Mekugi
21-04-2005, 20:37
-=Not For Sale=-
[Side note/OOC: to say that there have not been a torrent of new tank designs come out within the last month would be an ignorant and baseless comment… New tanks are nearly hanging on the walls at this point. This is not to say that I am designing this tank to fit in. Quite the contrary; I began research on this vehicle around mid to late march long before the onslaught that swept over II of new designs.. And as new designs began to spring up I thought “oh good at least I wont be alone” in hindsight I find this attitude kind of funny, but I progressed onward and watched as more tanks came in for the most part ignoring (or at most skimming over them) in order to prevent ‘contamination’ or at least any accusation of stealing ideas as I continued working on it. As I neared the end I nearly abandoned the project because I had almost become sick of new tank designs and was just about to drop the whole thing and buy one of the many models available, realizing I was already seven pages into the write up I decided to stick to my guns and finish it up… at the very least I can use it as a base for further design improvements later. Thus I present to you the Cougar MBT an indigenous design which is only the beginning, not as I had originally envisioned it but rarely is a vehicle or family of vehicles perfect right out of the box so-to-speak (the Challenger I for example)]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/jay3135/CougarIFA.gif
Overview-
Originally designed to be the most modern tank in the republics arsenal the development of the experimental new main gun, and power pack hit several snags and was almost a year behind schedule by the time that the senate called for final tests to be performed for the weapon system. Seeking to cut their losses, Horizon Heavy Industries designed a conventional engine and a temporary gun hoping to weather our initial trials and continue research on the often delayed sub-systems.
It was during these trials that the system even though not as effective as originally designed was shown to be a definitive force to be reckoned with. Capable of taking out most modern Main Battle tanks, at range, without prior warning, and do it with very little traceable signature was something that made many defensive military strategist salivate. Its highly mobile frame was well suited to the republics hostile, and often impassable terrain. Where other tanks would sink into the mud or snow the Cougar swiftly dances across such hazards with little regard to such minor inconveniences. Its main gun provides superior accuracy, and penetration while maintaining modularity, and flexibility of armament.
Though additional funding to the project was not allocated, an initial order of 350 Cougar MBT’s were ordered by the Peoples Progressive Army, and the senate approved funding for the development of a second generation indigenous vehicle based on the cougars original design specifications.
Design Features-
The cougar is arranged in a linear fashion with the drivers compartment to the front and left of the vehicle. The power pack to the drivers right separated by an armored fire proof bulkhead. This arrangement allows for better protection of the power pack, and for a cooler exhaust as the exhaust must travel the full length of the vehicle before exiting, cooling as it goes and therefore lowering the overall thermal signature of the vehicle which increases the vehicles survivability. As a supplementary system a 30 liter secondary fuel reserve is also installed incase of the destruction of the primary fuel tanks. To the rear of the driver/engine area is the fighting compartment/turret resting along the midline, and center of the vehicle providing the best balance for the vehicles suspension in order to provide superior mobility as required for long range patrols in the often hostile environment of the republic.
Inside the two person turret the Gunner and Commander sit on either side of the autoloader the Commander separated by an armored bulkhead from the main gun much as the Driver is separated from the engine compartment. The Gunners compartment on the left side of the turret is open the autoloader to allow him to manually load barrel launched ATGW and provide repairs as needed. The bulkhead in the design allows for a higher structural stability, and better shock resistance to the vehicles frame due to impact or other stresses. It also provides continued survivability as loss of the commander or gunner in the more vulnerable turret (compared to the drivers compartment.) does not mean a loss of capability, only a higher work load on that of the gunner. Like wise loss of the gunner only prevents the loading of ATGW’s but maintains the lethality of the main gun at full capacity (depending on how the compartment was struck.) Inline and at the rear extension of the turret or bustle, lies the primary ammunition compartment and autoloader .
To the rear of the turret is the secondary ammunition storage compartment as well as the exhaust, self sealing fuel tanks and auxiliary power pack which provides supplemental power to the system; allowing for immobile ‘silent’ operation in a defensive stealth role with little to no thermal signature and the ability to passively range and strike an enemy tank the Cougar can make long range kills without the need to expose itself or draw un-needed attention. Likewise a strike to the rear and lightly armored area of the vehicle is not a lethal hit, though it can significantly lower the tanks capabilities the vehicle will still be capable of maneuvering, returning fire and such long enough to retreat to safety.
Armament-
The main armament of the Cougar is an indigenous SV60A 125mm high-pressure smoothbore gun 60 calibers in length with a thermal sleeve and a semi-automatic gun loader. Unconventionally the fume extractor is located at the rear of the gun barrel and is used to pressurize a pneumatic recoil attenuation device in a fashion similar to a gas delayed blowback mechanism in firearm, however on a much larger scale and with a different purpose. The Gas Recoil Attenuation Device (or GRAD) lowers the total transferred recoil of the gun before it is transferred to the body to be absorbed by the relative mass of the tank allowing the high velocity cannon to put less strain on the overall frame of the vehicle. The gun mount (which mounts both the main gun and the coaxial Dual-Purpose 25mm coaxial Cannon) is stabilized on two axis and can provide a rock solid firing platform while moving at up to 40km/h on open terrain. The SV65A is a weapon of great effect in the hands of a trained Gunner.
The choice of a 125mm smoothbore gun design has several advantages, most distinctive is the ability to fire anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) via the barrel. This advantage was not a tradeoff to performance however, as the long barreled smooth bore gun can propel a APFSDS round downrange at almost 2300 m/s at targets up to 6km even while on the move. At these velocities the SV60A Cannon can achieve 1000mm+ RHA penetration at 2000m and do it again and again thanks to the high speed autoloader. Installed RFID tags in the projectile allow for the tank commander to designate both a target and ammunition type which will either automatically load the required round in sequence, or prompt the gunner to hand load a ATGW as required.
