Soviet Bloc
27-07-2005, 04:34
ST-37K1 "Mekhev" Next Generation Battle Tank
Ninth Generation Main Battle Tank from the Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/4985/st37k1botdfii9yf.png
The ST-37K1 Next Generation Battle Tank represents the absolute zenith of Soviet Bloc tank design, the best, the highest, the most advanced. It surpasses every previous design, and far exceeds those of even its 'closest' competitors, of which there are none, this tank stands alone above the rest, unchallenged and certainly never to be dethroned from its glorious position. No vehicle on this earth, in this time, now or in the future, can ever come close, can ever hope to challenge, and undoubtedly will never surpass the ST-37K1, the world's finest, most advanced, most lethal, and most capable battle tank, the zenith of tank design. From its incredible armaments package to its powerful electronics package, the ST-37K1 reigns supreme in every facet of armored warfare. Currently, two versions of the ST-37K exist: The ST-37K1 Advanced Systems Package which is the most advanced and lethal variant and the ST-37K2 Base Package [A reversal since the base unit usually comes first]. One other variant exists but is not displayed here is the ST-37K3E Experimental Advanced Armaments Package.
The ST-37K1, with its impenetrable armor and defense system to its vicious armament, is an armored vehicle with absolutely no equal, and never will there be a tank which could ever hope to combat it. The ST-37K1 has taken armored warfare to the next realm, to a realm previously unachievable, and now occupies that sole position at the very top, for the ST-37K1 is the only vehicle capable of doing so, it is the next generation.
Internal Design
Although the ST-37K1 [ASP] is an all-new design, it still retains some features of the previous ST-29K [and ST-29K2] next generation tank, primarily its attack helicopter-style cockpit. The decision to remain with the current system was primarily a choice of crew defense and tank resilience, defeating the proposal for an unmanned turret [which would leave all crewman in one area, and with the current technology, the ST-37K1 can operate with the commander as the tank driver]. Dat' Pizdy engineers finalized the design as an advanced helicopter-style cockpit, with the two turret crewmen [commander and gunner] sitting in a tandem position, the gunner forward of the commander but below, and the commander immersed in a field of LCD screens providing data not shown through his direct neural interface. The commander has access to all aspects of the tank's function, and can even pilot the tank in the event of the death of the driver, meaning increased vehicle resilience. The gunner is given fire control and targetting systems and operates the General Armor AI System, which assists him in operating the armaments of the tank [pre-programs targets for the computer to engage utilizing the tank's armament].
The driver, instead of his former position in the very front with his own periscope systems, is now located farther aft, in the center of the body of the tank, encapsulated in monitors providing a real-time view of the terrain outside in three modes: electro-optical [cameras; at night it is night vision]; thermal/infrared; and three-dimensional composite [uses data from the targetting computer to give a view outside using LADAR/LIDAR, infrared, millimetric radar, etc. networked together]. The drive system is a drive by light [fibre optic] yet maintains an emergency mechanical linkage to the drive train.
The engine and most drive components are located to the rear of the turret assembly, with most of the batteries and electrical motor components positioned under the turret and surrounding the driver, providing additional protection. However, if a direct hit in the front of the tank kills the driver and the forward four electric motors, the tank can still operate and drive nearly normally with the commander operating the drive control systems and the rear electric motors providing the power. Electricity saving systems store unused power for peak use.
The interior is designed to defeat fires, with a halon immediate fire extinguishing system. The crew compartments are liquid cooled to keep the areas cool [due to high temperatures created from computer systems]. All tank ammunition is in an armored storage box, as is the entire main gun system (since its seperate from the crew compartment).
The ST-37K2 Base Platform utilizes a slightly different internal design, although most aspects of the K1 ASP still survive in the K2 variant. One of those that remains is the cockpit formation for the gunner and commander, however, in place of the auto-loader is a human-loader, which ensures greater resilience in tank design and allows for the tank to continue to operate effectively had the autoloader malfunctioned or been disabled. The driver is located forward of his current position and given back-up periscope vision systems tied in with thermal imagers/low-light optics to ensure the operability of the tank at night or in low-light conditions, including dense fog or smoke.
Powerplant and Propulsion
The ST-37K1's primary powerplant is an improved hybrid power plant to provide propulsion and power to its vast amount of systems. Initially, a heavily upgraded MVE-1600-EXA3 1600 horsepower twin turbocharged diesel engine provides general power [and operates an electrical generator], however, it is assisted by the electric assist system [EAS] which is a hybrid fuel cell/battery system. The hydrogen fuel cells recharge the batteries (or directly assist the engine) and the batteries store the energy as well as assist the engine. The batteries are also recharged using a series of electric generators attached to the non-driving roadwheels, as the wheel spins from movement, the generator produces electrical energy, either feeding the motors or storing it in the battery system.
An interesting note of the engine is its ability, courtesy of computers and advanced electronics, to shut down portions of the engine to save on fuel, such as in cruise/highway mode where taxing the engine will not occur at a constant, smooth speed. When this occurs, a number of the cylinders actually disengage, saving heavily on fuel. This 'Power On-Demand' feature allows for greater fuel economy, less maintenance [especially since the cylinders which are disengaged are cycled], and increases engine life span. After the cylinders are disengaged, and the tank happens to, say, head off-road and into mud where the engine is taxed, the cylinders re-engage and the engine's full amount of power is reverted to the tank. In the event of a system failure, the tank can still operate, but with a reduced number of cylinders, meaning less over-all power but the tank can still function relatively normally, albeit at a reduced pace and performance.
The primary drive train is an electrically fired hydrostatic transmission system utilizing electrically operated pumps to regulate hydrualic flow to the hydrostatic transmission. This allows the ST-37K1 a smooth acceleration, smooth deceleration, and infinitely variable speed. An emergency mechanical linkage with forward gears and two reverse provides improved traction and power/performance for situation when the electrical system is overcome or fails. Due to the nature of the drive system, it is very fuel efficient [as there is no direct load on the engine]. Another positive of this system is the fact that the diesel engine can shut down and the tank can operate fully on battery and generator power, meaning the tank is completely silent.
The ST-37K1 is capable of reaching a top road speed of roughly forty-five miles per hour [45 MPH] and an off-road speed of roughly thirty-two miles per hour [32 MPH].
For the suspension, the ST-37K1 utilizes a brand new magneto- rheological fluid (MR) semi-active suspension system to completely revolutionize the undercarriage of the vehicle. This suspension system provides for an ultra-smooth ride over any obstacle, depression, or obstruction. Also, due to the new system, roadwheel, electric motor, mechanical drive gear, generator, and axle life and efficiency are all greatly increased courtesy of the MR suspension system's unique operation. This allows for a much more rapid engagement of target, less wear on tank components, reduced noise (less movement), not as much potential injury to crew members (due to jostling or bumping), and a much more safer environment. The system is augmented by conventional hydraulic shock absorber suspension to provide added stability and resilience.
Armor
With the choice of an all-new tank, an all-new armor was needed, and the design team at Dat' Pizdy Advanced Armor Works succeeded in every way in creating an armor that will ensure the dominance of the ST-37K1 on the battlefield of today and tommorow, and that will ensure the survival of every ST-37K1 to the end of time, for time is the only thing the ST-37K1's armor can not defend against. With new technology such as Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation to create a whole new class of hardened metals to the newly developed Dynamic Explosive Reactive Armor [DERA], this tank is a bastion of defense impervious to all who oppose. Unfortunately, the armor was not designed to be modular, as modularity creates a weakness in the armor scheme, and weakness is something the ST-37K1 does not and will never have.
The initial layer is the newly developed AERA-III, a Dynamic Explosive Reactive Armor [DERA], providing exceptional defense against both kinetic and other types of warheads. Operating much like a conventional ERA block, the block face is instead a thickened plate [at a twenty-five degree angle in relation to the armor face], with the explosive propellant positioned behind it and around its edges. With a patterned and directed detonation procedure, the explosive ring around the outside detonates first, operating like conventional ERA and blasting a HEAT shell's jet with a jet of its own as well as potentially throwing it or a kinetic kill vehicle off course enough to where its damage is minimal or it is subjected to further DERA reactions, then the primary charge ignites, propelling the plate into whatever projectile is incoming, either deflecting the projectile [especially since the plate is at an angle], disfiguring it, or altering its flight path with the second plate rebounding off the armor and into the remnants of the projectile. This is further enhanced by a twin-layer system, two layers of DERA possible due to the plate protecting the majority of propellant. The layers are found on all exposed surfaces [except rear main body] including the turret roof [and auxiliary turret roof]. [Can be removed for infantry operations, or disabled]
The secondary layer begins after the AERA-III. The initial layer of the conventional armor is composed of a spaced gap system to effectively neatralize any HEAT rounds that penetrate the defense systems. Beyond this is a kevlar infused layer of ceramics designed to absorb and spread the kinetic energy of a kinetic kill round. This is further enhanced by a layer composed of a slanted titanium honeycomb layer (which gives it incredible kinetic energy absorbant powers). Behind this is a layer of solid steel which surrounds a coarse ceramics, kevlar, boronated plastic bond (the boronated plastic absorbs radiation). A final thick layer of boronated plastics and carbon elements protect the crew from radiation. This layer is further supplemented by the Fused Interlock Armor System [FIAS] which are blocks of armor interlocked with another block to form a configuration like that of a brick wall. These blocks are of a blended metal design with ceramic inserts, strengthened with fibers to prevent shattering and coated in a hard substance. The system is encased in an area which allows some movement, allowing for the system to actually absorb and dissipate kenetic energy across a wider area and softening any blows for the tertiary layer to absorb. All ceramics are surrounded in plasma immersion ion implanted metal armor, where the plates of armor are immersed in a high-temperature, high-magnetic field plasma field [within containment equipment]. The magnetic fields drive the energetic plasma ions into the metal creating a very hard outer layer. All steel surfaces are plasma immersed.
