Verdant Archipelago
23-03-2005, 06:39
SV-3 Petardier
Weight: 71 metric tons
Length: 8.7 metres (not including mine-plow)
Width: (without skirts) 4 metres
Height: 3 metres
Following right on the heels of the BV-17 is perhaps the most useful adaptation of the chassis, an engineering/breaching vehicle. Designed to deal with the most unpleasant fixed defenses, the SV-3 Petardier is the vehicle of choice for every engineering situation.
Armament
1 Krupp Armaments 200mm Petardier breaching system
10 rounds of ammunition
2 Swansen Armaments MG-15E 15mm remotely aimed machinegun
1000 rounds ammunition
The Petardier’s main gun isn’t actually designed as a weapon at all. It is a breaching tool, used for making holes in walls, demolishing small buildings, clearing minefields, and eliminating other obsticals. This doesn’t mean it isn’t ferocious in close quarters combat, the 200mm breaching system throws a large rocket with either a thermobaric or HESH warhead, making it exceptionally good at bunkerbusting. Additionally, for close defense, the vehicle boasts two remotely operated 15mm machineguns.
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
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Mineplough
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Power Driven Arm
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Powered Winch
The SV-3 is an engineering vehicle… the 200mm breaching system is just one of the pieces of equipment that have made the design a roaring success amongst Verdant Archipelagan Pioneers, fighting to keep the jungle at bay.
First and foremost is the dozer-blade/mine plow. Initially designed to cut through the VAU’s carnivorous vegetation, the dozer blade has no problems dealing with concertina wire and smaller obstacles. As an afterthought, mine clearing blades were attached to the dozer. The SV-3’s mine-clearing blade lifts and deposits unexploded mines on the edges of the cleared lane. In case of accident, the blade can survive the explosion of up to six anti-tank mines. The mine-clearing blade also features automatic depth control, with hydraulic control of blade height, pitch and angle. This ensures that the lane is cleared to the required depth in uneven terrain. It also doubles as an anchor blade when using the power-driven arm for heavy-duty tasks. Finally, the blade is fully retractable for road travel. We’d get too many complaints otherwise. Using the blade, the Petardier can fill an anti-tank ditch in minutes.
The second main system on the Petardier is a high-performance hinged excavation arm. In addition to the standard bucket, a quick-release coupling allows it to mount an auger, grapple, hook, hydraulic hammer or tree-gripper. The arm has a maximum extension of 9m, and can lift up to 6 tons at 50% extension. No matter the job, the power-driven arm can get it done.
Finally, the SV-3 features a pair of high-power winches mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Operating together, the winches have a maximum pull of 35 tons, with a maximum single pull of 15 tons. When vertical lift is required, the engineers can quickly assemble a stand to loop the cable over. While the Petardier is not designed as a recovery vehicle, this is enough to lift the turret off an M1 or pull anything but a MBT vertically out of a ditch. Please note that doing so may invalidate your warranty. The Cave Bear can also tow a trailer, carrying even more engineering equipment.
The crew compartments, which are in the bow just behind the batteries, are separated from the cargo compartment by a bulkhead with a hatch. In addition to the regular crew of four (commander, driver, gunner, engineer), the cargo compartment itself is large enough to accommodate 10 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.
The SV-3 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 four 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 vehicle could be operated with only a single crew-member. THIS IS NOT RECOMENDED. The crew has remained at 4 because division of labor is VITAL to a combat vehicle's success on the battlefield.
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 Petardier 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 1800mm CE 2000mm
Flanks: KE 400 CE 1500
Stern: KE 400 CE 700
Top: KE 200 CE 700
Dynamique Verdant Stacked Grenade Launcher
Dynamiqie Verdant hull mounted explosive devices
There are several layers of protection to the SV-3. 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 Petardier 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.
Unfortunately, the SV-3 cannot carry explosive reactive armour... it is a liability when working closely with infantry and there is too much equipment that might get damaged by armour shards. This does not mean that HEAT shells and missiles are not a threat, and we do deal with them. The SV-3 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 powders 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 2000mm 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.
