Rimarima Armaments
 | |
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense, Weapons manufacturing, Armored vehicles |
| Founded | 1657 AN |
| Headquarters |
 Rimarima, Wechua Nation |
| Key people |
Estefanía Villamil del Cará, CEO Alejandro Tukachevsky, Chief of Vehicle Design Helena Yupanqui, Director of Advanced Materials |
| Products | Armored vehicles, Artillery systems, Small arms, Defense electronics |
| Revenue | 12.6 billion écus (1738 AN) |
Rimarima Armaments is a major defense contractor and weapons manufacturer in the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie, specializing in armored vehicle development and production. Founded in 1657 AN, Rimarima Armaments began as a state-owned weapons manufacturer and defense contractor for the Wechua Nation. The company was privatized in 1700 AN, with the federal government retaining a significant minority stake of 35%. It has since evolved into one of Nouvelle Alexandrie's premier defense technology companies with a focus on ground combat systems, while maintaining select offerings in other defense sectors.
History
Founded in 1657 AN, Rimarima Armaments was initially a state-owned enterprise created to bolster the defense capabilities of the young Wechua Nation. The company was established in the industrial district of Rimarima, from which it takes its name. Its original mandate focused on producing traditional Wechua weapons alongside modern small arms and artillery for the national military.
During the Wechua Sorrow (1668 AN-1672 AN), the company maintained limited operations from Nivardom, Constancia, where it produced equipment for Wechua resistance forces. Following the Great Restoration in 1673 AN, the company rebuilt its manufacturing capabilities and expanded into light armored vehicle production.
Privatization and Modernization (1700-1720)
In 1700 AN, as part of broader economic reforms, the company was privatized through a public offering, with the federal government retaining a 35% stake. This transition marked a new era for Rimarima Armaments, leading to increased research funding and a focus on developing indigenous armored vehicle designs.
The company established its Vehicle Systems Division in 1705 AN, beginning work on what would eventually become the MBT-1 Victor. During this period, Rimarima Armaments acquired several smaller defense contractors, consolidating expertise in armor development and weapons integration.
Expansion and Specialization (1720-Present)
Following the successful introduction of the MBT-1 Victor in 1718 AN, Rimarima Armaments has focused increasingly on armored vehicle development. The company established its Advanced Armor Research Center in 1724 AN, pioneering new composite armor technologies and active protection systems.
During the Recession of 1726, the company weathered significant financial challenges through strategic restructuring and increased focus on export markets. By 1730 AN, Rimarima had recovered and expanded its production facilities in the Wechua Nation, Santander, and Alduria.
The Spring Crisis of 1739 highlighted the importance of domestic defense production capabilities, leading to increased government investment in Rimarima's research programs, particularly those focused on next-generation armored vehicles and Alexandrium applications.
Corporate Structure
Rimarima Armaments operates through six primary divisions:
- Ground Combat Systems Division - Main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers
- Artillery Systems Division - Self-propelled artillery, rocket systems, and munitions
- Defense Electronics Division - Fire control systems, battlefield management, and electronic warfare
- Small Arms Division - Military and civilian firearms and ammunition
- Advanced Research Division - Experimental technologies and materials research
- Logistics and Support Division - Maintenance, repair, and operator training
The company maintains production facilities in five major locations:
- Rimarima, Wechua Nation - Corporate headquarters and main tank production facility
- Potosí, Santander - Artillery and electronics manufacturing
- Amapola, Alduria - Armored vehicle assembly and testing grounds
- Cajamarca, Wechua Nation - Small arms production
- Chambéry, Valencia - Research and development campus
Products
Armored Vehicles
Main Battle Tanks
- MBT-1 Victor - Nouvelle Alexandrie's premier main battle tank, developed from 1705 AN to 1718 AN based on Caputian designs but extensively modified for New Alexandrian battlefield requirements. Features a 120mm smoothbore cannon, advanced composite armor, and digital battlefield management systems. Currently in active service with the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie and exported to Constancia and the Suren Confederacy.
