text:
by A. Gubler
Most Australian field equipment is
of local design and manufacture. FD COM utilises the latest in personal
battle-suit technology both for fire control and armour protection.
The solders' personal equipment is also designed to match the tough
unforgiving environmental demands of
Lara F6 Cassowary Combat
F5A9 Emu Combat
Lara F5B6 Dennawan Combat Walker, Assault Pioneer
Hundeman Industries
F3A3 Whisperdrone
Reconnaissance Drone, Man-Portable
Lara F18A2 Narromine Drone, Walker, Cargo
DMA F42A1 Bokaring Combat Suit, Armoured
DMA F13 Kuru Manu Combat Helmet, Armoured
DMA F98A2 Dumber Combat Vest, Laserer's
DMA F98B1 Dumber Combat Vest, Machinegunner's
AST Wudina Hand Grenade, Fragmentation
AST Darkin Hand Grenade, Concussion
AST Nangar Hand Grenade, Red Phosphorous
AST Bibanup Hand Grenade, Plasma
DunArmCo F20A3 Ulandi 15-MW Plasma Launcher, Man-Portable
Quinn Optronics F19A2 Kungala 375-MW Plasma Launcher, Man-Portable
DMA Ingra Breaching Charge, Multi-Purpose
DMA Benomera Projector, Breaching Charge, Portal
DMA Marlokerrikan Projector, Breaching Charge, Multi-Purpose
DMA Goora Combat Ladder, Man-Portable
DMA Kiandra Australian Fighting Knife
Rum Jungle Arms Numurkah Personal Barrier, Armoured
Rum Jungle Arms Gunyah Personal Shelter, Armoured
DMA Yungaburra Unattended Surveillance Unit
DMA Yarra Personal Camouflage Suit
DMA Water Container, Five Litre
DunArmCo F7A6 40-MW Plasma Gun
DunArmCo F20B2 15-MW Ulandi Plasma Thrower
The ADF has always been interested
in the use of powered walkers, introducing non-combat engineering walkers
as early as the 2230s. After much comparative study on the European
and Chinese combat walkers the ADF decided on the latter's "clamshell"
or "pod" design type for its first generation combat walkers, the Emu
and their replacement in first line units the F6. These "clamshell" combat walkers are not like the more common
design with a human operator controlling the machine through kinaesthetic
Lara F6 Cassowary Combat
The Cassowary (a large highly aggressive flightless
bird found in northern
Type: armoured
combat walker
Lara F5A9 Emu Combat
first generation of Australian combat walker to see mass service the
Emu (a large Australian
flightless bird much like the ostrich) replaced the F16A6 Binkenbar assault gun and is analogous with the Manchurian Type-3. F5 combat
walkers saw much action during the Cantonese-Indonesia
War of 2264-68 when
Type: armoured combat walker
Country: New Canberra
Lara F5B6 Dennawan Combat Walker, Assault Pioneer
The Dennawan [NSW Ab: foot of a large
emu] is an engineering version of the original F5A9 Emu combat walker.
These walkers are issued to the assault group companies of the divisional
assault battalions and to some elements of the infantry brigade engineering
units. The principal difference between the Dennawan and the Emu is in the armament
package and in the arms and legs of the walker. Plus the Dennawan has a robust retractable "bull bar" for
pushing objects and a large rear mounted external cargo cradle for carrying
all sorts of useful engineering equipment. The F5B6 also has two additional
appendage arms which are mounted on the sides of the combat walker and
are able to lift large loads and use retractable virboblades
to cut through obstacles. The legs also have much larger claws than
the regular Emu
combat walkers which are used as very efficient digging devices. The
weapon package is mounted in a ball mount like the Emu but with much higher angle of fire: 45° to either side and 75° in elevation
and depression. The principal weapon is a F20B2 15-MW plasma thrower
which sprays superheated steam or plasma bursts capable of melting all
but the most resilient composites and metals. A F21B2 9-mm machinegun
is mounted co-axially and there are retractable vibroblade
in each of the larger appendage arms (
Type: armoured combat walker
Country: New Canberra
Hundeman Industries F3A3 Whisperdrone Reconnaissance Drone, Man-Portable
The F3A3 is the latest version of the Whisperdrone to enter service with Australian infantry and reconnaissance units. The unit consists of a saucer-shaped disc with video, IR, UV and millimetre wave radar passive sensors and a LIDAR active sensor (also capable of laser designation and range-finding). The disc is connected to the backpack mounted control unit through a 100-m tether which provides motive power and a data-link. The drone is lifted by a high-speed ducted fan which is powered compressed air pumped through the combination air hose/data-link tether. The one centimetre diameter tether is too small to register on most sensors at any distance and the data-link does not require emissions or line of sight connection between the drone and operator. The length of the tether (100-m) is a limitation on the operational radius of the drone but is sufficient for most purposes. The drone is virtually noiseless (hence the name) and is very difficult to pick up on standard sensors when in passive mode. The drone, tether and operating system is carried in a standard pack that can be fitted to the pack-frame of the Australian combat vest. The Australian version draws power from the combat vest for operation. The F2A2 is the vehicle mounted version of the Whisperdrone in Australian service and is functionally identical to the F3A3.
