What machine is the most human? It is a peculiar trait of mankind that they see
aspects of themselves within their own creations, and from statues of ancient kings on Earth to the
most advanced artificial intelligences used across the colonies, mankind has sought to
recreate its likeness with ever-increasing sophistication. But often, humanity is
epitomized not in its greatest works, but in that which is the most common and overlooked.
The M12 Force Application Vehicle is not particularly advanced or revolutionary.
It is inconsequential compared to the vast starships that enabled the conquest of the
stars and might appear mundane in its ubiquity. Yet for over 2 centuries,
humanity has found in this simple vehicle, not just a tool or weapon, but a loyal companion. A
machine in which the human race might see their best qualities reflected.
Developed by AMG Transport Dynamics in 2319, the initial prototype line known as the “Z-12”
garnered immediate consideration for both civilian and military use.
Intended to serve as an all-terrain light utility vehicle, the Z-12 featured a simple
yet resilient chassis and an immensely effective four-wheel drive. It’s allowed it to perform as
a type of “jack of all trades”, fulfilling the role of multiple existing vehicles of the time.
It could move swiftly through rugged terrain, climb steep inclines,
ford shallow rivers and all while carrying a large payload of men
or material. The Z12 had an operational range of roughly 790 kilometers, but its hydrogen
engine could be easily replenished by an on-board solar/saline actuator. Even overnight condensation
typical to most terraformed worlds, was sufficient to at least partially refuel its engine.
Despite its immense size, roughly 6 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3 meters tall, the vehicle was
suitably lightweight enough to be economically transported across interstellar space. It was
also highly mobile, easily accelerating to its top speed of roughly 125 kilometers an hour.
Its impressive performance was highlighted in a well-crafted advertising campaign and thorough
demonstrations, leading to numerous contracts with the Colonial Military Administration.
In 2321, AMG signed a further agreement with the CMA to become the exclusive provider
of various types of utility vehicles that would be based on the Z12 chassis.
As part of its transition to mass production and adoption into colonial use, the vehicle
was designated the M12 Force Application Vehicle. In the space of 8 years the M12 FAV
became the most numerous all-terrain vehicle within the Colonial Administration.
While largely unchanged from the Z12, notable differences included the addition of armoured body
panels and a pneumatic, later hydraulic-powered swivel mount on the rear of the vehicle.
The enormous popularity of the M12 within the colonial sector led to the widespread adoption of
the affectionate nickname “Warthog” and increased exports. Production of the vehicle expanded
further, with numerous companies contracted alongside AMG to produce different variants.
While the Colonial Military Administration remained the largest users of the M12 platform,
it also became popular within civil service, acting as a colonial ambulance,
cargo hauler and even off road rally racing.
The adoption of the M12 into United Nations Space Command,
largely within the UNSC Army and UNSC Marine Corps, further cemented the Warthog as the most
successful light vehicle in human history. By the outbreak of the Human Covenant War
in 2525, the M12 had been in active service for over 200 years, but constant refinements
enabled the platform to remain competitive throughout the breadth of the conflict.
As the principal workhorse of humanity during the war, it in many respects became the iconic vehicle
of the era, with an almost mythological reputation of toughness, durability and versatility.
The demands of the 28 year conflict saw the Warthog used in nearly every role,
with improvised field modifications by desperate UNSC personnel expanding the capabilities of the
M12 well beyond what its original designers had intended. Even among the Covenant,
famously derisive of human equipment, the Warthog achieved some level of respect. Captured M12s
were known to have been brought back to the Covenant world of Sanghelios as war trophies.
The Warthog’s extraordinary service history and versatile nature has led to an entire
family of vehicles based on the original M12 chassis. Initially, these variants
were mainly focused on adapting the M12 for use in a variety of different environments,
such as the M862 Arctic Variant which included an enclosed cabin and quad-tracks, and the M868
Tropic Variant with a further improved suspension and anti-corrosion coating. Subsequent variants
specialized the M12 into a dedicated troop transport or recovery vehicle. Dozens of
separate variants would be classified based on M12s equipped weapons, from the standard rotary
chainguns, to various rocket launchers, gauss cannons, flamethrowers and grenade launchers.
By 2552, the latest systemic overhaul of the M12 was considered substantial enough to warrant a new
designation, the M12B. While largely similar to its predecessor, the B model featured a
more angular body, additional utility features, incorporated side compartments and an overhauled
lighting system. A redesigned swing-axle system, transmission, drive shafts, constant velocity
joints and “smart wheels” further improved the M12s still legendary off-road performance.
Like its predecessor, the B line of Warthogs was further refined into dozens of variants,
often modernized versions of prior submodels based on the old M12.
Despite attempts by the M12B’s manufacturers to discourage unapproved modifications,
added security measures proved ineffectual, leading again to widespread ad-hoc configurations.
Today, the M12 “Warthog” family of vehicles remains a critical pillar of human civilization.
It can be found on every world, from the recovering battlefields of Earth
and the Inner Colonies, to the distant frontiers where settlement operations are again taking
place. It serves within United Nations Space Command, Private Military Corporations,
Civil Services and Police Forces, on the battlefield and on the racetrack.
The stories and legends surrounding the Warthog are endless, from heroic tales of survival
to rumors of M12s secretly being shipped back home piece by piece, by Marines who refused to give
them up after retirement. It is an enduring piece of machinery, and ultimately, the most human.