NationStates Jolt Archive

[OOC: Based on the BMP-3 IFV (http://warfare.ru/?catid=245&linkid=1784) in the Russian Army.]

Background: As the Incorporated Sarzonian Army looks to continue its reforms in an effort to improve the Army to become one of the world's most effective fighting forces, Army officials have contacted the Incorporated Ordnance Company to design an Infantry Fighting Vehicle to transport troops safely and effectively. In addition, its armament is intended to support tanks and artillery pieces in a general attack.

The Z-35 'Landshark' IFV variant, code named 'Groundhog' and given the designation Z-36, fits the bill for the ISA. Armed with a 120 mm cannon that combines the features of conventional artillery and guided weapons, the Groundhog is capable of providing excellent fire support for the ISA or other allied army units. The autoloader is designed for rapid fire delivery within the entire range of minus-20 degrees to plus-55 degrees. An automatic fire control system allows for both gun and missile launches from its 120 mm cannon capable of firing high explosive shells along with guided missiles. The system includes a ID22 Laser Range finder, ballistic data computer, day/night gunner's sights including a OU-9 Searchlight, PPB-4 Gunner's Monocular Periscope Sight, and Day/Night Vision Device.

Other armaments include a 7.62 mm/62 cal. machine gun, anti-tank grenade and missile complex, a 30 mm automatic gun. However, like the 'Landshark,' its main purpose is delivering troops to the battle lines. It carries room for seven troops, the same number as the BMP-3, but greater room to carry its own and the soldiers' weapons. Its engine and off road capabilities are equivalent to those of the 'Landshark.' Its protection scheme is a combination of amorphous steel and aluminum, along with enhanced ERA along a frame built for additional stability and survivability.

Specifications
Length: 7.05 m
Height: 3.65 m
Width: 3.3 m
Weight: 19,600 kg
Vehicle Type: 8 x 8, armoured, amphibious
Engine: Windham & Green high performance diesel-electric hybrid, 625 hp.
Performance: 100 km/hr (road); 55 km/hr (off-road); 10 km/hr (Afloat)
Fuel Endurance: 725 km (road); 525 km (off-road) 11 hours (afloat)
Protection: RHA values: Turret: 510 mm; Front: 310 mm; Sides: 170 mm; Rear: 105 mm.
Complement: 3 crew plus 7 soldiers
Armament: One 120 mm cannon; 30 mm automatic gun; one 7.62/62 cal machine gun; anti-tank missiles and grenade launchers.
Price: $7.75 million

[OOC: Constructive feedback is welcomed.]

OOC: well, a number of things, First I'd ditch the Auto Loader, they add to the prie and te only real advantage os on less person,. te disadvantages are slower loading times than a manual load, less tuuret space, and increased vulerability, also, if you're using different rounds for a single load then a manual loader is more versatile.
I personally would switch to tracks as they are more maneuverable which is beter for the types of missions IFVs are generally used for, the disadvantages of course are price and speed bu advantages are lower vulnerabilty and less maintenance, of course you could also use electric motors like the new ITV marine hummer replacement but that might not be as durable and might have torque problems with a vehicle that size, although it would provide even greater maneuverability than tracks
I would also use a lighter MG for your coaxial (I'm assuming that the 30mm is your coaxial as its a little big for a turret gun) and a bigger weapon for your turret, maybe something more like 25mm coaxial and 12.3mm(.50 cal) turret.
also, your price is a little steep, a bradley costs closer to 2 million USD

ooc: I agree with Cesania mostly. The price is certainly too steep, as it exceeds that of any Main Battle Tank currently available in the world. I can see why you chose an 8x8 configuration, but, as Cesania noted, tracks are much better suited for the type of missions Infantry Fighting Vehicles should be able to perform. Although they require a more complex mechanism, tracks are the way to go for most IFVs. APCs, however, can and should use wheels instead of tracks. Just my two cents.

ooc: err... that 120mm cannon is WAY too big unless you make that thing the size of a Merkava.

For an IFV, i'd suggest a 30mm chaingun, or at most a 105mm gun.

well, he could go with the 120mm low recoil that some AIFVs are using, thats okay