ATV 4k
From Reach
This colossal armored vehicle represents the pinnacle of Earth engineering. No matter where it may be, the 4k will get you where you need to go.
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Locomotion
The 4k uses the sophisticated "Quadruped Differential Drive" to carry it's massive bulk. This unique system uses four modified tank chassis' as "feet," which the 4k's main chassis rests atop. The feet have sacrificed internal crew compartments and weaponry for powerful electric motors which run the treads. The feet can pivot freely underneath the primary chassis using their own differential drives, and are coordinated by a dedicated on-board computer. Powerful hydraulics allow the 4k to actually lift it's own feet off the ground, one at a time, making small, ponderous steps when absolutely necessary. This is rarely used, as the power and mass of the 4k allows it to simply bash through whatever is in it's way. While lesser vehicles must avoid trees and boulders, these obstacles would do well to avoid the 4k.
Design
The main chassis rests 10 to 15 feet above the ground, depending on the state of the hydraulic suspension with the feet. This chassis itself is a two-story structure, the size of a large house. The entire vehicle is covered in high-tech armor plating, and can withstand a low-yield nuclear blast. It does not fear the dangerous chemical storms of the tropics, nor the scorching heat of the Equatorial Desert. The undercarriage has mounting points which can be used for carrying cargo, or even suspend up to four Outlaw ATVs. Inside one can find a small kitchen, infirmary, cargo area, eight bunks, and a modest nuclear reactor. Passengers can achieve ingress by scaling one of three ladders to three hatches on the undercarriage, or ascending a large ramp which deploys out the back and gives access to the cargo area. A small, short control tower extends from the front-left corner of the vehicle, where a crew of four pilot the vehicle. 16 Military-grade machine guns and mortars sprout from gun ports all over the vehicle, and the rear boasts a guided missile launcher. These make assaulting the 4k an exercise in suicide. The 4k's hatches are all airtight, allowing it to fully submerge in depths up to 150 feet, and C02 scrubbers inside allow it to remain there for days if necessary. It is designed for up to 24 passengers and crew, but the cargo hold can carry more bunks if necessary.
Cost and Maintenance
The 4k simply cannot be created on Reach. The sophisticated electronics required are well beyond anything the beleaguered colony could hope to create. Many of the structural components require further feats of engineering out of the colonists' reach. Each Colonial Lander was issued one 4k, and they are likely the only 4k's the planet will ever see. 4k's have numerous redundant internal components, but still require regular maintenance approximately every 25 years. Despite the colonists' best efforts, most 4k's on Reach are falling into disrepair. Several are completely inoperable, having lost one irreplaceable component too many. Most still function admirably, but it's only a matter of time before these goliaths succumb to decay.
Customizability
4k's use extremely advanced, highly integrated systems. They are as heavily armored as one could want, and almost every inch of available space is put to good use. The generally accepted theory is that modifications would detract more than add to the effectiveness of these goliaths. Besides, what could one possibly want to add?
Miscellaneous
Had the terraforming succeeded, it was predicted that the colonies would have reached the necessary level of industrial sophistication to manufacture 4k's within 100 years of touch-down. The first 4k built entirely on Reach was meant to be a landmark achievement of the colonists: the day they finally cast off their dependence on Earth, surpassing the civilization that they left behind. With the colonies barely managing to survive, and no sign of relief, it's widely believed that once the existing 4k's end their operational lives, the world will never again see these giants' equal.
