NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the R&D thread for the new tank being developed by Aequatio and Space Union. It is currently planned for both of our Armies but will likely go for export in a downgraded form. Currently we have a couple of development ideas:

*140mm Smoothbore Gun
*Modified PAMDA Armor
*Electronics including the "Sword" and "Shield" Suites from the Predator 2 MBT and some from SPM-192 and M1A5.
*4 Crew

These are currently what we are talking about. This is both IC and OOC thread between Aequatio and Space Union. Other members may be considered by both parties (not sure Aequatio's position). But tags are welcome.

Aequatio you can post some of your ideas. I'm going to be out all day tomorrow I think so I'll post on Sunday. :)

OOC: Avionics refers to the electronic suites and systems on an aircraft, not a ground vehicle such as a tank. The crew of four sounds interesting, though I'd prefer a smaller ETC gun instead.

OOC: Avionics refers to the electronic suites and systems on an aircraft, not a ground vehicle such as a tank. The crew of four sounds interesting, though I'd prefer a smaller ETC gun instead.

Darn I made the same error again :headbang:

We chose to use the conventional because it is much more compact than the 135mm or 120mm ETC gun while providing the same lethality. Also its IR signature is smaller so it isn't as a huge target to heat-seaking missiles like Javelins (anti-tank).

The 4 crewmen has been done to replace a autoloader. Aequatio insists on this change ;)

We chose to use the conventional because it is much more compact than the 135mm or 120mm ETC gun while providing the same lethality. Also its IR signature is smaller so it isn't as a huge target to heat-seaking missiles like Javelins (anti-tank).
OOC: Not really, especially considering that ETC guns will be superior in terms of velocity, and that IR signature is irrelevant considering that not only does the measure will only very slightly reduce the IR signature, but with modern IR systems that are very precise, the effects on the IR signature by such very small difference is nullfied anyways. In the long term, you will also find that a 140mm or 135mm gun round will be heavier than an 120mm gun round, thus decreasing logistical efficiency.

A 4th crew member though, in my opinion, would be a positive addition.

OOC: Not really, especially considering that ETC guns will be superior in terms of velocity, and that IR signature is irrelevant considering that not only does the measure will only very slightly reduce the IR signature, but with modern IR systems that are very precise, the effects on the IR signature by such very small difference is nullfied anyways. In the long term, you will also find that a 140mm or 135mm gun round will be heavier than an 120mm gun round, thus decreasing logistical efficiency.

A 4th crew member though, in my opinion, would be a positive addition.

But also ETC guns require much more electricity. That results in an increase in weight. The MBT won't be as mobile. For example the tank may collapse bridges in poor or poorly developed nations. Also it will be severly limited in some environment such as deserts and marshes (although conventional tanks will also but won't be as bogged down as an ETC carrier) Also the conventional gun can pretty much get through any current NS armor around, so an ETC gun would be rather a waste, in my opinion.

But also ETC guns require much more electricity. That results in an increase in weight. The MBT won't be as mobile. For example the tank may collapse bridges in poor or poorly developed nations.
OOC: ...and this applies to virtually any other heavy battle tanks in NS, thus it doesn't matter much anyways in terms of weight of whether you employ a 140mm conventiona or 120mm ETC.

Also it will be severly limited in some environment such as deserts and marshes (although conventional tanks will also but won't be as bogged down as an ETC carrier)
OOC: With the exception of marshes, you'll find that combat experiences in WWII and in the Middle East through the years would directly contradict your implication that deserts are a severe obstacle for tanks. Even then, it wouldn't matter much considering that the usage of tracks means that this vehicle will share many of the downsides that any other tracked vehicles will also possess.

Also the conventional gun can pretty much get through any current NS armor around, so an ETC gun would be rather a waste, in my opinion.
OOC: Not exactly, and with heavy armour (and no, I'm not talking about the greatly inflated 3000mm+ RHA ratings) NS tanks are still not as so vulnerable, especially not against a conventional gun. An ETC gun, though heavier when compared to its conventional counterpart that is the same in bore diameter, does offer several advantages to counter this.

OOC: Just a quick tag before I head off to bed (work tomorrow), once I get home, I'll start posting.

Aequatian Military Industries Design Notes, First Draft

Weapon Systems

On the issue of the main armament, with the concept of a tapered bore gun, we could still use a conventional gun but give it the velocity and penetration of a much larger calibre. I've used this concept with my Hellcat Armoured Gun System which carries a gun where the bore tapers from 120mm at the breech to 104mm at the muzzle; this steps up pressure and gives the shot a higher velocity.

While it would call for custom-designed ammunition, it would also mean that our armoured corps would have a shell which was unique to our own forces.

While this is an option, another concept was concieved, the dual-purpose gun/missile launcher, similar to the American 152mm M81 Gun which fired both standard 152mm rounds and the Shillelagh guided missile. A newly-developed system along these lines may prove to reduce ware on the tanks barrel and the use of canister ammunition has been effective in the past against an overwhelming enemy as it would increase the speed of reloading and firing, even without the use of an autoloader.

Defensive Systems

We believe that a modified version of the Space Union PAMDA Armor would be best suited, as Aequatian Carbon-60 Composite Armour is nothing more than a redesigned Chobham system and is lacking in terms of personal vehicle protection in comparison.

As for active defence systems, the Shield systems offers a much more effective defence against anti-tank guided missiles as they eliminate them before having a chance to reach the vehicle instead of attempting to destroy them half a moment before striking the tank. However, as seen in tests with the Predator I MBT, the Shield system alone is not enough, hence the development of the Sword suite which offers active protection, much like the S.U. AMPD Suite.

The Sword system is currently being tested to use the Pinpoint Tactical High-Energy Laser to eliminate enemy projectiles instead of the conventional protective ammunition which consists of high-explosive/fragmentation warheads which are fired much in the same manner as a close quarters shotgun to destroy shells and missile systems which threaten the vehicle.

In addition to these systems, the replacement of the first layer of the PAMDA with Helmet Explosive Reactive Armour may be a better decision as even after detonation of the ERA containers, the Helmet sections are not, as their detonation is contained by the outside armor plates. Therefore even after detonation Helmet sections continue to provide some appliqué protection.

