NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Based on the Russian BTR-90 Armoured Personnel Carrier (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/btr-90.htm).

Z-35 'Landshark' APC Variant (http://www.army-technology.com/projects/btr80/images/btr2.jpg)

Background: During an internal audit designed to highlight the need for massive reforms, the Incorporated Sarzonian Army commissioned the Incorporated Ordnance Company and Windham and Green Defence Industries to develop an Armoured Personnel Carrier of Sarzonian design. The vehicle was intended to have a long range to allow for deep penetration into enemy territory, be able to withstand punishment from flak or machine gun fire and carry up to seven troops. Since the vehicle under construction is of Sarzonian design, survivability is a top consideration.

Based on the Russian BTR-90 APC, the Z-35 'Landshark' APC variant is designed for faster performance than the old Bradley family of APCs and IFVs. With road speeds in excess of 100 km/hr. and unpaved speeds of 50-60 km./hr., it can leave the Bradley in the dust. Add to it a speed of 10 km/hr. afloat, swimming ability, and the ability to move even with all four tires damaged, and your troops will be sure to reach their destination faster than your enemies expect. Two waterjet propellors allow the Z-35 to cross water obstacles and be used off landing ships. Fuel economy has been boosted by the use of Windham & Green-designed diesel-electric hybrid engines providing 550 hp.

Unlike many APCs, the Landshark carries a varied armament: 30 mm automatic gun, 7.62 mm/62 cal machine gun, anti-tank missile complex and grenade launcher, all installed in the same section. This allows the Landshark to engage enemy tanks, artillery pieces, mechanised infantry combat vehicles, helicopters, and personnel at ranges of greater than 5 km. With 13 cubic metres of interior space and high-carrying capacity, the Landshark can allow heavier weapons to be delivered along with your troops. Armouring and bullet-proof shields provide protection against heavy machine gun fire and shrapnel. Active and passive protection can also be outfitted onto a Landshark and the vehicle can be protected against shock waves and penetrating radiation of nuclear explosions, radioactive dust, bacterial, or chemical weaponry.

Specifications
Length: 8.15 m Height: 2.55 m Width: 3.1 m
Weight: 14,600 kg
Vehicle Type: 8 x 8, armoured, amphibious
Engine: Windham & Green diesel-electric hybrid, 550 hp.
Performance: 105 km/hr (road); 60 km/hr (off-road); 10 km/hr (Afloat)
Fuel Endurance: 750 km (road); 550 km (off-road) 12 hours (afloat)
Protection: RHA values: Turret: 410 mm; Front: 295 mm; Sides: 140 mm; Rear: 95 mm.
Complement: 3 crew plus 7 soldiers
Armament: One 30 mm automatic gun; one 7.62/62 cal machine gun; anti-tank missiles and grenade launchers.
Price: $7.5 million

[OOC: I'm willing to accept constructive feedback on this design, as I'm still working on improving my army knowledge. However, in looking at various stats, the RL design I'm using pwns the Bradley statistically.]

OOC: I like this a lot, except for the armour which is a little weird. Right now the Abrams has front RHA of about 1,000mm. You have more than 1,500mm on the sides and almost 2,000mm on the turret... So tone it down a lot. That and armour distribution is pretty much always front > sides > rear. There is a good logical reason for this as well as actual rules which mean that to an extent your hand is force. Basically, most of the time an AFV will be facing the enemy. If not, then the enemy will see the sides. They shouldnt really see the engine or the rear at all, unless you've been tricked or ambushed or the crew just got unlucky. Also, a lot of the front RHA comes from sloping, which just isnt possible on the sides unless you want a huge vehicle with sides that jut out about a metre from the wheels... other than that it's good. Nice armament, and nice speed so long as the armour is toned down.

OOC: Thanks for the feedback Prae. I switched the front and side armour values. Should I do the same for the turret?

Well that's *better*, but you still have 50% more armour on a 14 tonne IFV than the best armoured MBT in the world at the moment. Although this is theoretically possible, your IFV would weigh 50 tonnes, have a top speed of about 30mph, be absolutely huge and carry nothing more than a small dog. It would also cost about as much as an MBT... which is basically would be except it has (comparatively) a pop-gun. You should probably tone it down to about 500mm front. I think it was CSJ who said that side should be about 50% of less front and rear should be 30% or less.

*made more modifications*

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