MAH-1 Buffalo

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Modelled after beasts of burden - such as buffalo - the units feature a heavily-armored chassis that houses a diesel engine and the cockpit. The cockpit has a crew of four - the pilot, the gunner, the loader, and the mechanic. The chassis is mounted on four heavy hydraulic actuating legs, and is topped by dual howitzer cannons (standard issue is 205mm, though other bore sizes can be mounted). The pilot acts as captain of the unit and is the highest ranking officer of the crew; his sole responsibility is to drive and direct the buffalo gun. The gunner's sole responsibility is in aiming and firing the cannon. The loader's sole responsibility is maintaining ammunition and loading the cannon - a considerable feat given the bore diameter of the gun. Finally the mechanic maintains the diesel engine and rest of the machine. Field tests are being conducted in south of Point Blanc in a rural area where there will be minimal impact on population or environment. Developers claim that the new buffalo guns can achieve much greater mobility than traditional howitzers, which often act as glorified trailers. While still somewhat slow, the guns are very heavily armored, giving them greater defense capability than traditional artillery. Trials will pit the guns against tanks and infantry to see how they fare in comparison to standard cannons. Though it is expected that the greater mobility, and much heavier firepower, will given these a clear advantage.