Mobile Armored Police Assault Corps

A view from the cockpit of the MA1192

AP Global Wire Services, Western Wastelands, Unified States of New America, May 28, 2003
Master Arms latest tank, the MA1192 medium assualt completed the second portion of its grueling qualification trials. The first part of the test took place in Sydney, Australia, while the second part was held in the radioactive wastelands that was once the states of Montana, and Wyoming.

Theresa Bright was on scene, reporting from the safety of the press environmental shelter. "There was a lot of dust and debris out there, and it was basically pretty hard to see. But when the dust cleared, all of the targets were destroyed, and the tank still had one operating engine. This is an extremely hostile environment, and really can wear down equipment in no time flat."

There was only one minor mishap, when one of the target drones collided with a power substation, killing three technicians, and leaving most of the environmental module without power. According to Thomas Throckmorton, Lead Quality Enginer for MasterArms, "This sort of thing happens every year. I'm happy to say that the MA1192 was not at fault here. In fact, it scored three direct hits on the drone after it collided with the station, and not only did it destroy the drone, but it kicked the crap out of that power station. This sort of collateral damage is expected during a live fire excersize such as this one. Maybe next year we will get lucky and a drone will fly too close to the press box."

Mr. Throckmorton, whos recent infidelities came to light shortly after the trials is currently being investigated for multiple counts of polygamy. He is also being investigated for imbezzlement and misuse of corporate funds on expensive callgirls that were written off as a business expense.

Said Throckmorton, "These allegations are complete nonsense. I don't know where you come up with this stuff."

Also present at the trials were representatives of various corporations insterested in purchasing sizable quantities of the 1192. Takashira Minamoto was present from \the mega-giant Sony-Microsoft Global Enterprises. "We are very pleased with the results of these trials. We have never seen a vehicle withstand so much abuse and continue to maintain such accuracy. We plan on ordering many units to replace our current vehicles which require 100 hours of maintanence per hour of service. We hope to get much better performance out of these new units."

The first day of trials consists of three main tests: The long range artillery test, the Civillian Patrol and Supression Test, and the Speed Trials. These tests were completed in Sydney Australia.

The second day of trials consists of three main tests: The maneuverability test, the harsh environment test, and the giant slalom

The manueverabiltiy test is a low-speed course requiring the vehicle to make a number of intricate turns and elevation changes in a number of different attitudes. Once the course is completed, it must be done a second time in reverse. Some of the areas require the vehicle to maneuver in a space that only is a half a meter larger than the vehicle itself. Points are deducted for any contact with course markers. The MA 1192 passed this test in Sydney with a score of 1890 out of 2000 possible points.

The harsh environment test subjects the vehicle to difficult terrain such as salt water, mud, sand, tall grass, and weather conditions such as high winds and rain. This test is a gruelling 72 hour torture test of continuous operation designed to test the limits of the vehicle. The MA 1192 ran the salt flats, and through the radioactive wastelands of New America with very little damage. There was one engine failure caused by a chunk of debris clogging one of the inlets, but the tank still passed the test with a score of 6520 out of a possible 7200 points.

The last stage of the second day of trials consists of a 30 km giant slalom course with obstacles such as large rocks and buildings. This is a high speed course where points are awarded based on time and deducted for each contact. This test was completed in the wastelands in record speed. There were a surprising few contacts due to the superior sensor equipment of the 1192. The vehicle passed with a score of 5800 out of 6000 points.

After passing all these tests, there was a final live fire excersice where remotely piloted drones were tracked down and destroyed from various ranges. The tank proved its mettle by tracking up to 5 targets simultaneously, and each of the 150 drones were destroyed in under ten minutes. The 1192 is awaiting final review by the MasterTech approval board before orders for the units are filled. If all goes well, the vehicle will be shipping in volume within 3 months.

All in all, this is an exciting day for MasterTech and for the future of weapons system technology.

Click Here for the article on the first day of trials.