Of the 50 rounds carried by the Cougar; 20 rounds are loaded in a high speed second generation autoloader. an advanced descendant of the type found on the Type 89 Tank destroyer which can fire that entire payload in over minute without the need to return to ‘static’ position to reload. Five barrel launched ATGW (such as the AT-11, and COMBAT missile) are stored in an armored compartment behind the gunner and must be hand loaded before firing. Complete reloading of the Primary Ammunition compartment (which does not include the ATGWs) takes 3 seconds per round and is completely automated. The drawback however is that the remaining 5 ATGWs stored must be reloaded by hand between engagements. The autoloader compartment in the bustle, as well as the primary storage of rounds is protected by a series of blow out panels (known as CASE or Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment) that prevent an ammo explosion from destroying the fighting compartment and subsequent death of the crew should a critical hit compromise the bustle of the turret.
The main round of the SV60A HPSB gun is the new RAPIDS round a new concept in anti-tank rounds. The Reactive Armor Piercing Incendiary [Fin Stabilized] Discarding Sabot round is comprised of a Laminated Tungsten alloy (known as Tungsten-Cerium-Chromium Carbide or TC3 alloy) which was designed to provide similar effects of a DU round (Pryophoric, self-sharpening, Super-dense, etcetera) but without the side effects associated with a moderate radiological material. This new generation of armor piercing sub-caliber ammunition was developed to defeat monobloc, second generation ERA, motion transfer, and spaced armor targets found on the battlefields of today or the foreseeable future. The RAPIDS ammunition has a very high muzzle velocity thanks to en extended or ’magnum’ charge. As a result, a flat projectile trajectory and a short flight time significantly increase the hit probability with an increased ability of the ultra low drag tungsten alloy long rod penetrator to defeat RHA and HHA armors, even at very long angles of obliquity at extended ranges, makes RAPIDS round the essential choice for vehicle armament.
Supplementing the main gun is a 30mm coaxial Dual Purpose Cannon. While mounted on the same stabilizing platform as the main gun the cannon is stabilized on two axis but has a separate elevation drive than the main gun allowing it to elevate up to 60 degrees to engage low and medium level aircraft (both fixed and rotary wing) at ranges up to 3km with maximum effectiveness. The dual feed allows the gunner to choose between Armor Piercing Incendiary, and High Explosive Programmable Air Bursting rounds to provide the best possible lethality against the target. The HEPAB round contains an electronic timer, an ejection charge and 135 cylinder-shaped tungsten alloy bars or projectiles. The electronic timer is programmed by inductive coupling through a device installed in the muzzle of the cannon. The timer initiates the ejection charge which releases and disperses the tungsten projectiles before impact with the target. This powerful coaxial gun was chosen to lessen the strain on the main gun, and provide more effective air protection than an external 12.7mm or 15mm round could provide freeing up expensive 125mm rounds for their proper use in taking out other tanks and hard targets of opportunity.
With the coaxial DP gun opening up the way for lighter armament in self defense (the focus of the external weapons shifting from AA weapons to protection from infantry) the Cougar mounts two self defense weapons, either two S7 LMG in 7.62x51mm, or a S7 and a K30 SAGL in 30x55mm. Both weapons are mounted on a quick dismount pedestals designed as a crew defense weapon should they be forced to bail out and take the weapons with them. This system allows for a dismounting crew to retain some level of defense as well as providing excellent close in support against enemy personnel while mounted.
Protection-
The Main armor of the Cougar is constructed of several hundred 5”x5” overlapping modular composite panels beneath a bolted outer armor cover that’s is resistant to rounds up to 20mm. The inner cast steel base is 30mm thick but is mostly as protection from resultant fragments and to secure the armor modules. The individual modules are composed of multiple cylindrical ceramic pellets embedded in an elastometric matrix, attached to a composite fiber base. Each cylinder is comprised of DCP formed nano-particle titanium-carbide ceramic material which allow for thinner, lighter but tougher ceramic at half or even third the weight of comparable steel protection, retaining superb multi-impact and shock resistance better than alumina or boron carbide ceramics. Covering the ceramic cylinders are several layers of lightweight metal-free second generation reactive armor constructed of layers of sheet explosives and composites which effectively engage the shaped charge plasma jet of an incoming CE threat in the normal method, but create no fragments, as after the explosion the composite material disintegrates into chaff. When it is hit by a KE penetrator, the flow of high-velocity fragments generated by penetration of the outer layer of armor detonates the layers of sheet explosives and composites during which the counteraction of the explosion is usually enough to drastically reduce the armor penetration capability of both HEAT warheads and KE penetrators. The arrangement of the modular panels in a sort of psudeo-Scale mail pattern means regardless of the external slope of the armor the weapon will be impacting at a greater angle of attack decreasing its overall effectiveness of the penetrator, the overlapping of each ‘Scale’ or module allows for a high density of protection in a relatively compact area and therefore greater efficiency. After a battle all that needs to be done is the damage outer panel removed, the expended modules replaced, and a new cover added.
The front and sides of the Cougar are protected by the scale style of the composite, allowing for multiple strikes to the same area without penetration or disabling adjacent scales of their ability to stop a round. the top, rear, and bottom of the vehicle uses a single scale method which has the scales placed end to end under the cover for a thinner and lighter method of protection that is some 50 % less than that of the front and sides. This is unconventional in that the side of the tank is usually leas armored than the front but as the front armor uses a two scale system and the rear used a singe scale system there was little middle ground, and therefore the designers erred in the favor of caution and upped the side armor without substantially increasing weight.
The crew compartment is protected against anti-personnel mines. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare protection is integrated in the crew compartment air-conditioning system via collective overpressure and air filter systems. The infrared signature is minimized through special exhaust ducting and ‘thermal black‘ resin coating on the internal compartments. The power pack compartment is fitted with a fire extinguishing and warning system, which can be automatically or manually triggered.
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This on its own provides excellent multi-purpose protection, however with the growing capabilities of ATGW’s the designers did not stop there. Along the main length of the hull and the bustle of the turret area series of parallel bars whose Original purpose was originally designed as fixed mounting points for additional quick-attach armor modules, but these bars also provide limited additional defense against RPGS by forcing them to detonate prematurely. Though this was unintentional, the results were the same and the bars remained. The Modular Armor system design to run on these bars remained as well, and provide additional KE and CE protection, than can be removed easily and installed quickly as deployment or logistics warrants.