A tertiary layer is an alunimum, plasma ion-hardened tank roughly about an inch and a quarter thick that contains electrolytic fluid (which changes its viscosity when hit with an electric shock). When a round is detected coming towards the vehicle, an electric firing system fires an electrical pulse towards the electrodes protruding into the fluid across each individual tank (there are a series of these tanks, each covering different portiosn). This means, that when a round impacts and penetrates the primary layer, it will hit the gel-like liquid and then it will harden (well, thicken) and spread the energy across the tank, reducing its effectiveness. To prevent spillage, each tank is cordoned off with metal strips to prevent one hit from draining an entire tank. This entire system is the Liquid-Based Passive Defense System (LBPDS) or Electrolytic Fluid Defense System (EFDS). The tanks are present on the front glacis, turret sides, turret front, turret top, vehicle rear, and vehicle sides.
The final layer is a tank-wide anti-spalling layer composed of light weight fibers and metal to prevent damage from fragments to the crew and internal components.
Close-In Defense and Active Countermeasure Systems
To further enhance its defense against all threats, the ST-37K1 utilizes the Close-In Defense and Active Countermeasures Suite, composed of a number of systems intertwined to provide the tank with a level of active defense unrivaled on the battlefield of today and well into the future. With its arrayed suite of systems, it is an impenetrable defense system with no equal.
The first system is the Advanced Airborne Threat Defense System (AATDS) which is a series of three weapons mounts, one to the rear of the turret and the other two mounted in recessed portions of the forward area of the turret. Each AATDS turret is composed of a bank of three 'armored centrifuges' (the armor is light and basically only protects against shrapnel or ricocheting rounds). These three centrifuges are located on 360 degree traversing turntable with three hydraulic actuators which allow the three 'centrifuges' to move up or down a number of degrees. The first centrifuge covers an area from -15 degrees to +30; the second centrifuge covers from +20 to +80; the third covers from +60 to +120 degrees. This allows for each system to engage ground level targets, line of sight missiles, and top-attack missiles. Each turret is faced to allow for full overlapping and defensive abilities. Each AATDS 'centrifuge gun' is a centrifuge, although it fires conventional rounds in an arc pattern (since it spins it releases the rounds to cover an arc of space) at incredibly high rates of fire (up to 120,000 rpm). The projectiles used are the 6.5mm ball ammunition used by conventional infantry forces. No propellant is needed but the ammunition fired is capable of velocities as high as 8000 feet per second, and are fired so close together that they are only 1/32nd of an inch apart, meaning complete and utter target saturation. Employed as a close in defense system, this system is incredibly effective. The AATDS can also be used against infantry and is tied into the 'Active Engagement Suite', which is a series of systems designed to actively engage opposing forces that have fired on the tank (i.e. ATGM crews). Each AATDS turret has its own thermal imager, however all weapons systems are tied into the 'Integral Fire Control Suite' which is a series of threat detection systems and fire control systems such as thermal imagers, electro-optical, millimetric radar receivers and emitters, light detection and randing (LIDAR), laser detection and ranging (LADAR), and low-light optics. These systems are not employed on the ST-37K2 Base Package tank.
In addition to this, it also has the Launch Point Suppression System [LPSS], which makes use of all auxilary weaponry systems (commanders weapon, gunners weapon, any other weapons, unless in use by crew) to rapidly engage ATGM crews. It uses the same systems used by the AATDS to detect the missile, but instead of firing at the missile, it calculates the point of origin of the launch, and quickly lays down suppressive fire on that area. This is especially effective against wire guided weapons or remotely guided weapons [which require the crew to keep the missile on target], and lessens the chance of another weapon being fired. The system can be disabled.
The final active defense system is the ARENA Mk. III. This system uses a mini-turreted microwave emitter as its active missile defense system to effectively disable missiles en route to the vehicle at ranges of hundreds of feet, likely causing it to detonate prematurely or crash. The ARENA Mk. III's roots lie in the aircraft mounted AFR/SIRR microwave emission system, both share a heavy parts commonality, meaning a high concetration of available parts. This system is not employed on the ST-37K2 Base Package tank.
Active Anti-Sensor System
The ST-37K1 utilizes something which promises to revolutionize the modern battlefield, the ATAQ/M-7A Active Anti-Sensor System. With the ATAQ system, no longer is anti-sensor system a passive chore, done with electronics, instead it is elevated to a manual level. When an enemy tank is detected, its range, heading, speed, etc. determined, and if the commander or gunner decides to, an 81mm mortar tube mounted in the rear flank of the tank positions itself (as it is in a semi-moveable pod) and fires a 'double-tap' of two 81mm mortar shells (which can be rocket assisted for enhanced range [such as light recon drones to 'see over the next hill']). The first shell is a proximity concussion grenade, with a sensor which detects either its altitude or its position to the tank and can maneuver itself (to a small extent with small deployable fins) to be in a prime position. Then a detonation occurs creating an intense concussion blast, capable of shattering the camera lenses, sensor systems, infrared detection screens, and even the internal workings of radar (or at least dislodging them). The blast, depending on weather conditions and its distance from the tank can also disable and shatter computer screens and systems within the tank, rendering the vehicle practically useless, especially in this day and age of modern computer-assisted warfare.
The second round is a shrapnel round, blanketing the tank with metal shards, capable of prematurely detonating ERA panels, tearing apart sensory equipment, taking out manual periscopes, damaging the main cannon, damaging NBC protection equipment, damaging the driver's window and periscope systems, damaging auxiliary weaponry, and even killing crew (if exposed). The system can also be utilized to engage enemy infantry, anti-tank teams, or any other vehicles.
Alternate Defensive Measures/Masking
With its potential role in conjunction with infantry, any exposed crew must be protected. Armored partitions can be lifted into place to prevent shrapnel and small arms fire from inflicting injury on exposed crew (or riding infantry).
The commander's hatch is capable of being lifted like a manhole cover, and when it is lifted, a 'curtain' of a semi-transparent mesh material provides infrared protection, laser protection, and even shrapnel protection, meaning the tank can be completely quiet and cool (no thermal signature) and the commander can enjoy a wide view of the terrain without using electronics or exposing himself to infrared systems.
The ST-37K1 also utilizes silent operating systems, allowing for the tank to maneuver silently (with the systems described in the propulsion section). Other 'silent' features can render the tank as a prime defensive tool. Using an auxiliary quiet running turbine embedded in the rear armor above the infantry compartment and sheathed in heat absorbant material, coolant systems, and noise defeating systems, it can provide enough power to run basic fire control systems (infrared and electro-optical) along with enough power to operate hydraulic pumps to rotate and position the turret to fire. Batteries provide power to coolant systems to keep the turret and gun assembly from creating too much of an infrared signature and assist the small turbine in developing power to fire the main gun and operate basic systems.
Additional, passive defensive measures include infrared masking systems [refer to armament section] such as heat sinks, liquid coolant to cool computers and engine components, and turbine assisted engine cooling. The tank is also coated in a thin layer of radar absorbant material to enhance its chances of remaining undetected at extended ranges [primarily to thwart attack helicopters and radar guided munitions, and not to make it an 'Oh my God, Invisible Tank From Hell'... Retards.]. Although the paint is not a matte black, the ST-37K1 has an incredible passive LIDAR/LADAR defense, primarily the carbon fibre composite utilized in its armor [on the armor face], which is not RAM-coated as it is also has very impressive anti-RADAR abilities..
Primary Armament
The armament package of the ST-29K was often considered to be one of the best in the world, from its fire-breathing main gun to its impressive array of auxiliary, deadly weaponry. The ST-37K1 is no different, utilizing an armament package that most Dat' Pizdy engineers have coined the ST29^2 package, due to its massive improvement in sheer firepower over its predecessor. With a renovated main 120mm cannon, and its all new suite of auxiliary armament, the ST-37K1 proves that it is incapable of defeat, and just all the more capable of wiping its threat, and its four or five buddies, from the face of this planet, in a matter of seconds. The armament package of the ST-37K1 stands unrivaled, unparalled, and awe-inspiring, nothing in this world or the next will ever come close.