Secondary Systems

While the Space Union 3D Optical Presentation unit is much more advanced than the Aequatian Battlefield Information Control System, the BICS is much better for the tank's internal ergonomics as it only requires room for a monitor for the commander and gunner and the system's centralized computer and transmitting/receiving mast. While the 3D Optical Presentation requires the same space as provided by a C2V.

The Space Union LIDAR/LADAR System provides a much better detection and multiple target tracking than the simple carbon dioxide laser rangefinder found on Aequatian Main Battle Tanks. The WillTell Computerized Fire Control System can be installed to work in co-operation with the LIDAR system and provide an advanced target priority selection system.

Sighting systems for the gunner will be required as well, with full night vision support as well as a separate night vision sight system for the commander to distinguish targets for the gunner and fire contol systems. In addition, the incorporation of a full nuclear, biological and chemical crew protection system will be required.

Powerplant

A Diesel engine will provide the vehicle with a must larger combat radius and reliability as well as cost less for maintainance compared to a gasoline turbine engine.

While this is an option, another concept was concieved, the dual-purpose gun/missile launcher, similar to the American 152mm M81 Gun which fired both standard 152mm rounds and the Shillelagh guided missile.

Only yours will actually work, I assume?

Good job! I'll post in a little while with comments and some ideas.

Only yours will actually work, I assume?

It was merely a suggestion for developing a system similar to the 152mm M81 Gun.

Okay heres some comments:

1) What is tampered bore gun? Sorry I'm not very smart when it comes to guns. Also I don't mind creating new ammunition. It will be costly but mass production will lower that cost and could make it standard for other vehicles that come out.

2) Actually when I put ERA I put Electric Reactive Armor. Its like Explose Reactive Armor but it uses high-energy voltage to melt a warhead when it hits the outside armor. This way its not just a one time use thing.

3) I'm alright with all the Secondary Systems.

4) Instead of a diesal engine, lets use a quasiturbine engine. Its like a rotary engine but the rotor instead of having 3 points creating a 3 chamber effect, has a 4 point rotor, which creates a 4 chamber effect. It is ultra-efficient because the extra chamber allows for it to have continous combustion that provides for a full-burn of the fuel. There is virtually no emission except a small amount of carbon monixide that is very small compared to even electric hybrid engines. But a big advantage is that it can burn any fuel including hydrogen, biowastes, and any other source of fuel. If you want to read more heres the site that goes in full-depth about it:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/quasiturbine.htm

The Aequatian Military Industries M41 120-104mm gun has a gradually tapering bore and a shell with skirts which decreases in diameter as it travels through the barrel. The bore tapers from 120mm at the breech to 104mm at the muzzle; this steps up pressure and gives the shot a higher velocity than any other gun developed by Aequatian Military Industries. The shell consists of a tungsten-carbide core and aluminium alloy skirts which are swaged down so that a slender and heavy shot leaves the barrel.

That's the only tapered bore gun currently developed by AMI, but a larger calibre gun could be designed to suit a larger vehicle.

As for the S.U. ERA, I'd say we go with it, even if it can only work twice, it's still better than the Aequatian Explosive Reactive Armour.

We'll discuss secondary systems further once we have a vehicle to place them in.

As for powerplant, I like the concept of the quasiturbine. (Don't have time to finish this now, so I'll comment on the quasiturbine more in my next post.)

As I said I would, my comments on the Quasiturbine engine.

While we like the long list of advantages, the lack of proper, practical testing leaves us skeptical as to whether or not this is an engine we should adopt for a vehicle which will be running the rigours of warfare, we don't need this engine to be too fragile that even knocking the tank around a little will damage the powerplant and leave the vehicle a sitting duck.

When it comes time to choose the powerplant finally, we would suggest that we build prototypes with different types of engines and see which perform the best before taking the new Quasiturbine or going with a reliable diesel or petrol engine.

Sure. We can produce one hybrid, diesal, gasoline, hydrogen, and quasiturbine. Oh yeah thanks for reminding me about this thread. Forgot all about it :)

Sounds good, any ideas as for the main armament for the vehicle?

I like the idea of tampering the bore diameter. That seems like a good idea. That way we can keep the bore diameter at 120mm while providing velocities higher than normal. Heres some secondary weapons:

2x 12.7mm Machine Guns
1x 7.62 Machine Guns
10x 40mm Smoke Grenade Launchers

This will allow for more room for ammo and less weight. Also why don't we build the MBT out of Inconel. This is a superalloy. Heres a link to it:

http://www.burnsstainless.com/TechArticles/Inconel_article/inconel_article.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inconel

It will bring the price up though but that shouldn't be a big factor for either nation ;)

Depending on where the machine guns are, we may need to develop a S.U. and Aequatio variant each, as the Aequatian Armed Forces phased out the 12.7mm round for its heavy machine gun round in favour of a 20mm automatic cannon round. The M90 20mm cannon is used mostly in the same roles as the former M2HB 12.7mm machine gun and in the coaxial role, while providing a much smaller ammunition carrying capacity, the 20mm round gives a much stronger hitting power compared to a 7.62 or 12.7mm round.

The Inconel could be a suitable replacement for the stainless steel layers in the PAMDA armour, it's properties certainly make it more than acceptable for use in the vehicle's armour.

Okay, I'm going to start doing a write-up on this. I'll post it by tomorrow or the next day. Some research has to be done before the final product is ready. :)

Although I'm not involved in this, may I suggest using a 25mm or 30mm gun instead of the 20mm of 12.7mm ones, I suggest this seeing how most NS tanks/IFVs/AFVs and Helicopters are resistant to 20mm rounds, heck even the Apache is reistant to 23mm AP rounds or 30mm HE rounds.

A larger cannon than the 20mm would be too bulky to place on the vehicle, it fills the role more of an extra anti-personnel gun than anything else as dedicated air defence vehicles will deal with enemy aircraft.

Bump for Space Union.

Bump for Space Union.

I'll post it today. I've been doing some research on some stuff ;)

Alright I'm back. I'm ready to finish this project up, as my arm forces are in need of this tank.

Excellent, I reviewed the writup you sent me before you left and I have a few notes I'd like to share with you.

Excellent, I reviewed the writup you sent me before you left and I have a few notes I'd like to share with you.

Sure post them here if you like or you can TG me :)

Telegram sent, but just in case it didn't go through, here it is:

The only thing that I realized needed to be changed was the calibre of the gun, a straight 140-120mm gun wouldn't be enough so I changed it to a 152-125mm gun with the option of firing missiles similar to the ones that can be fired from the Russian T-80 MBT. As well, I changed around the machineguns it has, it'll have the main gun with a 20mm cannon and 7.62mm machinegun coaxial and a 15.5mm gun in an enclosed turret on top.

