CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 1

One unfortunate side effect of the limited support for CAV 2 was the lack of any further Journals of Recognition providing background and descriptions of models newly added to the game. This left over two dozen models with no more description than their in-game data card. At best, some were hinted at in the original Journals of Recognition or given a few lines in a Mil-Net article. Over the next few weeks, I intend to provide a brief description of each of these models, starting with those belonging to the Rach faction. These descriptions will form the basis of a Journal of Recognition-style document which I will release alongside the final CAV 2.M rules.

As a side note, it's probably obvious by now that I've given up on the schedule I mentioned at the start of the year. For now, I'm going to stick with 'most Thursdays' since that seems to be working so far.

Barracuda: The exceptional speed of the Kraken transport gunship resulted in remarkably frequent use as a forward scout. However, Koda Works engineers knew they could do better. Four years after the debut of the Kraken, they announced the Barracuda reconnaissance craft. Built on the same basic plan, the Barracuda jettisons the infantry bay and replaces the ammo-dependent gauss cannons with a particle bolt gun. An advanced targeting system including strike coordination capabilities was installed, and every effort was made to reduce weight and improve maneuverability. The final result was 16% faster than the Kraken and far better equipped for its role as a forward scout and strike craft.

Bear: While Koda Works produces the leading infantry suppression CAV on the market, the Vanquisher struggles when taking on entrenched infantry with anti-armor missiles. The Bear is one option for Rach commanders looking to crack open such fortified positions. Its armor is specifically designed to counter the armor-piercing rockets in common use across the galaxy, ensuring it can reach the enemy. Once it arrives, it unleashes fearsome covering fire with its multiple machine guns and devastating flamer before disembarking its infantry teams to finish the job.

Jackal: Hovercraft technology has not historically been a major focus at Koda Works. Facing increasing demand for a scouting vehicle capable of high speeds across all terrain, Koda executives relented and ordered their engineers to produce a prototype within the year. Lacking sufficient time to develop the necessary technology in-house, the team worked out a deal with RMI, acquiring some of the technology used for the widely successful Chieftain hovertank. Mounting a Koda Works flamer alongside the licensed PBG gave the Jackal options at any range against any type of target. With the onset of the Second Galaxy War, RMI has attempted to declare the contract void, but so far production of the Jackal continues.

Kahn '74: While most Rach are dismissive of defensive electronic warfare, preferring to rapidly close with their enemies and achieve victory through superior firepower, Koda Works analysts studying battlefield data found time and again that their designs suffered against heavy indirect fire. To address this weakness, Koda Works designed an advanced electronic countermeasures suite for the Kahn ESM CAV. Knowing some Rach commanders would neglect to purchase the system if it was optional, it was installed as standard issue on all new models coming off their production lines. To make the new model attractive to even the most reluctant Rach commanders, they upgraded the breeder and allocated the extra power the LBGs, increasing their rate of fire.

Kraken: The Kraken was devised as a counterpart to the aging Badger APC. Nearly twice as fast, it allows infantry to cross the battlefield at speeds previously unheard of. Its twin gauss cannons allow it to provide powerful supporting fire after delivering its cargo.

Mogul: Upon observing the Dictator ’60 in action, an enterprising Rach commander wondered if its powerful gauss cannons could be mounted on an even smaller and faster frame. While it required several years of work and minor modifications to the Gkw 12y, she was ultimately successful. Based on the Kahn’s chassis, the hybrid was so effective that Koda Works adopted the design for a limited production run. Edited to add: the six Mil-Net kitbash models actually do have one-page writeups but I had misplaced the files. The basic concept is the same as I've presented here.

Vanquisher '74: Though no one would dispute the original Vanquisher’s devastating firepower, by the start of the Second Galaxy War the design was beginning to show its age. Koda Works engineers responded by rolling out a series of upgrades exclusive to the Rach military. An enhanced breeder resulted in a higher top speed and allowed for a substantial increase in armor allocation. The signature quad-GGCs were fine-tuned and equipped with the latest in target acquisition software. Finally, the Imkw SC indirect missile pod was replaced with a second Mkw 21, and the K-W standard 21c missiles were replaced with the newly-designed 21d. Packing the same punch against hard targets as the 21c, the 21d releases twice the shrapnel, devastating aircraft or infantry caught in the blast.