Its primary armament is the brand new, improved SB-MKEMG 120mm electro-thermal chemical main cannon, incorporating the tandem EMAS [Electro-Magnetic Acceleration System] and DGA [Dynamic Gas Assist] systems to create a variant of the 120mm electro-thermal chemical main gun so lethal, so powerful, that there is no threat on this world that can stand a chance against a full frontal assault from the ST-37K1. The EMAS is a series of magnetic coils, positioned along the barrel which increase the velocity of the standard electro-thermal fired weapon. When a round is to be fired, the projectile is loaded into the barrel and the breech is closed, this brings the electrode mere micrometers from the opposite contact/conduit on the round. When the system is fired, a high voltage/low amperage spark jumps the gap and immediately courses through the propellant, igniting it in a massive, controlled burn, far, far more efficient than what you could ever get from a conventional cannon and with relatively little energy drain. This is where the EMAS system takes control. As soon as the round is fired, or after the electrical force is applied to the propellant, capacitors (which had built up energy from the generators, motor, and batteries) discharge electrical energy into a series of circuits which are routed to coils placed along the barrel of the weapon (which is laminated to prevent magnitization of the barrel). The coils generate a magnetic field with the 'south' field attracting the round, as it approaches, the 'north' field takes control, propelling the magnetized round (with north facing out of the barrel, and south facing towards the breech) to the next coil. The process is repeated three more times. This allows for the round to be propelled from the barrel at a much greater velocity than would a standard electro-thermal cannon. Now, you may be asking, 'well, how did the round get magnitized?' The answer is simple, when the electricity is applied to the propellant to propel the round from the barrel, the entire breech is effectively drenched in electricity, and when electricity is wrapped around a metal object, it tends to magnitize (depends on what rounds you use). The barrel itself is laminated to prevent it from becoming magnitized.
However, the cannon also utilizes the Dynamic Gas Assist [DGA] which is a seperate tank of inert, inflammible gas. At the end of the tank is a large piston combined with a recoil absorbing system to take recoil generated by the main gun and use it to drive the piston which will compress the gas. When the main gun fires, the gas will be compressed and then it will absorb heat from the firing of the main gun, creating an intense pressure. A valve opens and the heated, compressed gas travels through a series of venturii, creating a low-pressure, very high-velocity gas flow which then enters the barrel directly behind the round, increasing its speed, improving its stability, and increasing over-all range. It also doubles as a recoil reduction system [as it transfers recoil momentum to drive the piston] and a heat absorption system, absorbing the heat and dissipating it along with the firing of the round.
The final cannon assist system is the Successive Fire Projectile Assist [SFPA] system, a twin-fire system which can be enabled [not recommended for excessive firing as it tends to overheat after repeated use and drains power very quickly] and which creates a dynamic, successive fire system. When the fire button is depressed, the electrical impulse traverses the control interfaces to the fire control computer which releases the energy stored in the tank's supercapacitors. However at the very instance that the button is pressed, 'surge capacitors' which carry extra energy for additional purposes in the event it is required, immediately store energy. After the supercapacitors release their energy into the primary firing system the surge capacitors release their energy just two milliseconds before the first, resulting in a successive blast system. The first, primary blast propels the projectile towards the initial windings [of the EMAS system], the second blast erupts shortly after propelling the expanding gases behind the shell forward and increasing the velocity of the projectile a great deal, however the second 'firing' is not nearly the same power or energy of the initial and only aides the round in providing a successive propellant feature. The result is an increased heat signature [solved by extensive liquid cooling systems], a double-tap audible signature unique to the vehicle, and a faster drain on electrical systems. It is not recommended for extensive, repeated use due to its enhanced wear on the barrel and the ability for it to overcome the coolant systems and harm fire control, wiring, or other equipment on the tank due to excessive heat. This system is a form of electro-thermal cannon and instead turns a dot of metal into plasma, which creates intense heat/pressure, expanding the gases, etc. This system is removed on the ST-37K2 Base Package.
The firing mechanism and the barrel are enclosed in the SB-AHAS heat-absorbing and dissipating shroud which absorbs the heat and dissipates it over a wide area. The cannon is also stabilised on double axis' and can fire on the move in a full 360 degree spectrum and at elevations up to seventy degrees and down to negative twelve degrees. [For a better look at fire control capabilities, refer to the Threat Detection/Fire Control section]
The ST-37K2 Base Package carries a far different armament. Instead of the 120mm ETC weapon, the ST-37K2 carries a 145mm smoothbore conventional cannon. However, it is supplemented by the dynamic gas assist [DGA; Refer to Sections Above].
[b]Next Generation Auto-Loader
The ST-37K1 utilizes the finalized TL-M-120 auto-loader, an auto-loader specifically designed for the ST-37K1 to give it unparallelled firing abilities. This autoloader does not require the cannon to be brought down and instead uses a variable drive assembly system to load the shell into the cannon's chamber at any elevation, assisted by an electrically operated hydrualic ram. The auto-loader has a larger ready rack of about fourteen rounds, which is then fed by a 'chain-link' drive to the ammunition storage compartment. Each time a shell is fired and one is loaded into the weapon, the armored partition . This is removed on the ST-37K2 Base Package and replaced with a manual loader.
[b]Auxiliary Armament
The ST-37K1's auxiliary armament suite is impressive and lethal on its own, providing the crew with a massive amount of firepower capable of being dispensed on targets in the air and on land. The primary auxiliary armament of the ST-37K1 is the triple-barreled rotating CFA-760D III 30mm automatic cannon, which is very similar to the main gun of the ST-37K1's primary armament as it incorporates a similar version of the EMAS system, along with the proprietary dynamic gas assist system, making this already deadly cannon into a truly lethal machine. The cannon is tied into the tank's 'Integral Fire Control Suite', which ties in all offensive/defensive systems into a centrally operated threat detection/targetting system. This allows the cannon to target anything the tank's main gun is tracking or targetting or anything that shows up on detection systems, meaning this cannon can target and annihilate anything seen on the thermal imagers, millimetric radar, LIDAR, LADAR, electro-optical, or low-light optical sensors. The mini-turret is also connected to the active missile defense systems and can be used to target missiles, aircraft, or other enemy units (such as ATGM crews). This is replaced, on the ST-37K2 with a conventional 25mm auto-cannon.
The coaxial weapon on the ST-37K1s primary turret is a 20mm conventional-firing auto-cannon which can either fire independently of the main gun or in conjunction. One feature of the system is the fact it can be configured to fire a burst of fire immediately before the main gun opens up, igniting any ERA or disabling any threat interception devices, increasing the chance of a kill against the enemy target.
Aside from the auxiliary CFA-760D III 30mm automatic cannon and the coaxial cannon, the ST-37K1 sports an independently turreted 12.7mm cannon, mounted on a small turret assembly on the turret. The actual mini-turret contains little armor, aside from shrapnel defeating systems. Otherwise, the ITH-5A turret system houses the SB-AIG-81A five-barreled 12.7mm cannon along with the AG-39 40mm automatic grenade launcher, mounted side by side. Along with the two weapons is a laser designator and their own thermal/infrared targetting system for night and daylight operations. The turret system is directly connected to the infantry vehicles as well as the ARSB DefenseNet (and ALMRS/TTAC systems) so it can use information from any ARSB vehicle, VEPR-wearing soldier, or ARSB system on or around the battlefield. The system is controlled, remotely, by its operator within the vehicle and can operate with the missile defense system in taking out incoming missiles. The turret assembly maintains two ammunition linkages, each one leading to the armored ammunition compartment in the auxiliary turret. The first linkage draws rounds to the 12.7mm cannon. The second linkage draws grenade rounds to the grenade launcher. Each linkage is surrounded by an armored partition. The actual linkages are flexible and can easily flex while the mini-turret moves.
However, the ST-37K1 carries another card in her dominating hand of destruction, the Rear Turret Air/Ground Defense Suite (RTAGDS), a comprehensive computer controlled surface to air/surface missile system capable of housing two ready-to-fire surface to air missiles (or ATGMs) in an armored box in the rear left hand turret quarter. The box is mounted on a fully moveable hydraulically-operated system and is directly tied into vehicle's own detection systems. Another note of this system is that it can use airborne radar courtesy of a direct wireless broadband connection system which may link it to numerous airborne units to utilize their local target acquisition systems. This unit is mechanically reloadable, meaning, when the missiles are exhausted, and need to be reloaded, the gunner (or commander) has to pull a hydrualic lever (or initiate it through the computer), which rights the box and drops it into a cradle. The computer then unlatches a small armoured partition which slide to reveal two stored missiles (which can be anti-aircraft or ATGM in nature or both, can be changed by the gunner). A hydrualic ram presses these up and into the launch box where small arms latch them into place. With the process completed, the partition slides back into place and the hydrualic system returns the launcher to its previous position, ready to unleash hell at helicopters or enemy tanks. After the process, a tone, along with a dialogue warning, informs the crew to reload the missile launch system. The gunner then removes two more missiles from the missile storage box and positions them in the launch box reloader (after opening an armored partition). When completed, the partitions are closed and a button is pressed, telling the computer that the launch box can be reloaded. A total of six missiles can be carried [two in the launch box, two in the reloader, and two stored]. The armored box can also contain and fire the ATM-80A HKKV (Hyper Kinetic Kill Vehicle) which is of the 'Line-Of-Sight, Anti-Tank'-type of anti-tank missiles (super velocity, kinetic kill).