In addition to that, I made a preliminary prototype line drawing of the tank here:

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7127/xmbt04primarycolour8pp.png
XMBT-04 Preliminary Design Line Drawing

The original turret-mounted 15.5mm machinegun has been replaced with a high velocity 20mm autocannon to better use against CAS aircraft.

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4671/xmbt04secondcolour4vd.png

I'm going to post the write-up here instead of keep on passing TGs. I'll update as progress continues.

Overview:

The XMBT-04 was developed by the Space Union and Aequatio. It is seen as a replacement for many of the older tanks in both countries arsenal. The XMBT-04 takes technologies proven in other tanks such as the SPM-192 and Predator 2, and combines it with new technologies developed for the XMBT-04.

Armor:

The XMBT-04 takes advantage of 2nd Generation of PAMDA Suite. This armor was found on the SPM-192 but extensive modifications were done to better protect the entire tank. This new PAMDA (named PAMDA-2) is stronger and much more resistant to rounds. Not only that, but is much more logistics friendly.

Layer 1: Electric Reactive Armor protection against HEAT and some KE projectiles/missiles.

Layer 2: Inconel Plated layer. First line of defense against penetrating projectiles. Is designed in plates for easy replacement and maintaince.

Layer 3: Ballastic Ceramic Plating. It is designed to defeat KE rounds and absorb heat from projectiles and protect the crew from radiation.

Layer 4: Titanium-Aluminium layer. Designed to withstand heat and KE from incoming projectiles. This layer is very flexible yet strong so it can deflect incoming projectiles.

Layer 5: Reinforced carbon-steel layer. Another layer of armor to further protect the MBT. Surrounds the crew compartments to ensure that the crew remain alive during heavy bombardment from the enemy.

Layer 6: Ballastic Ceramic Plating.

Layer 7: Inconel Plating.

Layer 8: Titanium-Aluminium Layer.

Layer 9: Composite material layer. Designed to provide concentrated protection to vital parts of the SPM-192.

Layer 10: Reinforced carbon-steel layer.

Layer 11: Rubber layer and Kevlin that will absorb spalling and protect the crew and systems.

Layer 12: Layer of Carbon-Reinforced Fibers, composite material. Covers all systems, compartments, and other features of tank.

RHA Values:

Front: 2,800 mm KE/ 3,640 mm HEAT
Side: 1,400 mm KE/ 1,820 mm HEAT
Rear: 900 mm KE/ 1,170 mm HEAT

This makes the entire tank a walking fortress. To further improve the XMBT-04s survivability, all of its sides have been slanted at a minimum of 35 degrees. Also the entire armor/layers are modulare so that specifically damaged areas can be easily replaced.

To allow better survivability, the engine and fuel compartments are toward the back of the vehicle while the crew compartment is up to the front. This makes sure that the crew isn't hurt if an explosion happens in the fuel or engine compartment. Also the ammo compartment is kept toward the middle-bottom and has thicker armor so that nothing penetrates and if it does explode, the armor will stop it from damaging the crew compartment or posing a threat to them.

Weapons - Main Gun:

The Main weapon of the XMBT-04 is the AQSU-152-140 main gun. It is a conventional gun. The choice for use of the conventional gun vs an ETC gun was done to keep the tank mobile, of modest weight, maintaince friendly, and overall much more compact. The use of a conventional gun brings down the maintaince cost which makes the gun more perferable for logistics and for armies that are cash-strapped.

To allow the gun to compete with ETC gun velocities, the gun's bore has been tampered. The front of the barrel is 152 mm but the diameter declines the farther away from the turret, until it reaches 140 mm at the nozzle. This creates a different pressure chambers in the gun. As the shot goes down the barrel, pressure increases on the round because of the more compact area as you go down the barrel. As the pressure increases, the speed of the round is also increased. This allows the round to leave the gun at speeds comparable to ETC guns, but at a fraction of the effort.

Even though the gun is 152 mm in diameter at the base of the barrel, the gun fires 140 mm rounds. This is done so that the round can leave the barrel without having to meet resistance. Not only that, but a 140 mm round wouldn't fit out of the nozzle. The use of 120 mm also allows for more rounds to be stored, and in the end, more kills for the tank compared to a 140 mm gun.

Another bonus to the gun is its ability to fire rocket-assisted shells. To cut on wear from the rocket exhaust, the firing chamber is sealed off from the normal back of the gun, and the entire chamber has been made from reinforced carbon-fiber.

Weapons - Secondary:

The XMBT-04 is outfitted with a powerful armada of secondary weapons to complement the main gun. Most of the ammunition is stored in the back of the tank and is reinforced with protection so that no lucky shell will be able to penetrate the armor.

1x 15.5 Machine Gun
2x 7.62 mm Anti-Personal Gun
1x 20mm Cannon
7x 40mm Smoke Grenade Launchers

The 15.5 mm Machine Gun is mounted on a mini-turret on top of the regular turret. The gun is controlled electronically inside to better shield the crew from hostile forces while in the midst of incoming fire.

1 7.62 and the 20 mm cannon are mounted coaxial to the main AQSU-152-140 main gun. They can be fired in conjunction with the AQSU-152-140, meaning that they soften up the target before the main gun fires, or they can be fired seperatly from each other and the main gun. Like the 15.5 mm, both guns are controlled electronically inside of the XMBT-04.

Finally, 1 7.62mm Machine Gun is mounted outside of the hatch for any crew member to use in urban combat or in the midst of fierce battling. An armored pod is located for the crew member to put his head in while he fires the gun, so that he isn't hit by any bullets.

Last but not the least, 7 40mm Smoke Grenade Launchers dot the body of the XMBT-04. These can be used to either hit enemy opponenets, or create smoke screens around the entire MBT. All the launchers are able to fire 2 Smoke Grenades before needing to be resupplied, totalling 14 grenades dotting the tank. To make sure they aren't hit, they are hidden inside of the tank while in rest, and then come out partially to fire before dotting back inside again.

These weapons are also used in conjunction with the Sword and Shield Suites. Both suites are used to defeat incoming rounds with the use of targeted and precision ammunition.