Weight: 71 metric tons
Length: 8.7 metres (not including mine-plow)
Width: (without skirts) 4 metres
Height: 3 metres
Following right on the heels of the BV-17 is perhaps the most useful adaptation of the chassis, an engineering/breaching vehicle. Designed to deal with the most unpleasant fixed defenses, the SV-3 Petardier is the vehicle of choice for every engineering situation.
Armament
1 Krupp Armaments 200mm Petardier breaching system
10 rounds of ammunition
2 Swansen Armaments MG-15E 15mm remotely aimed machinegun
1000 rounds ammunition
The Petardier’s main gun isn’t actually designed as a weapon at all. It is a breaching tool, used for making holes in walls, demolishing small buildings, clearing minefields, and eliminating other obsticals. This doesn’t mean it isn’t ferocious in close quarters combat, the 200mm breaching system throws a large rocket with either a thermobaric or HESH warhead, making it exceptionally good at bunkerbusting. Additionally, for close defense, the vehicle boasts two remotely operated 15mm machineguns.
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
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Mineplough
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Power Driven Arm
Veragrad Industrial Solutions Powered Winch
The SV-3 is an engineering vehicle… the 200mm breaching system is just one of the pieces of equipment that have made the design a roaring success amongst Verdant Archipelagan Pioneers, fighting to keep the jungle at bay.
First and foremost is the dozer-blade/mine plow. Initially designed to cut through the VAU’s carnivorous vegetation, the dozer blade has no problems dealing with concertina wire and smaller obstacles. As an afterthought, mine clearing blades were attached to the dozer. The SV-3’s mine-clearing blade lifts and deposits unexploded mines on the edges of the cleared lane. In case of accident, the blade can survive the explosion of up to six anti-tank mines. The mine-clearing blade also features automatic depth control, with hydraulic control of blade height, pitch and angle. This ensures that the lane is cleared to the required depth in uneven terrain. It also doubles as an anchor blade when using the power-driven arm for heavy-duty tasks. Finally, the blade is fully retractable for road travel. We’d get too many complaints otherwise. Using the blade, the Petardier can fill an anti-tank ditch in minutes.
The second main system on the Petardier is a high-performance hinged excavation arm. In addition to the standard bucket, a quick-release coupling allows it to mount an auger, grapple, hook, hydraulic hammer or tree-gripper. The arm has a maximum extension of 9m, and can lift up to 6 tons at 50% extension. No matter the job, the power-driven arm can get it done.
Finally, the SV-3 features a pair of high-power winches mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Operating together, the winches have a maximum pull of 35 tons, with a maximum single pull of 15 tons. When vertical lift is required, the engineers can quickly assemble a stand to loop the cable over. While the Petardier is not designed as a recovery vehicle, this is enough to lift the turret off an M1 or pull anything but a MBT vertically out of a ditch. Please note that doing so may invalidate your warranty. The Cave Bear can also tow a trailer, carrying even more engineering equipment.
The crew compartments, which are in the bow just behind the batteries, are separated from the cargo compartment by a bulkhead with a hatch. In addition to the regular crew of four (commander, driver, gunner, engineer), the cargo compartment itself is large enough to accommodate 10 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.
The SV-3 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 four 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 vehicle could be operated with only a single crew-member. THIS IS NOT RECOMENDED. The crew has remained at 4 because division of labor is VITAL to a combat vehicle's success on the battlefield.
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 Petardier 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 1800mm CE 2000mm
Flanks: KE 400 CE 1500
Stern: KE 400 CE 700
Top: KE 200 CE 700
Dynamique Verdant Stacked Grenade Launcher
Dynamiqie Verdant hull mounted explosive devices
There are several layers of protection to the SV-3. 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 Petardier 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.
Unfortunately, the SV-3 cannot carry explosive reactive armour... it is a liability when working closely with infantry and there is too much equipment that might get damaged by armour shards. This does not mean that HEAT shells and missiles are not a threat, and we do deal with them. The SV-3 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 powders 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 2000mm 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.