Kestrel

The Kestrel Assault Carrier is the official name for a vehicle more commonly known as the "Republic Gunship", so synonymous has it become with the Tasnica Republic and its Marine Corps. Although Tasnica developed a variety of methods for combat insertion, the Marines time and time again opted for the Kestrel because of its firepower and mobility. The vehicle was developed as a result of Tasnica's disastrous Leviathan War experience in the Kakkara, where the need for tactical mobility and fire support became increasingly obvious.

Almost thirty meters long, the Kestrel is capable of transporting a platoon of battle-suited Marines to their target. Once deployed, the Kestrel can stay on station to provide fire support with its chin-mounted autocannon, machineguns, and missiles.

Some Kestrels also have docking clamps for distributing support vehicles, cargo, and supplies, though for large vehicles and mecha the larger Nimbus-class dropship is required.

The main manufacturer of the vehicle is the Kuat Consortium, who is rumored to be working on an export version but is encountering pushback from the Tasnican government. ("How can we export something literally known as "the Republic Gunship"?). Kuat clearly views the craft as a potential competitor to Arerospace Esper's various helicopters, which often offer combined troop transport and fire support capabilities.