Air Ballele

The air ballele (or "air barrel") is an example of the typical science fiction hover tank. They are the mainstay of most nations' atmospheric forces, come in various shapes and sizes and are extremely versatile and durable weapon systems. The Me-2 62C (the "C" meaning it meets Colus specifications) is a typical air ballele, mounting two huge 180mm anti-armor auto firing cannons. These weapons are far more powerful than any 21st century tank cannon and, being able to fire at a rate of 600 rounds per minute (10 180mm armor piercing shells per second!), these cannons are able to destroy even the largest vehicles and bunkers in mere seconds (even mortar headds are in danger if the operators aren't paying attention). The Me-2 also carries 4 laser guns, 2 mounted on each of the 180mm cannon, for anti-vehicle roles. There are also 3 anti-personnel lasers and an S-mine to keep grunts and powered armor troops at bay.

The air ballele is not as heavily armored as its modern day counterparts, trading armor protection for an increase in speed (typical air balleles can fly at up to 300 kph). However, the Me-2 is armored with what is known as "bazooka plating" which is a porous mesh-like armor material that is designed to diffuse the energy of shaped charged rounds that attach themselves to the armor. Bazooka plating is almost completely ineffective against armor piercing rounds but they are all protected by a forward-facing energy screen which repels beams and ordinance fired in its direction. Thus, when the Me-2 is facing forward and charging the enemy, its energy screen can be used most effectively from this angle of attack, and all of its main weaponry can be brought to bear upon the enemy simultaneously!

The Me-2 is a highly mobile flying tank, capable of taking off from as little as 50 meters of runway and can fly at speeds exceeding 250 kph. The Me-2 also possesses a set of storage bins at the rear of the tank which can be used to house more ammo, equipment for ground troops or can be turned into troop carriers themselves which are capable of housing up to 15 fully armed troops. For this reason, the Me-2 proves to be a popular commodity amongst the various atmospheric forces of the galaxy.

The Me-2 is but one popular model of air ballele. The AKD is known to use multiple types in its atmospheric and space forces. The E-505 and the small, maneuverable E-75 are two examples.

Me-2 62C
Nation:
Various
Length:
12.6m (18.09m total length)
Weight:
71 tons
Engine:
4 generator ezlaser system
Output:
50.0 million horsepower
Weaponry:

180mm cannons (600 rounds/minute each) x2
laser guns (2 per launcher) x4
Anti-personnel laser guns x3
S-mine (anti-personnel mine)

Me-2 62C



E-505
Nation:
AKD
Main Body Length:
10.3m
Weight:
19.7 tons
Weaponry:
150mm cannons x2

E-505



E-75
Nation:
AKD
Main Body Length:
8.9m
Weight:
22 tons
Weaponry:

185mm cannon
biralkema
machine beam cannon x2

E-75


Special thanks to Nu Soard Graphite for the vehicle profile.