- MBT-2 Kuntur - Next-generation main battle tank currently in final development stages. Features include:
- Advanced modular armor with Alexandrium-composite inserts
- 130mm electrothermal-chemical main gun
- Unmanned turret design reducing crew requirements from 4 to 3
- Hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system
- Active protection system capable of defeating multiple threat types
- Advanced thermal and electromagnetic signature management
Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- IFV-3 Puma - Modern infantry fighting vehicle featuring a 30mm autocannon, anti-tank guided missile capability, and capacity for 8 fully equipped infantry.
- IFV-4 Amaru - Heavy infantry fighting vehicle introduced in 1735 AN with enhanced protection against IEDs and mines. Features include:
- 40mm cased telescoped ammunition cannon
- Remote weapon station with 12.7mm heavy machine gun
- Capacity for 10 infantry with full equipment
- Integrated battlefield networking capabilities
- AVCAV-1 Rimaq - Armed reconnaissance vehicle featuring light armor, high mobility, and advanced sensor suite. Equipped with 25mm cannon and anti-tank missiles.
Armored Personnel Carriers
- APC-5 Wamani - Standard wheeled (8×8) armored personnel carrier of the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Features include:
- Amphibious capability
- CBRN protection system
- Modular armor packages
- Remote weapon station options from 7.62mm to 30mm
- APC-6 Wari - Heavy tracked armored personnel carrier designed for front-line operations. Features enhanced protection and off-road mobility compared to wheeled alternatives. Entered service in 1734 AN.
Combat Engineering Vehicles
- CEV-2 Amauta - Armored engineering vehicle based on the MBT-1 Victor chassis. Equipped with dozer blade, excavator arm, and mine-clearing equipment. In service since 1723 AN.
- AVLB-1 - Armored vehicle-launched bridge system capable of deploying a 24-meter bridge capable of supporting MBT-class vehicles. Based on modified MBT-1 Victor chassis.
Specialized Vehicles
- ARV-3 Tarpuy - Armored recovery vehicle based on the MBT-1 Victor chassis, equipped with powerful winches, crane, and repair equipment.
- MLRS-2 Wayra - Multiple launch rocket system mounted on an armored 6×6 truck chassis. Capable of firing 227mm guided and unguided rockets with a range of up to 70km.
- SPH-4 Illapa - Self-propelled 155mm howitzer with automated loading system and advanced fire control. Range of 40km with standard ammunition and 70km with rocket-assisted projectiles.
Artillery Systems
- Thunderbolt Artillery System - Towed 155mm howitzer with digital fire control system and rapid deployment capability. Can be airlifted by medium transport helicopter.
- Hatun Wayra Mortar System - 120mm automated mortar system mounted on light armored vehicle. Features computerized fire control and quick-change barrel system.
- Pampa Rocket Artillery - Lightweight multiple rocket launcher system designed for mountain and jungle warfare, mounted on 4×4 vehicles.
Anti-Tank and Air Defense Systems
- Sinchi Paña Air Defense Anti-Tank System - Dual-purpose short-range surface-to-air and anti-tank missile system. Features include:
- Fire-and-forget capability
- Infrared imaging seeker with counter-countermeasure capability
- Effective against helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and modern tanks
- Man-portable or vehicle-mounted options
- Jaguar Anti-Tank Guided Missile - Advanced fire-and-forget anti-tank missile with tandem HEAT warhead capable of defeating reactive armor. Effective range of 5km.
Unmanned Systems
- Hawk-5 Combat Drone - Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle with surveillance and strike capabilities.
- UGV-1 Chuncho - Unmanned ground vehicle for reconnaissance and combat support. Available in armed and unarmed configurations.
Electronic Warfare and Battlefield Systems
- EMP-RA1 Ordnance - Tactical electromagnetic pulse weapon for disabling electronic systems. Vehicle-mounted or fixed installation versions available.
- Condor Battlefield Management System - Integrated command, control, communications, and intelligence system for armored formations.
- Pampa Fire Control System - Advanced fire control system for armored vehicles featuring automatic target tracking, hunter-killer capability, and integration with battlefield management networks.