Type: man-portable tethered reconnaissance drone
In-Service-Date: 2291
Weight: 28-kg
Power Use: 10-MJ per hour
Signature: -2
Price: kA$ 1,000 (Lv 8,000)
Lara F18A2 Narromine Drone, Walker, Cargo
The Narromine [NSW Ab: honey carrier] is a self-guided cargo carrying walker designed to support infantry by carrying loads. Each Narromine has six legs and can traverse all but the most difficult terrain without assistance. They operate by following preset paths or by following battlesuit equipped infantry (up to 15-m behind). While not exactly fast they can keep up with a trotting human over most terrain. The Narromine is also amphibious by inflating several floats and using its legs to kick through the water. As a robot carrier the Narromine has the equivalent to a skill level of 1 in its own operation. Apply this level to tasks of varying difficulties for successfully traversing terrain. Some FD COM infantryman are convinced that Narromines develop personalities in the field.
Type: robot cargo
DMA F42A1 Bokaring Combat Suit, Armoured
The Bokaring [WA Ab: wearing skins] third generation combat suit is one of the four main components of the first-line Australian battlesuit. The other components being a compatible combat helmet, combat vest and individual weapon like the Taipan laser rifle. The F42A1 combat suit is a full-body inertial armour suit with a number of habitability systems with armoured boot soles (to defend against landmines) and modular heavy armour inserts for the torso. The suit provides full body protection by using a standard advanced ballistic nylon soaked in a shear thickening fluid composed of hard nano-particles of silica suspended in a liquid. The liquid, polyethylene glycol, is non-toxic, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The "inertial" material is flexible like fabric but once a projectile strikes the suit it transitions to a rigid material. Two additional composite matrix armour plates for front and back of the torso, respectively, can be inserted into the suit to provide additional protection. One of the main features of the suits habitability capabilities is the temperature moderation system which can keep the wearer in optimum condition whilst the external temperature varies from –20 to 50° C. This feature is integrated to the suits integral biomonitor and is powered by air circulation forced by the wearer's movements with power boost for extreme temperature (0.8-MJ from the combat vest's power cell for each hour above 35° C and below -5° C). The suit has a full overpressure seal against hostile atmospheres and the biomonitor can detect a large variety of atmospheric threats such as chemical weapons, biological spores and other dangerous gases. A number of hygiene features to enable the wearer to remain dressed for several weeks without needing major body cleaning, i.e. a shower or bath, are fitted as standard. The suit is not camouflaged coming in regular ADF olive drab but it is masked for a low level of emissions across the spectrum and to provide low returns to active sensors like radars. There are attachment pads on the shoulders, upper arms and left and right chest for various removable ADF insignia patches.
Type: full body inertial armour suit
In-Service-Date: 2289
Weight: 10-kg (additional 2-kg each for armour inserts)
Area Protected: torso and limbs (hit locations 2-10)
Armour Value: 0.5 (counts as rigid for blunt trauma damage), 1 (rigid) for hit location 7 and 8 only from attacks from beneath such as mines and booby traps, 1.5 (rigid) for hit locations 2, 3 and 4 when inserts are fitted
Signature: -2
Initiative Penalty: -1
Price: kA$ 145 (Lv 1,160) and kA$ 1.25 (Lv 10) for each armour insert
DMA F13 Kuru Manu Combat Helmet, Armoured
The Kuru Manu [NT Ab: eye in the dark] helmet module covers the head completely and natural vision is through an armoured faceplate equipped with a head up display (HUD). The helmet also is highly resilient, made of a composite matrix armour material and has most of the battlesuit's sensors mounted around its surface. The F13 has as standard a respirator and a straw connecting the operator to the suit's water supply. Sensors consist of four passive electromagnetic sensor arrays mounted around the top of the helmet combining the functions of a high-resolution infrared sensor, low light television and passive millimetre radar. The faceplate HUD combined with the sensors provides the equivalent to the binoculars detailed in the Adventurer's Guide with thermal imaging night vision, ×5 to ×20 magnification and gyro-stabilisation at high magnification. Mounted inline with the wearer's line of sight is a camera able to record images as detailed in the Adventurer's Guide. Sensitive microphones are mounted on either side of the helmet and can provide boasted hearing, while filtering the potentially damaging loud sounds of combat.
Type: high threat combat helmet
In-Service-Date: 2291
Weight: 2-kg
Area Protected: head (hit location 1)
Armour Value: 2
Power Use: 0.5-MJ per hour
Signature: -2
Initiative Penalty: none
Price: kA$ 152.5 (Lv 600)
DMA F98A2 Dumber Combat Vest, Laserer's
The Dumber [WA Ab: kangaroo's pouch] is the vest module of the frontline Australian battlesuit and incorporates the all important integration computer, information transfer system, communicator (with 20-km range but +1 to signature) and the photonic loop power cell. When integrated with the helmet and suit modules the battlesuit provides the equivalent to cold climate clothing, respirator, biomonitor, binoculars, large lifeform detector (with 2-km range), camera, hand communicator and portacomp (with 10 gigabyte memory and up to four 200 gigabyte memory chips). The vest also has a number of storage pouches for up to 20-kg of standard issue equipment, five litres of water and a pack-frame to which a variety of large equipment items can be attached. The battlesuit's integrated functions are controlled through the keypad on the personal weapon or an alternate keypad on the left or right of the chest (location depending on the handedness of the operator) also basic commands can be activated by voice control.
