Scandavian States
17-06-2004, 22:11
Let's face it, with the advances in tank technology current projectiles are becoming obsolete. Chemical energy shells, known as HEAT to tankers, are becoming increasingly incapable of achieving even second shot kills in a hostile enviroment and with the rapid fielding of nERA current SABOT rounds aren't far behind.
The Imperial Joint Strategic Command, realizing the danger of continuing to use conventional rounds, has decided to once again make armour a delay in a death sentence, not a pardon. The problem with HEAT rounds is two fold; first the shaped charge is usually C4, which is hardly the pinnacle of plastic explosives technology, and second CE is far more defeatable than KE. To that end, generals have decided to refine the XM943 STAFF concept, which extends engagement range and takes advantage of the weak top armour of a tank. SABOT rounds are much harder to defeat because they use the weight of the projectile plus its forward momentum to achieve penetration, not chemical energy that is dependant on the effectiveness of the explosive. However, the use of ablative armour in nERA, Chobham, and similar systems has started to erode the effectiveness of the alimighty KE penetrator. In response the IJSC has decided to take the XM1007 TERM concept and make it a reality. The munition is also boosted and guided much like the STAFF, which also uses Semi-Active Laser and Millimeter Wave guidance systems to find its target. When the TERM projectile does find its target (usually just a few meters above the tank) it makes any necessary course corrections just before it slams into the target and the osmium/iridium penetrator destroys the tank upon impact.
Notes:
*While all tanks will use these new rounds, the M1 Conqueror will be prevented from using both rounds' extended range capabilities because of the restricted elevation of the turretless design. However, the extreme toughness of the Conqueror will allow for engagements at visual range.
*Engagement range for the 120mm versions will be as much as 10Km while the 150mm version will boast a maximum range of 16Km.
*An anti-infantry round will also be introduced that will benefit tanks in close-range (500m or less) enviroments.
*Standard SABOT rounds, which use Tungsten, will be upgraded to an Osmium/Iridium alloy. Such rounds will make up 1/5 of all munitions in Imperial Army and Imperial Marine tanks.
The Imperial Joint Strategic Command, realizing the danger of continuing to use conventional rounds, has decided to once again make armour a delay in a death sentence, not a pardon. The problem with HEAT rounds is two fold; first the shaped charge is usually C4, which is hardly the pinnacle of plastic explosives technology, and second CE is far more defeatable than KE. To that end, generals have decided to refine the XM943 STAFF concept, which extends engagement range and takes advantage of the weak top armour of a tank. SABOT rounds are much harder to defeat because they use the weight of the projectile plus its forward momentum to achieve penetration, not chemical energy that is dependant on the effectiveness of the explosive. However, the use of ablative armour in nERA, Chobham, and similar systems has started to erode the effectiveness of the alimighty KE penetrator. In response the IJSC has decided to take the XM1007 TERM concept and make it a reality. The munition is also boosted and guided much like the STAFF, which also uses Semi-Active Laser and Millimeter Wave guidance systems to find its target. When the TERM projectile does find its target (usually just a few meters above the tank) it makes any necessary course corrections just before it slams into the target and the osmium/iridium penetrator destroys the tank upon impact.
Notes:
*While all tanks will use these new rounds, the M1 Conqueror will be prevented from using both rounds' extended range capabilities because of the restricted elevation of the turretless design. However, the extreme toughness of the Conqueror will allow for engagements at visual range.
*Engagement range for the 120mm versions will be as much as 10Km while the 150mm version will boast a maximum range of 16Km.
*An anti-infantry round will also be introduced that will benefit tanks in close-range (500m or less) enviroments.
*Standard SABOT rounds, which use Tungsten, will be upgraded to an Osmium/Iridium alloy. Such rounds will make up 1/5 of all munitions in Imperial Army and Imperial Marine tanks.