Small Arms and Personal Equipment
Military Series
- Pampa Assault Rifle - Standard 5.56mm service rifle
- Hatun Rifle - 7.62mm designated marksman rifle
- Qulla Machine Gun - 7.62mm general purpose machine gun
- Chaski Combat Pistol - 9mm semi-automatic sidearm
Civilian Series
- Sumaq Markaman (Beautiful Hunter) - High-precision hunting rifle
- Ukuku Q'epi (Bear Catcher) - Tactical shotgun for hunting and personal defense
- Inti Siklla (Sun Arrow) - Semi-automatic sporting rifle
- Kuntur Yachaq (Condor Wisdom) - Long-range precision rifle
- Antis Puma (Jungle Puma) - Compact carbine for sporting use
- Wasiq Tukuna (Defender's Choice) - Personal defense pistol
Alexandrium Research and Applications
In 1735 AN, Rimarima Armaments established its Alexandrium Applications Laboratory to explore potential uses of this exotic material in defense applications. While still in early research stages, promising areas include:
- Alexandrium-Enhanced Composite Armor - Laboratory tests show potential for 30% weight reduction compared to conventional armor with equivalent protection. Currently in small-scale testing phase.
- Alexandrium-Stabilized Hypervelocity Penetrators - Experimental ammunition utilizing Alexandrium components to maintain structural integrity at extreme velocities. In early prototype testing.
- Alexandrium Power Cells - Research into high-density energy storage using Alexandrium-based materials. Theoretical work suggests potential for 300% energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries.
- Quantum Field Disruption Technology - Highly classified research program exploring Alexandrium's unique interactions with electromagnetic and quantum fields. Potential applications include advanced jamming systems and sensor countermeasures.
Research and Development
Rimarima Armaments invests approximately 18% of its annual revenue in research and development, maintaining several specialized research centers throughout Nouvelle Alexandrie. This substantial commitment to innovation has enabled the company to remain at the forefront of armored vehicle technology despite increasing international competition.
The Vehicle Systems Integration Laboratory in Rimarima serves as the company's principal facility for armored vehicle development and systems testing. Working in close collaboration with the Advanced Materials Research Center in Chambéry, these facilities form the backbone of Rimarima's technological edge, particularly in armor development and Alexandrium applications. Supporting these primary research centers, the Electronic Systems Development Center in Potosí specializes in fire control, battlefield management, and electronic warfare systems.
For practical testing and verification, the company maintains the Ballistics and Protection Testing Facility in Amapola, which features comprehensive ranges for weapons and armor evaluation. Complementing this is the Environmental Performance Center in Judah, where vehicles undergo rigorous testing in simulated extreme environments ranging from arctic conditions to desert heat and high-altitude mountain terrain.
Current major R&D initiatives include Project Chakana, focused on next-generation active protection systems for armored vehicles; Project Qori, exploring advanced hybrid propulsion systems for enhanced mobility and reduced thermal signature; Project Tinkuy, investigating unmanned and optionally manned combat vehicle development; and Project Illary, dedicated to Alexandrium applications in defense technology.
Controversies
Despite its economic and technological contributions, Rimarima Armaments has faced criticism regarding its business practices and environmental impact. Labor relations have occasionally been strained, exemplified by a major strike in 1725 AN that lasted six weeks. The dispute was eventually resolved through negotiations that resulted in improved worker protections, enhanced benefits, and greater employee representation in company decision-making processes.
Environmental compliance issues emerged in 1728 AN when manufacturing facilities in Rimarima were cited for pollution violations by federal regulators. In response, the company implemented significant remediation efforts and process improvements, including advanced water treatment systems, comprehensive air quality monitoring, and enhanced waste management protocols that exceeded regulatory requirements.
Community tensions arose during the expansion of testing facilities in Amapola in 1733 AN, when local agricultural communities protested their displacement. The dispute highlighted the challenges of balancing industrial development with traditional land use and community rights. Following extensive negotiations, Rimarima implemented a comprehensive compensation and relocation program that has since become a model for responsible industrial expansion.
