The M573 is a command version designed for command of forward deployed units.
The M573 features the same structural frame as the M577, with substantial modifications. The troop area has been retained, but the seats feature fold out consoles. These allow the commanders to command thier units through both the inbuilt communications gear and the Battletac Master Unit. The Marconi 330 communication gear features full satellite uplink capability, self encryption, decryption (consider both Rating 16) and EMP hardening. It has a range of 150 kilometers, and two modified M5 drones are fitted with retrans gear to extend the already long range of the system. The Marconi 330 has multichannel hopping with all lines being secured. The signals allow Matrix use as well, and features up to 1000 channels. CIB uses this extensively, for when the Infobahn is active, CIB officers can pull up necessary data as needed. The Battletac Master Unit operates as standard. It is obviously able to be carried by both the UD-4L and the UD-6A aircraft.
The chassis of the M573 (like the M570 and M577) is made of bonded titanium and incorporates a foam cavity to protect against mines on the bottom. Normal ground clearance is 22 cm, and can be raised to 30 cm via a hydraulic suspension. This allows the M573 to comfortably handle vertical obstacles up to 0.5m and The hull and armor is bonded together (reduce target numbers by 2 for any Crash tests) rather than welded, providing protection from fatigue and wear caused by the fusion of the materials. Despite the light armor it has, the inside of it has been lined with ceramic tiles and covered by a polymer resin to prevent excess spalling (reduce attackers successes by 1). Because of weight restrictions, only a limited amount of armor can be applied, to keep combat weights down. It is capable of defeating fragmentation, small arms rounds, as well as low velocity munitions such as rifle grenades, as well as some battlefield missiles. Protection against dedicated anti-tank munitions is slight.
Crew consists of one driver and the commanders. The crew compartment is seald against NBC threats, and has storage lockers for personal gear under the seats. All seats feature the same yoke harnesses on the M577. APPS is fitted as standard on all seats, protecting the crew and passengers. Access is through the driver's hatch on the left side, and the starboard door. In the middle of the crew compartment is a holographic display showing the battlefield, and is linked to the Battletac network for continuous updates. Life support and fire suppression is standard, and both seats feature APPS for added crew protection. It should be noted that the TOC is fitted, but not in the same capacity as the M577. Battlefield updates are shown on the screen, and data is handled by the commanders. Both the Battalion Commander and the CIB section handle matters.
Weaponry on the M573 consist of a modified Arena CIWS. The Arena's radar has been modified to fold down when the turret is stowed, as on the M577, to prevent damage to the radar dish. Since the M573 is not a combat asset, the use of ablative armor and the use of the Arena IV should prevent any damage to the vehicle. Deployment of this vehicle is only two, with war attrition totals equalling three spare vehicles per Battalion.
Handling
Speed
Accel
Body
Armor
Sig
Autonav
Load
4/4
70
5
7
12
6
4
526
Seating: 1 bucket + 12 rienforced bucket seats Access: 1 standard + 1 sliding door Economy: 2 km per liter Fuel: Diesel (1,000 liters) Cargo: 10 + 12 x 2 CF (underseat) Other Features: Signature Improvement (3), Datajack Port, Offroad Suspension, Rigger Adaptation, Level 3 Amphibious package, Anti-Theft System (10), 12 x APPS, Battletac Master Unit, Marconi 330 Communications gear, Power Amplifiers (5), Drone Rack (2 M5 drones). Armament: One Arena IV CIWS system mounted on a "pop-up" turret.
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