[i]Integrated Modular Side-Turret Weaponry Mount System
And finally, a mainstay of the ST-series of tanks, the Integrated Modular Side-Turret Weaponry Mount System, a series of slides and pivot joints to allow for the addition of multiple weapons to the side of the turret, those weapons are as follows:
.50 MG (AA)
Any higher-caliber AA Cannons (up to two on each side)
ATGM missiles
ATGM missile pods
LOSAT (Line of Sight- Anti-Tank) tubes
Unguided rocket pods
SAM Missile Pods
Sensor equipment
Communications equipment
Rear Turret Weapons System
The RTWS is a bank of weaponry that can be [note key words - 'can be'; optional, can be removed] mounted on the rear of the turret. The foremost of these systems is the MGL-56D missile launch system. The system includes an armored 'bank' of a dozen laser-guided munitions. The bank is hydraulically lifted or tilted (its default setting is tilted at a fifty degree angle). If a target is chosen, the gunner illuminates a target with a laser or infrared beacon and fires a missile. The missile locks onto the infrared beacon (which can be set at a certain infrared wavelength [usually towards the end of the infrared spectrum that is hardest to create using flares, heat, etc.]) or laser and maneuvers toward the target, even being able to change course (assuming target is far enough away). The ATGMs fired are a variant of the ATM-7B anti-tank missile with their guidance system replaced with an infrared beacon/laser locator. Some of these missiles are modified to carry grenades (releasing grenades over a target) or a down-ward facing shrapnel round for engaging enemy infantry lines. The laser designators and infrared beacons are located on two small rotating turrets that can be used together or independently to target up to four enemy targets [or more, using DefenseNet data, the tank's targetting data, etc.]. Also, standard ATGMs can be mounted to the rear of the turret.
Threat Detection/Fire Control
The ST-37K1 Final Generation Battle tank utilizes an extensive threat detection suite, all networked together to provide the crew and users of the ARSB BattleNet, a three dimensional composite utilizing data from every threat detection system, giving each of the Armed Republic's soldiers the ability to see first, fire first, and kill first, a key strategy. The primary detection system has migrated from the thermal imaging system to the comprehensive LIDAR/LADAR suite , the GMLQ/L50 pulsed laser focal plane array [PLFPA], which provides wider field of view, 3D composite image ability, increased frame rates [i.e. faster detection], and can provide up to seven centimeters of depth perception, primarily because it does not measure intensity like conventional LIDAR/LADAR but rather measures the time of flight of the photons and thereby the range to target. Because the information is encoded in each pixel, the system can produce a three-dimensional, or "angle-angle-range," images. Since it does not measure intensity, and rather the time of flight, it can effectively see through objects, primarily camoflauge netting, foliage, tapering smoke screens, etc. Networked and coupled directly into the system is the GRMQ/M18 millimetric wave RADAR, providing exceptional ground and air detection at varying ranges which aides in the detection of the enemy [primarily enemy rotorcraft/aircraft] and provides back-up range-finding, and provides firing data to the close-in defense systems while alerting the crew of incoming projectiles and other vehicles [courtesy of a coupled passive radar receiver/radar warning receiver]. Also, the GRMQ/M18 provides corrective firing solution data to the computer after analyzing the flight path of the previously fired round and adjusting for such deficiencies in variables the computer did not consider. The GRMQ/M18 is coupled with the downsized ROSQ/S31, a variant of the frequency cycling system on the DP-21 electronic warfare aircraft, instead, it quickly and efficiently cycles millimetric wave radar frequencies to prevent jamming by either aircraft or other ground vehicles. The final system of the three-point threat detection suite is the passive/active selective infrared detection suite [provides both passive (detection of heat sources) and active (RADAR-like qualities only emitting infrared waves; not recommended)].
The entire system is bundled together to create the 3ADS (ARQ-690) Integral Fire Control System which gives the commander, crew, and command staff [as well as anyone on the DefenseNet] an all-around view of the tank and anything within its viewing range. The system utilizes these modes of detection located in many different 'banks' of sensors which are usually armor protected. The system is connected to a threat identification computer as well as a fire control computer (which is then linked to the AEISCN or Soviet Bloc DefenseNet) giving the commander and gunner the ability to fire on targets while watching targets on the sides and rear (which can be miles away but being detected using another tank's sensors) and even fire on those targets using ATGMs or firing the cannon in a way resembling artillery. This system also works in conjunction with the close in defense systems to provide an impenetrable level of defense.
With the integral fire control system, every detection system works in conjunction with the others, giving the crew and any other tank crew a full three-dimensional view of the battle-space, utilizing data from satellites, infrared detection [passive and active], millimetric radar, LIDAR/LADAR, optical, and other methods as well. The system provides range-finding [even though a laser rangefinder remains as an emergency tool], weather monitoring [for best fire control possibilities], and complete battlefield domination.
Also, the ALMRS/TTAC-09 Mk. V system is capable of tracking and providing firing solutions on up to one hundred and twenty enemies and ranks them according to range, heading, threat level, and tank-type to provide best possible firing solution. Also computes MOA and other variables and automatically sets turret and barrel to correct heading (when this feature is engaged) and can fire on up to seven targets simultaneously [utilizing main gun, mini-turreted 12.7mm cannon, mini-turreted secondary armament, and up to four ATGMs at the rear of the turret or in a host vehicle]. Directly connected with this, and networked with the integral fire control system, is the SB-AFCS-S1 Advanced Fire Control System which allows for the ST-37K1 to engage moving targets while the ST-37K1 itself is on the move. The barrel will always remain aimed at target while tank is in motion and will not waiver even over obstructions or when target is obscured by smoke, etc. The barrel will always target enemy unit unless commander targets a new target or disengages system. The SB-AFCS-S1 system will continually track all targets and align barrel to fire on the target even if the target is on the move, the barrel will constantly update and move with the target while computing range, wind, weather, and MOA abilities for the best possible accuracy. The barrel will move on two different axis'. The commander's station is outfitted with nightvision capabilities, infrared capabilities, radar tracking capabilities (if an EW, radar aircraft, or radar station is near and able to send information), and advanced targetting systems. The periscope, a popular mainstay on previous tanks, has been scrapped, and its duty replaced by the several miniature turrets filled with detection systems [six primary turrets with electro-optical, infrared, and low-light optics], the rest of the tank is studded with digital, real-time cameras while a primary 'Commander Electro-Optical Environment Station' operates where the commander's hatch would normally be, the squat turret is filled with a bank of electro-optical equipment, infrared detection gear, and night vision optics, giving the entire crew unparalled ability to see the threats before the threat perceives them.
The ST-37K2 Base Package only utilizes a primary thermal 360 degree imager to provide all-around day/night capability along with low-light optics, electro-optical, and a short range composite millimetric radar primarily used as target/collision avoidance, threat detection [ATGM, etc.], and short range guidance/detection. It does not utilize the advanced LIDAR/LADAR suite nor the elementary radar jammer.
[b]Auxiliary Systems
The ST-37K1 packs an incredible set of electronics, and auxiliary systems are no exemption, ranging from the ARENA-FG IV to the SB-ECS, the auxiliary system provide a level of defense which ensures the survival of the ST-37K1 on the battlefield of today, tommorow, and well into the future. The first system of the 'Auxiliary System Network' is the ARENA-FG IV, a revolutionary mini-turreted microwave emitter which serves as an active missile defense system. The emitter uses microwaves to fry an incoming missiles electronics, likely detonating the missile prematurely or potentially igniting its fuel or damaging its avionics, rendering the missile useless to the point where its effectiveness drops against the tank [if it manages to hit it]. The next system is the Shtora-3 Active Defense Suite, which provides elementary RADAR jamming abilities, especially against the rather basic radars of opposing tanks. Coupled into this is an anti-laser rangefinder/weapons guidance tool which uses a beam of controlled ultraviolet rays to change the frequency of an incoming laser, forcing its electronics to determine that the point where the UV rays intercept the laser is the distance to target. And finally, the Environmental Control System, a nuclear-biological-chemical defense system which provides a full seal of the internal tank structure. Oxygen rebreathers and filters clean outside air and recycle unused internal air, providing fresh oxygen to the crew.
