The Morrow Reconnaissance Vehicle The Morrow Reconnaissance Vehicle (MRV) came about as a result of several operational studies and training exercises plus study of the in-combat performance of the various Morrow Project vehicles currently in use. What was revealed was several deficiencies which needed to be corrected. Among these was the V-150 frail drive train. If an axle or wheel failed, the vehicle was stuck in place until help arrived which could place a team in great danger if help was not nearby. Another problem was the lack of internal storage space. Most reconnaissance teams found themselves either placing either themselves or equipment outside after resupplying from a bolt hole. A third problem was revealed when resupplying the vehicle. Loading and unloading a V-150 series vehicle was not an easy task. As most cashes had a minimum of support equipment most loading and unloading had to be done by hand, and small vehicle hatches compounded the problem. Other problems included an inadequate night movement and fighting capability, driver fatigue, and inadequate buttoned-up visibility were some of the other problems noted. The project directors decided that while the V-150's currently in use were adequate for the time being, a replacement that would correct these problems should be acquired. After studying several off-the-shelf vehicles, it was decided an in-house design would meet the requirements and was to be called the Morrow Reconnaissance Vehicle. The MRV is a 8X8 wheeled vehicle with a combat weight of 12,882 kg. It was designed for a crew of four with passenger space for another six plus equipment. The MRV incorporates numerous features, among them are: 1) Combined Steering: Combined steering allows for one of four different steering modes. These are a) Forward steering which allows the forward set of wheels to steer the vehicle, b) Rear steering which allows the rear set of wheels to steer the vehicle, c) Offset steering which causes both sets of wheels to turn in opposite directions proportionally allowing for a tighter turning radius, and d) Slaved steering which allows both sets of wheels to turn in the same direction. This last function gives the MRV a capability not found in most vehicles, the ability to crab or move side to side without changing facing. The MRV can crab up to 30 degrees to either side while keeping the same facing. 2) Damage control features include two fusion power plants, each powering a set of wheels but can be used to power both as well as supplying electrical power to the vehicle. Each wheel has its own independent suspension, axle and electric motor. If an axle is damaged, it can be isolated from the power grid and raised and locked in a stowage position, from inside the vehicle, until repairs can be accomplished. 3) The commander, gunner, and driver have an improved Auto-nav control and display at their positions to allow for faster use of the information in the computer. All four crew positions have an electrically driven seat which allows them several choices of positions. The driver's seat has three positions, a) full up right to allow him to drive un-buttoned and give him the best possible visibility, b) semi-reclined, designed to reduce driver fatigue and can be used either buttoned or un-buttoned, and c) fully reclined which not only allows him full access to the rear deck but allows him to use the seat as a bed reliving crowding on the rear deck. The seat is equipped with 2 emergency features. One is the cover handle, one located on either side of the seat, is used when the seat is in full up position. This handle, when pulled (either will do), releases the seat from the electric motors, swinging it to the semi-reclined position, and using rocker arms, automatically closes the two hatch covers. This allows the driver to take cover in an ambush situation. If in the semi-reclined position, the rocker arms are disconnected from the seat, but can be used to pull the hatches closed with minimum exposure. The second feature is the panic bar, located overhead, is used when the seat is in the buttoned-up mode. When pushed, the handle releases the hatch locks and opens the hatch covers to allow for fast bail-outs in case of fire. A second bar over head and just behind the seat is used to assist the driver in moving in and out of the seat from the rear deck when the seat is in the fully reclined position. The commander and gunner have similar emergency features but only have a full up-right seat position. Both seats may be raised to bring an average 5'10" man waist high out of the turret or copula. The cover handle at both of these positions will drop the seat to a fighting position and rocker arms close both hatch covers (Note: ensure that the seat is correctly adjusted for the height of the person in the seat as incorrect seat height could serious head injuries when the hatch covers slam closed). The panic bar performs the same function as in the gunner's position. 4) The commander has a copula that the commander's MAG-58 sits in. This provides the commander with protection from weather and incoming fire. 5) The rear deck has hatches that open up and outward to provide the individuals in the passenger deck with some protection if riding un-buttoned. (Note: take a look at the Soviet BMP for what it might look like.) 6) The rear deck also has a ramp similar to the M-113 that lowers down. This is to facilitate loading and unloading. This ramp is lowered by winch and can be dropped manually in emergencies. Located inside this ramp is a smaller door hatch which can be opened without lowering the main hatch. 7) There are two door one on each side. These are split, the lower section dropping down to form a stair, and the upper section opening upwards. The sections can be opened together or separately, incase one of the passengers wants to hang his head out the side (Hangovers can be killers after drinking that 150 year scotch). 8) There six firing ports, two on each side and two in the rear ramp, to allow the passengers to fire their small arms. 9) There is lockers in the sides and floorboard of the rear deck to allow for storage of equipment. 10) Each crew position has thermal image vision blocks to enhance night-time and poor visibility capabilities. There is also a combination IR-white light spot light mounted co-axial with the main gun, and combination IR-white light driving lights. 11) A full NBC filtration system is built into the vehicle. 12) An improved Auto-Nav computer system which includes a ring laser gyro inertial navigation system, multi-function displays, a CDR-ROM memory, and extended wide-band radio direction finder capability. Over all these improvements should increases the chances of Recon teams in what could be a highly dangerous world. Vehicle Data MRV Crew: 3+6 Length: 6.82 m Width: 2.94 m Height: 2.91 m Ground Clearance: 0.411 m Turning Radius: 4.53 m Max Road Speed: 90 kph 8x8 wheel drive fusion/electric power Water Speed: 10 kph using 2 hydro jets Gradient: 70 percent Vertical obstacle: 0.59 m Armour Class: 120 Armament: one Rh202 20mm Cannon (see game for stats). Two MAG-58 machineguns. One mounted coaxial with the main gun. One mounted in commanders copula. Ammunition load is the same as the V-150's (Optional depending on the GM, a dual TOW missile launcher similar to the M-2 Bradley with 6 missiles standard load)