Countermeasures-
The Avalon Active Countermeasures System has three main elements providing – Threat Detection and Tracking, Launching and Intercept functions. The Threat Detection and Warning subsystem consists of several sensors, including passive cueing sensors (flash detector), a Laser Warning Receiver, and flat-panel K band radar, capable of operation in low visibility and foul-weather conditions. The radar sensors are imbedded in strategic locations around the turret to provide full hemispherical coverage. When a launch is detected the System has two response options; Soft-kill or Hard-kill. The systems mode can be selected by the vehicle commander and it will respond accordingly and autonomously.
-Soft-Kill
More than just a smoke system for generating instantaneous cover for retreat, the 2x6 81mm Grenade launchers on the side of the turret are an integral part of the self defense of the vehicle. The Avalon system uses the grenades in a zone specific order to divert the enemy missile from its intended target, eventually causing it to fly harmlessly off into empty space. The M1 Omni-spectral Defensive Grenade used in the system generates a dense smoke screen within two seconds of detonation 10m from the launching vehicle and guarantees the interruption of the line of sight for 60 seconds from the ultraviolet to the far infrared range, as well as decoy effects against electro optically guided missiles. The M1 produces an RCS density is four times higher than standard chaff-decoys and is spectrally adjusted to produce a spectral signature in all IR-wave bands which provides rapid-reaction invisibility against a missile or used as a traditional smoke screen system in self defense against other vehicles. Protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, EO, laser, infrared, radar) is assured. Short of autonomous systems or battlefield ‘brilliant’ weapons the MDSS has a 58% effective rate of defense against single seeker guided munitions and a 35% effective rate of defense against multi-seeker systems in drawing the weapon harmlessly away from the vehicle.
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-Hard-Kill
Once an incoming threat is detected identified and verified, the folding pentagonal directional countermeasure assembly (located at the rear of the turret) is erected and the unit is rapidly traversed (over 600 degrees/sec. Slew rate) towards the general direction of the threat. The System then detonates one of its ten directional hard-kill ‘cells.’ Each cell propels a barrage of 70 steel pellets, forming a "wall" of steel in the direction of the threat up to 10 meters from the protected vehicle in a similar fashion to a directed claymore or shotgun. Should the first barrage fail to redirect or destroy (by physical means or premature detonation) a second cell (or more) can be immediately fired as needed to saturate the target. Since the pellets loose energy rapidly due the large natural surface area of a sphere, and are directed at the target, not the surrounding area; collateral damage to nearby troops, or bystanders is minimized, and self-inflicted damage to the protected platform is avoided. The countermeasure assembly can be manually reloaded immediately after the attack by the tank crew each cell being easily refilled by a light weight modular cartridge.
Fighting Compartment-
The fighting compartment of the Cougar is a stark contrast to most modern tanks, not that it is more advanced, but that it is more comfortable. The lengthened hull of the Cougar provides more leg room, and allows for a 15% more utilizable space, allowing for quicker dismounts (which can increase crew survivability), and more tolerable environment during long patrols. MPCD’s or Multi-Purpose Color Displays a device usually found mostly in fighter planes are mounted in each station allowing for high contrast touch operated control stations that allow for smoother and more efficient use of each stations available space, as well as the ability to ‘hand off‘ certain functions should a station become damaged or a major injury sustained.
The separated drivers compartment at the front left of the vehicle contains a partially reclined shock absorbed seat that makes a smoother ride for the driver as he is the closest to the suspension and most likely to take the most abuse during high speed cross-country travel. To either side of him are MPCD’s that can provide full details of the vehicles current capabilities (speed, fuel, percentage of slack in the tracks, etc). As well as displaying images from the armored rear view camera and passive observation via the commanders sight should he need the additional panoramic view be required. The driver also has his usual three periscopes which provide a 180* panoramic view, with a Williams-Saito FIRST( Forward-Looking Infra-Red Sight, Tactical) covering the forward 60* arc to provide all weather day or night driving capabilities with no need for external Illumination.
The Commanders station is situated above and behind the Gunners station with the gun and autoloader separating them. The Commanders station contains three MPCD’s which help provide navigational and GPS data that can then be transferred in real time to the driver or an entire company allowing for highly accurate deployment of combined arms forces. Attached to the Commanders Helmet along with a microphone for use of both the internal, short range, and long range radio systems; a Commanders Personal display can be pulled down to cover the commanders right eye. This system directly controls the Commanders Individual Thermal sight located on top of the turret, and rotates in conjunction with the commanders head. This system though seemingly complex is converted from an almost identical system in the Apache Attack Helicopter, and allows give the commander increased situational awareness without decreasing his ability to keep a close eye on the other functions under the commanders control. The target selection, lock and unlock of the head following functions, and reticule control are controlled by the commanders right hand via a multi function joystick, and controls the prompts on his personal display, while the left hand is free to use the other MPCDs as needed for navigation, fire control, etcetera. Upgrade programs for the Cougar have already begun work on integrating the Commanders Personal display with control over a PWS (Protected Weapons System).
The Gunners station is very purpose driven, it has two MPCD’s for ammunition selection, autoloader programs and such, but the main work is done with their eyes in the sights, and just like the drivers compartment is partially reclined with the MPCDs and main sight on a sliding system that allows them to be brought forward once strapped into the seat, which means less strain on the gunners back and shoulders and an overall more comfortable shooting position. During a dismount, or entering the vehicle the station is slid back and locks into place so as to not get in the way of the operator.