Electronics/Systems:

The XMBT-04 is outfitted with some of the most advanced electronics ever to be used on a tank. Many of the systems have been proven in combat and have the benefit of being modified extensively. All the systems have changed from their origional design in one way or another.

ooc: Quick recommendation: Use the Quasiturbine. Unlike a diesel engine, it has only 1 moving part, so if it breaks, the tank crew will know exactly what went wrong. Also, don't use a laser for the defense mechanism, it sucks up far too much power for the small amount of damage it does. And get rid of the carbon steel, it's basically the same thing as rolled homogenous armor. If you're going to use metal, use either depleted uranium or nanocrystalline tungsten as both substances have extreme ablative properties, especially the nanocrystalline tungsten.

ooc: Quick recommendation: Use the Quasiturbine. Unlike a diesel engine, it has only 1 moving part, so if it breaks, the tank crew will know exactly what went wrong. Also, don't use a laser for the defense mechanism, it sucks up far too much power for the small amount of damage it does. And get rid of the carbon steel, it's basically the same thing as rolled homogenous armor. If you're going to use metal, use either depleted uranium or nanocrystalline tungsten as both substances have extreme ablative properties, especially the nanocrystalline tungsten.

I'm pretty sure we didn't put any laser on teh thing. Also I'll change the carbon steel to depleted uranium. Could you provide more info on the nanocrystalline tungsten? Thanks for the suggestions. :)

ooc:
http://www.nanomat.com/nanoapp.htm (2nd one down)

Since nanocrystalline tungsten is significantly denser and harder than regular DU alloys, it makes for excellent armor.

ooc:
http://www.nanomat.com/nanoapp.htm (2nd one down)

Since nanocrystalline tungsten is significantly denser and harder than regular DU alloys, it makes for excellent armor.

Thanks. Also this seems to be good for also military aircrafts too. Also a new ammunition could be made with this. Thanks. :)

ooc: Tungsten on aircraft? 2 words:
Hell.
No.

Just a few notes, since I was given control over the weaponry given to the vehicle, I dropped the 15.5mm gun for a high-velocity 20mm automatic cannon as it would have the power to puncture CAS helicopters that come in range.

As for the main gun, the rounds start off as 152mm and are stored as such, they don't become smaller until they leave the barrel at the muzzle, then it's the smaller of the calibres.

Just a few notes, since I was given control over the weaponry given to the vehicle, I dropped the 15.5mm gun for a high-velocity 20mm automatic cannon as it would have the power to puncture CAS helicopters that come in range.

As for the main gun, the rounds start off as 152mm and are stored as such, they don't become smaller until they leave the barrel at the muzzle, then it's the smaller of the calibres.

Got it.

How would you decrease the caliber of the ammo when its going down the barrel?

The calibre decreases as it travels down the barrel since the shell has a jacket around it of soft metal such as aluminium which is shorn off as it travels through the tapered barrel, as the shell's diameter becomes smaller, pressure builds up in the barrel and the shell gains a higher velocity and can penetrate a lot heavier armour.

The calibre decreases as it travels down the barrel since the shell has a jacket around it of soft metal such as aluminium which is shorn off as it travels through the tapered barrel, as the shell's diameter becomes smaller, pressure builds up in the barrel and the shell gains a higher velocity and can penetrate a lot heavier armour.

Okay now I get it. You'll have to modifiy the write-up then. Also check you TGs. :)

I saw it yesterday, I'm still considering it.

I saw it yesterday, I'm still considering it.

Okay, and remember feel free to add any terms to the contract. We will most likely accept it.

Primary Armament

The gun I've decided to use is the Aequatian Military Industries Fully-Stabilized M40A2 120mm Electrothermal Chemical Smoothbore Gun, which is the same one used on the MBT, Mark XI, "Incubus"

Much like any other electro-thermal gun, the M40A2 uses electrical energy to ignite the shell's propellant and provides a much greater muzzle velocity than conventional guns of the same or greater value. The M40A2 is currently rated as having "nominally improved" armour penetration values than the M70 Fully-Stabilized, High-Velocity 140mm Smoothbore Gun used on the Predator II MBT.

Secondary Armament

The secondary weapon systems incorporated into the XMBT-04 will be an Aequatian Military Industries M91 High-Velocity 20mm Turret-Mounted Autocannon mounted coaxially to the main gun with another being mounted in a remotely-operated turret with a full 360 degree traverse on the commander's hatch. The longer barrel and improved cartridge gives the 20mm shell the penetration ratings of an 23mm AP round.

A third machinegun, an Aequatian Military Industries MG76 7.62mm General-Purpose Machinegun will be mounted on a secondary hatch on the main turret's roof and can be fired either remotely or manually.

“Shield” Electro-Optical Countermeasures Defensive Aids Suite (EOCDAS)

Consists of a specialized computer/control panel, two electro-optical interference emitters located on the front of the turret on each side of the gun, four laser sensors located on top of the turret and anti-laser smoke grenade launchers alongside the turret.

Shield I has two combat roles, 1) against infrared-guided anti-tank missiles by aligning the turret front to the incoming ATGM and using the emitters to send false signals which scramble the ATGM guidance system as follows:

Wire-guided missiles such as the American TOW are guided to the target by means of a wire and a flare on the back of the missile. The flare is used to keep a 'reference point' of the missile in relationship to the target lock held by the operator, and the guidance computer tries to put the flare on the reference point. Shield I emitters create a large hotspot, essentially tricking the missile guidance into following the Shield I hotspot instead of the flare hotspot, resulting in faulty course corrections by the ATGW computer. In fact, the computer shall usually believe that no horisontal course correction is necessary since the false flare comes from the same direction as the targeted tank, while vertical corrections shall cause ATGM to either dive into the ground or climb into the sky, depending on whether the operator holds the lock below or above the emitters.

2) The second part of the system defeats laser guided weapons. When a laser beam is detected the Shield I System informs the crew with light and sound; it then launches laser defeating smoke grenades, which enshroud the tank and break or degrade the lock. The tank commander can also press a button that will turn the turret front to the laser to meet incoming ATGM with the best protected section and to engage the laser beam source with the maingun.

“Sword” Active Protection System (APS)

Sword consists of a multi-functional millimetre radar with “instant” scanning of all the vehicle’s protected sectors to detect and track anti-tank ballistics, use of focused, instant-effect protective ammunition for aimed destruction of incoming targets and the system’s control equipment, represented by a specialized computer that provides automatic control over radar operation and Sword as a whole.

