Schultaria Prime
27-09-2005, 02:00
OOC:
I'm looking for a person to help me draft a suitable image to correspond with this new armor design; I'd like it to correspond and retain the themes seen in the original Kerga-Masalan (see the Schultarian Armor Guide for pictures / videos). If you would like to try the task of helping me visually design something along the description, I would be more than grateful for your industry.
Oh, and one more thing, a deep thanks to Doomingsland, Soviet Bloc, and Praetonia for the description template. It gave me something to do over the weekend when I wasn't whittling the rest of the day reading for my classes.
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IC:
DECLASSIFIED BY SKC-GROVON (SCHULTARIAN DEFENSE FORCES - ARMY DIVISION)
AATUH:
BASH-MAJ. GEN. RODAVIKEN (19 SPK, SDC 113)
CENT. DIR. ELLIOT M. SCHULTZ (29 OCK, SDC 115)
Kerga-Masalan (Mark III) Heavy Battle Tank
[Ga’voima Series]
Primary Offensive Weaponry:
At the core of the Ga’voima line of Masalan Heavy Battle Tanks, the Schultarian designed Kerga-Fortunalas (Mark VI) series of double-barreled 140 mm ETC smoothbore cannons bear significant resemblance to their earlier (Mark III) counterparts mounted on the Mark I Masalan tank series. For the most part, the general statistics and conventional firing operations bear little difference to their earlier Schultarian (as well a foreign) predecessors. With a barrel length of 40 calibers (5.6 meters) and operating on the same high efficiency plasma-based firing system as all other conventional ETC weapons, the K-Ft 06 offers highly stable accuracy and an average muzzle velocity increase of 20-30% over conventional chemical propellant weapons of the same caliber.
However, unlike most ETC cannons implemented throughout the world’s armories (with the exception of some significantly impressive examples from armories in Praetonia, Doomingsland, and Soviet Bloc), the K-Ft 06 cannon series utilizes a highly powerful and an extremely rugged COIL-based electromagnetic accelerator series to further amplify the already impressive muzzle velocities generated through conventional ETC reactions. Mounted on the barrel as an external sheath the COIL barrel enhancement system directly integrates into the Masalan’s hearty internal power plant. With proper implementation, the device can extend the total range of the weapon system by an additional 15% cumulative with the Kerga-Fortunalas’ already impressive damage ratios. Unlike most traditional electromagnetic rail based weapons, the COIL system on board the Kerga-Fortunalas dual cannon serves to enhance the kinetic energy of a round against structurally hardened targets while deliberately avoiding direct integration into the weapon system; should the mechanisms become damaged in battle or the system need to be disabled for other, power intensive, operations, the cannon can run on its ETC system without delays in functionality.
To manage the complexities of successfully loading, targeting, and placing the rounds from the K-Ft 06 system on target and with reasonable speed, the Masalan Ga’voima series upgraded its autoloader package to address concerns from the SKC-Grovon (Schultarian Defense Forces – Army) Heavy Armor Divisions. Compliant with SKC requirements for increased efficiency and ease of use, the autoloader’s more reliable electronic requirements and simplified mechanical design has increased the lifespan of the autoloader series to approximately 75 hours of sustained fire per barrel, or 45,000 shots while eliminating the need for an additional Technical Maintenance Operator to constantly oversee the loading operation. Several generations more advanced than the existing Kerga-Masalan series, the new ‘Pipont’ tandem automatic loader system now feeds at sustained rate of fire at 10 shots per minute per barrel, or 18 shots per minute when the autoloader system is in full double fire mode with a 45% average reduction in mechanical failure compared to earlier models. However, in tactical situations where concentrated fire is absolutely imperative, the system is capable of feeding rounds at the rate of 17 rounds per minute per barrel (30 rounds per minute in tandem fire mode).
This armored vehicle is also designed to provide ample short to moderate range cover in cooperation with mechanized and conventional infantry through suppressive fire of eight 80 mm long range grenade launchers mounted on the dorsal and ventral sides of the Masalan’s turret and loaded manually by the tank commander. Capable of independent targeting outside of the tank’s conventional firing computer, these cylindrical short mortars can lay down a significantly devastating series of high explosive, chemically caustic, diversionary (i.e. smoke and illuminating flares), or even less than lethal projectiles at ranges not feasible for the dual barrel cannon system of the Masalan to engage without causing severe unintentional damage to friendly military and civilian personnel or surrounding infrastructure.
