The workhorse of the UNE Infantry and its various services. Designed by fire, its initial requirements were actual battlefield requests by commanders during operations on the ground. It is no surprise that the original design called for close air infantry support capability against heavy defensive emplacements and with low-level angle of attack. Thick armour protection was a prerequisite as with high-output offensive weaponry used as Interdiction and Bunker-busting capability. Original specifications also called for armour-piercing ordinance to be used against Ground Assault Vehicles, which were usually deployed by MAC Infantry units. As it entered service, its durability and ability to provide close air support became legendary. However, with the introduction of Mechanised Infantry Close Ground Support or “Mechs”, its Close Air Support role became less of a factor in ground operations as these became the Mech’s mainstay.
However, their “Gunship” and interdiction capability is still sought after to suppress enemy lines of supply and harry reinforcements in battlefield operations. Further upgrades were introduced into the “Gunship” with the increase of its troop-carrying capability to include a squad of Mechs and its accompanying complement of soldiers into the Ship’s hold. The gradual change of roles from Gunship to Troopship / Dropship became more apparent with the adoption into the UNE Special Forces Units. Its ability to land, support and lift Special Units deep into enemy territory became one of its prized capabilities. The Lubok Antu is the most famous of these Dropships from the UNE, serving the Malayan Rangers Regiment with distinction, it has several highly classified upgrades especially in areas of stealth. This ship has endeared itself to the Regiment as it is named after one of the Regiments’ most famous actions during the border clashes in Lubok Antu in Malaya in the mid 20th Century.