The rack-mounted radar is fixed to the turret rood and the rest of the system’s compoenents are located within the turret. Once activated, the system runs a self-diagnostic before switching to combat mode. In combat mode of operation, the radar searches for targets and locates them during their approach to the tank. Once the threat is detected the radar switches to the target tracking mode, thereby obtaining data on the moving target and entering the data into the computer. After processing the entered data, the computer selects one of the siloes and determines the time for its activation. At the determined moment, the computer generates command signals to the selected protective ammunition. When the later detonates it creats a directed stream of destructive elements which destroys any target within this field, eliminating the shaped-charge effect of the threat or reducing it to levels that are not dangerous to the tank.

The Sword system does not react to: targets at a range of over fifty metres from the tank, small-zise targets (splinters, small arms fire), targets flying away from the tank (including projectiles fired from its own gun), slow flying objects (pieces of earth, birds, etc.), shells and projectiles exploding around the tank; targets flying over the tank (i.e. not crossing the protected projection of the tank).

All this resulted in the radical reduction of false alerts and “unwanted” information entering the computer for analysis and processing and also allows operation only if a dangerous target appears within the system’s zone of action and when this targets is about to hit the tank.

Great. I might add some stuff to your write-ups but I'll post that up once I do. Also for the image could you lengthen it a bit. It kind of looks small lengthwise. Thanks :) I'll post my write-ups soon.

Great. I might add some stuff to your write-ups but I'll post that up once I do. Also for the image could you lengthen it a bit. It kind of looks small lengthwise. Thanks :) I'll post my write-ups soon.

I was planning on a new line drawing for the new tank, I plan to incorporate a lot of design features I put on my Incubus Main Battle Tank. It should be ready for tomorrow as I'm going out later tonight and do not know when I'll be back.

Thanks :) Can't wait to see it. I'll try to modify it to my extent.

Here's a modified pic:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/Blackbird-SR-71/XMBT-04.jpg

But I want to see your image. This isn't very good on my part.

bump for Aequatio. I'll add my write-ups here. Also do you have the specs or do I? I'm trying to find them.

We never came up with specs, I was going to wait until I had the final line drawing donw before starting on the specs.

We never came up with specs, I was going to wait until I had the final line drawing donw before starting on the specs.

Okay I found it. Nevermind. I'll post it shortly.

Alright here's part of it:

Overview:

The XMBT-04 was developed by the Space Union and Aequatio. It is seen as a replacement for many of the older tanks in both countries arsenal. The XMBT-04 takes technologies proven in other tanks such as the SPM-192 and Predator 2, and combines it with new technologies developed for the XMBT-04.

Armor:

The XMBT-04 takes advantage of 2nd Generation of PAMDA Suite. This armor was found on the SPM-192 but extensive modifications were done to better protect the entire tank. This new PAMDA (named PAMDA-2) is stronger and much more resistant to rounds. Not only that, but is much more logistics friendly.

Layer 1: Electric Reactive Armor protection against HEAT and some KE projectiles/missiles.

Layer 2: Inconel Plated layer. First line of defense against penetrating projectiles. Is designed in plates for easy replacement and maintaince.

Layer 3: Ballastic Ceramic Plating. It is designed to defeat KE rounds and absorb heat from projectiles and protect the crew from radiation.

Layer 4: Titanium-Aluminium layer. Designed to withstand heat and KE from incoming projectiles. This layer is very flexible yet strong so it can deflect incoming projectiles.

Layer 5: Nano-Crystalline layer. Another layer of armor to further protect the MBT. Surrounds the crew compartments to ensure that the crew remain alive during heavy bombardment from the enemy.

Layer 6: Ballastic Ceramic Plating.

Layer 7: Inconel Plating.

Layer 8: Titanium-Aluminium Layer.

Layer 9: Composite material layer. Designed to provide concentrated protection to vital parts of the SPM-192.

Layer 10: Nanocrystalline layer.

Layer 11: Rubber layer and Kevlin that will absorb spalling and protect the crew and systems.

Layer 12: Layer of Carbon-Reinforced Fibers, composite material. Covers all systems, compartments, and other features of tank.

RHA Values:

Front: 2,200 mm KE/ 3,640 mm HEAT
Side: 1,400 mm KE/ 1,820 mm HEAT
Rear: 900 mm KE/ 1,170 mm HEAT

This makes the entire tank a walking fortress. To further improve the XMBT-04s survivability, all of its sides have been slanted at a minimum of 35 degrees. Also the entire armor/layers are modulare so that specifically damaged areas can be easily replaced.

To allow better survivability, the engine and fuel compartments are toward the back of the vehicle while the crew compartment is up to the front. This makes sure that the crew isn't hurt if an explosion happens in the fuel or engine compartment. Also the ammo compartment is kept toward the middle-bottom and has thicker armor so that nothing penetrates and if it does explode, the armor will stop it from damaging the crew compartment or posing a threat to them.

Note: The RHA values need tweaking so there not final yet.

Primary Armament:

The gun I've decided to use is the Aequatian Military Industries Fully-Stabilized M40A2 120mm Electrothermal Chemical Smoothbore Gun, which is the same one used on the MBT, Mark XI, "Incubus"

Much like any other electro-thermal gun, the M40A2 uses electrical energy to ignite the shell's propellant and provides a much greater muzzle velocity than conventional guns of the same or greater value. The M40A2 is currently rated as having "nominally improved" armour penetration values than the M70 Fully-Stabilized, High-Velocity 140mm Smoothbore Gun used on the Predator II MBT

To save on energy, the main gun has a built-in system that allows it to take advantage of the friction created by the shell. When a shell is fired and is going down the barrel, it creates tons of friction, that ends up wearing the barrel down and being negative. But the gun is able to capture the friction created by the gun and turn it into electricity. This allows it to save much power and redirect that power to other things.

Another innovated feature in the main gun is its double chamber barrel. When a loader, loads the shell into the gun, another shell is put in a chamber behind the first shell. When the gun fires, the first shell goes screaming out. In the process, the gas used in the ignition is created. This gas is then used to push the second shell, on a spring. The shell is then thrusted by the spring foward where the process starts all over again, with another shell being put in the back chamber. This results in improved velocity and penetration power.