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Primary Defensive Weaponry:
Addressing concerns surrounding the stopping power and range of the Schultarian-designed 12.7 mm Neckanoma Mark I machineguns in conventional anti-armor and anti-missile roles, the Ga’voima Series of Masalan Tanks represents a significant departure from SKC maxims of rigid standardization in order to provide the most reliable protection for the Tank’s crew. Citing the need for concentrated firepower as well as enhanced armor penetration, the SKC-Grovon dropped the ever ubiquitous K-Nck 01 from the tank’s defensive scheme to offer better success in defense of the Masalan in extended, multi vector, firefights. After nearly two years of constant computer simulation and practical combat simulation, the defensive weapon package of the Masalan Mark III was upgraded to replace the limited dual Neckanoma system on the Mark I series and now composes of one 15 x 125 mm long range autocannon and two 12.7 x 99 mm high speed chainguns. These guns, as true to Schultarian maxims of efficiency, are designed to operate in a variety of manual and electronic methods that can be set according to need by the Masalan’s crew or through the suggestions of the tank’s computerized target/kill interface.
As a response to SID reports of new combat vehicles manipulating ever more sophisticated and durable armor schemes, the 15 x 125 mm long range autocannon is designed to independently target lightly armored vehicles, moderately reinforced concrete emplacements (< 1 meter thickness), and heavily concealed infantry at long distances (< 2 kilometers). Cupola mounted, electronically integrated, and gyroscopically stabilized, this defensive weapon also serves as a significant threat to rotary and fixed wing aircraft in close proximity that are intercepted by the tank’s threat detection suite of independent and interconnected sensors.
Meanwhile the two 12.7 x 99 high speed chaingun weapon systems, mounted in the conventional coaxial and forward positions similar to their Mark I Masalan counterparts, are designed to offer the best missile and area denial protection available to outside of more expensive and logistically demanding systems such as Metalstorm or DREAD based weaponry. While the coaxial weapon is designed to provide suppressive fire as well as target saturation in complement to the 15 mm autocannon, the forward mount is designed to operate almost without human intervention. Designed as a means of last ditch target interception, the forward mounted 12.7 mm chaingun is specifically operated to maneuver within a search range of 270 degrees and a traverse range of negative 15 to positive 80 degrees in order to intercept all variety of aircraft and anti-tank missile weaponry with such rapidity independent of any decision making on the crew’s behalf. Although such interceptive measures, especially in the area of terminating anti-armor rockets, are inherently hard to perform and possess the somewhat low probability of less than 30% in most battlefield conditions, the probabilities achieved in stress testing the weapon have been more than enough to satisfy the senior command staff of the SKC-Grovon.
-----
Central Defensive Systems (Passive):
Central to the redesign of the Masalan series of Heavy Battle Tanks was the integration and successful utilization of several key developments in Schultarian civil technology, namely advances in the fields of high density silicon electronics and real time chemo-organic pigments. While the Ga’voima series is not a very stealthy vehicle due to its nearly full scale adoption of the Mark I Masalan chassis and turret system, several key additions to the external casing lend it considerable advantages in the field of combat. The surface coating of the Mark III system is not so much a singular layer of paint as it is a combination of RAM, dark matt, and highly sensitive organic camouflage, but while the radar absorbent material and black matt help to absorb and diffuse a portion of the energy used by enemy vehicles in their laser and radar rangefinders, the adoption of highly unusual and experimental chemo-organic chemicals give the Masalan a unique edge in combat. In the same way active electro-optical stealth is manipulated, the Masalan’s coating is altered with subtle electrical charges via an active computing station that keeps track of the tank’s visible surroundings. However, unlike many artificial options, this coating can retain its color and masking presence even if the power required to sustain the color change is diverted to other systems.
Adding to the significant advantages of the Masalan’s outer coating, the electronics suite of the Ga’voima series is also outfitted with the latest in Schultarian ECM technology. Essential to this package is the ’Nackthos’ electromagnetic cancellation suite, adopting a significant tool in providing radar and radio interference to enemy communications equipment at extreme ranges. Operating on the principle of disruption through overwhelming data returns, the ’Nackthos’ maintains passive scanning of all available EM frequencies detected as high traffic transmission signals not located within the suites memory as certified civilian or Schultarian communication bands until an enemy transmitter is intercepted. Once a frequency has been targeted and identified as hostile, the ECM system bombards the transmission station (and all other receiver stations) with high data volumes of white noise and useless streams of electronic data.
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Central Defensive Systems (Armor):
As in any heavy armored unit, the Masalan’s critical weapons platforms, electronics, and ultimately the crew would be rendered ineffective in combat without a substantial protective armor scheme, and the Ga’voima series does not disappoint. Designed first and foremost to resist the damages that could be inflicted by either combination high yield shape charge / sabot or by sabot - injected chemical rounds, the resistance posed by the Mark III’s defensive layering offers much greater protection than previously offered by any Schultarian vehicle.
Outer Layer - Explosive Reactive Armor: An array of specially engineered, Schultarian Deltex Ceramic, explosive shape charges are clustered around regions of the Masalan that are most vulnerable to HEAT class munitions. Specifically, these shape charges are customized to protect the areas of the Masalan most open to the sights of any enemy anti-armor crew, specifically the tank’s track skirting, forward armor plating, and turret sides are all fully encased in these reactive ceramic charges.