Type: combat vest
In-Service-Date: 2294
Weight: 12-kg empty
Power Supply: 0.8-MW rechargeable photonic loop storing 300-MJ
Signature: -2
Price: kA$ 168.75 (Lv 1,350)
DMA F98B1 Dumber Combat Vest, Machinegunner's
The F98B1 is a special variant of the Dumber combat vest for soldiers equipped with the F21A6 Corvussnake 9-mm conventional machinegun. Due to delays in the service entry of the Courvussnake's laser machinegun replacement a new generation combat vest was designed to provide the same level of operative capability for machinegunners as the new laserer's vest. The vest is similar to the F98A2 but has a much smaller power cell and a large 450-round backpack mounted ammunition chute. The ammunition chute replaces most of the space taken up by the photonic loop and the vest still has the standard pack-frame.
Type: combat vest
In-Service-Date: 2295
Weight: 3-kg empty, 9.3-kg with 450 rounds of 9-mm APHE
Power Supply: 0.12-MW rechargeable photonic loop storing 45-MJ
Signature: -2
Price: kA$ 93.75 (Lv 750)
AST Wudina Hand Grenade, Fragmentation
The Wudina [SA Ab: granite rocks] is a digitally fused, hand thrown, fragmentation grenade used primarily for defensive tasks. The digital fuse, which is found on all the AST series of hand grenades, is a license built copy of the latest British system. The fuse has three modes: contact, time and proximity. These are chosen through a simple interface on the top of the grenade with the fuse's default mode being time delay. In contact/time mode, the grenade will detonate upon first contact after being thrown or after a set time delay (set at five seconds from release, but alterable by a battlesuit interface to up to 24 hours or instant for booby traps). Unlike the British fuse the Australian grenades do not detonate after 24 hours if not triggered but become inoperable. The proximity mode waits a pre-set time (generally a minute) after activation until a target approaches. The trigger setting is variable, but a human within 6-m is usual. This mode is frequently used during retreats, a grenade on proximity is slung into the position the soldiers are abandoning in order to kill the first enemy to enter it. It is also common in urban operations as a quickly set booby trap. The proximity mode also has an IFF receiver which will prevent detonation of the grenade should a friendly soldier enter its kill area. Apart from the fuse the grenade has an explosive content, a fragmentation jacket and a telescoping handle providing extra throwing leverage for longer range (standard to all Australian grenades).
Type: digitally fused defensive hand grenade
In-Service-Date: 2290
Weight: 0.3-kg
DPV: as explosion (EP = 2)
Price: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
AST Darkin Hand Grenade, Concussion
The Darkin [WA Ab: black rocks] hand grenade is identical to the Wudina except it lacks the fragmentation jacket. This enables the grenade to be used offensively so that freidnly troops aren't injured by extensive fragmentation.
Type: digitally fused offensive hand grenade
In-Service-Date: 2290
Weight: 0.3-kg
DPV: as explosion (EP = 2) but no fragmentation
Price: kA$ 1 (Lv 8)
AST Nangar Hand Grenade, Red Phosphorous
The Nangar [NSW Ab: bold red rocks] red phosphorous hand grenade has an identical fuse system to the Wudina grenade but a totally different explosive system. The lethality package of the grenade utilises the explosive burning capability of red phosphorous. Not only do these grenades unleash a shower of burning fragments but they also create a thick cloud of red smoke. The ADF utilises red phosphorus instead of the more inflammable white phosphorus due to the difference in ignition temperatures. Red phosphorous ignites at X° C and white phosphorous at X° C. Since the phosphorous inside the grenade will ignite when it reaches this temperature using red phosphorous in high temperature areas like deserts, jungles and the Australian Outback where the natural temperature quite frequently climbs above X° C making white phosphorous unsafe to use.
Type: digitally fused phosphorous hand grenade
In-Service-Date: 2290
Weight: 0.3-kg
DPV: as explosion (EP = 2), fragments continue to do full damage each round for up to 10 rounds, creates a thick obscuration cloud that blocks visual images for 5 minutes, the cloud is 20-m long and 10-m high
Price: kA$ 1.75 (Lv 14)
AST Bibanup Hand Grenade, Plasma
The Bibanup [WA Ab: white rocks] is a plasma ignition grenade that utilizes the same digital fuse system as the Wudina grenade. The grenade's lethality package is a 20-MW photonic core plasma ignition cell. Upon detonation this cell powers a disposable laser ignition system to super-heat a hydrogen fuel pellet to a plasma state. As there is no containment chamber this creates an instant burst of plasma able to melt though most materials. While expensive this grenade is in high demand by Australian troops posted to the ESA Arm of space for operations against the Kafers.