Fire Control-
The hybrid turret and gun control system consists of an hydraulic elevation drive and an electric traverse drive. The line of sight stabilization in more than just elevation and azimuth provides high hit probability for stationary and on the move engagements against stationary and moving targets. The system has four modes of operation : stabilized mode with the gun axis slaved to the line of sight, slaved mode where the gunner's line of sight is slaved to the gun axis, a non stabilized mode and back-up mode with manual operation for emergency use. A gunner's stabilized 8x sight with thermal imager and laser rangefinder assisted by a digital fire control computer form the primary fire control functions for the Cougar MBT. The digital fire control computer downloads data from the tank's meteorological and wind sensors, together with the tank attitude, barrel wear characteristics, ammunition and target data then calculates the fire control algorithms and is used to control the gun, the sighting systems and the laser rangefinder to ensure an accurate shot, and a flawless kill. Though not revolutionary, it is effective.
But this is not everything; a stabilized passive computer corrected 70cm thermal stereoscopic coincidence sight. Originally designed to be controlled by an eyepiece, which gives the user two images of the object being measured; when these are brought into coincidence (over layed) the distance can be read off the scale on the adjustment lever or control. The scale is calibrated to read distance but is in fact a measure of the amount of movement needed to turn a prism or mirror, mounted on the end of a fixed base, to overlap the two images. In the Cougars’ Passive Coincidence sight, the system uses a thermal camera with two prisms on either side of the main gun housing. Because a computer has an easier time overlaying thermal signatures than natural outlines, a thermal camera system was chosen and focusing servos were attached to the prisms. To give the fire control computer as accurate as possible passive ranging data. The connection between the servos and prism is a laser sensitive tape that allows for measuring ranging increments to a millionth of an inch of rotation. This ranging data is then is handed over to the computer, where the main sight is properly adjusted for the hit according to the range entered and normal laying data for the weapon. The drawbacks of the system are that acquiring a target while on the move is slower than the traditional method as each readjustment takes time. Ranging while on the move is possible but only of any use at slower speeds as the constant re-adjustment taxes the fire control system. Though not as efficient as a laser system, it is devoid of any signal that the target vehicle is being sighted in for a kill, and allows for stealthy engagement without prior warning to the target should they be equipped with a similar Laser Warning Receiver up to the main guns maximum range and beyond.
Propulsion-
The power pack, consisting of the engine and transmission system, is configured for ease of maintenance and are quickly and easily replaced in the field. The 6V, 382kW, (1,865Nm) engine was designed in-house by HHI is a Hyperbar multi-fuel air cooled diesel engine providing 1,650hp at 2,700rpm and was specially designed for the Cougar MBT project. The automatic transmission has a hydrostatic transmission unit and five forward and two reverse gears. The final drive gears are epicyclic in design and provide higher torque at lower RPM than a planetary gear arrangement, as well as increasing the engines fuel economy . The final drives are also connected by a cross-shaft which gives higher power efficiency in turning maneuvers by transferring the power regenerated at the inner track during a turn to the outer track.
The running gear consists of six dual rubber lined road wheels, with three return rollers on each side and connector type tracks. The suspension is mounted on the under frame and not on the side frames, so the suspension is separated from the hull. A result of using a decoupled suspension is that the internal noise level is as low as 85dB which is sufficiently low to meet civilian vehicle noise requirements. The decoupled suspension also provides a spaced outer layer which gives improved protection against mines. Allowing the cougar to withstand a 7kg TNT explosion under a track without significant loss of mobility or the crew. There are disc type brakes, on each of the final drives, integrated by the transmission retarder.
The vehicle's decoupled suspension system is a combined nitrogen gas spring and hydraulic damping system. For weapon firing, an automated series of valves on the nitrogen gas system is closed to provide a firmer hydraulic suspension system meaning better accuracy. Once the main weapons are discharged the nitrogen gas system is reinstated into the vehicle suspension system and the vehicle is ready to proceed across the rough battlefield terrain.
The road wheel travel is over 380mm, and the single pin 450mm wide tracks gives superb mobility across rough terrain, including muddy and snowy climates. The upper part of the suspension is covered by a protective composite armor skirt to protect against the dreaded ‘mission kill‘ that plagues many tracked vehicles in close combat.
SPECIFICATIONS-
Crew: 3
Vehicle Armament:
-1x 125mm 60 caliber High Pressure Smoothbore Gun [Main Gun]
-1x 30x173mm DPHA Cannon [Coaxial]
-2x 7.62x51mm LMG [Gunners & Commanders Hatch]
-2x6 M1-OD Grenade Launchers
Ammunition:
-40x 125mm (20/20)
-10x 125mm BL-ATGW (5/5)
-350x 30mm API
-400x 30mm HEPAB
-1,000x 7.62mm (or equiv.)
Length, Gun Forward: 10.5m
Length, Hull: 10m
Width: 3.5m
Height Overall: 2.7m
Ground Clearance: 0.51m
Weight, Combat: 60 tons
Weight, Empty: 58 tons
Gun Traverse/Elevation: 360/-15/+40
Rate of Fire: 13 RPM
P-t-W ratio: 28 to 1 hp/ton
Ground Pressure: 0.75kg/cm^2
Engine: VA9-1700 Hyperbar diesel
Maximum Horsepower: 1650 hp
Maximum Road Speed: 65 km/hr
Maximum Reverse Road Speed: 25 km/hr
Maximum Off-Road Speed: 45 km/hr
Maximum Reverse Off-Road Speed: 11 km/hr
Acceleration, 0km/hr to 65km/hr: 16 sec
Maximum Range: 580 km
Fuel Capacity: 600 lit
Fording: 2m (w/o prep) 5m (w/ prep)
Tracks: 450mm single pin metalic tracks
Vertical Obstacle: 1.13m
Trench: 3.3m
Gradient: 60%
Side Slope: 40%
Armour Type: V-Kill Composite Scales
Front & Side Armor (RHA KE): 1000mm Equivalent
Front & Side Armor (RHA CE): 1400mm Equivalent
Rear & Top Armor (RHA KE): 500mm Equivalent
Rear & Top Armor (RHA CE): 700mm Equivalent
Add-on Armor plate?: Yes
Add-on Type: Ablative DCP formed Ceramic
NBC System: CC/COP-30
Night Vision Equipment: Yes (Driver, Commander, And Gunner)
PPU: 8.5 million USD
[Side note/OOC: to say that there have not been a torrent of new tank designs come out within the last month would be an ignorant and baseless comment… New tanks are nearly hanging on the walls at this point. This is not to say that I am designing this tank to fit in. Quite the contrary; I began research on this vehicle around mid to late march long before the onslaught that swept over II of new designs.. And as new designs began to spring up I thought “oh good at least I wont be alone” in hindsight I find this attitude kind of funny, but I progressed onward and watched as more tanks came in for the most part ignoring (or at most skimming over them) in order to prevent ‘contamination’ or at least any accusation of stealing ideas as I continued working on it. As I neared the end I nearly abandoned the project because I had almost become sick of new tank designs and was just about to drop the whole thing and buy one of the many models available, realizing I was already seven pages into the write up I decided to stick to my guns and finish it up… at the very least I can use it as a base for further design improvements later. Thus I present to you the Cougar MBT an indigenous design which is only the beginning, not as I had originally envisioned it but rarely is a vehicle or family of vehicles perfect right out of the box so-to-speak (the Challenger I for example)]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/jay3135/CougarIFA.gif
Overview-
Originally designed to be the most modern tank in the republics arsenal the development of the experimental new main gun, and power pack hit several snags and was almost a year behind schedule by the time that the senate called for final tests to be performed for the weapon system. Seeking to cut their losses, Horizon Heavy Industries designed a conventional engine and a temporary gun hoping to weather our initial trials and continue research on the often delayed sub-systems.