Ninth Generation Main Battle Tank from the Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc
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The ST-37K1 Next Generation Battle Tank represents the absolute zenith of Soviet Bloc tank design, the best, the highest, the most advanced. It surpasses every previous design, and far exceeds those of even its 'closest' competitors, of which there are none, this tank stands alone above the rest, unchallenged and certainly never to be dethroned from its glorious position. No vehicle on this earth, in this time, now or in the future, can ever come close, can ever hope to challenge, and undoubtedly will never surpass the ST-37K1, the world's finest, most advanced, most lethal, and most capable battle tank, the zenith of tank design. From its incredible armaments package to its powerful electronics package, the ST-37K1 reigns supreme in every facet of armored warfare. Currently, two versions of the ST-37K exist: The ST-37K1 Advanced Systems Package which is the most advanced and lethal variant and the ST-37K2 Base Package [A reversal since the base unit usually comes first]. One other variant exists but is not displayed here is the ST-37K3E Experimental Advanced Armaments Package.
The ST-37K1, with its impenetrable armor and defense system to its vicious armament, is an armored vehicle with absolutely no equal, and never will there be a tank which could ever hope to combat it. The ST-37K1 has taken armored warfare to the next realm, to a realm previously unachievable, and now occupies that sole position at the very top, for the ST-37K1 is the only vehicle capable of doing so, it is the next generation.
Internal Design
Although the ST-37K1 [ASP] is an all-new design, it still retains some features of the previous ST-29K [and ST-29K2] next generation tank, primarily its attack helicopter-style cockpit. The decision to remain with the current system was primarily a choice of crew defense and tank resilience, defeating the proposal for an unmanned turret [which would leave all crewman in one area, and with the current technology, the ST-37K1 can operate with the commander as the tank driver]. Dat' Pizdy engineers finalized the design as an advanced helicopter-style cockpit, with the two turret crewmen [commander and gunner] sitting in a tandem position, the gunner forward of the commander but below, and the commander immersed in a field of LCD screens providing data not shown through his direct neural interface. The commander has access to all aspects of the tank's function, and can even pilot the tank in the event of the death of the driver, meaning increased vehicle resilience. The gunner is given fire control and targetting systems and operates the General Armor AI System, which assists him in operating the armaments of the tank [pre-programs targets for the computer to engage utilizing the tank's armament].
The driver, instead of his former position in the very front with his own periscope systems, is now located farther aft, in the center of the body of the tank, encapsulated in monitors providing a real-time view of the terrain outside in three modes: electro-optical [cameras; at night it is night vision]; thermal/infrared; and three-dimensional composite [uses data from the targetting computer to give a view outside using LADAR/LIDAR, infrared, millimetric radar, etc. networked together]. The drive system is a drive by light [fibre optic] yet maintains an emergency mechanical linkage to the drive train.
The engine and most drive components are located to the rear of the turret assembly, with most of the batteries and electrical motor components positioned under the turret and surrounding the driver, providing additional protection. However, if a direct hit in the front of the tank kills the driver and the forward four electric motors, the tank can still operate and drive nearly normally with the commander operating the drive control systems and the rear electric motors providing the power. Electricity saving systems store unused power for peak use.
The interior is designed to defeat fires, with a halon immediate fire extinguishing system. The crew compartments are liquid cooled to keep the areas cool [due to high temperatures created from computer systems]. All tank ammunition is in an armored storage box, as is the entire main gun system (since its seperate from the crew compartment).
The ST-37K2 Base Platform utilizes a slightly different internal design, although most aspects of the K1 ASP still survive in the K2 variant. One of those that remains is the cockpit formation for the gunner and commander, however, in place of the auto-loader is a human-loader, which ensures greater resilience in tank design and allows for the tank to continue to operate effectively had the autoloader malfunctioned or been disabled. The driver is located forward of his current position and given back-up periscope vision systems tied in with thermal imagers/low-light optics to ensure the operability of the tank at night or in low-light conditions, including dense fog or smoke.
Powerplant and Propulsion
The ST-37K1's primary powerplant is an improved hybrid power plant to provide propulsion and power to its vast amount of systems. Initially, a heavily upgraded MVE-1600-EXA3 1600 horsepower twin turbocharged diesel engine provides general power [and operates an electrical generator], however, it is assisted by the electric assist system [EAS] which is a hybrid fuel cell/battery system. The hydrogen fuel cells recharge the batteries (or directly assist the engine) and the batteries store the energy as well as assist the engine. The batteries are also recharged using a series of electric generators attached to the non-driving roadwheels, as the wheel spins from movement, the generator produces electrical energy, either feeding the motors or storing it in the battery system.
An interesting note of the engine is its ability, courtesy of computers and advanced electronics, to shut down portions of the engine to save on fuel, such as in cruise/highway mode where taxing the engine will not occur at a constant, smooth speed. When this occurs, a number of the cylinders actually disengage, saving heavily on fuel. This 'Power On-Demand' feature allows for greater fuel economy, less maintenance [especially since the cylinders which are disengaged are cycled], and increases engine life span. After the cylinders are disengaged, and the tank happens to, say, head off-road and into mud where the engine is taxed, the cylinders re-engage and the engine's full amount of power is reverted to the tank. In the event of a system failure, the tank can still operate, but with a reduced number of cylinders, meaning less over-all power but the tank can still function relatively normally, albeit at a reduced pace and performance.
The primary drive train is an electrically fired hydrostatic transmission system utilizing electrically operated pumps to regulate hydrualic flow to the hydrostatic transmission. This allows the ST-37K1 a smooth acceleration, smooth deceleration, and infinitely variable speed. An emergency mechanical linkage with forward gears and two reverse provides improved traction and power/performance for situation when the electrical system is overcome or fails. Due to the nature of the drive system, it is very fuel efficient [as there is no direct load on the engine]. Another positive of this system is the fact that the diesel engine can shut down and the tank can operate fully on battery and generator power, meaning the tank is completely silent.
The ST-37K1 is capable of reaching a top road speed of roughly forty-five miles per hour [45 MPH] and an off-road speed of roughly thirty-two miles per hour [32 MPH].
For the suspension, the ST-37K1 utilizes a brand new magneto- rheological fluid (MR) semi-active suspension system to completely revolutionize the undercarriage of the vehicle. This suspension system provides for an ultra-smooth ride over any obstacle, depression, or obstruction. Also, due to the new system, roadwheel, electric motor, mechanical drive gear, generator, and axle life and efficiency are all greatly increased courtesy of the MR suspension system's unique operation. This allows for a much more rapid engagement of target, less wear on tank components, reduced noise (less movement), not as much potential injury to crew members (due to jostling or bumping), and a much more safer environment. The system is augmented by conventional hydraulic shock absorber suspension to provide added stability and resilience.
Armor
With the choice of an all-new tank, an all-new armor was needed, and the design team at Dat' Pizdy Advanced Armor Works succeeded in every way in creating an armor that will ensure the dominance of the ST-37K1 on the battlefield of today and tommorow, and that will ensure the survival of every ST-37K1 to the end of time, for time is the only thing the ST-37K1's armor can not defend against. With new technology such as Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation to create a whole new class of hardened metals to the newly developed Dynamic Explosive Reactive Armor [DERA], this tank is a bastion of defense impervious to all who oppose. Unfortunately, the armor was not designed to be modular, as modularity creates a weakness in the armor scheme, and weakness is something the ST-37K1 does not and will never have.
The initial layer is the newly developed AERA-III, a Dynamic Explosive Reactive Armor [DERA], providing exceptional defense against both kinetic and other types of warheads. Operating much like a conventional ERA block, the block face is instead a thickened plate [at a twenty-five degree angle in relation to the armor face], with the explosive propellant positioned behind it and around its edges. With a patterned and directed detonation procedure, the explosive ring around the outside detonates first, operating like conventional ERA and blasting a HEAT shell's jet with a jet of its own as well as potentially throwing it or a kinetic kill vehicle off course enough to where its damage is minimal or it is subjected to further DERA reactions, then the primary charge ignites, propelling the plate into whatever projectile is incoming, either deflecting the projectile [especially since the plate is at an angle], disfiguring it, or altering its flight path with the second plate rebounding off the armor and into the remnants of the projectile. This is further enhanced by a twin-layer system, two layers of DERA possible due to the plate protecting the majority of propellant. The layers are found on all exposed surfaces [except rear main body] including the turret roof [and auxiliary turret roof]. [Can be removed for infantry operations, or disabled]
The secondary layer begins after the AERA-III. The initial layer of the conventional armor is composed of a spaced gap system to effectively neatralize any HEAT rounds that penetrate the defense systems. Beyond this is a kevlar infused layer of ceramics designed to absorb and spread the kinetic energy of a kinetic kill round. This is further enhanced by a layer composed of a slanted titanium honeycomb layer (which gives it incredible kinetic energy absorbant powers). Behind this is a layer of solid steel which surrounds a coarse ceramics, kevlar, boronated plastic bond (the boronated plastic absorbs radiation). A final thick layer of boronated plastics and carbon elements protect the crew from radiation. This layer is further supplemented by the Fused Interlock Armor System [FIAS] which are blocks of armor interlocked with another block to form a configuration like that of a brick wall. These blocks are of a blended metal design with ceramic inserts, strengthened with fibers to prevent shattering and coated in a hard substance. The system is encased in an area which allows some movement, allowing for the system to actually absorb and dissipate kenetic energy across a wider area and softening any blows for the tertiary layer to absorb. All ceramics are surrounded in plasma immersion ion implanted metal armor, where the plates of armor are immersed in a high-temperature, high-magnetic field plasma field [within containment equipment]. The magnetic fields drive the energetic plasma ions into the metal creating a very hard outer layer. All steel surfaces are plasma immersed.