Type: digitally fused plasma hand grenade
In-Service-Date: 2292
Weight: 0.4-kg
DPV: as tamped explosion (EP = 4)
Price: kA$ 4.5 (Lv 36)
DunArmCo F20A3 Ulandi 15-MW Plasma Launcher, Man-Portable
The Ulandi [NSW Ab: burning big tree] is a controversial but highly lethal plasma thrower weapon in service with the assault pioneers of the Australian Infantry Corps. The weapon is a 24th century version of the archaic flamethrower. Plasma throwers use a similar firing mechanism to the more common plasma gun with a laser ignition system that super-heats a fuel package to a plasma state. The plasma is briefly contained in the ignition chamber and then propelled by a magnetic linear accelerator from the muzzle of the weapon. Unlike plasma guns the thrower does not focus the plasma bolt down a laser tunnel to the target. While this limits the range of the plasma bolt it enables the weapon to contain the plasma and release it at a controlled rate creating a spraying effect for considerable on target dispersion and bursting. Plasma guns also use hydrogen in a pellet form as a fuel package, in the plasma thrower the hydrogen fuel is in gaseous form. The plasma thrower also has access to a water tank and can simply superheat the water to a lethal steam and spray this on the target rather than generate plasma. This steam can be used to shoot around corners or fill rooms and bunkers with a lethal vapour. As the steam is fired from the weapon's magnetic linear accelerator it is extremely condensed and at high pressure and can be useful for "hosing" through dirt, rock, wood and many other construction materials. The weapon itself is connected to the battlesuit by a standard 50-gauge illimet photonic cable integral to the weapon sling for power supply and a simple water hose for fuel. The hose can be supplied by the combat vest's integral five litre water pouch or from a 10 litre water container mounted on the pack-frame. Attacks with plasma throwers are conducted as if shotguns according to the fire combat rules.
Type: 15-MW plasma thrower
Price: kA$ 210 (Lv 1,680), A$ 250 (Lv 2) for disposable hydrogen bottle
Quinn Optronics F19A2 Kungala 375-MW Plasma Launcher, Man-Portable
The Kungala [NSW Ab: to shout] is the Australian project name of the American M19 point destruction weapon a high-power man-portable single shot plasma gun. The F19A2 is used to destroy obstacles, bunkers, apartment blocks and anything unfortunate enough to be in its sights. The weapon system consists of a firing unit (sight, trigger and monopod) and a 375 megawatt photonic core plaser cell attached to the back of the firing unit. Once fired, the expendable cell is discarded and another attached in its place. Although capable of medium-range fire against fixed targets, the F19A2 is considered a close-in defence weapon against vehicles sine the pronounced firing signature will invariably expose the gunner's position. In Australian service the F19A2's firing unit breaks down into two components and comes with a carrying case for the weapon and a disposable cell that can be attached to the standard pack-frame. The case is 90-cm by 90-cm and 30-cm deep and fully loaded weighs 45-kg.
Type: 375-MW single shot
plasma gun
Price: kA$ 290 (Lv 2,3020) and kA$ 81.25 (Lv 650) for each disposable plaser cell
DMA Ingra Breaching Charge, Multi-Purpose
The Ingra [WA Ab: native rat's burrow] BCMP is a hand placed horizontal or vertical breaching system for walls, roofs and other obstacles based on the follow-through charge principle (for more information on how this system works see the F91A1 8-cm mass driver gun described in the FD COM – Land Vehicles article). The charge can be used to incapacitate hostile forces behind walls, make paths, roads and runways unusable, dig foxholes in hard and rocky ground (1-m deep, diameter 2-meter), destroy bridge pillars and generally cause mayhem. The charge is simple and safe to operate with a fully adjustable timer and has a "Stik-kit" attachment pad which adheres to almost any surface.
Type: multi-purpose demolitions system
In-Service-Date: 2256
Weight: 5-kg
DPV: 30 and explosion (EP = 2)
Price: kA$ 3 (Lv 24)
DMA Benomera Projector, Breaching Charge, Portal
The Benomera [NSW Ab: holes in a hill] is a simple yet effective means for breaching doors that can be fired from a safe distance eliminating risk to the operator, reducing injury to people in the vicinity of the door and minimizing collateral damage. The projector is in appearance very much like the F63 Red Back multi-purpose missile launcher; a disposable launching tube with a simple Gauss projector that propels the breaching munition. The Benomera's breaching munition is a self-contained unit with a specially designed charge, standoff rod, stabilizing tail and impact detonator. After the munition is fired, the fuse is armed only at the designed safety distance. When the standoff rod hits the door, the impact detonator initiates the charge that blasts it down. The disposable launcher is connected by a cable to the battlesuit that integrates the aiming element with the combat helmet's faceplate HUD.
Type: stand-off door breacher
In-Service-Date: 2261
Weight: 8-kg
Length: 95-cm
Action: single shot disposable
DPV: 20 (with no behind armour effect)
Price: kA$ 17.75 (Lv 142)
DMA Marlokerrikan Projector, Breaching Charge, Multi-Purpose
The Marlokerrikan [NSW Ab: thunder hole] combines the stand-off firing of the Benomera with the behind armour effect of a more lethal demolition munition. The launcher uses a disposable Gauss mechanism so can be fired from an enclosed space. The demolition munition based on the follow-through charge principle (see above) and can create a "human size" hole in single, double and triple layer brick walls or equivalents.
