"Warden of the Blue" -Unofficial motto of the Skylakos.

Lore

Overview

The LKA-5S1 Skylakos is one of Lykania's most favored anti-air platforms. While it is based on an older, outdated design, constant modifications and upgrades have kept the Skylakos as Lykania's go-to mobile air defense. Nicknamed "the Watchdog," the Skylakos has served Lykania for more than 3 decades. Armed with dual 30mm cannons and four missile tubes, the Skylakos is capable of taking down a wide range of targets: from drones and helicopters, to fighter jets and attack craft. Despite its age, the Skylakos continues to watch Lykania's skies, loyal and trustworthy.

Background and Development

The LKA-5S1 was developed from the platform of the Centurion LK-5A1. In desperate need of an easily deployed, easily moved air defense system, the LKDF looked to their aging LK-5 main battle tanks. While the project was critiqued as rushed and scrappy, early prototypes of the Skylakos proved very effective in taking down helicopters and fighter jets. The first prototypes began field testing in 1975. Exactly one year later, the first 20 Skylakos entered service with the LKDF. In 2001, however, the LKDF sought to replace the Skylakos with the NXSPAA program. However, NXSPAA would be canceled in early 2002. Seeing how creating a new anti-air platform would use up funds unnecessarily, the LKDF decided to simply modify and upgrade their fleet of LKA-5S1s. Equipped with new, more powerful radar, sensors, and systems, the Skylakos would gain another 15 years of life. In 2017, the fleet would be further upgraded with improved armor and survivability systems, upgraded 30mm cannons, and be equipped with the experimental LIMX-4 surface-to-air missile. Currently, the LKA-5S1 is expected to serve until 2029.

Operational History

The LKA-5S1 first entered service in 1976. It would not see combat until the late 80s, when various LKA-5S1s were deployed to Mawali, Tangala, and Mutiara during the War in Kalmuz. There, they would be tasked with guarding crucial coalition installations, like radar sites and bases. Upon returning home, the LKA-5S1 wouldn't see combat again until 2013, during the Operation Dagger's Tip. It was during the Mawali Intrusions that the first loss of an LKA-5S1 was recorded after one hit an IED. While the crew survived, the platform was deemed unrepairable. In 2020, LKA-5S1s defended their home skies during the Cascadian Uprising. People reported seeing LKA-5S1s setting up near public parks, schools, and residential areas, prompting speculation. Despite these concerns, no LKA-5S1s were lost during the Cascadian Uprising. In 2021, the Skylakos would be deployed to Andarissia during the Andarissian Civil War, defending coalition installations once again. In 2025, during the War in Siana, the Skylakos would defend Lykania's cities from Libertine and Cascadian aircraft.

Gameplay

Alright, then. Here's something new. I decided to build a Gepard knockoff after I started playing Battlefield 6. When I first got a taste of the anti-air vehicle, I just knew I had to build one and implement it into my RP. My version of the Gepard is more inspired by the Pax Armata variant, although I did keep some aspects of the original the same. I managed to give it an auto-aiming turret. While the turret tracks perfectly, it can be a little misaligned. It can be adjusted using pitch and roll. I mean, besides that, there's not much too it. I'm currently building another tank, the LK-5 itself, using this hull, so that may come up next. Hope y'all enjoy.