Hello, I have a question that is slightly on topic, and to prevent starting another thread, I ask it here. Warning: It is an annoying question, and a 4th ed question.
In the Core book (SR4A), vehicles do not list Std. Upgrades. This was saved for Arsenal. On page 106 of Arsenal, the "Standard Upgrades" for the Core book vehicles are listed. Now I understand that Rotor Craft automatically would receive Improved Takeoff and Landing 2, so not seeing it listed under "Northrup Wasp" was reasonable. But there are other vehicles which I have some trouble with. One example is the "Cascade Skraacha" (Arsenal pg 113). It is listed under the Aircraft heading and has a sub-header of LAV (Low Altitude Vehicle). At this point, even though it doesn't state in it's Standard Upgrades (it doesn't have any), I assume it has Hovercraft Upgrade. So far, so good.
I then try to apply these "Common Sense" (using that term loosely) approaches to other supplements. In Mil Spec Tech, the LAV-98 "Devil Rat" (Mil Spec Tech pg

has the LAV directly in it's name, but specifically mentions Tracked Propulsion. Hovercraft Upgrade (Arsenal pg 137) says that hovercraft vehicles may use other modes of transportation (if they have them). The LAV-98 also lists no header or sub-header. So now using the pre-established approaches, I must assumes that it is a Hover Tank that also has treads. This could also apply to LAV-103 "Striker" on Mil Spec Tech pg 9. I could also assume that LAV is a Brand name or abbreviation.
In the same book, on page 10, is the CAS/GD Stonewall Main Battle Tank. It does not mention Hovercraft, any other form of propulsion, nor has any header or sub-header. Yet the illustration has the vehicle in question lightly skimming over the ground without wheels or anything. So it could be a hovercraft, but it could also be a VTOL (Improved Takeoff and Landing 2).
Now, I have often have asked you, finest of posters, for exact ratings and classification. Today I am asking you this:
"How would you determine whats vehicle do what, and how do you justify it?"
Now I know as a Gamemaster I can say: Hey I'm GM, this is how it's gonna be, K? But I am interested in how others reach those decisions. So if I want to chase my players around the wilderness with these great vehicles, just what can they do? I ask you.