It was during these trials that the system even though not as effective as originally designed was shown to be a definitive force to be reckoned with. Capable of taking out most modern Main Battle tanks, at range, without prior warning, and do it with very little traceable signature was something that made many defensive military strategist salivate. Its highly mobile frame was well suited to the republics hostile, and often impassable terrain. Where other tanks would sink into the mud or snow the Cougar swiftly dances across such hazards with little regard to such minor inconveniences. Its main gun provides superior accuracy, and penetration while maintaining modularity, and flexibility of armament.
Though additional funding to the project was not allocated, an initial order of 350 Cougar MBT’s were ordered by the Peoples Progressive Army, and the senate approved funding for the development of a second generation indigenous vehicle based on the cougars original design specifications.
Design Features-
The cougar is arranged in a linear fashion with the drivers compartment to the front and left of the vehicle. The power pack to the drivers right separated by an armored fire proof bulkhead. This arrangement allows for better protection of the power pack, and for a cooler exhaust as the exhaust must travel the full length of the vehicle before exiting, cooling as it goes and therefore lowering the overall thermal signature of the vehicle which increases the vehicles survivability. As a supplementary system a 30 liter secondary fuel reserve is also installed incase of the destruction of the primary fuel tanks. To the rear of the driver/engine area is the fighting compartment/turret resting along the midline, and center of the vehicle providing the best balance for the vehicles suspension in order to provide superior mobility as required for long range patrols in the often hostile environment of the republic.
Inside the two person turret the Gunner and Commander sit on either side of the autoloader the Commander separated by an armored bulkhead from the main gun much as the Driver is separated from the engine compartment. The Gunners compartment on the left side of the turret is open the autoloader to allow him to manually load barrel launched ATGW and provide repairs as needed. The bulkhead in the design allows for a higher structural stability, and better shock resistance to the vehicles frame due to impact or other stresses. It also provides continued survivability as loss of the commander or gunner in the more vulnerable turret (compared to the drivers compartment.) does not mean a loss of capability, only a higher work load on that of the gunner. Like wise loss of the gunner only prevents the loading of ATGW’s but maintains the lethality of the main gun at full capacity (depending on how the compartment was struck.) Inline and at the rear extension of the turret or bustle, lies the primary ammunition compartment and autoloader .
To the rear of the turret is the secondary ammunition storage compartment as well as the exhaust, self sealing fuel tanks and auxiliary power pack which provides supplemental power to the system; allowing for immobile ‘silent’ operation in a defensive stealth role with little to no thermal signature and the ability to passively range and strike an enemy tank the Cougar can make long range kills without the need to expose itself or draw un-needed attention. Likewise a strike to the rear and lightly armored area of the vehicle is not a lethal hit, though it can significantly lower the tanks capabilities the vehicle will still be capable of maneuvering, returning fire and such long enough to retreat to safety.
Armament-
The main armament of the Cougar is an indigenous SV60A 125mm high-pressure smoothbore gun 60 calibers in length with a thermal sleeve and a semi-automatic gun loader. Unconventionally the fume extractor is located at the rear of the gun barrel and is used to pressurize a pneumatic recoil attenuation device in a fashion similar to a gas delayed blowback mechanism in firearm, however on a much larger scale and with a different purpose. The Gas Recoil Attenuation Device (or GRAD) lowers the total transferred recoil of the gun before it is transferred to the body to be absorbed by the relative mass of the tank allowing the high velocity cannon to put less strain on the overall frame of the vehicle. The gun mount (which mounts both the main gun and the coaxial Dual-Purpose 25mm coaxial Cannon) is stabilized on two axis and can provide a rock solid firing platform while moving at up to 40km/h on open terrain. The SV65A is a weapon of great effect in the hands of a trained Gunner.
The choice of a 125mm smoothbore gun design has several advantages, most distinctive is the ability to fire anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) via the barrel. This advantage was not a tradeoff to performance however, as the long barreled smooth bore gun can propel a APFSDS round downrange at almost 2300 m/s at targets up to 6km even while on the move. At these velocities the SV60A Cannon can achieve 1000mm+ RHA penetration at 2000m and do it again and again thanks to the high speed autoloader. Installed RFID tags in the projectile allow for the tank commander to designate both a target and ammunition type which will either automatically load the required round in sequence, or prompt the gunner to hand load a ATGW as required.