Not only that, but the gun is capable of firing rocket-assisted shells. These allow for a much more capable MBT then just regular guns. This results in a very adaptable gun for any situation needed, along with the capability of serving as a part-time artillery-type unit when artillery isn't available, though this isn't recommended when artillery is available, as the gun isn't an artillery gun.

Secondary Armament:

The secondary weapon systems incorporated into the XMBT-04 will be an Aequatian Military Industries M91 High-Velocity 20mm Turret-Mounted Autocannon mounted coaxially to the main gun with another being mounted in a remotely-operated turret with a full 360 degree traverse on the commander's hatch. The longer barrel and improved cartridge gives the 20mm shell the penetration ratings of an 23mm AP round.

A third machinegun, an Aequatian Military Industries MG76 12.7mm General-Purpose Machinegun will be mounted on a secondary hatch on the main turret's roof and can be fired either remotely or manually.

To add to this fearsome power, the XMBT-04 is mounted with 10x 40mm Smoke Grenade Launchers, dotting the entire body. This will allow for two things. One as use against infantry and weakening up "hard spots". Another use is that it can be used to create a smoke screen around the vehicle. Normally the smoke screen can be created by a diesal engine, but since the XMBT-04 lacks that, it uses the smoke grenades instead.

All the weapons listed here are used by the Sword & Shield Suites. But that isn't all. These weapons can be switched to Support Mode. This role is built-into the computer of the XMBT-04. It means that all the weapons work alongside the main gun. If you don't know what that means, it means that when a target is chosen, the secondary weapons are fired at the target to soften them up and any "tricks" that the enemy has such as ERA-type panels. After that, the main gun is fired in the same spot, resulting in maximum efficiency and penetration. This not only saves hassle, it also saves the limited shells.

“Shield” Electro-Optical Countermeasures Defensive Aids Suite (EOCDAS)

Consists of a specialized computer/control panel, two electro-optical interference emitters located on the front of the turret on each side of the gun, four laser sensors located on top of the turret and anti-laser smoke grenade launchers alongside the turret.

Shield I has two combat roles, 1) against infrared-guided anti-tank missiles by aligning the turret front to the incoming ATGM and using the emitters to send false signals which scramble the ATGM guidance system as follows:

Wire-guided missiles such as the American TOW are guided to the target by means of a wire and a flare on the back of the missile. The flare is used to keep a 'reference point' of the missile in relationship to the target lock held by the operator, and the guidance computer tries to put the flare on the reference point. Shield I emitters create a large hotspot, essentially tricking the missile guidance into following the Shield I hotspot instead of the flare hotspot, resulting in faulty course corrections by the ATGW computer. In fact, the computer shall usually believe that no horisontal course correction is necessary since the false flare comes from the same direction as the targeted tank, while vertical corrections shall cause ATGM to either dive into the ground or climb into the sky, depending on whether the operator holds the lock below or above the emitters.

2) The second part of the system defeats laser guided weapons. When a laser beam is detected the Shield I System informs the crew with light and sound; it then launches laser defeating smoke grenades, which enshroud the tank and break or degrade the lock. The tank commander can also press a button that will turn the turret front to the laser to meet incoming ATGM with the best protected section and to engage the laser beam source with the maingun.

“Sword” Active Protection System (APS)

Sword consists of a multi-functional millimetre radar with “instant” scanning of all the vehicle’s protected sectors to detect and track anti-tank ballistics, use of focused, instant-effect protective ammunition for aimed destruction of incoming targets and the system’s control equipment, represented by a specialized computer that provides automatic control over radar operation and Sword as a whole.

The rack-mounted radar is fixed to the turret rood and the rest of the system’s compoenents are located within the turret. Once activated, the system runs a self-diagnostic before switching to combat mode. In combat mode of operation, the radar searches for targets and locates them during their approach to the tank. Once the threat is detected the radar switches to the target tracking mode, thereby obtaining data on the moving target and entering the data into the computer. After processing the entered data, the computer selects one of the siloes and determines the time for its activation. At the determined moment, the computer generates command signals to the selected protective ammunition. When the later detonates it creats a directed stream of destructive elements which destroys any target within this field, eliminating the shaped-charge effect of the threat or reducing it to levels that are not dangerous to the tank.

The Sword system does not react to: targets at a range of over fifty metres from the tank, small-zise targets (splinters, small arms fire), targets flying away from the tank (including projectiles fired from its own gun), slow flying objects (pieces of earth, birds, etc.), shells and projectiles exploding around the tank; targets flying over the tank (i.e. not crossing the protected projection of the tank).

All this resulted in the radical reduction of false alerts and “unwanted” information entering the computer for analysis and processing and also allows operation only if a dangerous target appears within the system’s zone of action and when this targets is about to hit the tank.

Interior:

The XMBT-04's interior has been designed for optimum crew efficieny. This means that the crew compartment must be spacious enough for the crew to work without being in a compact place and under pressure. To carry this out, the interior has been designed to be spacious compared to other tanks. The inside would make other tanks look like a locker room with some screens.

The inside has four seats, one for each crew member. The Driver sits in the front of the tank to the left side. The Targetter sits behind the driver to the right side. He faces the right wall where his screen is. The Loader sits all the way in the back next to the turret opening. The Commander has the unusual spot of being located above everyone. He sits on seat purged on top of a little column. Here he can direct the entire operations of the tank. This was done mainly to give a sense of command to the entire crew, meaning for mostly morale reasons.

For most of the part all electronics are kept in the front of the MBT to make sure that they don't get damaged. That means the screens are also located in the front. A large main screen for all the crew member's is located at the top of the tank, which has mission information around the clock from the base or command location.

Not only that but the mini-supercomputer is located underneath the commander's chair/seat. This allows for optimum compactness for the computer and allows it to not interfere with the work of the crew.

The engine is located in the front along with the electronics. This was done so that it had the most protection available to it. This ensures that there is a lower chance of a round destroying the engine and leaving the crew stranded in the middle of a fierce firefight or in enemy territory.

One interesting thing about the inside, is that fuel compartment, crew compartment, and engine have been reinforced with nanocrystalline. This has allowed for better survivability of all the vital components of the XMBT-04 without adding substancial weight to the overall vehicle.