Type: stand-off breaching charge
In-Service-Date: 2263
Weight: 9-kg
Length: 95-cm
Action: single shot disposable
DPV: 40 and explosion (EP = 2.5)
Price: kA$ 16 (Lv 128)
DMA Goora Combat Ladder, Man-Portable
The Goora [NSW Ab: tall] is a lightweight modular ladder that folds up into a relatively compact package for carriage by frontline infantry, assault troopers and engineers. The ladder is perfect for climbing over trenches and walls or used to get to hard to reach places in all sorts of terrain. The Goora can be extended to a full height of 10-m and is able to support up to 500-kg loads. The ladder is carried in a large storage container about 75-cm square and 1.5-m high and can be easily attached to the standard Australian load carrying pack-frame.
Type: lightweight modular ladder
In-Service-Date: 2192
Weight: 20-kg
Price: kA$ 7.5 (Lv 60)
DMA Cundiah Projector, Mine Clearance
The Cundiah [Qld Ab: walkabout] utilises the same Gauss launcher as the Benomera and Marlokerrikan stand-off breaching charge launchers but combined with a sophisticated mine clearance cable and a recharge port. The mine clearance cable is 50-m long and can be launched from 5-m to 100-m in front of the projector. The cable falls to the ground along the path to be cleared and activates a range of landmine countermeasures. These countermeasures include IR, illimeter wave radiation, acoustic, pressure and magnetic human mimicry to detonate directional and conventional mines covering the path area. The effectiveness of the cable is up to 2-m each side for conventional buried pressure mines, 5-m each side for surface pressure mines and up to 30-m each side for directional smart mines (depending on sensor type). The advantage of this system over older explosive over-pressure systems is that the Cundiah can counter off-route directional mines and does not supply the enemy with a high operation signature. The cable can also be reeled in and re-used, however it does quite frequently suffer damage from detonating mines. The cable also has a series of markers every 2-m to enable the advancing soldiers to adequately follow the cleared path.
Type: stand-off mine clearing system
In-Service-Date: 2287
Weight: 12-kg
Length: 95-cm
Action: single shot
DPV: none (90% chance to defuse conventional mines along path and 65% smart mines)
Price: kA$ 820 (Lv 6,560)
DMA Kiandra Australian Fighting Knife
The Kiandra [NSW Ab: sharp stone used as a knife] is issued to every member of the ADF and worn on all levels of dress. The fighting knife is both a ceremonial and military weapon as well as a survival tool. Balanced for throwing and also fitted with discrete attachment points to be used as a bayonet this knife is a very flexible weapon.
Type: bayonet melee weapon
In-Service-Date: 2020
Weight: 0.5-kg
Length: 25-cm (bulk = 0) (unless attached to rifle, in which case use bulk of rifle)
Melee Skill Modifier: +2 (+1 is attached to rifle and +0 if attempting knuckle strike)
DPV: 0.1 (0.2 if attached to rifle)
Price: A$ 625 (Lv 5)
Rum Jungle Arms Numurkah Personal Barrier, Armoured
The Numurkah [Vic Ab: fighting shield] is a special three-layered armoured shield that opens out to provide an open box type shield able to protect from three directions with an area of 0.5 m2. The shield can be used as a hand carried breaching shield or as the basis for rapidly constructed field fortifications. The equipment comes with a number of straps and handles for easy use, including "Stik-kit's for solid fixing to walls and windows, etc. When folded the Numurkah can be attached to the standard pack-frame of the combat vest.
Type: rigid armour multi-purpose shield
Nation: New
In-Service-Date: 2275
Weight: 6-kg
Area Protected: depending on angle of fire and shield location
Armour Value: 4.5 with three layers and 1.5 folded out
Price: kA$ 6.25 (Lv 50)
Rum Jungle Arms Gunyah Personal Shelter, Armoured
The Gunyah [NSW Ab: quickly built weather proof roof] is a quickly assembled special shelter made up of inertial armour that is able to cover a foxhole or sniper position. The armour is similar to that found on the Bokaring armoured combat suit and covers up to 3-m2. The armoured cover comes in a storage bag that is attaches to the standard pack-frame.
Type: inertial armour foxhole cover
Nation: New
In-Service-Date: 2289
Weight: 12-kg
Area Protected: depending on angle of fire and cover location
Armour Value: 0.7 (counts as rigid for blunt trauma damage),
Price: kA$ 55 (Lv 440) for each armour insert
The Military Working Dog (MWD) is a highly trained canine usually of the German Shepard bread. These dogs are trained to support military operations through their acute senses in particular acoustic and olfactory. They are also trained to fight and support their operator. In Australian service each infantry battalion has a MWD cell in its reconnaissance platoon; each cell has four MWDs and their operators.
Type: trained
Hit: routine
Size: 20-kg
Speed: 100
Armour: 0.1
Wound Potential: -3
Consciousness: 1
Life: 2
Signature: -6
Price: kA$ 37.5 (Lv 300)
DMA Yungaburra Unattended Surveillance Unit
The Yungaburra [Qld Ab: place haunted by spirits] is a stay behind remote sensoring unit used to cover a particular area. Unlike most active basecamp security sensors found in civilian use the Yungaburra is totally passive and has a low energy use. They are also highly reliable and can operate with out maintenance, fully exposed to local weather extremes for several years. Each unit is deployed usually in a tree or elevated area and has its array of sensors and solar power cell (between 30-cm and 75-cm square depending on local sunlight) firmly attached and a special covering much like the Yarra personal camouflage suit covers most of the unit. The unit will send updates upon detecting a target to its command centre. These messages will raise its own signature depending on transmission range; 20-km (+1), 100-km (+2) and 200-km (+3).