Of the 50 rounds carried by the Cougar; 20 rounds are loaded in a high speed second generation autoloader. an advanced descendant of the type found on the Type 89 Tank destroyer which can fire that entire payload in over minute without the need to return to ‘static’ position to reload. Five barrel launched ATGW (such as the AT-11, and COMBAT missile) are stored in an armored compartment behind the gunner and must be hand loaded before firing. Complete reloading of the Primary Ammunition compartment (which does not include the ATGWs) takes 3 seconds per round and is completely automated. The drawback however is that the remaining 5 ATGWs stored must be reloaded by hand between engagements. The autoloader compartment in the bustle, as well as the primary storage of rounds is protected by a series of blow out panels (known as CASE or Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment) that prevent an ammo explosion from destroying the fighting compartment and subsequent death of the crew should a critical hit compromise the bustle of the turret.
The main round of the SV60A HPSB gun is the new RAPIDS round a new concept in anti-tank rounds. The Reactive Armor Piercing Incendiary [Fin Stabilized] Discarding Sabot round is comprised of a Laminated Tungsten alloy (known as Tungsten-Cerium-Chromium Carbide or TC3 alloy) which was designed to provide similar effects of a DU round (Pryophoric, self-sharpening, Super-dense, etcetera) but without the side effects associated with a moderate radiological material. This new generation of armor piercing sub-caliber ammunition was developed to defeat monobloc, second generation ERA, motion transfer, and spaced armor targets found on the battlefields of today or the foreseeable future. The RAPIDS ammunition has a very high muzzle velocity thanks to en extended or ’magnum’ charge. As a result, a flat projectile trajectory and a short flight time significantly increase the hit probability with an increased ability of the ultra low drag tungsten alloy long rod penetrator to defeat RHA and HHA armors, even at very long angles of obliquity at extended ranges, makes RAPIDS round the essential choice for vehicle armament.
Supplementing the main gun is a 30mm coaxial Dual Purpose Cannon. While mounted on the same stabilizing platform as the main gun the cannon is stabilized on two axis but has a separate elevation drive than the main gun allowing it to elevate up to 60 degrees to engage low and medium level aircraft (both fixed and rotary wing) at ranges up to 3km with maximum effectiveness. The dual feed allows the gunner to choose between Armor Piercing Incendiary, and High Explosive Programmable Air Bursting rounds to provide the best possible lethality against the target. The HEPAB round contains an electronic timer, an ejection charge and 135 cylinder-shaped tungsten alloy bars or projectiles. The electronic timer is programmed by inductive coupling through a device installed in the muzzle of the cannon. The timer initiates the ejection charge which releases and disperses the tungsten projectiles before impact with the target. This powerful coaxial gun was chosen to lessen the strain on the main gun, and provide more effective air protection than an external 12.7mm or 15mm round could provide freeing up expensive 125mm rounds for their proper use in taking out other tanks and hard targets of opportunity.
With the coaxial DP gun opening up the way for lighter armament in self defense (the focus of the external weapons shifting from AA weapons to protection from infantry) the Cougar mounts two self defense weapons, either two S7 LMG in 7.62x51mm, or a S7 and a K30 SAGL in 30x55mm. Both weapons are mounted on a quick dismount pedestals designed as a crew defense weapon should they be forced to bail out and take the weapons with them. This system allows for a dismounting crew to retain some level of defense as well as providing excellent close in support against enemy personnel while mounted.
Protection-
The Main armor of the Cougar is constructed of several hundred 5”x5” overlapping modular composite panels beneath a bolted outer armor cover that’s is resistant to rounds up to 20mm. The inner cast steel base is 30mm thick but is mostly as protection from resultant fragments and to secure the armor modules. The individual modules are composed of multiple cylindrical ceramic pellets embedded in an elastometric matrix, attached to a composite fiber base. Each cylinder is comprised of DCP formed nano-particle titanium-carbide ceramic material which allow for thinner, lighter but tougher ceramic at half or even third the weight of comparable steel protection, retaining superb multi-impact and shock resistance better than alumina or boron carbide ceramics. Covering the ceramic cylinders are several layers of lightweight metal-free second generation reactive armor constructed of layers of sheet explosives and composites which effectively engage the shaped charge plasma jet of an incoming CE threat in the normal method, but create no fragments, as after the explosion the composite material disintegrates into chaff. When it is hit by a KE penetrator, the flow of high-velocity fragments generated by penetration of the outer layer of armor detonates the layers of sheet explosives and composites during which the counteraction of the explosion is usually enough to drastically reduce the armor penetration capability of both HEAT warheads and KE penetrators. The arrangement of the modular panels in a sort of psudeo-Scale mail pattern means regardless of the external slope of the armor the weapon will be impacting at a greater angle of attack decreasing its overall effectiveness of the penetrator, the overlapping of each ‘Scale’ or module allows for a high density of protection in a relatively compact area and therefore greater efficiency. After a battle all that needs to be done is the damage outer panel removed, the expended modules replaced, and a new cover added.
The front and sides of the Cougar are protected by the scale style of the composite, allowing for multiple strikes to the same area without penetration or disabling adjacent scales of their ability to stop a round. the top, rear, and bottom of the vehicle uses a single scale method which has the scales placed end to end under the cover for a thinner and lighter method of protection that is some 50 % less than that of the front and sides. This is unconventional in that the side of the tank is usually leas armored than the front but as the front armor uses a two scale system and the rear used a singe scale system there was little middle ground, and therefore the designers erred in the favor of caution and upped the side armor without substantially increasing weight.
The crew compartment is protected against anti-personnel mines. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) warfare protection is integrated in the crew compartment air-conditioning system via collective overpressure and air filter systems. The infrared signature is minimized through special exhaust ducting and ‘thermal black‘ resin coating on the internal compartments. The power pack compartment is fitted with a fire extinguishing and warning system, which can be automatically or manually triggered.
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This on its own provides excellent multi-purpose protection, however with the growing capabilities of ATGW’s the designers did not stop there. Along the main length of the hull and the bustle of the turret area series of parallel bars whose Original purpose was originally designed as fixed mounting points for additional quick-attach armor modules, but these bars also provide limited additional defense against RPGS by forcing them to detonate prematurely. Though this was unintentional, the results were the same and the bars remained. The Modular Armor system design to run on these bars remained as well, and provide additional KE and CE protection, than can be removed easily and installed quickly as deployment or logistics warrants.
