M3A1 Diamondback Multi-purpose Air Defence System

The , also known as the MADS, is a UNSC air defence system for engaging fighters, missiles and low flying warships from low altitude threats to orbiting targets. 
The Diamondback doesn't refer to one vehicle itself, but to a number of systems. The Diamonback MAD system consists of a number of retrofitted M874 Buffalo HSVs. The first Buffalo carries a HYPERION LASER in a collapsing turret mounting, where the storage compartment would of been. The HYPERION turret has a folding main array, allowing it to be stowed. Connected to this is a sky searching cluster of multiple LIDAR/optical/infra-red sensors. On the rear of the turret is the Fusion Reactor for powering the gun. The reactor is a large scale polywell generator with a 8 year lifespan.
On the second Buffalo is the AN/MPQ-778 Active Electronically Scanned Array RADAR. It consists of three flat pane AESA RADARs to provide a 360 view of the sky and the space directly above the launcher, with steerable facilities. Attached to this is a collapsing RADAR receiver mast, for counter detection against RADAR and jamming systems. This RADAR is capable of preforming IFF checks, has the ability to implement anti-stealth protocols, 
On a third modified Buffalo is a AN/MSQ-887 Fire Control Centre. In here, the fire control officer and the main Operator use a mixture of the RADAR, optical, infra-red and LIDAR sensors and the UNSC War Net to organise and prioritize targets. The Diamondback MADS is cleared to engage enemy aircraft, missiles and warships, even up to an altitude of low orbit. The FCC has full NBC protection, full EMP protection, high power CPUs, fibre optic links, full, 360 holographic display and holographic interface. The FCC is fitted with a metamaterial antennae for long range communications. The FCCs fire control is full automated, allowing the gun to automatically engage targets designated by the controller. However, it can be manually controlled by the gunner for firing on targets. 
==UNSC Remarks==
Category:UNSC Vehicles