A tertiary layer is an alunimum, plasma ion-hardened tank roughly about an inch and a quarter thick that contains electrolytic fluid (which changes its viscosity when hit with an electric shock). When a round is detected coming towards the vehicle, an electric firing system fires an electrical pulse towards the electrodes protruding into the fluid across each individual tank (there are a series of these tanks, each covering different portiosn). This means, that when a round impacts and penetrates the primary layer, it will hit the gel-like liquid and then it will harden (well, thicken) and spread the energy across the tank, reducing its effectiveness. To prevent spillage, each tank is cordoned off with metal strips to prevent one hit from draining an entire tank. This entire system is the Liquid-Based Passive Defense System (LBPDS) or Electrolytic Fluid Defense System (EFDS). The tanks are present on the front glacis, turret sides, turret front, turret top, vehicle rear, and vehicle sides.
The final layer is a tank-wide anti-spalling layer composed of light weight fibers and metal to prevent damage from fragments to the crew and internal components.
Close-In Defense and Active Countermeasure Systems
To further enhance its defense against all threats, the ST-37K1 utilizes the Close-In Defense and Active Countermeasures Suite, composed of a number of systems intertwined to provide the tank with a level of active defense unrivaled on the battlefield of today and well into the future. With its arrayed suite of systems, it is an impenetrable defense system with no equal.
The first system is the Advanced Airborne Threat Defense System (AATDS) which is a series of three weapons mounts, one to the rear of the turret and the other two mounted in recessed portions of the forward area of the turret. Each AATDS turret is composed of a bank of three 'armored centrifuges' (the armor is light and basically only protects against shrapnel or ricocheting rounds). These three centrifuges are located on 360 degree traversing turntable with three hydraulic actuators which allow the three 'centrifuges' to move up or down a number of degrees. The first centrifuge covers an area from -15 degrees to +30; the second centrifuge covers from +20 to +80; the third covers from +60 to +120 degrees. This allows for each system to engage ground level targets, line of sight missiles, and top-attack missiles. Each turret is faced to allow for full overlapping and defensive abilities. Each AATDS 'centrifuge gun' is a centrifuge, although it fires conventional rounds in an arc pattern (since it spins it releases the rounds to cover an arc of space) at incredibly high rates of fire (up to 120,000 rpm). The projectiles used are the 6.5mm ball ammunition used by conventional infantry forces. No propellant is needed but the ammunition fired is capable of velocities as high as 8000 feet per second, and are fired so close together that they are only 1/32nd of an inch apart, meaning complete and utter target saturation. Employed as a close in defense system, this system is incredibly effective. The AATDS can also be used against infantry and is tied into the 'Active Engagement Suite', which is a series of systems designed to actively engage opposing forces that have fired on the tank (i.e. ATGM crews). Each AATDS turret has its own thermal imager, however all weapons systems are tied into the 'Integral Fire Control Suite' which is a series of threat detection systems and fire control systems such as thermal imagers, electro-optical, millimetric radar receivers and emitters, light detection and randing (LIDAR), laser detection and ranging (LADAR), and low-light optics. These systems are not employed on the ST-37K2 Base Package tank.
In addition to this, it also has the Launch Point Suppression System [LPSS], which makes use of all auxilary weaponry systems (commanders weapon, gunners weapon, any other weapons, unless in use by crew) to rapidly engage ATGM crews. It uses the same systems used by the AATDS to detect the missile, but instead of firing at the missile, it calculates the point of origin of the launch, and quickly lays down suppressive fire on that area. This is especially effective against wire guided weapons or remotely guided weapons [which require the crew to keep the missile on target], and lessens the chance of another weapon being fired. The system can be disabled.
The final active defense system is the ARENA Mk. III. This system uses a mini-turreted microwave emitter as its active missile defense system to effectively disable missiles en route to the vehicle at ranges of hundreds of feet, likely causing it to detonate prematurely or crash. The ARENA Mk. III's roots lie in the aircraft mounted AFR/SIRR microwave emission system, both share a heavy parts commonality, meaning a high concetration of available parts. This system is not employed on the ST-37K2 Base Package tank.
Active Anti-Sensor System
The ST-37K1 utilizes something which promises to revolutionize the modern battlefield, the ATAQ/M-7A Active Anti-Sensor System. With the ATAQ system, no longer is anti-sensor system a passive chore, done with electronics, instead it is elevated to a manual level. When an enemy tank is detected, its range, heading, speed, etc. determined, and if the commander or gunner decides to, an 81mm mortar tube mounted in the rear flank of the tank positions itself (as it is in a semi-moveable pod) and fires a 'double-tap' of two 81mm mortar shells (which can be rocket assisted for enhanced range [such as light recon drones to 'see over the next hill']). The first shell is a proximity concussion grenade, with a sensor which detects either its altitude or its position to the tank and can maneuver itself (to a small extent with small deployable fins) to be in a prime position. Then a detonation occurs creating an intense concussion blast, capable of shattering the camera lenses, sensor systems, infrared detection screens, and even the internal workings of radar (or at least dislodging them). The blast, depending on weather conditions and its distance from the tank can also disable and shatter computer screens and systems within the tank, rendering the vehicle practically useless, especially in this day and age of modern computer-assisted warfare.
The second round is a shrapnel round, blanketing the tank with metal shards, capable of prematurely detonating ERA panels, tearing apart sensory equipment, taking out manual periscopes, damaging the main cannon, damaging NBC protection equipment, damaging the driver's window and periscope systems, damaging auxiliary weaponry, and even killing crew (if exposed). The system can also be utilized to engage enemy infantry, anti-tank teams, or any other vehicles.
Alternate Defensive Measures/Masking
With its potential role in conjunction with infantry, any exposed crew must be protected. Armored partitions can be lifted into place to prevent shrapnel and small arms fire from inflicting injury on exposed crew (or riding infantry).
The commander's hatch is capable of being lifted like a manhole cover, and when it is lifted, a 'curtain' of a semi-transparent mesh material provides infrared protection, laser protection, and even shrapnel protection, meaning the tank can be completely quiet and cool (no thermal signature) and the commander can enjoy a wide view of the terrain without using electronics or exposing himself to infrared systems.
The ST-37K1 also utilizes silent operating systems, allowing for the tank to maneuver silently (with the systems described in the propulsion section). Other 'silent' features can render the tank as a prime defensive tool. Using an auxiliary quiet running turbine embedded in the rear armor above the infantry compartment and sheathed in heat absorbant material, coolant systems, and noise defeating systems, it can provide enough power to run basic fire control systems (infrared and electro-optical) along with enough power to operate hydraulic pumps to rotate and position the turret to fire. Batteries provide power to coolant systems to keep the turret and gun assembly from creating too much of an infrared signature and assist the small turbine in developing power to fire the main gun and operate basic systems.
Additional, passive defensive measures include infrared masking systems [refer to armament section] such as heat sinks, liquid coolant to cool computers and engine components, and turbine assisted engine cooling. The tank is also coated in a thin layer of radar absorbant material to enhance its chances of remaining undetected at extended ranges [primarily to thwart attack helicopters and radar guided munitions, and not to make it an 'Oh my God, Invisible Tank From Hell'... Retards.]. Although the paint is not a matte black, the ST-37K1 has an incredible passive LIDAR/LADAR defense, primarily the carbon fibre composite utilized in its armor [on the armor face], which is not RAM-coated as it is also has very impressive anti-RADAR abilities..
Primary Armament
The armament package of the ST-29K was often considered to be one of the best in the world, from its fire-breathing main gun to its impressive array of auxiliary, deadly weaponry. The ST-37K1 is no different, utilizing an armament package that most Dat' Pizdy engineers have coined the ST29^2 package, due to its massive improvement in sheer firepower over its predecessor. With a renovated main 120mm cannon, and its all new suite of auxiliary armament, the ST-37K1 proves that it is incapable of defeat, and just all the more capable of wiping its threat, and its four or five buddies, from the face of this planet, in a matter of seconds. The armament package of the ST-37K1 stands unrivaled, unparalled, and awe-inspiring, nothing in this world or the next will ever come close.