Secondary Layer - Blended Titanium - Aluminum Plating / Grounded Nickel Iron Plate: A Schultarian staple, and alternative to generic steel armor, this alloy plating has been perfected with well over fifty years of practical research and refinement in the alloying process. In successful application around the entirety of the tank, the alloy allows for lighter weight and increased speed while still retaining a very significant protective barrier. Though costly, it offers the same protective power, per unit size, as steel with 35% less mass to the tank. And the Nickel Iron Plate, while offering a limited amount of protection on its own, serves as a ground for the Masalan’s quaternary layer of defensive armor plating.
Tertiary Layer - Argon-Infused Tungsten / Carbon Fiber Honeycomb Framing: Designed as the first layer of high intensity protection in the Masalan armor scheme, this armor series was developed to slow down high velocity kinetic energy rounds and diffuse caustic chemical warheads well before penetrating the more resilient levels of the Ga’voima protective shells. While the honeycomb framing helps to alleviate the impact of pent up kinetic energy in both sabot and chemical rounds, the Argon-infused cells help to provide fire protection and an inert barrier of protection from a myriad of chemical anti-armor projectiles such as fluorine based weapons.
Quaternary Layer – Electrically Charged Copper Sheathing: In conjunction with the Masalan’s secondary layer of armor, this charged armor helps to diffuse (and sometimes completely placate) high energy sabot rounds through the process of electrical discharge. When a tank’s commander feels they and their crew are in danger, this layer is activated before engaging with incoming fire; should a shape charge or sabot-based round penetrate the first four layers of the tank’s armor reach this point, the electrical charge of the sheathing will come into contact with the Nickel Iron ground and help to diffuse the energy of the round before penetrating more critical elements of the armor layering. In effect, most infantry-based rocket propelled grenades and light anti-tank weapons are rendered to mere fractions of their full effect in combat situations.
Quinary Layer – Non-Infused Ballistic Ceramics: A layer of composite ceramic, specially forged and cast from Schultarian plasma waste disposal units, offers significantly heightened protection from kinetic energy weapons immediately after the charged copper plating. The ceramic structure, composed mainly of individual bricks held together in a solid titanium / tungsten mesh, offers drastic reduction in armor deformation from even the most severe of direct hits.
Senary Layer - Argon-Infused Tungsten / Carbon Fiber Honeycomb Framing
Septenary Layer – Depleted Uranium: The extreme density and rigidity of this material offers a significant layer of protection to capture any high velocity fragments that might have passed through the first seven layers of armor.
Octonary Layer – Cadmium / Lead-Infused Ballistic Ceramics: In addition to the kinetic protection offered by the ceramic, the high densities of cadmium and lead impregnated within this layer of armor coating helps to serve as a critical radiation-absorbing buffer. While specifically offering a greater amount of protection against stray neutron radiation, the small amount of lead present within the ceramic blocks drastically cut gamma radiation levels from even the most intense of sources down to levels tolerable enough for several hours of prolonged exposure.
Nonary Layer - Blended Titanium - Aluminum Plating / Padded Fiberglass: Designed to collect any remaining fragments that might have passed through the other eight layers and could potentially affect the crew or the internal components of the Masalan.
The Approximate RHA Armor Values (and Their Distributions) are as Follows:
Front: 2,425 mm (KE) / 2,895 mm (HEAT)
Turret: 1,970 mm (KE) / 2,500 mm (HEAT)
Side: 1,310 mm (KE) / 1,570 mm (HEAT)
Rear: 700 mm (KE) / 950 mm (HEAT)
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Electronics (Firing Solutions and General Combat Awareness):
Communications:
(Voice / Data) On the Battlefield
The primary method of Schultarian battlefield communication is an enhanced form of Bluetooth wireless networking technology; a three watt transmitter connected to both the tank's computers and basic radio transmitters possesses a range of 5 to 7 kilometers. Any data that passes though this system is carefully compressed and masked with a 256 bit encryption system to prevent a majority of battlefield espionage activities. Every armored unit in the SKC possess this communications technology, however this is only utilized in areas where communications security is essential or stealth must be preserved to insure mission success.
(Voice / Data) On Patrol or in Peacekeeping
The major detraction of this enhanced Bluetooth wireless system is also its greatest feature: limited range. While this prevents data from being intercepted by enemy forces dozens of kilometers away, it also prevents communication from detached mechanized patrols. As a backup to the battlefield communications system, a standard Frequency / Amplitude Modulation radio transmitter is essential equipment for each vehicle. However, this is only used in circumstances of low threat or emergency communication only.
Target Identification:
(Long Distance Identification) Beyond Standard Visual Range
Each Masalan Mark III is equipped with a standard RADAR suite primarily designed from the acquisition of ground based targets. Utilizing a combination of GPS and the networking capabilities of the Schultarian Bluetooth technology, individual armor units effective become a part of a larger interception grid. If armored groups are in contact with Kerga-Bieorn squadrons the grid expands offering real time three dimensional radar images of the battlefield. LIDAR is also utilized, but only by the operators of the primary cannons on each armored vehicle. Connected to the central processing units of each tank, these suites can effectively track hundreds of square kilometers of battlefield terrain; however, the systems for disseminating and processing this information on a tank by tank basis is still classified.
