Verdant Archipelago
14-03-2005, 01:12
Much of this information is identical to that of the BV-17 Reiter, so if you’ve read that, you don’t need to work your way through this. Most of the systems are identical to reduce load on the logistic train, even though they may seem somewhat gaudy on a glorified APC. The main changes occur in the armament section, and with the addition of 10 more infantry in the cargo compartment.
BV-18 Dragoon
iWeight: 68 metric tons
Length: 8.8 metres
Width: (without skirts) 4 metres
Height: 2.8 metres
Based on the extremely successful Reiter tank chassis, the BV-18 represents a major shift from traditional IFV designs. While most IFVs are designed for fast scouting actions, the Dragoon is designed as a true APC, meant to weather the heaviest fire and protect her precious cargo of infantry until they can be delivered to their destination, while also functioning as the assault gun that infantry require so desperately, and that rely heavily on infantry in turn. While not designed to take tanks head on, the BV-18 is extremely easily modified, and ATGMs can be potentially mounted. In future, it is likely the chassis will be used to create a dedicated missile carrying tank.
Armament:
Main Gun: Krupp Armaments MS125 125mm short barreled mortar
Standard projectile range-direct fire: 2km
Standard projectile range-indirect fire: 4km
ERGM range-indirect fire: 15km
Ammunition storage 30 rounds
3 Swansen Armaments MG-15E 15mm remotely aimed machinegun
Ammunition 1000 rounds each
The BV-18, in its role as a heavily armoured infantry support vehicle, carries a variety of weapons to facilitate assaulting heavily defended positions, particularly in urban settings. The main gun is a short barreled 125mm automatic mortar mounted in a small limited traverse cupola on the left side of the bow. The mortar has a maximum range of 6km, and can be used in direct fire mode as well. The mortar can fire a variety of guided and unguided shells, and can fire a 125mm metalstorm canister containing 450 5mm rounds, in addition to sleeved Kontos and Assagai ATGMs. A gun fired missile specifically designed for a 125mm barrel is currently being devised.
In addition to the mortar, there are 3 15mm machineguns mounted in the top. These have extensive blast shield protection, and are generally fired by infantrymen along for the ride. They can be remotely operated, but this is discouraged as it puts too much strain on the gunner.
Propulsion
Maximum speed: 70 km/hour sprint, 50km/h cruising
Powerplant: Veragrad Mining Solutions 1000kW Hybrid Diesel/Electric Turbine
Fuel: 1,400 litres
Unrefueled Range 700 kilometres
As in the Merkava, the engine is mounted in the bow, both to protect it from fire, and provide protection to the crew. The Dragoon uses a hybrid diesel/electric engine system. Power is provided by an extremely efficient 1000 kW diesel turbine which operates constantly at low revs to deliver maximum torque and peak efficiency. The turbine turns a generator, which charges batteries (positioned between the crew and the engine), which deliver power to the electric motors on every drive wheel. Although this means that standard maximum power is reduced, the strategic speed is much higher than comparable pure diesel MBTs. Additionally, should more power be required, the turbine can engage into the drive wheels directly along with the electronic motors, delivering 1500kW. Further, the tank can run purely on battery power, allowing it to function when completely submerged. When on battery power, the only sound is the clanking of the treads, a far cry from the loud roar of petroleum engines. The tank can perform 10 minutes of combat maneuvering on battery power.
Systems and Crew
Cohen Optics Laser Detection System Mk 2
Cohen Optics Target Detection and Acquisition System
Three Integrated Electronics Mk 3 Combat Analysis Systems
Integrated Electronics Combat Analysis Suite Pro IV
Integrated Electronics Datalinque I
Cohen Optics Communications Array
The BV-18 uses the same command interface as the BV-17, with the suite 20 small 4.1 megapixel digital cameras which provide the crew with real-time images of what's going outside the tank without using small and uncomfortable periscopes (though the periscopes are retained). These cameras are recessed into the armour and can be protected with a retractable armored shutter, and are very difficult to destroy. These images are accessible by all crewmembers on the several MFDs in each fighting position. Additionally, each crew member can gain access to the information that the others have... the driver could see how many rounds are left in the mortar, the gunner could see the strategic map, and so on. Even more revolutionary, all the controls are fiber optically controlled... this is a 'drive by light vehicle'. What this means is that should one crewmember be incapacitated, another can take over his job without switching positions. The commander or gunner could drive, the driver could work the guns, and so on. This means that it is possible the tank could be fought with only a single crew-member. THIS IS NOT RECOMENDED. The crew has remained at 3 because division of labor is VITAL to a combat vehicle's success on the battlefield.
