NationStates Jolt Archive


Macabee Engineers Get to Work

The Macabees
23-07-2004, 19:11
Chevalier Self Propelled Artillery Gun

Macabees :: Chevalier

The Chevalier uses a dynamic new engine system in use by the Merkava 4 of Israel which saves a load of petroleum - giving it twice the distance on one tank, and cutting logistics costs by billions. Military experts figured that a beast over 100 tons going over 40 mph was a waste of resources and a big mistake. Most tactical battles were fought at a much smaller rate - and even it they went faster they were still concluded with the same result. Hence, the engine has been compacted to 1200 hp diesel engine, with a maximum speed of 30 mph. This is not as bad as it sounds - it is truly impractical to go over 25 on most of the earth's surfaces and it cuts down on refueling. In Destert Storm US Army VII Corps under General Franks had to wait to refuel their Abrams (with a normal engine), which consequently allowed the Republican Guard to escape and reform. Another advantage of this engine is that it produces far less heat, thus being less vulnerable to infra-red mortar rounds and heat-seeking top-attack ATGMs. Additionally, the curret gast turbine engine produces so much heat that infantrymen cannot follow behind for protection. This engine burns at 1.2 gallons a mile.

For ammunition it uses a scramjet 155mm artillery round, launching it at 50km range. The scramjet basically means the combustion takes place at supersonic air velocities through the engine. The expansion of hot gases after fuel injection and combustion accelerates the exhaus air to a velocity highter than at the inlet and creates positive push. This rocket propelled round hits its target at up to 6.5 mach. Furthermore, it's loaded with Octanitrocubane, the most powerful explosive known to man - although not currently used in the military (Octogen is used at present) - allowing for a much greater punch. This 155mm round (loaded with Octanitrocubane - c8n8016) is referred to in Spanish military jargon as the MARA - while the second type of round, which is designed to be more of a HEAT type round, still powered by scramjet is referred to as the MARB. The Chevalier holds 40 MARAs and 10 MARBs.

http://www.g2mil.com/scramjet.jpg


In the area of armor it has up to 900mm of NERA armor. Although light, this is not a front line vehicle, thus the having heavier armor would be both impracticle and a waste of resources - as the heavier it gets, the slower it drives. Linked with the engine this allows the Chevalier 750km of driving distance on one tank.

For self protection it also has one co-axial MG90, in use by the commander.


Picture coming soon.... have to find a way to upload it, or find the link again
The Macabees
23-07-2004, 19:15
Panzerwerfer Ausf. B

The highly effective Panzerwerfer MLRS is designed to suppress missile, artillery and mortar batteries, destroy strong points and eliminate enemy strongholds, as well as to defeat enemy's manpower, armoured and unarmoured materiel and other targets at the operational level. The system is highly mobile and transportable even off-roads. It can be used in different climatic conditions at an ambient temperature ranging from +50oC to -50oC.

The Panzerwerfer Combat Vehicle comprises a 20-tube launcher system mounted on an automobile chassis (8 x 8) of high cross-country ability with a powerful diesel engine. The single SMERCH unit is capable of firing a complete 20-round salvo within 20 seconds engaging an area of 672000 sq.m. High accuracy of fire with salvo dispersion is provided by in-flight rotation technique of a rocket projectile specially designed for this MLRS. Fire can be controlled from the special cabin of the combat vehicle or remotely.

The rocket used is the 300 mm calibre 9M55K (Russian), fitted with a self-contained powered-flight phase control system enhancing fire precision by a factor of two and accuracy by a factor of three as compared to unguided rockets. Minimum range is 20,000 m and maximum range 70,000 m.

The rocket can be fitted with the following types of warheads:

9M55K cluster projectile with fragmentation sub-munitions (72 x 1.81 kg). Intended to engage manpower, soft material;

9M55F with a separable HE warhead containing 95 kg of explosive for use against lightly armoured vehicles, fortifications and personnel;

9M55K1 with five top-attack anti-armour sub-munitions that weigh 15 kg each and are fitted with a two-band infra-red seeker. The munition measures 284x255x186 mm, the seeker's field of view is 30 deg. designed to defeat armour.

9M55S 300 mm rocket projectile with a thermobaric warhead is designed to defeat unsheltered manpower, as well as personel in light field fortifications and in soft-skinned/lightly armored vehichles. The warhead weght is 243 kg, the weight of explosive is 100 kg, the diameter of the thermobaric field with the temperature more than 1000 °C is 25 m.

9M55K4 300 mm rocket projectile is designed for remote laying of anti-tank minefields. The number of mines is 25. The mine weighs 4.85kg, the weight of explosive is 1.85 kg. Time of mine self-destruction is 16 ... 24 hours.



NOTE: So, basically, it's an upgaded SMERCH