To prevent cases of friendly fire incidents, each armored vehicle is equipped with a Schultarian IFF anti fratricide system. A small device that's roughly the size of a cheap wristwatch, it is connected to the communications systems and the firing computers of each armored vehicle. Every device possesses a unique 2 kilobyte code, and "friendly" units are easily identified by their signature. Not only does this technology severely reduce the possibility of friendly fire, but also serves as a method of cataloguing each armored unit in the confusion of battle.
Each weapons operator is equipped with standard suites of Infra Red, Fifth Generation Night Vision, Passive X-Ray Analysis, and Optical Magnification up to a power of 64 times normal magnification. In addition to this package, each armored unit also has a Schultarian holograph-capable millimeter band radar imager (third generation) mounted into the Masalan’s turret cupola .
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Power Plant:
Like all other Schultarian armored vehicles, the Ga’voima series of Masalan Heavy Battle Tanks are powered by the 2,800 hp PDGt - HPMf794 (Peldaer) Multi-Fuel Turbine engine. Theoretically, given the relative mass of the Mark III Masalan series, this engine can produce enough power to drive such a vehicle up to a possible speed of 65 kilometers per hour on an ideal surface for an extended period of time. Although it runs considerably hotter and with a more sluggish acceleration rather than conventional diesel or gasoline motors of the same size and power, the Peldaer offers considerable advantages in terms of mechanical simplicity where the moving parts of the engine (i.e. the compressor blades and their corresponding connecting gear ratios) number far less than in comparable piston engines. Another positive aspect of the turbine engine is its logistical success in consuming any available combustible liquid, as stated from the Designwerks description…
”A positive result of the engine's propulsion system is its incredible fuel tolerance; while most piston driven engines require a specific fuel mixture, the Peldar is tolerant of any combustible hydrocarbon substance. In several unorthodox tests the SKC, utilizing three retrofitted heavy battle tanks, were able to conduct combat maneuvers operating on a mixture of liquid methane and perfume. Instead of relying on the power of a reciprocating piston, the Peldaer operates on the concept of an internal pressurized turbine concept. In addition to its nearly limitless fuel tolerances, the ratio of power versus weight with engines of this caliber is far more beneficial than with any known piston driven engine.”
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Essential Statistics:
Manufacturer: The State Industries of Schultaria Prime: Designwerks (Kerga-Mechkana Division)
Primary Offensive / Defensive Weaponry (Cannon / Gun) - Kerga Nassubu Centralized Armories
Primary Defensive Weaponry (Grenade Launchers) - Kerga Prmus Class III Explosives Division
Armor Scheme / Chassis Design - Tox'somino-Volmonious Armorwerks
Automated Computing Systems / Communications Equipment / Battlefield Sensors - Schultarian Diode Company
Crew:
Commander / Coaxial Gunner
Driver / Communications Operator
Turret Operator / Primary Weapons Gunner
Cupola Gunner / Electronic Systems Analyst
Dimensions:
Length: 8.5 Meters (Hull) | 14.1 Meters (With Main Cannon)
Width: 3.7 Meters
Height 2.5 Meters (Turret Roof) | 2.85 Meters (Top of Cupola)
Ground Clearance: .685 Meters
Weight: 74.25 Metric Tons Fully Loaded and Operable for Combat
Weapons Layout:
2 x 140 mm Smoothbore COIL-Assisted Kerga-Fortunalas Mark VI [K-Ft 06] Cannons | Ammunition Storage: 60 Rounds [HEAT / Sabot / Chemical Anti-Armor / Generic Kinetic / Guided Shell]
1 x (15 x 125 mm) Autocannon (Cupola Mount) | Ammunition Storage: 1,300 Rounds [Conventional / High Explosive / Tracer]
2 x (12.7 x 99 mm) Chainguns (Coaxial / Forward Mounts) | Ammunition Storage: 4,000 Rounds [Conventional]
8 x 80 mm Long Range Grenade Launchers | Ammunition Storage: 32 Rounds [Fragmentation / Thermobaric / (Mustard / Chlorine / Phosgene) Gas / Smoke / Tear Gas / High Intensity Flare]
Engine: Peldaer (PDGt - HPMf794) High Power Multi-fuel Engine (Gas Turbine, 5 Speed Automatic Transmission [4 forward, 1 reverse], Liquid Cooled)
Speed:
Theoretical Maximum (Ideal Paved Conditions): 65 Kilometers per Hour
Theoretical Maximum (Cross Country Battlefield Conditions): 45 Kilometers per Hour
Theoretical Maximum (River Traversing): 18 Kilometers per Hour
Range: 425 Kilometers at Ideal Operating Speed
Cost:
To the Government of Schultaria Prime: $13,750,000 per Unit
I'm looking for a person to help me draft a suitable image to correspond with this new armor design; I'd like it to correspond and retain the themes seen in the original Kerga-Masalan (see the Schultarian Armor Guide for pictures / videos). If you would like to try the task of helping me visually design something along the description, I would be more than grateful for your industry.