The crew compartments, which are in the bow just behind the batteries, are separated from the cargo compartment by a bulkhead with a hatch, which improves the chances of the infantry’s survival should the engine be hit. The cargo compartment itself is large enough to accommodate 16 fully equipped men in marginal comfort, and also contains MFD devices to let the crunchies inside see what’s going on. The cargo compartment actually has several exits… The four machineguns have access points from the cargo compartments, and a large door at the rear.
There are, of course, other sensors than the digital cameras. A state of the art IR sensor mounted in a ball turret on the turret, passive radar detectors, a laser designator and rangefinder, laser detection sensors that can differentiate between more than 1000 different targeting and rangefinding lasers, millimeter band radar, and even an experimental acoustic system. One of the more amusing capabilities is for a Midge class dirigible drone to attach itself to the stern of the APC, and be remotely deployed to ‘see what’s beyond that next hill’.
For communications, the Dragoon has the Integrated Electronics Datalinque I system. This is a heavily encrypted broadband communications system with a range of about 500m, and rather high transfer speeds, allowing a platoon of tanks to share information. However, the Datalinque system is handled by an entirely separate computer, and there are no actual crosslinks between the communications server and the computer that governs the functioning of the tank, making it impossible for a remote user to gain control of the vehicle. While there is still the risk of eavesdroppers gaining access to privileged information or using radio direction finding equipment to find the tanks, the low power levels of the transmission and battle-encryption will make this rather difficult. Three other forms of communication are available to the standard version. First is a laser based communication system with an effective range of several kilometers based on atmospheric conditions. It has a high transfer rate and is completely undetectable, but is line of sight only. Second is the LAN port hidden in an armoured recess under the stern, which allows vehicles to be linked fiberoptically. This is usually used in static deployments, but a small spool can be added to allow very limited maneuvering. The LAN port is particularly useful for those company-wide Counter-Strike games while waiting for the green light. Finally, a software enhanced encrypted VHF radio can be used in emergencies when there is no satellite uplink in network range.
Protection
Armour Protection in Te RHA
Bow: KE 2500mm CE 2800mm
Flanks: KE 800 CE 1500
Stern: KE 400 CE 700
Top: KE 900 CE 1500
Dynamique Verdant Stacked Grenade Launcher
Dynamiqie Verdant hull mounted explosive devices
Dynamique Verdant Momentum Transfer Appliqué
There are several layers of protection to the BV-18i. The best way not to get damaged is not to be detected. This is why so much effort has been put into muffling the IR and acoustic signatures of the tank. The acoustic muffling is quite effective, especially when running on battery power. IR reduction is less effective, but it is still runs cooler than most tanks.
Second layer of protection is in not being targeted. When targeting lasers are detected, canisters on the hull immediately deploy an anti-laser aerosol system that diffracts the laser and improves the chances of a miss. Additionally, the Ocelot is equipped with Metalstorm based smoke grenade dispensers. Smoke grenade is a bit of a misdenomer, the grenade obscures both visible and infrared frequencies. Chaff launchers were considered and discarded, because the thread from radar guided ATGMs is too small to take seriously; though chaff filled grenades CAN be fitted should they prove necessary.
Unlike most APCs, the BV-18 does not normally carry ER armour... it is a liability when working closely with infantry. The infantry also do an excellent job of suppressing RPG teams. This does not mean that HEAT shells and missiles are not a threat, and we do deal with them. The BV-18 mounts ball-and-chain armor packages that prematurely detonate incoming shells. Several layers of reactive armor (not explosive) coats the outer hull. The outer layer is a MEXAS derivative, designed to neutralize shaped charge attacks. The second layer is made of a brittle ceramic which shatters on impact, robbing the shell of much of its energy and deforming the tip, potentially inducing yaw. Below that there is a layer of DU armour impregnated with carbon whiskers, and layers of standard ceramic and steel follow, honeycombed. Effective bow protection is equivalent to 2.5m of RHA. Should the tank be heading into a situation where heavy fire is expected, advanced momentum transfer explosive reactive armour can be added, but this is rare. Special attention has been given to the top of the tank, as far as armour goes. The commander's hatch has been designed to limit exposure to shrapnel and snipers, and the top's armor is sufficient to defeat most top attack missiles.
The tank can also be equipped with many small fragmentation explosives on the hull; when an ATGM is detected, an alarm warns nearby infantry, and an explosive detonates, showering the incoming missiles with fragments. The fragments are designed to be uniformly shaped and lose velocity quickly, giving them a kill radius of 3m, but supporting infantry are still suggested to take cover. The system can either be shut off by the tank commander, or manually activated to shred assaulting infantry.