Type: remote sensor unit
In-Service-Date: 2269
Weight: 28-kg
Signature: -4
Price: kA$ 1,000 (Lv 8,000)
DMA Yarra Personal Camouflage Suit
The Yarra [Vic Ab: hiding place] is a system of camouflage suits for combat infantryman, special forces and reconnaissance personal. Each suit consists of four parts: pants, jacket, helmet cover and weapon cover. All elements of the suit are quite lose and oversized but gathered at extremities by adjustable fasteners. The jacket is designed to be worn over the combat vest and pack frame and has several large openings for the wearer to access equipment. The helmet cover fully covers the head with openings for sensors and due to its floppy nature disrupts the natural head shape. The suit is made up of disruptive material combining "Ghille" type layering with a fine under mesh for allowing temperature moderation. The camouflage is designed to disrupt passive and active sensors across the spectrum. Due to the varied nature of the terrain the ADF focus on defending; three major continents (Australia, Antarctica, Arrakis) and three entire worlds (Huntsland, Kingsland and Botany Bay), not to mention extra-territorial deployments, makes one particular pattern of camouflage colours ambitious in the least. The personal camouflage suits come in at least 18 different colour and signature variations and are issued as per local requirements. As the basic suit is unchanged it is quite a simple matter of designing and manufacturing new signature patterns.
Type: full-body camouflage suit
In-Service-Date: 2278
Weight: 2-kg
Signature: -2 (-1 for out of area use)
Price: kA$ 20 (Lv 160)
The Yurgo [SA Ab: long way] is a standardised rechargeable battery pack in ADF service. Each battery pack can be attached to the standard pack frame and integrated into a combat vest's power cell. The battery can also be hooked directly to an energy source to recharge or to an item needing power.
Type: rechargeable battery pack
In-Service-Date: 2294
Weight: 10-kg
Power Supply: 0.8-MW rechargeable photonic loop storing 300-MJ
Price: kA$ 93.75 (Lv750)
The personal utility blade (PUB) is a folding and extendable combination tool. Features of the PUB include a shovel, machete, hatchet, saw and "Mul-T-Tool". The PUB is a very useful tool that can also make a nasty melee weapon if needed.
Type: utility tool and emergency machete melee-weapon
In-Service-Date: 2112
Weight: 2-kg
Length: 75-cm (bulk = 2)
Melee Skill Modifier: +1
Price: kA$ 1.25 (Lv 10)
The personal sleeping shelter (PSS) is an inflatable individual tent combined with a mattress and sleeping bag. The PSS has a quick access side opening, an integral foot pump and minor temperature control equipment. Setting up simply requires the user to roll out the shelter and inflate with the foot pump, the tent feature is held suspended by inflatable supports.
Type: one-man tent
In-Service-Date: 2094
Weight: 1-kg
Price: kA$ 6.5 (Lv50)
The standard bicycle of the Australian infantry the personal military bicycle (PMB) is easy to use, tough and compact and can get over most terrain. The PMB is a one-person, operator-powered, mountain bike. The PMB doesn't have a chain but uses a crankshaft, furthermore the wheels are one piece; there are no spokes. The bicycle folds in half and is fitted with a special attachment points and can be carried on the standard Australian pack-frame. Made of plastics the bike is very light but able to support considerable weight, they are also very cheap and are considered a disposable item by FD COM.
Type: man-powered bicycle
In-Service-Date: 2148
Crew: rider
Weight: 1.5-kg
Armour: none
Evasion: 5
Signature: 0
Cargo: 200 kg (including rider)
Max Speed: 60 kph
Cruising Speed: 20 kph
Combat Movement: 120 meters
Off-Road Mobility: quartered
Endurance: dependent on rider
Price: kA$ 13 (Lv100)
These solar-powered energy generation systems are standard issue to field personnel and are fitted with attachment points to double as a water-proof tarpaulin. Each cell is 10-m by 10-m and can generate 0.2-MW per hour (720-MJ) in Terra equivalent daylight. In one 12 hour period a solar power cell can generate enough energy to recharge 28 Dumber combat vest power cells. The cells are coloured in the standard Australian olive drab to provide some element of camouflage.
Type: solar power generator
In-Service-Date: 2245
Weight: 8-kg
Price: kA$ 125 (Lv 1,000)
The combat medical stretcher is little more than a secure means of transporting wounded. It is not a lightweight automed and its only medical features are attachment points for fluid containers and bio-redout facilities. However the stretcher is much lighter than an automed and folds up into a relatively compact size. They also have extendable legs and are widely issued as they double as field use stretcher beds. The combat medical stretcher has attachment points to fit onto the standard Australian pack-frame.
Type: stretcher
In-Service-Date: 2110
Weight: 11-kg
Price: kA$ 6.5 (Lv 50)
DMA Water Container, Five Litre
Water containers are very important
equipment items for troops operating in high temperature regions like
Type: water container
In-Service-Date: 2235
Weight: 5-kg (full)
Price: A$ 250 (Lv 2)
Most vehicle mounted weapons mentioned in this article can be found in FD COM – Land Vehicles.