Its primary armament is the brand new, improved SB-MKEMG 120mm electro-thermal chemical main cannon, incorporating the tandem EMAS [Electro-Magnetic Acceleration System] and DGA [Dynamic Gas Assist] systems to create a variant of the 120mm electro-thermal chemical main gun so lethal, so powerful, that there is no threat on this world that can stand a chance against a full frontal assault from the ST-37K1. The EMAS is a series of magnetic coils, positioned along the barrel which increase the velocity of the standard electro-thermal fired weapon. When a round is to be fired, the projectile is loaded into the barrel and the breech is closed, this brings the electrode mere micrometers from the opposite contact/conduit on the round. When the system is fired, a high voltage/low amperage spark jumps the gap and immediately courses through the propellant, igniting it in a massive, controlled burn, far, far more efficient than what you could ever get from a conventional cannon and with relatively little energy drain. This is where the EMAS system takes control. As soon as the round is fired, or after the electrical force is applied to the propellant, capacitors (which had built up energy from the generators, motor, and batteries) discharge electrical energy into a series of circuits which are routed to coils placed along the barrel of the weapon (which is laminated to prevent magnitization of the barrel). The coils generate a magnetic field with the 'south' field attracting the round, as it approaches, the 'north' field takes control, propelling the magnetized round (with north facing out of the barrel, and south facing towards the breech) to the next coil. The process is repeated three more times. This allows for the round to be propelled from the barrel at a much greater velocity than would a standard electro-thermal cannon. Now, you may be asking, 'well, how did the round get magnitized?' The answer is simple, when the electricity is applied to the propellant to propel the round from the barrel, the entire breech is effectively drenched in electricity, and when electricity is wrapped around a metal object, it tends to magnitize (depends on what rounds you use). The barrel itself is laminated to prevent it from becoming magnitized.
However, the cannon also utilizes the Dynamic Gas Assist [DGA] which is a seperate tank of inert, inflammible gas. At the end of the tank is a large piston combined with a recoil absorbing system to take recoil generated by the main gun and use it to drive the piston which will compress the gas. When the main gun fires, the gas will be compressed and then it will absorb heat from the firing of the main gun, creating an intense pressure. A valve opens and the heated, compressed gas travels through a series of venturii, creating a low-pressure, very high-velocity gas flow which then enters the barrel directly behind the round, increasing its speed, improving its stability, and increasing over-all range. It also doubles as a recoil reduction system [as it transfers recoil momentum to drive the piston] and a heat absorption system, absorbing the heat and dissipating it along with the firing of the round.
The final cannon assist system is the Successive Fire Projectile Assist [SFPA] system, a twin-fire system which can be enabled [not recommended for excessive firing as it tends to overheat after repeated use and drains power very quickly] and which creates a dynamic, successive fire system. When the fire button is depressed, the electrical impulse traverses the control interfaces to the fire control computer which releases the energy stored in the tank's supercapacitors. However at the very instance that the button is pressed, 'surge capacitors' which carry extra energy for additional purposes in the event it is required, immediately store energy. After the supercapacitors release their energy into the primary firing system the surge capacitors release their energy just two milliseconds before the first, resulting in a successive blast system. The first, primary blast propels the projectile towards the initial windings [of the EMAS system], the second blast erupts shortly after propelling the expanding gases behind the shell forward and increasing the velocity of the projectile a great deal, however the second 'firing' is not nearly the same power or energy of the initial and only aides the round in providing a successive propellant feature. The result is an increased heat signature [solved by extensive liquid cooling systems], a double-tap audible signature unique to the vehicle, and a faster drain on electrical systems. It is not recommended for extensive, repeated use due to its enhanced wear on the barrel and the ability for it to overcome the coolant systems and harm fire control, wiring, or other equipment on the tank due to excessive heat. This system is a form of electro-thermal cannon and instead turns a dot of metal into plasma, which creates intense heat/pressure, expanding the gases, etc. This system is removed on the ST-37K2 Base Package.
The firing mechanism and the barrel are enclosed in the SB-AHAS heat-absorbing and dissipating shroud which absorbs the heat and dissipates it over a wide area. The cannon is also stabilised on double axis' and can fire on the move in a full 360 degree spectrum and at elevations up to seventy degrees and down to negative twelve degrees. [For a better look at fire control capabilities, refer to the Threat Detection/Fire Control section]
The ST-37K2 Base Package carries a far different armament. Instead of the 120mm ETC weapon, the ST-37K2 carries a 145mm smoothbore conventional cannon. However, it is supplemented by the dynamic gas assist [DGA; Refer to Sections Above].
[b]Next Generation Auto-Loader
The ST-37K1 utilizes the finalized TL-M-120 auto-loader, an auto-loader specifically designed for the ST-37K1 to give it unparallelled firing abilities. This autoloader does not require the cannon to be brought down and instead uses a variable drive assembly system to load the shell into the cannon's chamber at any elevation, assisted by an electrically operated hydrualic ram. The auto-loader has a larger ready rack of about fourteen rounds, which is then fed by a 'chain-link' drive to the ammunition storage compartment. Each time a shell is fired and one is loaded into the weapon, the armored partition . This is removed on the ST-37K2 Base Package and replaced with a manual loader.
[b]Auxiliary Armament
The ST-37K1's auxiliary armament suite is impressive and lethal on its own, providing the crew with a massive amount of firepower capable of being dispensed on targets in the air and on land. The primary auxiliary armament of the ST-37K1 is the triple-barreled rotating CFA-760D III 30mm automatic cannon, which is very similar to the main gun of the ST-37K1's primary armament as it incorporates a similar version of the EMAS system, along with the proprietary dynamic gas assist system, making this already deadly cannon into a truly lethal machine. The cannon is tied into the tank's 'Integral Fire Control Suite', which ties in all offensive/defensive systems into a centrally operated threat detection/targetting system. This allows the cannon to target anything the tank's main gun is tracking or targetting or anything that shows up on detection systems, meaning this cannon can target and annihilate anything seen on the thermal imagers, millimetric radar, LIDAR, LADAR, electro-optical, or low-light optical sensors. The mini-turret is also connected to the active missile defense systems and can be used to target missiles, aircraft, or other enemy units (such as ATGM crews). This is replaced, on the ST-37K2 with a conventional 25mm auto-cannon.
The coaxial weapon on the ST-37K1s primary turret is a 20mm conventional-firing auto-cannon which can either fire independently of the main gun or in conjunction. One feature of the system is the fact it can be configured to fire a burst of fire immediately before the main gun opens up, igniting any ERA or disabling any threat interception devices, increasing the chance of a kill against the enemy target.
Aside from the auxiliary CFA-760D III 30mm automatic cannon and the coaxial cannon, the ST-37K1 sports an independently turreted 12.7mm cannon, mounted on a small turret assembly on the turret. The actual mini-turret contains little armor, aside from shrapnel defeating systems. Otherwise, the ITH-5A turret system houses the SB-AIG-81A five-barreled 12.7mm cannon along with the AG-39 40mm automatic grenade launcher, mounted side by side. Along with the two weapons is a laser designator and their own thermal/infrared targetting system for night and daylight operations. The turret system is directly connected to the infantry vehicles as well as the ARSB DefenseNet (and ALMRS/TTAC systems) so it can use information from any ARSB vehicle, VEPR-wearing soldier, or ARSB system on or around the battlefield. The system is controlled, remotely, by its operator within the vehicle and can operate with the missile defense system in taking out incoming missiles. The turret assembly maintains two ammunition linkages, each one leading to the armored ammunition compartment in the auxiliary turret. The first linkage draws rounds to the 12.7mm cannon. The second linkage draws grenade rounds to the grenade launcher. Each linkage is surrounded by an armored partition. The actual linkages are flexible and can easily flex while the mini-turret moves.
However, the ST-37K1 carries another card in her dominating hand of destruction, the Rear Turret Air/Ground Defense Suite (RTAGDS), a comprehensive computer controlled surface to air/surface missile system capable of housing two ready-to-fire surface to air missiles (or ATGMs) in an armored box in the rear left hand turret quarter. The box is mounted on a fully moveable hydraulically-operated system and is directly tied into vehicle's own detection systems. Another note of this system is that it can use airborne radar courtesy of a direct wireless broadband connection system which may link it to numerous airborne units to utilize their local target acquisition systems. This unit is mechanically reloadable, meaning, when the missiles are exhausted, and need to be reloaded, the gunner (or commander) has to pull a hydrualic lever (or initiate it through the computer), which rights the box and drops it into a cradle. The computer then unlatches a small armoured partition which slide to reveal two stored missiles (which can be anti-aircraft or ATGM in nature or both, can be changed by the gunner). A hydrualic ram presses these up and into the launch box where small arms latch them into place. With the process completed, the partition slides back into place and the hydrualic system returns the launcher to its previous position, ready to unleash hell at helicopters or enemy tanks. After the process, a tone, along with a dialogue warning, informs the crew to reload the missile launch system. The gunner then removes two more missiles from the missile storage box and positions them in the launch box reloader (after opening an armored partition). When completed, the partitions are closed and a button is pressed, telling the computer that the launch box can be reloaded. A total of six missiles can be carried [two in the launch box, two in the reloader, and two stored]. The armored box can also contain and fire the ATM-80A HKKV (Hyper Kinetic Kill Vehicle) which is of the 'Line-Of-Sight, Anti-Tank'-type of anti-tank missiles (super velocity, kinetic kill).