Oh, and one more thing, a deep thanks to Doomingsland, Soviet Bloc, and Praetonia for the description template. It gave me something to do over the weekend when I wasn't whittling the rest of the day reading for my classes.
----
IC:
DECLASSIFIED BY SKC-GROVON (SCHULTARIAN DEFENSE FORCES - ARMY DIVISION)
AATUH:
BASH-MAJ. GEN. RODAVIKEN (19 SPK, SDC 113)
CENT. DIR. ELLIOT M. SCHULTZ (29 OCK, SDC 115)
Kerga-Masalan (Mark III) Heavy Battle Tank
[Ga’voima Series]
Primary Offensive Weaponry:
At the core of the Ga’voima line of Masalan Heavy Battle Tanks, the Schultarian designed Kerga-Fortunalas (Mark VI) series of double-barreled 140 mm ETC smoothbore cannons bear significant resemblance to their earlier (Mark III) counterparts mounted on the Mark I Masalan tank series. For the most part, the general statistics and conventional firing operations bear little difference to their earlier Schultarian (as well a foreign) predecessors. With a barrel length of 40 calibers (5.6 meters) and operating on the same high efficiency plasma-based firing system as all other conventional ETC weapons, the K-Ft 06 offers highly stable accuracy and an average muzzle velocity increase of 20-30% over conventional chemical propellant weapons of the same caliber.
However, unlike most ETC cannons implemented throughout the world’s armories (with the exception of some significantly impressive examples from armories in Praetonia, Doomingsland, and Soviet Bloc), the K-Ft 06 cannon series utilizes a highly powerful and an extremely rugged COIL-based electromagnetic accelerator series to further amplify the already impressive muzzle velocities generated through conventional ETC reactions. Mounted on the barrel as an external sheath the COIL barrel enhancement system directly integrates into the Masalan’s hearty internal power plant. With proper implementation, the device can extend the total range of the weapon system by an additional 15% cumulative with the Kerga-Fortunalas’ already impressive damage ratios. Unlike most traditional electromagnetic rail based weapons, the COIL system on board the Kerga-Fortunalas dual cannon serves to enhance the kinetic energy of a round against structurally hardened targets while deliberately avoiding direct integration into the weapon system; should the mechanisms become damaged in battle or the system need to be disabled for other, power intensive, operations, the cannon can run on its ETC system without delays in functionality.
To manage the complexities of successfully loading, targeting, and placing the rounds from the K-Ft 06 system on target and with reasonable speed, the Masalan Ga’voima series upgraded its autoloader package to address concerns from the SKC-Grovon (Schultarian Defense Forces – Army) Heavy Armor Divisions. Compliant with SKC requirements for increased efficiency and ease of use, the autoloader’s more reliable electronic requirements and simplified mechanical design has increased the lifespan of the autoloader series to approximately 75 hours of sustained fire per barrel, or 45,000 shots while eliminating the need for an additional Technical Maintenance Operator to constantly oversee the loading operation. Several generations more advanced than the existing Kerga-Masalan series, the new ‘Pipont’ tandem automatic loader system now feeds at sustained rate of fire at 10 shots per minute per barrel, or 18 shots per minute when the autoloader system is in full double fire mode with a 45% average reduction in mechanical failure compared to earlier models. However, in tactical situations where concentrated fire is absolutely imperative, the system is capable of feeding rounds at the rate of 17 rounds per minute per barrel (30 rounds per minute in tandem fire mode).
This armored vehicle is also designed to provide ample short to moderate range cover in cooperation with mechanized and conventional infantry through suppressive fire of eight 80 mm long range grenade launchers mounted on the dorsal and ventral sides of the Masalan’s turret and loaded manually by the tank commander. Capable of independent targeting outside of the tank’s conventional firing computer, these cylindrical short mortars can lay down a significantly devastating series of high explosive, chemically caustic, diversionary (i.e. smoke and illuminating flares), or even less than lethal projectiles at ranges not feasible for the dual barrel cannon system of the Masalan to engage without causing severe unintentional damage to friendly military and civilian personnel or surrounding infrastructure.
-----
Primary Defensive Weaponry:
Addressing concerns surrounding the stopping power and range of the Schultarian-designed 12.7 mm Neckanoma Mark I machineguns in conventional anti-armor and anti-missile roles, the Ga’voima Series of Masalan Tanks represents a significant departure from SKC maxims of rigid standardization in order to provide the most reliable protection for the Tank’s crew. Citing the need for concentrated firepower as well as enhanced armor penetration, the SKC-Grovon dropped the ever ubiquitous K-Nck 01 from the tank’s defensive scheme to offer better success in defense of the Masalan in extended, multi vector, firefights. After nearly two years of constant computer simulation and practical combat simulation, the defensive weapon package of the Masalan Mark III was upgraded to replace the limited dual Neckanoma system on the Mark I series and now composes of one 15 x 125 mm long range autocannon and two 12.7 x 99 mm high speed chainguns. These guns, as true to Schultarian maxims of efficiency, are designed to operate in a variety of manual and electronic methods that can be set according to need by the Masalan’s crew or through the suggestions of the tank’s computerized target/kill interface.