DunArmCo F7A6 40-MW Plasma Gun
The F7A6 or "Mark Seven" as it is commercially known is a conventional plasma gun similar to a single firing element of the "Mark Eight" three barrelled plasma gun. The F7 utilises the same 40-MW photonic core plasma cells as the "Mark Eight" once spent these cells, which are molten hot and quite dangerous, are ejected from the F5 combat walker forward and downwards from the main pod.
Type: 40-MW plasma gun
DunArmCo F20B2 15-MW Ulandi Plasma Thrower
The F2oB2 is the vehicle mounted version of the Ulandi [NSW Ab: burning big tree] plasma thrower. The F20B2 is identical to the F20A3 except that it draws power directly from the Dennawan combat walker's capacitator and fuel from several hydrogen bottles and a dedicated 30 litre water tank.
Type: 15-MW plasma thrower
Magazine Weight: 1-kg for
each disposable hydrogen bottle
The hand grenade digital fuse is based on that detailed in the British Army: 2300AD Infantry Equipment article by Bryn Monnery and Dan Hebditch. The Whisperdrone is from Loren K. Wiseman's Ground Vehicle Guide. Special thanks to Bryn Monnery for input on the scientific nature of plasma weapons. All Australian Aboriginal names used in this series of articles are from Aboriginal Place Names by A.W. Reed.


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I am currently thinking of ways to sell out, or to be more precise to make money off a blog, this blog or any other. The problem is I do not know how to do it. I know that the best way to attract traffic is to blog about topics that can interest people or in which one has expertise. The only expertise I possess is in the field of not for profit accounting. Even if I do generate some traffic with exciting topics such as "The pros and cons of half year convention in depreciating assets" and "The schedule of functional expenses: truth or fiction?" what can I possibly advertise/sell in conjunction with this? Coffee? Or a device that every five minutes starts yelling, "Wake up, CPA! You are on active accounting duty!"
So far I am considering affiliate relationship with sites like Amazon. Which means I might be reviewing things I buy there. Which I do in real life, a lot. And I would never give falsely positive review for monetary gain. Unless it's huge, but what are the chances of that happening?
Sigh. I don't like combining business and pleasure, but in this instant business might actually push me to do more blogging, which I like, but somehow put on the back burner for many reasons.
Thoughts? Should I dedicate a separate blog to this? Or keep doing it here and scare one reader that still remains?

subset: commoncrawl


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Google i/o 2017
Summary: From May 17th to 19th, Google i/o 2017 was hold at California. First of all, what is Google i/o? I/O in the terms of science science means input and output, and this is also Google's slogan, Innovation in Open. Google i/o is an annual conference for developers all around the world. But, why this year's Google i/o became to spotlight? The term "Artificial Intelligence" has already became to the most popular topic in the field of computer science. So, in i/o 2017, Google presented a keynote for explaining what they have done in the field of Artificial Intelligence over the past years. For instance, Google developed a smart Application called Google Lens. This application allowing smartphones can be able to recognize and understand the pictures which are provided by users. During the conference, Google also announced their second generation of TPU as known as Cloud TPU. TPU is a processor which is faster than the normal CPU, and its vast majority is to effectively process the algorithm of Artificial Intelligence. Compared with its first generation, it is not only can be use to inference the data, but also has ability to train the digital neutral networks.
Personal thoughts: Nowadays, with the development of technology, we are not only able to understand the principle of human body system, but also are able to mimic the system of neural network in our brain by using tons of calculations and Algorithms processing in a single chip. AI is not just about recognizing photos. I have a high exception on Google. Time is going to prove my statement, because it usually takes decade for changing a single academic theory to a real useful product. In this generation, since the first iPhone came out, we have been waiting too long for the next revolution. Personally, the meaning or the importance of i/o 2017 is that Google literally shows its determination of dedicating in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Hence, in the near future, there is going to have a phenomenal revolution.


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Employees of the Vermont Marble Power Division of Omya made a startling discovery near their Sutherland Plant in Proctor, Vt., last week.
The group noticed an odd-looking fish in the water of Otter Creek. The fish was captured and later identified by Vermont fisheries biologist Shawn Good as being a Pacu - a cousin of the ferocious Piranha that is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America.
Good believes the fish was set free after being removed from a private aquarium it had most likely outgrown. It measured 15 inches and weighed 2.5 pounds.
While owners may think they are doing their pets a favor by setting them free, the practice can be devastating to local ecosystems, Good said.
"Illegal aquarium releases are a common source of exotic species introductions in the U.S.," said Good. "More than 38 species of unwanted fish and dozens of plants, crayfish, and snails have become established in waters of the U.S as a result."
Some infestations - like Eurasian watermilfoil and the northern snakehead fish - have cost millions of dollars for control and management. Even then, these species remain, having forever altered the environment, Good said.
Both Vermont and New York have laws in place making it illegal to release fish into public waters.
"It seems that the general public is largely unaware of the dangers posed by releasing aquarium fish," said Good. "I can't stress enough how serious this is."
It's not the first time Good has seen exotic species released into local waterbodies.