Countermeasures-
The Avalon Active Countermeasures System has three main elements providing – Threat Detection and Tracking, Launching and Intercept functions. The Threat Detection and Warning subsystem consists of several sensors, including passive cueing sensors (flash detector), a Laser Warning Receiver, and flat-panel K band radar, capable of operation in low visibility and foul-weather conditions. The radar sensors are imbedded in strategic locations around the turret to provide full hemispherical coverage. When a launch is detected the System has two response options; Soft-kill or Hard-kill. The systems mode can be selected by the vehicle commander and it will respond accordingly and autonomously.
-Soft-Kill
More than just a smoke system for generating instantaneous cover for retreat, the 2x6 81mm Grenade launchers on the side of the turret are an integral part of the self defense of the vehicle. The Avalon system uses the grenades in a zone specific order to divert the enemy missile from its intended target, eventually causing it to fly harmlessly off into empty space. The M1 Omni-spectral Defensive Grenade used in the system generates a dense smoke screen within two seconds of detonation 10m from the launching vehicle and guarantees the interruption of the line of sight for 60 seconds from the ultraviolet to the far infrared range, as well as decoy effects against electro optically guided missiles. The M1 produces an RCS density is four times higher than standard chaff-decoys and is spectrally adjusted to produce a spectral signature in all IR-wave bands which provides rapid-reaction invisibility against a missile or used as a traditional smoke screen system in self defense against other vehicles. Protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, EO, laser, infrared, radar) is assured. Short of autonomous systems or battlefield ‘brilliant’ weapons the MDSS has a 58% effective rate of defense against single seeker guided munitions and a 35% effective rate of defense against multi-seeker systems in drawing the weapon harmlessly away from the vehicle.
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-Hard-Kill
Once an incoming threat is detected identified and verified, the folding pentagonal directional countermeasure assembly (located at the rear of the turret) is erected and the unit is rapidly traversed (over 600 degrees/sec. Slew rate) towards the general direction of the threat. The System then detonates one of its ten directional hard-kill ‘cells.’ Each cell propels a barrage of 70 steel pellets, forming a "wall" of steel in the direction of the threat up to 10 meters from the protected vehicle in a similar fashion to a directed claymore or shotgun. Should the first barrage fail to redirect or destroy (by physical means or premature detonation) a second cell (or more) can be immediately fired as needed to saturate the target. Since the pellets loose energy rapidly due the large natural surface area of a sphere, and are directed at the target, not the surrounding area; collateral damage to nearby troops, or bystanders is minimized, and self-inflicted damage to the protected platform is avoided. The countermeasure assembly can be manually reloaded immediately after the attack by the tank crew each cell being easily refilled by a light weight modular cartridge.
Fighting Compartment-
The fighting compartment of the Cougar is a stark contrast to most modern tanks, not that it is more advanced, but that it is more comfortable. The lengthened hull of the Cougar provides more leg room, and allows for a 15% more utilizable space, allowing for quicker dismounts (which can increase crew survivability), and more tolerable environment during long patrols. MPCD’s or Multi-Purpose Color Displays a device usually found mostly in fighter planes are mounted in each station allowing for high contrast touch operated control stations that allow for smoother and more efficient use of each stations available space, as well as the ability to ‘hand off‘ certain functions should a station become damaged or a major injury sustained.
The separated drivers compartment at the front left of the vehicle contains a partially reclined shock absorbed seat that makes a smoother ride for the driver as he is the closest to the suspension and most likely to take the most abuse during high speed cross-country travel. To either side of him are MPCD’s that can provide full details of the vehicles current capabilities (speed, fuel, percentage of slack in the tracks, etc). As well as displaying images from the armored rear view camera and passive observation via the commanders sight should he need the additional panoramic view be required. The driver also has his usual three periscopes which provide a 180* panoramic view, with a Williams-Saito FIRST( Forward-Looking Infra-Red Sight, Tactical) covering the forward 60* arc to provide all weather day or night driving capabilities with no need for external Illumination.
The Commanders station is situated above and behind the Gunners station with the gun and autoloader separating them. The Commanders station contains three MPCD’s which help provide navigational and GPS data that can then be transferred in real time to the driver or an entire company allowing for highly accurate deployment of combined arms forces. Attached to the Commanders Helmet along with a microphone for use of both the internal, short range, and long range radio systems; a Commanders Personal display can be pulled down to cover the commanders right eye. This system directly controls the Commanders Individual Thermal sight located on top of the turret, and rotates in conjunction with the commanders head. This system though seemingly complex is converted from an almost identical system in the Apache Attack Helicopter, and allows give the commander increased situational awareness without decreasing his ability to keep a close eye on the other functions under the commanders control. The target selection, lock and unlock of the head following functions, and reticule control are controlled by the commanders right hand via a multi function joystick, and controls the prompts on his personal display, while the left hand is free to use the other MPCDs as needed for navigation, fire control, etcetera. Upgrade programs for the Cougar have already begun work on integrating the Commanders Personal display with control over a PWS (Protected Weapons System).
The Gunners station is very purpose driven, it has two MPCD’s for ammunition selection, autoloader programs and such, but the main work is done with their eyes in the sights, and just like the drivers compartment is partially reclined with the MPCDs and main sight on a sliding system that allows them to be brought forward once strapped into the seat, which means less strain on the gunners back and shoulders and an overall more comfortable shooting position. During a dismount, or entering the vehicle the station is slid back and locks into place so as to not get in the way of the operator.
