Ridgeback ALRV

Ralstaerian Base Model Ridgeback ALRV Mk.I

The **Ridgeback Armored Long Range Vehicle** is a Ralstaerian built four wheel drive armored vehicle, built by Galreven Diesel Works Ltd. The vehicle is currently new to service with Ralstaeria and entered operation in 1997. Export sales started in 1998, only about half a year after its entry into service.

The vehicle's main role as stated by Galreven is "Long range transport and patrol operations". With provisions to last 3 days for the full troop compacity of 9, as well as fuel to extend the range of the vehicle. The vehicle is made to survive small IEDs and Mines, in order to effectively operate in hostile environments, with the overall intention of not being present in front line combat, but merely transportation of units on long range missions, before they dismount and operate mostly independent from the Ridgeback.

## Development

### Start Of The Program

Starting in 1990, Ralstaeria recognized the need for a new armored infantry transport, to work alongside Bulavian MRAPs in the risky environment of their northern territories. Since the late 1980s, small insurgency groups staging terrorist attacks on cities in the North plagued the nations of Bulavia and Ralstaeria. This lead to the conclusion in the 90s for the new vehicle. The standards were set, and by 1991, 2 Ralstaerian companies were competing to win the contract.

### Loss Of Chaldee

The first project was called "LOAV-1" (Long Operations Armored Vehicle), founded by Chaldee Automotive Company, who were known for their work on the Chaldee Filar 4x4 Utility Pickup Truck. And the second project called "ALRV-1" (Armored Long Range Vehicle) was founded by Galreven Diesel Works Ltd, who were known for their works on the Oftavian RMBT-65 and Ramavi Seravin Viper domestic upgrades.

### Final Stage Of Development

By 1995, prototyping was ready in its first stage, and the ALRV-1 project was chosen. Chaldee then joined together with Galreven, to further develop the ALRV-1 program. By 1997, the final product was finished as the Ridgeback ALRV Mk.I. Further development was put into the Ridgeback in the following years, including the opening of the vehicle's export to the world wide market.

## Service History

### Ralstaeria

Upon the completion of the ALRV-1 program, the Ralstaerian Armed Forces purchased 350 Ridgeback ALRV Mk.IBs, which had some slight changes from the original model, including the addition of the Savkowan made Sk19PM4SB RCWS system. The first 350 Ridgebacks finished their delivery by late 1998, and soon their success in the North, as well as overseas operation was realized. The range of the Ridgeback meant it could travel on 48 hour long patrols, before having the need to return. This made the Ridgeback ideal for use in the North, as its highly efficient design made it well fit for operation. Possible breakdowns were countered by an abundance of spare parts to fix the vehicles, and even if a crew got lost on the final day of patrol, they still had a full 24 hours of supplies left. Out of the 350 in service by early 1999, none of the vehicles in service had been lost, this was credited to the fact that the damaged vehicles could easily be repaired.

### Albenburg

Intrest was first shown in the Ridgeback by Albenburg in around 1996, during the latter end of the vehicle's development. Following extensive testing and evaluation by military officials, the vehicle was soon adopted into service under the name Shevir. Upon adoption of service in 1997, the same year as Ralstaeria, the vehicle's production license was soon aqquired by the domestic Albenburgan company Stompa. The vehicle was pressed into service with the Army only and crew and passengers alike commented on their liking of the vehicle's spacious interior, despite its role and resistance to explosives. The vehicle entered service with several missions in the GCC, alongside their Ralstaerian original Ridgeback Counterparts, including domestic conflict in northern Ralstaeria. No Ridgeback ALRVs have been lost combat in Albenburgan service, and the vehicle remains in service and minor numbers, due to the vehicle's modernity.

## Operators

* Ralstaeria
	+ Ralstaerian Army
	+ Ralstaerian Army Bushrangers
	+ Ralstaerian Mission to the GCC

* Albenburg
	+ Albenburgan Army

## Variants

### Ralstaeria

* **Ridgeback Mk.1** - Inital production variant with no upgrades from the base model.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1B** - After only a few models, the Ridgeback was upgraded with a new Savkowan made Sk19PM4SB 12.9mm RCWS, as well as more range accommodations for the engine, including an improved turbocharger and more external fuel tanks.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BT** - Command variant of the Ridgeback.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BS** - Fire support variant of the Ridgeback, with a 117mm Savkowani Mortar system.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BA** - Ambulance variant of the Ridgeback.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BP** - Pioneer/Engineering variant of the Ridgeback.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BAA** - Anti Aircraft variant of the Ridgeback with a Savkowani built missile AA system.
* **Ridgeback Mk.1BBR** - Spec Ops variant built for the Ralstaerian Army Bushranger.

### Albenburg

* **Shevir Mk.1** - Troop transport variant of the Shevir.
* **Shevir Mk.2** - Command vehicle variant of the Shevir.
* **Shevir Mk.3** - Mortar carrier variant of the Shevir.
* **Shevir Mk.4** - Ambulance variant of the Shevir.