Propulsion:

The XMBT-04 is powered by the next-generation of engines designed for vehicles. This new engine was developed in the year 1996 and is the most efficient and marvalous technology in the engine's industry. Meet the Quasiturbine Engine. The Quasiturbine engine is the most efficient and powerful engine to be put out. Designed as a rotary engine like a diesal engine, except that it is much more powerful. Its like a rotary engine but the rotor instead of having 3 points creating a 3 chamber effect, has a 4 point rotor, which creates a 4 chamber effect. It is ultra-efficient because the extra chamber allows for it to have continous combustion that provides for a full-burn of the fuel. There is virtually no emission except a small amount of carbon monixide that is very small compared to even electric hybrid engines. But a big advantage is that it can burn any fuel including hydrogen, biowastes, and any other source of fuel.

The use of Quasiturbine has also allowed it to be open for more markets. Seeing as many nation's might use different fuels besides just petrol and diesal, this allows for use of those fuels with little modifications. Not only that but the use of Quasiturbine allows for more logistic's friendly because it has only one moving part, which allows for the logistic's to know what went wrong and what need's to be replaced if serious. This allows the logistics to be more efficient instead of having to look through all the complex, different part's to see which one is working incorrectly.

Electronics:

The XMBT-04 is designed not only to be ferisome on the outside but a monster on the inside. The XMBT-04 is outfitted with some of the most advanced systems ever to be put out of R&D. The inside is a techno-geeks dream come true. Installed with the latest electronics known to Space Union and Aquatio. But that's not what make's this tank so formidable. Enter the XMBT-04.

In order to make the XMBT-04 a competitor in the real-world, some technology had to be put in, that wasn't found anywhere else. Meet the XMBT-04 Optical Collection and Distribution System (OCDS). OCDS is designed to provide all the information the crew needs to operate the tank in one easy-to-use screen that isn't cluttered up with different things that would make Einstein's head hurt. Each crew member gets a screen in-front of him that displays the data that he/she needs in order to complete their task. But the way that the XMBT-04 goes to do this, is much more fascinating then it sounds. Behold the Mark 3DCS.

The Mark 3DCS is the next-generation of tank electronics. It is a blend between technology found in the Predator 2 and the SPM-192. It works by using data fed from satellites in Earth orbit along with other elements such as AWACS, ground troops, etc, to create an interactive 3D model of the entire battlefield, stretching for a 10 sq. mile radius. This gives the crew unmatched visibility compared to other tanks that use their normal view. But what is great about the 3D display is how it can be manupulated. The individual crew members, can zoom in to regions and get more detailed coverage of that area, or they can switch between visible, Thermal, and UV vision to see the area of your choice. It can even go into god mode, meaning that it can find any enemy on the tank from a top-view. This way no enemy will be safe on the battlefield if there is a XMBT-04 in the area. Not only that, but the system incorporates the latest fire-control & targetting system. The system with the help of radar, LIDAR/LADAR, infra-red search and track (IRST), and other systems, is capable of tracking any foreign objects within the mapping area and displays it for the crew to see. It then allows the crew to simply push the place on the screen where it displays the object and then the tank will automatically lock on it for firing. But if the crew doesn't want to fire on it, they can cancel the targetting, or even cancel it but then have the computer alert them when it comes closer to them. But if the crew doesn't want to do any of those, the tank can allow the crew to classify the target as a friendly-object. In fact, commander's can download into the computer telling which tanks are friendly on the battlefield before they start their mission.

Crew Systems:

Driver: The Mark 3DCS is outfitted for the driver for him/her to do their work correctly. The Driver has access to a screen that allows him to plot where to drive the tank to. He can set coordinates and have the tank automatically go there. Not only that but he can monitor the engine, speed, and overall performance of the tank.

Commander: The commander has access to a screen infront of him that displays all the function's of the tank and what their health is. He/she can see if anything is wrong and diagnose the tank. Not only that but the commander has the control over the communication's systems, so he can access communication systems to talk to other people, tanks, and even commanders. He also has access to everything the other crew members do to allow him to know what's happening all the time.

Targetter: The targetter person has access to the advanced fire-control system on his screen. He can plot where to attack and also has the classification system so he can classify the targets based on priority and threat. He also has access to the secondary weapons and is capable of firing them electronically or if he wishes, he can fire the 7.62 machinegun manually by himself.

Loader: The loader has a screen that shows the amount of ammunition left in the stocks and overall wear and tear about the various weapons. He can check if anything's wrong with one of the weapons, including the main gun. He also is capable of seeing if there is something wrong when loading the gun.

The Mark 3DCS is capable of meeting all the requirements of all the crew member's different jobs and duties. No matter the situation, the Mark 3DCS is capable of handling it.

One of the most powerful feature about the Mark 3DCS is its power. It gives the crew access to all resources available on the battlefield and visibility that can't be matched by any other tank or vehicle on the mareket today. The most powerful weapon is knowledge. The XMBT-04 doesn't take this lightly. For this reason it is capable of networking with other XMBT-04 tanks on the battlefield. Each XMBT-04 is capable of talking to other XMBT-04 and exchanging information about the entire battlefield and their encounters. This cuts the chance of surprise attacks on friendly troops. This entire system is called the Mobile Tracking Network Structure (MTNS). Any time something significant happens for example: the destruction of a friendly troop, enemy troop, sitings of enemy positions, commands from the commanders, etc the network allows all the tank crews to know what's happening and that is the biggest weapon any crew needs to complete their mission. And the best part is, all the changes appear on the 3D map so you don't have to look at another screen to find out what's happening while being distracted from what you are doing.

*Note: MTNS is capable of being connected to outside networks so that the crew has also access to satellites, AWACS, and other friendly elements to aid them in their mission.

To power a the Mark 3DCS, a highly advanced computer is needed. For that reason, a mini-supercomputer (dubbed MSC-12-M1 or nicknamed Small Black) is stored inside the tank and carries out all these magnificent features that the electronics are capable of doing. Capable of carrying out more than 1 million floating point calculations per second, this thing although not the most powerful supercomputer on the market, is small and compact to do the job without taking up space that could be used to store more ammunition and such.