As a response to SID reports of new combat vehicles manipulating ever more sophisticated and durable armor schemes, the 15 x 125 mm long range autocannon is designed to independently target lightly armored vehicles, moderately reinforced concrete emplacements (< 1 meter thickness), and heavily concealed infantry at long distances (< 2 kilometers). Cupola mounted, electronically integrated, and gyroscopically stabilized, this defensive weapon also serves as a significant threat to rotary and fixed wing aircraft in close proximity that are intercepted by the tank’s threat detection suite of independent and interconnected sensors.
Meanwhile the two 12.7 x 99 high speed chaingun weapon systems, mounted in the conventional coaxial and forward positions similar to their Mark I Masalan counterparts, are designed to offer the best missile and area denial protection available to outside of more expensive and logistically demanding systems such as Metalstorm or DREAD based weaponry. While the coaxial weapon is designed to provide suppressive fire as well as target saturation in complement to the 15 mm autocannon, the forward mount is designed to operate almost without human intervention. Designed as a means of last ditch target interception, the forward mounted 12.7 mm chaingun is specifically operated to maneuver within a search range of 270 degrees and a traverse range of negative 15 to positive 80 degrees in order to intercept all variety of aircraft and anti-tank missile weaponry with such rapidity independent of any decision making on the crew’s behalf. Although such interceptive measures, especially in the area of terminating anti-armor rockets, are inherently hard to perform and possess the somewhat low probability of less than 30% in most battlefield conditions, the probabilities achieved in stress testing the weapon have been more than enough to satisfy the senior command staff of the SKC-Grovon.
-----
Central Defensive Systems (Passive):
Central to the redesign of the Masalan series of Heavy Battle Tanks was the integration and successful utilization of several key developments in Schultarian civil technology, namely advances in the fields of high density silicon electronics and real time chemo-organic pigments. While the Ga’voima series is not a very stealthy vehicle due to its nearly full scale adoption of the Mark I Masalan chassis and turret system, several key additions to the external casing lend it considerable advantages in the field of combat. The surface coating of the Mark III system is not so much a singular layer of paint as it is a combination of RAM, dark matt, and highly sensitive organic camouflage, but while the radar absorbent material and black matt help to absorb and diffuse a portion of the energy used by enemy vehicles in their laser and radar rangefinders, the adoption of highly unusual and experimental chemo-organic chemicals give the Masalan a unique edge in combat. In the same way active electro-optical stealth is manipulated, the Masalan’s coating is altered with subtle electrical charges via an active computing station that keeps track of the tank’s visible surroundings. However, unlike many artificial options, this coating can retain its color and masking presence even if the power required to sustain the color change is diverted to other systems.
Adding to the significant advantages of the Masalan’s outer coating, the electronics suite of the Ga’voima series is also outfitted with the latest in Schultarian ECM technology. Essential to this package is the ’Nackthos’ electromagnetic cancellation suite, adopting a significant tool in providing radar and radio interference to enemy communications equipment at extreme ranges. Operating on the principle of disruption through overwhelming data returns, the ’Nackthos’ maintains passive scanning of all available EM frequencies detected as high traffic transmission signals not located within the suites memory as certified civilian or Schultarian communication bands until an enemy transmitter is intercepted. Once a frequency has been targeted and identified as hostile, the ECM system bombards the transmission station (and all other receiver stations) with high data volumes of white noise and useless streams of electronic data.
-----
Central Defensive Systems (Armor):
As in any heavy armored unit, the Masalan’s critical weapons platforms, electronics, and ultimately the crew would be rendered ineffective in combat without a substantial protective armor scheme, and the Ga’voima series does not disappoint. Designed first and foremost to resist the damages that could be inflicted by either combination high yield shape charge / sabot or by sabot - injected chemical rounds, the resistance posed by the Mark III’s defensive layering offers much greater protection than previously offered by any Schultarian vehicle.
Outer Layer - Explosive Reactive Armor: An array of specially engineered, Schultarian Deltex Ceramic, explosive shape charges are clustered around regions of the Masalan that are most vulnerable to HEAT class munitions. Specifically, these shape charges are customized to protect the areas of the Masalan most open to the sights of any enemy anti-armor crew, specifically the tank’s track skirting, forward armor plating, and turret sides are all fully encased in these reactive ceramic charges.