[i]Integrated Modular Side-Turret Weaponry Mount System
And finally, a mainstay of the ST-series of tanks, the Integrated Modular Side-Turret Weaponry Mount System, a series of slides and pivot joints to allow for the addition of multiple weapons to the side of the turret, those weapons are as follows:
.50 MG (AA)
Any higher-caliber AA Cannons (up to two on each side)
ATGM missiles
ATGM missile pods
LOSAT (Line of Sight- Anti-Tank) tubes
Unguided rocket pods
SAM Missile Pods
Sensor equipment
Communications equipment
Rear Turret Weapons System
The RTWS is a bank of weaponry that can be [note key words - 'can be'; optional, can be removed] mounted on the rear of the turret. The foremost of these systems is the MGL-56D missile launch system. The system includes an armored 'bank' of a dozen laser-guided munitions. The bank is hydraulically lifted or tilted (its default setting is tilted at a fifty degree angle). If a target is chosen, the gunner illuminates a target with a laser or infrared beacon and fires a missile. The missile locks onto the infrared beacon (which can be set at a certain infrared wavelength [usually towards the end of the infrared spectrum that is hardest to create using flares, heat, etc.]) or laser and maneuvers toward the target, even being able to change course (assuming target is far enough away). The ATGMs fired are a variant of the ATM-7B anti-tank missile with their guidance system replaced with an infrared beacon/laser locator. Some of these missiles are modified to carry grenades (releasing grenades over a target) or a down-ward facing shrapnel round for engaging enemy infantry lines. The laser designators and infrared beacons are located on two small rotating turrets that can be used together or independently to target up to four enemy targets [or more, using DefenseNet data, the tank's targetting data, etc.]. Also, standard ATGMs can be mounted to the rear of the turret.
Threat Detection/Fire Control
The ST-37K1 Final Generation Battle tank utilizes an extensive threat detection suite, all networked together to provide the crew and users of the ARSB BattleNet, a three dimensional composite utilizing data from every threat detection system, giving each of the Armed Republic's soldiers the ability to see first, fire first, and kill first, a key strategy. The primary detection system has migrated from the thermal imaging system to the comprehensive LIDAR/LADAR suite , the GMLQ/L50 pulsed laser focal plane array [PLFPA], which provides wider field of view, 3D composite image ability, increased frame rates [i.e. faster detection], and can provide up to seven centimeters of depth perception, primarily because it does not measure intensity like conventional LIDAR/LADAR but rather measures the time of flight of the photons and thereby the range to target. Because the information is encoded in each pixel, the system can produce a three-dimensional, or "angle-angle-range," images. Since it does not measure intensity, and rather the time of flight, it can effectively see through objects, primarily camoflauge netting, foliage, tapering smoke screens, etc. Networked and coupled directly into the system is the GRMQ/M18 millimetric wave RADAR, providing exceptional ground and air detection at varying ranges which aides in the detection of the enemy [primarily enemy rotorcraft/aircraft] and provides back-up range-finding, and provides firing data to the close-in defense systems while alerting the crew of incoming projectiles and other vehicles [courtesy of a coupled passive radar receiver/radar warning receiver]. Also, the GRMQ/M18 provides corrective firing solution data to the computer after analyzing the flight path of the previously fired round and adjusting for such deficiencies in variables the computer did not consider. The GRMQ/M18 is coupled with the downsized ROSQ/S31, a variant of the frequency cycling system on the DP-21 electronic warfare aircraft, instead, it quickly and efficiently cycles millimetric wave radar frequencies to prevent jamming by either aircraft or other ground vehicles. The final system of the three-point threat detection suite is the passive/active selective infrared detection suite [provides both passive (detection of heat sources) and active (RADAR-like qualities only emitting infrared waves; not recommended)].
The entire system is bundled together to create the 3ADS (ARQ-690) Integral Fire Control System which gives the commander, crew, and command staff [as well as anyone on the DefenseNet] an all-around view of the tank and anything within its viewing range. The system utilizes these modes of detection located in many different 'banks' of sensors which are usually armor protected. The system is connected to a threat identification computer as well as a fire control computer (which is then linked to the AEISCN or Soviet Bloc DefenseNet) giving the commander and gunner the ability to fire on targets while watching targets on the sides and rear (which can be miles away but being detected using another tank's sensors) and even fire on those targets using ATGMs or firing the cannon in a way resembling artillery. This system also works in conjunction with the close in defense systems to provide an impenetrable level of defense.
With the integral fire control system, every detection system works in conjunction with the others, giving the crew and any other tank crew a full three-dimensional view of the battle-space, utilizing data from satellites, infrared detection [passive and active], millimetric radar, LIDAR/LADAR, optical, and other methods as well. The system provides range-finding [even though a laser rangefinder remains as an emergency tool], weather monitoring [for best fire control possibilities], and complete battlefield domination.
Also, the ALMRS/TTAC-09 Mk. V system is capable of tracking and providing firing solutions on up to one hundred and twenty enemies and ranks them according to range, heading, threat level, and tank-type to provide best possible firing solution. Also computes MOA and other variables and automatically sets turret and barrel to correct heading (when this feature is engaged) and can fire on up to seven targets simultaneously [utilizing main gun, mini-turreted 12.7mm cannon, mini-turreted secondary armament, and up to four ATGMs at the rear of the turret or in a host vehicle]. Directly connected with this, and networked with the integral fire control system, is the SB-AFCS-S1 Advanced Fire Control System which allows for the ST-37K1 to engage moving targets while the ST-37K1 itself is on the move. The barrel will always remain aimed at target while tank is in motion and will not waiver even over obstructions or when target is obscured by smoke, etc. The barrel will always target enemy unit unless commander targets a new target or disengages system. The SB-AFCS-S1 system will continually track all targets and align barrel to fire on the target even if the target is on the move, the barrel will constantly update and move with the target while computing range, wind, weather, and MOA abilities for the best possible accuracy. The barrel will move on two different axis'. The commander's station is outfitted with nightvision capabilities, infrared capabilities, radar tracking capabilities (if an EW, radar aircraft, or radar station is near and able to send information), and advanced targetting systems. The periscope, a popular mainstay on previous tanks, has been scrapped, and its duty replaced by the several miniature turrets filled with detection systems [six primary turrets with electro-optical, infrared, and low-light optics], the rest of the tank is studded with digital, real-time cameras while a primary 'Commander Electro-Optical Environment Station' operates where the commander's hatch would normally be, the squat turret is filled with a bank of electro-optical equipment, infrared detection gear, and night vision optics, giving the entire crew unparalled ability to see the threats before the threat perceives them.
The ST-37K2 Base Package only utilizes a primary thermal 360 degree imager to provide all-around day/night capability along with low-light optics, electro-optical, and a short range composite millimetric radar primarily used as target/collision avoidance, threat detection [ATGM, etc.], and short range guidance/detection. It does not utilize the advanced LIDAR/LADAR suite nor the elementary radar jammer.
[b]Auxiliary Systems
The ST-37K1 packs an incredible set of electronics, and auxiliary systems are no exemption, ranging from the ARENA-FG IV to the SB-ECS, the auxiliary system provide a level of defense which ensures the survival of the ST-37K1 on the battlefield of today, tommorow, and well into the future. The first system of the 'Auxiliary System Network' is the ARENA-FG IV, a revolutionary mini-turreted microwave emitter which serves as an active missile defense system. The emitter uses microwaves to fry an incoming missiles electronics, likely detonating the missile prematurely or potentially igniting its fuel or damaging its avionics, rendering the missile useless to the point where its effectiveness drops against the tank [if it manages to hit it]. The next system is the Shtora-3 Active Defense Suite, which provides elementary RADAR jamming abilities, especially against the rather basic radars of opposing tanks. Coupled into this is an anti-laser rangefinder/weapons guidance tool which uses a beam of controlled ultraviolet rays to change the frequency of an incoming laser, forcing its electronics to determine that the point where the UV rays intercept the laser is the distance to target. And finally, the Environmental Control System, a nuclear-biological-chemical defense system which provides a full seal of the internal tank structure. Oxygen rebreathers and filters clean outside air and recycle unused internal air, providing fresh oxygen to the crew.