(another in my series of fictional histories of GI Joe vehicles
Never has there been a more controversial military vehicle. Both military experts and fans alike are equally divided as to whether they love it or hate it. There are questions regarding its safety and survivability. All issues aside, the GI Joe team has made a success out of the HAVOC.
HISTORY
The HAVOC did not start out as a military design. It was developed by Trakker Industries in 1985. The company had developed a lightweight hovering air vehicle and needed a mobile platform to transport and service it. The main vehicle was designed around the airborne vehicle. Trakker considered fielding it with Mobile Armored Strike Kommand (MASK), but shelved the idea in favor of more disguised designs. He offered it up to GI Joe to field test it and it turns out they loved it!
APPLICATION
The HAVOC is classified as a reconnaisance vehicle. In its main usage, the truck part of the vehicle stays well away from danger and launches the air vehicle to get a bird's eye view of troop movements or do some artillery/air strike spotting. The weapons mounted on the tracked vehicle were designed mainly as defensive in nature. The 2 large recoilless cannons next to the driver's seat have excellent range and have been put to work as tank killers and light artillery pieces. The HAVOC has been found to be very effective in hunting down and destroying HISS tanks. In another role it was not designed for, the HAVOC has served as an armored personnel carrier, carrying soldiers in the armored compartment where the air vehicle is usually housed. The HAVOC has been used in transport roles where a standard deuce and a half truck would be in a disadvantage due to its wheels. The tracked design of the HAVOC gives it traction on all terrain.
Sky HAVOC
The sub-team Sky Patrol needed a ground based vehicle in addition to the various aircraft they already employed. The HAVOC was a natural for this role and had the added bonus of the hovering air vehicle. The only difference between this vehicle and the original HAVOC are cosmetic; the Sky HAVOC having a highly polished, chrome style finish.
HAVOC II
The HAVOC II is nothing more than the Snow Cat re-deployed in non-arctic environments. It is painted green instead of white.
