Colonies or even a feared UNSC invasion of Falkirk. 
Its first indigenous tank, it was the staple of the Falkirk Defense Force armored divisions during the early to middle years of the War of Independence until it was supplemented and then superseded by newer and more powerful designs fielded by the Commonwealth.
==Description==
The FAV Mk 1 Wildcat's design straddled the line between a tank, an armored personnel carrier, and an infantry fighting vehicle, able to function as each. It could transport up to twelve soldiers in its troop compartment, delivering them into combat via its rear ramp and supporting them during combat. The Wildcat was also capable of opposing other tanks with its main gun.
Despite its versatility, its design led to criticism that its intended use on the battlefield was unclear and that its designers could not make up their minds about what they wanted to make. Hampered by budget restrictions and technical inexperience in making armor fighting vehicles, the design team attempted to design a vehicle that could different functions in whatever capacity was needed of it on the battlefield. 
In practice however, although the Wildcat was able to withstand some hits from other light tanks and anti-tank weapons, and was designed with good, albeit relatively slow, cross-country capabilities, the blending of different tank roles was ineffective, resulting in either a overpowered APC or under-powered tank.
===Chassis=== 
Though physically a light tank in size, weight, armor, and armament, the FAV Mk 1 Wildcat was classified as an infantry tank by the Falkirk Defense Force in reflection of its intended role of supporting infantry on the battlefield.
The Wildcats were more lightly armored than heavier tanks such as the since the FDF did not expect they would go up against the UNSC. The armor around the hull and turret were proof against small arms fire, heavy machine guns, grenades, and heavy shrapnel, but not against heavy weapons and anti-tank weapons. 
Their armament, consisting primarily of a 90mm cannon, was good for supporting infantry attacks, against fortifications, in urban environments, and against lighter vehicles. It was also capable of using fragmentary shells. However it was found lacking against heavy tanks such . The FDF attempted to compensate for this throughout the war by equipping Wildcats with anti-tank missiles on the sides of the turret to some effect.
Category:Gaelic Saga
Category:Insurrection