Secondary Layer - Blended Titanium - Aluminum Plating / Grounded Nickel Iron Plate: A Schultarian staple, and alternative to generic steel armor, this alloy plating has been perfected with well over fifty years of practical research and refinement in the alloying process. In successful application around the entirety of the tank, the alloy allows for lighter weight and increased speed while still retaining a very significant protective barrier. Though costly, it offers the same protective power, per unit size, as steel with 35% less mass to the tank. And the Nickel Iron Plate, while offering a limited amount of protection on its own, serves as a ground for the Masalan’s quaternary layer of defensive armor plating.
Tertiary Layer - Argon-Infused Tungsten / Carbon Fiber Honeycomb Framing: Designed as the first layer of high intensity protection in the Masalan armor scheme, this armor series was developed to slow down high velocity kinetic energy rounds and diffuse caustic chemical warheads well before penetrating the more resilient levels of the Ga’voima protective shells. While the honeycomb framing helps to alleviate the impact of pent up kinetic energy in both sabot and chemical rounds, the Argon-infused cells help to provide fire protection and an inert barrier of protection from a myriad of chemical anti-armor projectiles such as fluorine based weapons.
Quaternary Layer – Electrically Charged Copper Sheathing: In conjunction with the Masalan’s secondary layer of armor, this charged armor helps to diffuse (and sometimes completely placate) high energy sabot rounds through the process of electrical discharge. When a tank’s commander feels they and their crew are in danger, this layer is activated before engaging with incoming fire; should a shape charge or sabot-based round penetrate the first four layers of the tank’s armor reach this point, the electrical charge of the sheathing will come into contact with the Nickel Iron ground and help to diffuse the energy of the round before penetrating more critical elements of the armor layering. In effect, most infantry-based rocket propelled grenades and light anti-tank weapons are rendered to mere fractions of their full effect in combat situations.
Quinary Layer – Non-Infused Ballistic Ceramics: A layer of composite ceramic, specially forged and cast from Schultarian plasma waste disposal units, offers significantly heightened protection from kinetic energy weapons immediately after the charged copper plating. The ceramic structure, composed mainly of individual bricks held together in a solid titanium / tungsten mesh, offers drastic reduction in armor deformation from even the most severe of direct hits.
Senary Layer - Argon-Infused Tungsten / Carbon Fiber Honeycomb Framing
Septenary Layer – Depleted Uranium: The extreme density and rigidity of this material offers a significant layer of protection to capture any high velocity fragments that might have passed through the first seven layers of armor.
Octonary Layer – Cadmium / Lead-Infused Ballistic Ceramics: In addition to the kinetic protection offered by the ceramic, the high densities of cadmium and lead impregnated within this layer of armor coating helps to serve as a critical radiation-absorbing buffer. While specifically offering a greater amount of protection against stray neutron radiation, the small amount of lead present within the ceramic blocks drastically cut gamma radiation levels from even the most intense of sources down to levels tolerable enough for several hours of prolonged exposure.
Nonary Layer - Blended Titanium - Aluminum Plating / Padded Fiberglass: Designed to collect any remaining fragments that might have passed through the other eight layers and could potentially affect the crew or the internal components of the Masalan.
The Approximate RHA Armor Values (and Their Distributions) are as Follows:
Front: 2,425 mm (KE) / 2,895 mm (HEAT)
Turret: 1,970 mm (KE) / 2,500 mm (HEAT)
Side: 1,310 mm (KE) / 1,570 mm (HEAT)
Rear: 700 mm (KE) / 950 mm (HEAT)
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Electronics (Firing Solutions and General Combat Awareness):
Communications:
(Voice / Data) On the Battlefield
The primary method of Schultarian battlefield communication is an enhanced form of Bluetooth wireless networking technology; a three watt transmitter connected to both the tank's computers and basic radio transmitters possesses a range of 5 to 7 kilometers. Any data that passes though this system is carefully compressed and masked with a 256 bit encryption system to prevent a majority of battlefield espionage activities. Every armored unit in the SKC possess this communications technology, however this is only utilized in areas where communications security is essential or stealth must be preserved to insure mission success.
(Voice / Data) On Patrol or in Peacekeeping
The major detraction of this enhanced Bluetooth wireless system is also its greatest feature: limited range. While this prevents data from being intercepted by enemy forces dozens of kilometers away, it also prevents communication from detached mechanized patrols. As a backup to the battlefield communications system, a standard Frequency / Amplitude Modulation radio transmitter is essential equipment for each vehicle. However, this is only used in circumstances of low threat or emergency communication only.
Target Identification:
(Long Distance Identification) Beyond Standard Visual Range
Each Masalan Mark III is equipped with a standard RADAR suite primarily designed from the acquisition of ground based targets. Utilizing a combination of GPS and the networking capabilities of the Schultarian Bluetooth technology, individual armor units effective become a part of a larger interception grid. If armored groups are in contact with Kerga-Bieorn squadrons the grid expands offering real time three dimensional radar images of the battlefield. LIDAR is also utilized, but only by the operators of the primary cannons on each armored vehicle. Connected to the central processing units of each tank, these suites can effectively track hundreds of square kilometers of battlefield terrain; however, the systems for disseminating and processing this information on a tank by tank basis is still classified.