Specifications:

Length: 11.5 m (hull); 16 m (including gun)
Width: 5.2 m
Height: 4 m
Ground Clearence: 0.65 m
Weight: 87,000 kg
Crew: Four (Driver, Commander, Loader, Gunner)
Main Armenant: M40A2 120mm Electrothermal Chemical Smoothbore Gun
Ammunition Storage: 30 rounds
Secondary Armenant: 1x 20mm Autocannon (coaxial); 1x 12.7mm machinegun (coaxial); 1x 20mm autocannon (secondary turret); 10x 40mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
Engine: 1x Quasiturbine engine rated at 2,300 hp
Speeds: 75 km/hr (road); 55 km/hr (off-road)
Snorkel Speed: 8 km/hr
Range: 720 km
Fording Depth: 2.2 (normal); 5 m (snorkel)
Price: $30 million

OOC: The specs I know need fixings, in some areas. Also I'll put up the electronics up, soon as it is on my other computer. :)

Here's the third edition line drawing for the XMBT-04, using the new prototype Aequatian Digital Woodland Pattern.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/941/xmbt04thirdcolour6xf.png

It sits a little high, but that could protect it against AT Mines. If not, I can drop the chassis down a little.

OOC: My one comment about this project so far has nothing to do with the actual tank itself. I wonder OOCly why two nations on the opposite sides of Hellfire (Aequatio on the Gholgoth side and Space Union on the Allied side) are working together on this project. Then again, as one of the closed play countries, I'd have much less justification to work with any of them.

I'll comment later about the tank project once I see the results and how it compares to my Z-34.

Here's the third edition line drawing for the XMBT-04, using the new prototype Aequatian Digital Woodland Pattern.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/941/xmbt04thirdcolour6xf.png

It sits a little high, but that could protect it against AT Mines. If not, I can drop the chassis down a little.

Now that is an awesome drawing. Good job. Beats the crap out of mine. hehehe :) The chassis is fine, actually perfect right there. :)

Oh yeah one more thing, I'm going to repost your write-ups with a couple things I wanted to add. And I'll also post the armor and electronics write-ups now that I'm on my other computer. Just hold on. :)

Sarzonia: Me and Aequatio started this project way, way before this World War 4 thing came around (were talking about in June or late May)! And I don't like to really drop out on people as this has gone to far to just be left hanging, for sure. Anyways, me and Aequatio are good friends, so I don't want to be a bad friend to him.

Oh yeah, go to your Z-34 thread, I posted there. Nice tank, a true challenger to this.

I wasn't aware that SU was on the other side of the conflict, but I wasn't as large a part of Hellfire as I would have liked, since Hogsweat basically left my forces alone and the paratroopers I deployed to AMF were left sitting on the beaches playing cards and improving their tans.

Alright updated and added armor, overview, and electronic sections.

Aequatio can you add this to your main gun write-up:

To save on energy, the main gun has a built-in system that allows it to take advantage of the friction created by the shell. When a shell is fired and is going down the barrel, it creates tons of friction, that ends up wearing the barrel down and being negative. But the gun is able to capture the friction created by the gun and turn it into electricity. This allows it to save much power.

Another innovated feature in the main gun is its double chamber barrel. When a loader, loads the shell into the gun, another shell is put in a chamber behind the first shell. When the gun fires, the first shell goes screaming out. In the process, the gas used in the ignition is created. This gas is then used to push the second shell, on a spring. The shell is then thrusted by the spring foward where the process starts all over again. (This part I'm just thinking off the top of my head. It needs to be refined and maybe we could put it on a modified version of the XMBT-04.)

Finally done! Modified my post and finalized the write-up. Tell me what you think. I'll post this after you put in your input. Also do you want to post this for export?

I wasn't aware that SU was on the other side of the conflict, but I wasn't as large a part of Hellfire as I would have liked, since Hogsweat basically left my forces alone and the paratroopers I deployed to AMF were left sitting on the beaches playing cards and improving their tans.OOC: Good point there. At least I had a valid IC reason for standing on the sidelines more than I'd have OOCly preferred (namely, my war against Pantera).

Since Space Union was in the open play part of Hellfire, it's not quite as problematic for you two to work together ICly as, say, you and I working together probably would be.

OOC: Good point there. At least I had a valid IC reason for standing on the sidelines more than I'd have OOCly preferred (namely, my war against Pantera).

Since Space Union was in the open play part of Hellfire, it's not quite as problematic for you two to work together ICly as, say, you and I working together probably would be.

The funny thing is that I only found out the Aequatio was on the other side 2 days agos. heheheh :p

I think we finally finished this Aequatio. If you want we can post it up today or tomorrow after your done looking at it.

bump

bump

Sorry for the late post, I've been away from the computer for the past while and am posting from my girlfriend's machine.

I think that waiting until tomorrow may be a better idea for posting of the thread, that way I can do some tests with some new patterns I've been working on.

Sorry for the late post, I've been away from the computer for the past while and am posting from my girlfriend's machine.

I think that waiting until tomorrow may be a better idea for posting of the thread, that way I can do some tests with some new patterns I've been working on.

Alright. And what do you mean by patterns? Are you talking about the pic? If thats what it is, feel free to make a couple of camos and just post them instead of deciding which one to go with. I'll post the thread tomorrow when I comeback from school.

Alright. And what do you mean by patterns? Are you talking about the pic? If thats what it is, feel free to make a couple of camos and just post them instead of deciding which one to go with. I'll post the thread tomorrow when I comeback from school.

All right, I plan on making a few more woodland just to see which one I like best as well as a desert and arctic pattern.

All right, I plan on making a few more woodland just to see which one I like best as well as a desert and arctic pattern.

Thanks :) This will be great. :)

http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/2486/xmbt04fourthcolour4le.png
Aequatian Woodland Disruptive Pattern

http://img419.imageshack.us/img419/5153/xmbt04thirddesert5pl.png
Aequatian Arid Disruptive Pattern

The primary goal of Aequatian Disruptive Patterns for Woodland and Arid Climates is to break up the vehicle's hull in different terrain types, temperate and tropical for the WDP and desert, near-desert, and savannah conditions for the ADP.

Nice drawings. I'll put those as the pics with the regular one too.

Also do you have anything left, as I'll post up the thread now. Last chance ;)

I don't think that we can pull off the additions you want to make to the main gun's writeup. Other than that, it all looks okay.

I don't think that we can pull off the additions you want to make to the main gun's writeup. Other than that, it all looks okay.

Actually I've used both techniques on one of my tanks, and it didn't come under fire. ;) But to stay safe, I'm going to have a couple of experts look at the design to see if its okay. I'll post the thread up on Saturday. Is that fine?

Things look good, but have a look over my telegram.