Etymology[]
The Galatin verb vindicare has several meanings: "to protect", "to challenge", and "to avenge", depending on context.
Design Philosophy and Operational Role[]
The Vindicator was the Commonwealth´s first light tank designed after the TOG invasion. Created as a replacement for the Ch´Ktal Nor (Graceful Death) and other slow or outdated Commonwealth light vehicles, the Vindicator reflected new concepts and combat doctrines used by both TOG and the CAF. In line with the new doctrine for light grav operations, the Vindicator has good acceleration, moderate shields and armour and a large main weapon compared to its size. Compared to its anticipated main opponent, the Aeneas, the Vindicator has marginally less protection but more firepower, with a 100mm Gauss cannon, a 1.5/6 laser and two SMLM missile launchers.
The designers believed, quite correctly, that the Aeneas and other light, powerful grav vehicles were the wave of the future. The Vindicator was the first new Commonwealth vehicle to embrace those new beliefs.
Unlike most grav vehicles, the Vindicator is rather short and wide, with a wedge-shaped profile now familiar on most Commonwealth and Renegade combat vehicles, such as the Liberator, Spartius, Deliverer or Exterminator. The slope of the armour not only gives added protection from ballistic weapons, but also creates more room for access panels within the side walls, giving maintenance and repair crews more space to work in.
Production History[]
Gorfman Gravitics, a CAF-backed arms and munitions company, designed the Vindicator as "a new breed of light tank, the kind we are seeing used to gruesome effect against our own brave armoured forces". Prototype development was slow, but went fairly smoothly from the time the Vindicator was placed on the drawing boards in 6789. Crews received the first test vehicles in 6794 and were immediately pleased.
Deployment[]
Although the Vindicator was a popular vehicle in its day, it has been replaced by the Wolverine as the main-line light grav vehicle. Vindicators that are replaced by Wolverines are usually reassigned to infantry Legions, who rarely complain. Still found throughout all Commonwealth forces, Vindicators are most extensively used by B´ekkal Assault units.