In 2005, a fisherman caught an Oscar - also a South American fish species from the Amazon region - while bass fishing in Lake Hortonia in Rutland County. That same year, a Middlebury College professor found a tropical catfish in Lake Dunmore, in Addison County. Even the common goldfish has been found living, and unfortunately even thriving, in some Vermont and New York lakes and ponds.
Good said in this case, the Pacu released into Otter Creek would never have survived because it requires a warm climate. But, that isn't the case with every exotic species, like the northern snakehead or even the common goldfish.
"There are many species of common aquarium fish that could establish populations if they were released, and that could cause immense damage to native fish populations and ecosystems," he said.
More on the state's new regulation
banning boats on backcountry ponds
I've received plenty of feedback from anglers who believe the state was off base to ban small boats and canoes from being left on remote trout waters.
Perhaps most telling were the comments I received from fishermen who believe they will no longer have access to some ponds once the boats there are removed.
One fisherman commented on my blog at www.denpubs.com by saying, "I'm 72 years old and cannot carry a canoe any longer. Why take away the only chance I have left to enjoy some backcountry fishing? Will the lean-tos be next?"
These are the folks I feel the worst for ... and we will all be in the same boat someday (no pun intended.)
John Gereau is managing editor of Denton Publications and an avid outdoorsman. You can contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com or comment on his blog at www.denpubs.com.


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We are very excited to announce that we have launched Imagine Cup, which is the biggest student technology competition in the world, for the second time in Qatar. After the excellent results we've seen the Qatar local team celebrate last year (being ranked in the top 20 teams in the world at the Global Finals in Sydney in July 2012), we're eager to see what our students have in store for us this year! There has been a lot going on in preparation for the Imagine Cup Qatar local finals happening this March, and so many more related events waiting in line for the next few months.
Last December, we visited four universities (Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Texas A&M Qatar and College of North Atlantic Qatar) to promote the competition. Through our exciting campus tours, we managed to receive over 460 student registrations for Imagine Cup Qatar 2013. This year, the competition is much broader, covering three categories: world citizenship, innovation and gaming, giving students more room for creativity to think of great ideas that they could use Microsoft technologies to implement and positively impact our world.
In an effort to support this fantastic initiative, Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) signed an agreement with Microsoft Qatar to be the platinum sponsors for Imagine Cup in Qatar 2013. We have been collaborating very actively with them to promote the competition and inspire innovation on a student level across the country. We also celebrated our partnership in a signing ceremony where our Country Manager, Naim Yazbeck, and QAPCO's Human Resources & Learning Manager, Dr. Nasser Al Hajri signed the contract and exchanged tokens of appreciation to mark the start of this new exciting partnership. Commenting on the agreement, Naim Yazbeck, Microsoft Qatar Country Manager, expressed that, "We are very pleased that QAPCO is supporting this year's competition in Qatar. Imagine Cup is a platform where students in Qatar can showcase their entrepreneurial approach and knowledge of new technology. Encouraging participation in research is a central aim of the human development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Microsoft is pleased to be contributing to the realization of that pillar."
Dr.Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, QAPCO's VC&CEO the Platinum Sponsor also showed his interest in this project stating that "The Imagine Cup is a great initiative for the youth of Qatar and I am very pleased that QAPCO will be collaborating with Microsoft on this event. This competition is a great way to encourage innovation and creativity and I hope that all the teams from our Universities and Colleges who participate this year will enjoy the event. It will also be an invaluable experience for the students as it will develop and enhance their team working, communication and problem solving skills and will ensure that some true leaders will emerge over the coming months".
Microsoft and QAPCO are working actively together to run Imagine Cup this year. Students are also in the process of submitting their entries before the application deadline of the 1st of February 2013. We will be shortlisting the best 5 teams to qualify for the local finals that we plan to hold on the 25th of March 2013. During the local final event, the top student teams will be pitching their ideas to a wide audience of families, students, faculty and partners, together with a top notch judging panel and Dr. Hessa Al Jaber (Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology, ictQatar.) attending as our honorary guest. The best team will be selected to represent Qatar at the Global Finals in St. Petersburg, Russia in July 2013. We're looking forward to seeing our students excel, demonstrating their great creativity and technical skills to present innovations that will make a difference in our world. There will be many more related events coming up to prepare for the final event, so stay tuned to get more of our updates soon!


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Well this year the new catalogue comes out early. Lots of lovely goodies, new and old favourites. Click on my catalogue link to view online or get intouch with me.
Here are a few pictures of some of the products I as a demonstrator get as a preview.
First Stampin' Up! have got Air Dry Clay and moulds. This comes in white and you can colour with reinkers or colour once dry with markers or sponging. I have to say at a recent team meeting this was all of our favourites. Great fun!
Fabulous new bundle. A nice large background stamp with an embossing folder . Lovely very different look.
Also we have some new In Colors. This card front shows you another two stamp set bundles alongside these beautiful ice cream colours (the new In Colors). Mosaic Madness stamps and punch bundle and the Label Love Stamp and punch bundle.
And finally….
Stampin' Up! have a fantastic July Offer.
25% of the certain sentiment stamp set, the most useful stamp sets we need all year around.
If you'd like to place an order or are interested in a workshop or becoming a demonstrator. Please get in touch.