Fire Control-
The hybrid turret and gun control system consists of an hydraulic elevation drive and an electric traverse drive. The line of sight stabilization in more than just elevation and azimuth provides high hit probability for stationary and on the move engagements against stationary and moving targets. The system has four modes of operation : stabilized mode with the gun axis slaved to the line of sight, slaved mode where the gunner's line of sight is slaved to the gun axis, a non stabilized mode and back-up mode with manual operation for emergency use. A gunner's stabilized 8x sight with thermal imager and laser rangefinder assisted by a digital fire control computer form the primary fire control functions for the Cougar MBT. The digital fire control computer downloads data from the tank's meteorological and wind sensors, together with the tank attitude, barrel wear characteristics, ammunition and target data then calculates the fire control algorithms and is used to control the gun, the sighting systems and the laser rangefinder to ensure an accurate shot, and a flawless kill. Though not revolutionary, it is effective.
But this is not everything; a stabilized passive computer corrected 70cm thermal stereoscopic coincidence sight. Originally designed to be controlled by an eyepiece, which gives the user two images of the object being measured; when these are brought into coincidence (over layed) the distance can be read off the scale on the adjustment lever or control. The scale is calibrated to read distance but is in fact a measure of the amount of movement needed to turn a prism or mirror, mounted on the end of a fixed base, to overlap the two images. In the Cougars’ Passive Coincidence sight, the system uses a thermal camera with two prisms on either side of the main gun housing. Because a computer has an easier time overlaying thermal signatures than natural outlines, a thermal camera system was chosen and focusing servos were attached to the prisms. To give the fire control computer as accurate as possible passive ranging data. The connection between the servos and prism is a laser sensitive tape that allows for measuring ranging increments to a millionth of an inch of rotation. This ranging data is then is handed over to the computer, where the main sight is properly adjusted for the hit according to the range entered and normal laying data for the weapon. The drawbacks of the system are that acquiring a target while on the move is slower than the traditional method as each readjustment takes time. Ranging while on the move is possible but only of any use at slower speeds as the constant re-adjustment taxes the fire control system. Though not as efficient as a laser system, it is devoid of any signal that the target vehicle is being sighted in for a kill, and allows for stealthy engagement without prior warning to the target should they be equipped with a similar Laser Warning Receiver up to the main guns maximum range and beyond.
Propulsion-
The power pack, consisting of the engine and transmission system, is configured for ease of maintenance and are quickly and easily replaced in the field. The 6V, 382kW, (1,865Nm) engine was designed in-house by HHI is a Hyperbar multi-fuel air cooled diesel engine providing 1,650hp at 2,700rpm and was specially designed for the Cougar MBT project. The automatic transmission has a hydrostatic transmission unit and five forward and two reverse gears. The final drive gears are epicyclic in design and provide higher torque at lower RPM than a planetary gear arrangement, as well as increasing the engines fuel economy . The final drives are also connected by a cross-shaft which gives higher power efficiency in turning maneuvers by transferring the power regenerated at the inner track during a turn to the outer track.
The running gear consists of six dual rubber lined road wheels, with three return rollers on each side and connector type tracks. The suspension is mounted on the under frame and not on the side frames, so the suspension is separated from the hull. A result of using a decoupled suspension is that the internal noise level is as low as 85dB which is sufficiently low to meet civilian vehicle noise requirements. The decoupled suspension also provides a spaced outer layer which gives improved protection against mines. Allowing the cougar to withstand a 7kg TNT explosion under a track without significant loss of mobility or the crew. There are disc type brakes, on each of the final drives, integrated by the transmission retarder.
The vehicle's decoupled suspension system is a combined nitrogen gas spring and hydraulic damping system. For weapon firing, an automated series of valves on the nitrogen gas system is closed to provide a firmer hydraulic suspension system meaning better accuracy. Once the main weapons are discharged the nitrogen gas system is reinstated into the vehicle suspension system and the vehicle is ready to proceed across the rough battlefield terrain.
The road wheel travel is over 380mm, and the single pin 450mm wide tracks gives superb mobility across rough terrain, including muddy and snowy climates. The upper part of the suspension is covered by a protective composite armor skirt to protect against the dreaded ‘mission kill‘ that plagues many tracked vehicles in close combat.
SPECIFICATIONS-
Crew: 3
Vehicle Armament:
-1x 125mm 60 caliber High Pressure Smoothbore Gun [Main Gun]
-1x 30x173mm DPHA Cannon [Coaxial]
-2x 7.62x51mm LMG [Gunners & Commanders Hatch]
-2x6 M1-OD Grenade Launchers
Ammunition:
-40x 125mm (20/20)
-10x 125mm BL-ATGW (5/5)
-350x 30mm API
-400x 30mm HEPAB
-1,000x 7.62mm (or equiv.)
Length, Gun Forward: 10.5m
Length, Hull: 10m
Width: 3.5m
Height Overall: 2.7m
Ground Clearance: 0.51m
Weight, Combat: 60 tons
Weight, Empty: 58 tons
Gun Traverse/Elevation: 360/-15/+40
Rate of Fire: 13 RPM
P-t-W ratio: 28 to 1 hp/ton
Ground Pressure: 0.75kg/cm^2
Engine: VA9-1700 Hyperbar diesel
Maximum Horsepower: 1650 hp
Maximum Road Speed: 65 km/hr
Maximum Reverse Road Speed: 25 km/hr
Maximum Off-Road Speed: 45 km/hr
Maximum Reverse Off-Road Speed: 11 km/hr
Acceleration, 0km/hr to 65km/hr: 16 sec
Maximum Range: 580 km
Fuel Capacity: 600 lit
Fording: 2m (w/o prep) 5m (w/ prep)
Tracks: 450mm single pin metalic tracks
Vertical Obstacle: 1.13m
Trench: 3.3m
Gradient: 60%
Side Slope: 40%
Armour Type: V-Kill Composite Scales
Front & Side Armor (RHA KE): 1000mm Equivalent
Front & Side Armor (RHA CE): 1400mm Equivalent
Rear & Top Armor (RHA KE): 500mm Equivalent
Rear & Top Armor (RHA CE): 700mm Equivalent
Add-on Armor plate?: Yes
Add-on Type: Ablative DCP formed Ceramic
NBC System: CC/COP-30
Night Vision Equipment: Yes (Driver, Commander, And Gunner)
PPU: 8.5 million USD