Bombshell Genius
A Jairdain mortar being reloaded
[SIZE=9pt]OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Intent: [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]To provide the Silver Jedi with elite heavy weapons units[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Image Credit: [/SIZE]Soltam K6 mortar - https://en.wikipedia...Province_-b.jpg
- [SIZE=9pt]Links:[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] Silver Jedi heavy weapons infantry - the base unit model, which Jessica also had a hand in implementing[/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]GENERAL INFORMATION[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Unit Name: [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Thermobaric Bombardiers[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Affiliation: [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Silver Jedi Order[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Classification: [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Elite heavy weapons infantry[/SIZE]
- Equipment:
- Mk8 Katarn armor (armor)
- [SIZE=11pt]SHG-001 Ranger Field Pistol [/SIZE](sidearm)
- Jairdain Heavy Mortar (mortar)
- MiniMag PTL missile launchers (missile troopers)
- 3t5 thermobaric charges (standard-issue missiles)
- 3t6 thermobaric charges (standard-issue mortar ammunition)
- Ventooine electromagnetic plasma machineguns (machinegun teams)
- Caluula anti-matériel rifle (sniper)
- SMG-004 Ranger rifle (riflemen)
[SIZE=9pt]COMBAT INFORMATION[/SIZE]
- [SIZE=9pt]Availability: [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]Uncommon[/SIZE]
- Deployment: Minor
- Strengths:
- Heavy firepower: mortars pack a heavy punch, due to the thermobaric charges in use
- Ability to defend friendly troops against a variety of threats once set up
- Weaknesses:
- Deployment time: As seen in the Ord Radama campaign, by its base units, heavy weapons require significant time for deployment, during which time they are vulnerable to a variety of enemy units such as line infantry, snipers, ground-attack aircraft
- Limited ammunition: Especially apparent with missile troopers and mortar teams, they are vulnerable in prolonged engagements when their finite amount of heavy ammunition makes them vulnerable when exhausted
- Limited tactical mobility: The sheer weight of the equipment can make movement of heavy weapons units much more difficult on the battlefield
- Description: The Thermobaric Bombardiers are elite heavy weapons units, deployed when one needs accurate and effective use of heavy weapons infantry, with the unit being issued only thermobaric charges: when enemies encounter Thermobaric Bombardiers, they'd better take cover or retreat altogether, due to the sheer amount of firepower contained in the eponymous ammunition, the thermobaric charges. Entry into the Thermobaric Bombardiers requires satisfactory performance in combat missions in any of the five specialties covered by the unit. A Thermobaric Bombardier platoon is designed for independent operation; typical deployment of Thermobaric Bombardier platoons comprise the following: four snipers, providing overwatch for the remainder of the units, two Jairdain heavy mortars and its total of ten crewmen, four Ventooine electromagnetic plasma machineguns and their eight crewmembers, five MiniMag PTL missile launchers, manned by one person each with an additional member for support, and six riflemen, along with their commander, for a total of thirty-five soldiers.
Of course, there are drawbacks to using heavy weapons: as seen in the Ord Radama campaign, heavy weapons require significant time for deployment, during which time they are vulnerable to a variety of enemy units such as line infantry, snipers, ground-attack aircraft. Also said heavy weapons carry limited ammunition: it becomes a liability that is especially apparent with missile troopers and mortar teams, they are vulnerable in prolonged engagements when their finite amount of heavy ammunition makes them vulnerable when exhausted. Finally it makes movement much more limited and not only because it is slower: while on the move it is vulnerable to a variety of other units. For these reasons, Silver Jedi operational protocol recommends that a Thermobaric Bombardier platoon be supported by at least one extra squad of line infantry to address the vulnerabilities of the company while in movement.