BV-18 Dragoon
iWeight: 68 metric tons
Length: 8.8 metres
Width: (without skirts) 4 metres
Height: 2.8 metres
Based on the extremely successful Reiter tank chassis, the BV-18 represents a major shift from traditional IFV designs. While most IFVs are designed for fast scouting actions, the Dragoon is designed as a true APC, meant to weather the heaviest fire and protect her precious cargo of infantry until they can be delivered to their destination, while also functioning as the assault gun that infantry require so desperately, and that rely heavily on infantry in turn. While not designed to take tanks head on, the BV-18 is extremely easily modified, and ATGMs can be potentially mounted. In future, it is likely the chassis will be used to create a dedicated missile carrying tank.
Armament:
Main Gun: Krupp Armaments MS125 125mm short barreled mortar
Standard projectile range-direct fire: 2km
Standard projectile range-indirect fire: 4km
ERGM range-indirect fire: 15km
Ammunition storage 30 rounds
3 Swansen Armaments MG-15E 15mm remotely aimed machinegun
Ammunition 1000 rounds each
The BV-18, in its role as a heavily armoured infantry support vehicle, carries a variety of weapons to facilitate assaulting heavily defended positions, particularly in urban settings. The main gun is a short barreled 125mm automatic mortar mounted in a small limited traverse cupola on the left side of the bow. The mortar has a maximum range of 6km, and can be used in direct fire mode as well. The mortar can fire a variety of guided and unguided shells, and can fire a 125mm metalstorm canister containing 450 5mm rounds, in addition to sleeved Kontos and Assagai ATGMs. A gun fired missile specifically designed for a 125mm barrel is currently being devised.
In addition to the mortar, there are 3 15mm machineguns mounted in the top. These have extensive blast shield protection, and are generally fired by infantrymen along for the ride. They can be remotely operated, but this is discouraged as it puts too much strain on the gunner.
Propulsion
Maximum speed: 70 km/hour sprint, 50km/h cruising
Powerplant: Veragrad Mining Solutions 1000kW Hybrid Diesel/Electric Turbine
Fuel: 1,400 litres
Unrefueled Range 700 kilometres
As in the Merkava, the engine is mounted in the bow, both to protect it from fire, and provide protection to the crew. The Dragoon uses a hybrid diesel/electric engine system. Power is provided by an extremely efficient 1000 kW diesel turbine which operates constantly at low revs to deliver maximum torque and peak efficiency. The turbine turns a generator, which charges batteries (positioned between the crew and the engine), which deliver power to the electric motors on every drive wheel. Although this means that standard maximum power is reduced, the strategic speed is much higher than comparable pure diesel MBTs. Additionally, should more power be required, the turbine can engage into the drive wheels directly along with the electronic motors, delivering 1500kW. Further, the tank can run purely on battery power, allowing it to function when completely submerged. When on battery power, the only sound is the clanking of the treads, a far cry from the loud roar of petroleum engines. The tank can perform 10 minutes of combat maneuvering on battery power.
Systems and Crew
Cohen Optics Laser Detection System Mk 2
Cohen Optics Target Detection and Acquisition System
Three Integrated Electronics Mk 3 Combat Analysis Systems
Integrated Electronics Combat Analysis Suite Pro IV
Integrated Electronics Datalinque I
Cohen Optics Communications Array
The BV-18 uses the same command interface as the BV-17, with the suite 20 small 4.1 megapixel digital cameras which provide the crew with real-time images of what's going outside the tank without using small and uncomfortable periscopes (though the periscopes are retained). These cameras are recessed into the armour and can be protected with a retractable armored shutter, and are very difficult to destroy. These images are accessible by all crewmembers on the several MFDs in each fighting position. Additionally, each crew member can gain access to the information that the others have... the driver could see how many rounds are left in the mortar, the gunner could see the strategic map, and so on. Even more revolutionary, all the controls are fiber optically controlled... this is a 'drive by light vehicle'. What this means is that should one crewmember be incapacitated, another can take over his job without switching positions. The commander or gunner could drive, the driver could work the guns, and so on. This means that it is possible the tank could be fought with only a single crew-member. THIS IS NOT RECOMENDED. The crew has remained at 3 because division of labor is VITAL to a combat vehicle's success on the battlefield.