To prevent cases of friendly fire incidents, each armored vehicle is equipped with a Schultarian IFF anti fratricide system. A small device that's roughly the size of a cheap wristwatch, it is connected to the communications systems and the firing computers of each armored vehicle. Every device possesses a unique 2 kilobyte code, and "friendly" units are easily identified by their signature. Not only does this technology severely reduce the possibility of friendly fire, but also serves as a method of cataloguing each armored unit in the confusion of battle.
Each weapons operator is equipped with standard suites of Infra Red, Fifth Generation Night Vision, Passive X-Ray Analysis, and Optical Magnification up to a power of 64 times normal magnification. In addition to this package, each armored unit also has a Schultarian holograph-capable millimeter band radar imager (third generation) mounted into the Masalan’s turret cupola .
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Power Plant:
Like all other Schultarian armored vehicles, the Ga’voima series of Masalan Heavy Battle Tanks are powered by the 2,800 hp PDGt - HPMf794 (Peldaer) Multi-Fuel Turbine engine. Theoretically, given the relative mass of the Mark III Masalan series, this engine can produce enough power to drive such a vehicle up to a possible speed of 65 kilometers per hour on an ideal surface for an extended period of time. Although it runs considerably hotter and with a more sluggish acceleration rather than conventional diesel or gasoline motors of the same size and power, the Peldaer offers considerable advantages in terms of mechanical simplicity where the moving parts of the engine (i.e. the compressor blades and their corresponding connecting gear ratios) number far less than in comparable piston engines. Another positive aspect of the turbine engine is its logistical success in consuming any available combustible liquid, as stated from the Designwerks description…
”A positive result of the engine's propulsion system is its incredible fuel tolerance; while most piston driven engines require a specific fuel mixture, the Peldar is tolerant of any combustible hydrocarbon substance. In several unorthodox tests the SKC, utilizing three retrofitted heavy battle tanks, were able to conduct combat maneuvers operating on a mixture of liquid methane and perfume. Instead of relying on the power of a reciprocating piston, the Peldaer operates on the concept of an internal pressurized turbine concept. In addition to its nearly limitless fuel tolerances, the ratio of power versus weight with engines of this caliber is far more beneficial than with any known piston driven engine.”
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Essential Statistics:
Manufacturer: The State Industries of Schultaria Prime: Designwerks (Kerga-Mechkana Division)
Primary Offensive / Defensive Weaponry (Cannon / Gun) - Kerga Nassubu Centralized Armories
Primary Defensive Weaponry (Grenade Launchers) - Kerga Prmus Class III Explosives Division
Armor Scheme / Chassis Design - Tox'somino-Volmonious Armorwerks
Automated Computing Systems / Communications Equipment / Battlefield Sensors - Schultarian Diode Company
Crew:
Commander / Coaxial Gunner
Driver / Communications Operator
Turret Operator / Primary Weapons Gunner
Cupola Gunner / Electronic Systems Analyst
Dimensions:
Length: 8.5 Meters (Hull) | 14.1 Meters (With Main Cannon)
Width: 3.7 Meters
Height 2.5 Meters (Turret Roof) | 2.85 Meters (Top of Cupola)
Ground Clearance: .685 Meters
Weight: 74.25 Metric Tons Fully Loaded and Operable for Combat
Weapons Layout:
2 x 140 mm Smoothbore COIL-Assisted Kerga-Fortunalas Mark VI [K-Ft 06] Cannons | Ammunition Storage: 60 Rounds [HEAT / Sabot / Chemical Anti-Armor / Generic Kinetic / Guided Shell]
1 x (15 x 125 mm) Autocannon (Cupola Mount) | Ammunition Storage: 1,300 Rounds [Conventional / High Explosive / Tracer]
2 x (12.7 x 99 mm) Chainguns (Coaxial / Forward Mounts) | Ammunition Storage: 4,000 Rounds [Conventional]
8 x 80 mm Long Range Grenade Launchers | Ammunition Storage: 32 Rounds [Fragmentation / Thermobaric / (Mustard / Chlorine / Phosgene) Gas / Smoke / Tear Gas / High Intensity Flare]
Engine: Peldaer (PDGt - HPMf794) High Power Multi-fuel Engine (Gas Turbine, 5 Speed Automatic Transmission [4 forward, 1 reverse], Liquid Cooled)
Speed:
Theoretical Maximum (Ideal Paved Conditions): 65 Kilometers per Hour
Theoretical Maximum (Cross Country Battlefield Conditions): 45 Kilometers per Hour
Theoretical Maximum (River Traversing): 18 Kilometers per Hour
Range: 425 Kilometers at Ideal Operating Speed
Cost:
To the Government of Schultaria Prime: $13,750,000 per Unit