NationStates Jolt Archive


Gorkonian G23 'Gladiator' MBT Enters Full Production (G22 Sentinels to be sold)

Gorkon
25-08-2004, 14:50
After completing the testing phase, making some adjustments to the design and giving it an engine upgrade, the G23 'Gladiator' main battle tank went into full production today. Limited production has been maintained since the initial prototype was a success, but now the G23 will completely replace the G22 'Sentinel' as the main battle tank of Gorkon. 165 of these Sentinels may be purchased if anyone wishes, while the rest are to be refit and used to bolster armoured divisions for some time. They are still powerful tanks, however they are not as powerful as Gladiators, and too heavy to fill our medium tank vacuum.
Regarding our medium tank vacuum several developments are proposed, including a degraded version of the Sentinel, an upgraded version of the Vandal, and a totally new design. The former is still too heavy, the mid is too light, and the latter too expensive, however, so we shall continue looking for alternatives.

The G23 was offered in limited numbers some time ago, however due to production constraints and incomplete testing, it was largely ignored. Note, most technologies have been purchased from foreign sources and then developed for our own use. Most notably, the design concept for the 152mm gun is a Russian one, though fully developed by Gorkonian Military Engineering. Amongst the upgrades to the initial design are the engines and computer systems.

Nations may place orders for either, though Gorkonian operating codes require they not end up in the hands of terrorists and/or rogue nations who will use them for more nefarious purposes.

G23 'Gladiator'-class Gorkonian Main Battle Tank

Weight: 71 tons
Length with gun forward: 400 inches
Width: 140 inches
Ground clearance: 20 inches
Propulsion: 3,102 horsepower gas turbine engine
Range: 300 miles (new fuel efficient methods)
Main Armament: 152mm armour-piercing cannon
Additional Weapons: M2 machine gun, 3X 7.62mm machine guns
Armour:Chobham armour & active protection system
Additional Equipment: Rangefinder Laser, Thermal Imager, Optical Fire Control, Missile Guidance Capability, Shtora-1, IR & SACLOS Jammer, Radar Jammer
Onboard Computer: Accuracy aids, Target recognition and acquisition,
HQ and units link, Global positioning

Cost: $3.5 million each (Bulk buy offer: 10% off orders of 250 or more)



And for those interested in the predecessor:

G22 'Sentinel'-class Gorkonian Main Battle Tank (Outdated)

Weight: 69 tons
Length with gun forward: 390 inches
Width: 140 inches
Ground clearance: 20 inches
Propulsion: 1,500 horsepower gas turbine engine
Range: 250 miles
Main Armament: 120mm smooth-bore cannon
Additional Weapons: M2 machine gun, 3X 7.62mm machine guns
Armour: Chobham armour & active protection system
Additional Equipment: Rangefinder Laser, Thermal Imager, Optical Fire Control, Missile Guidance Capability, Shtora-1, IR & SACLOS Jammer, Radar Jammer
Onboard Computer: Accuracy aids, Target recognition and acquisition, HQ and units link, Global positioning

Cost: $1.3 million each
Note: All Sentinels have been maintained properly during their 18-year lifespan, with appropriate upgrades as-and-when required. Good as new, rarely used in combat scenarios outside Gorkon. Active during Monarch's reign, and recent civil war. 165 remaining for sale.

OOC = I may find pictures, I may not. If not, just imagine a Challenger for now.