The crew compartments, which are in the bow just behind the batteries, are separated from the cargo compartment by a bulkhead with a hatch, which improves the chances of the infantry’s survival should the engine be hit. The cargo compartment itself is large enough to accommodate 16 fully equipped men in marginal comfort, and also contains MFD devices to let the crunchies inside see what’s going on. The cargo compartment actually has several exits… The four machineguns have access points from the cargo compartments, and a large door at the rear.
There are, of course, other sensors than the digital cameras. A state of the art IR sensor mounted in a ball turret on the turret, passive radar detectors, a laser designator and rangefinder, laser detection sensors that can differentiate between more than 1000 different targeting and rangefinding lasers, millimeter band radar, and even an experimental acoustic system. One of the more amusing capabilities is for a Midge class dirigible drone to attach itself to the stern of the APC, and be remotely deployed to ‘see what’s beyond that next hill’.
For communications, the Dragoon has the Integrated Electronics Datalinque I system. This is a heavily encrypted broadband communications system with a range of about 500m, and rather high transfer speeds, allowing a platoon of tanks to share information. However, the Datalinque system is handled by an entirely separate computer, and there are no actual crosslinks between the communications server and the computer that governs the functioning of the tank, making it impossible for a remote user to gain control of the vehicle. While there is still the risk of eavesdroppers gaining access to privileged information or using radio direction finding equipment to find the tanks, the low power levels of the transmission and battle-encryption will make this rather difficult. Three other forms of communication are available to the standard version. First is a laser based communication system with an effective range of several kilometers based on atmospheric conditions. It has a high transfer rate and is completely undetectable, but is line of sight only. Second is the LAN port hidden in an armoured recess under the stern, which allows vehicles to be linked fiberoptically. This is usually used in static deployments, but a small spool can be added to allow very limited maneuvering. The LAN port is particularly useful for those company-wide Counter-Strike games while waiting for the green light. Finally, a software enhanced encrypted VHF radio can be used in emergencies when there is no satellite uplink in network range.
Protection
Armour Protection in Te RHA
Bow: KE 2500mm CE 2800mm
Flanks: KE 800 CE 1500
Stern: KE 400 CE 700
Top: KE 900 CE 1500
Dynamique Verdant Stacked Grenade Launcher
Dynamiqie Verdant hull mounted explosive devices
Dynamique Verdant Momentum Transfer Appliqué
There are several layers of protection to the BV-18i. The best way not to get damaged is not to be detected. This is why so much effort has been put into muffling the IR and acoustic signatures of the tank. The acoustic muffling is quite effective, especially when running on battery power. IR reduction is less effective, but it is still runs cooler than most tanks.
Second layer of protection is in not being targeted. When targeting lasers are detected, canisters on the hull immediately deploy an anti-laser aerosol system that diffracts the laser and improves the chances of a miss. Additionally, the Ocelot is equipped with Metalstorm based smoke grenade dispensers. Smoke grenade is a bit of a misdenomer, the grenade obscures both visible and infrared frequencies. Chaff launchers were considered and discarded, because the thread from radar guided ATGMs is too small to take seriously; though chaff filled grenades CAN be fitted should they prove necessary.
Unlike most APCs, the BV-18 does not normally carry ER armour... it is a liability when working closely with infantry. The infantry also do an excellent job of suppressing RPG teams. This does not mean that HEAT shells and missiles are not a threat, and we do deal with them. The BV-18 mounts ball-and-chain armor packages that prematurely detonate incoming shells. Several layers of reactive armor (not explosive) coats the outer hull. The outer layer is a MEXAS derivative, designed to neutralize shaped charge attacks. The second layer is made of a brittle ceramic which shatters on impact, robbing the shell of much of its energy and deforming the tip, potentially inducing yaw. Below that there is a layer of DU armour impregnated with carbon whiskers, and layers of standard ceramic and steel follow, honeycombed. Effective bow protection is equivalent to 2.5m of RHA. Should the tank be heading into a situation where heavy fire is expected, advanced momentum transfer explosive reactive armour can be added, but this is rare. Special attention has been given to the top of the tank, as far as armour goes. The commander's hatch has been designed to limit exposure to shrapnel and snipers, and the top's armor is sufficient to defeat most top attack missiles.
The tank can also be equipped with many small fragmentation explosives on the hull; when an ATGM is detected, an alarm warns nearby infantry, and an explosive detonates, showering the incoming missiles with fragments. The fragments are designed to be uniformly shaped and lose velocity quickly, giving them a kill radius of 3m, but supporting infantry are still suggested to take cover. The system can either be shut off by the tank commander, or manually activated to shred assaulting infantry.