New Empire
16-10-2005, 17:16
Finalized: v1.0
[Ogre Mk XX]
http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/4899/ogremkxxvnew9rs.png
(ignore the V, I've since changed my numbering conventions)
[Background]
The Ogre Mk XX is the first offshoot of the 'Series 20' Ogres, which are designed to be 'landships' in their own right. Facing the problem of patrolling the nation's land borders in its plains areas combined with the increasing levels of attrition in warfare that make it increasingly difficult for aircraft to operate, several megacorps have come together to sponsor the Ogre Mk XX as, at the very least, a technology demonstrator. After years of debate in Senate committees, the Ogre Mk XX is being produced at Autofactories in central city-states.
[Design]
The Ogre Mk XX is a unique weapon to New Empire, though many other nations field similar projects. The chassis consists of three linked segments, each heavily compartmentalized. In total this gives the Ogre 200 meters of length and 32,000 tons of weight. The suspension is designed for stability and durability, using wide, clustered track pods to achieve high tread surface area. It should be noted that the Ogre can cross major rivers, or using its NBC internal-environment system, stay submerged for short periods of time. This is rarely recommended except in cases of duress and emergency.
[Propulsion]
The Mk XX is powered by 3 Pebblebed reactors for a total of 70MW of energy, one reactor in each section, with the more powerful 30MW reactor being in the central section. The top recommended speed of the weapon is 20kph, anything higher could cause seismic effects that would be disruptive to the battlegroup of the Mk XX.
[Armor and Defense]
The Mk XX is equipped with an extreme amount of armor and defensive systems. Using a mix of carbon-composites, ceramics, and heavy metal elements, the outher hull itself can sustain heavy missiles and gunfire, though siege rifles are a distinct threat. The Ogre Mk XX has an advantage in that it is heavily compartmentalized, if it is hit in one specific area the damage control functions can contain the issue and allow the rest of the tank to function at reasonable levels. The Ogre Mk XX's Tertiary-LOS batteries are actually lifted from naval CIWS systems, and perform excellent work against incoming missiles. In addition, the standard anti-missile features of smaller tanks are mounted, though upscaled to fit the Ogre's purposes. EleRA armor covers virtually all of the tank. Four HEL systems, rated at 150kw, are equipped for mineclearing in conjunction with the sensors of forward vehicles. The HEL weapons are also tied into the central battle computer, so they can be used for air defense as well.
For defense against artillery, WARLOCK/Shortstop systems are mounted to prematurely detonate several types of proximity fuses. The Mk XX is also equipped with counterbattery radar, and in some cases HEL weapons can be used against artillery shells.
Given that the 21CB still carries the threat of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, the Mk XX is fully prepared for these weapons. Full NBC containment systems are implemented along with systems to deal with overpressure. A significant emphasis is EMP defense is also present in the Ogre's defensive systems. The Ogre can resist nuclear-level EMP blasts, though EMP does create serious disruptions at close ranges, albeit at those ranges the physical effects of the explosion will be more of a concern. The Ogre carries enough supplies to sustain the crew for several weeks of patrol, though the real limiting factor is the amount of ammunition carried.
[Weaponry]
Primary Batteries
Two dual-weapon turrets are mounted in the forward section of the Ogre, carrying 203mm High Velocity Guns, equipped with electromagnetic rails for increased killing power and NLOS firing capability. Maximum velocity for the weapons is about 4,000 meters per second. Primary ammunition is anti-armor ceramic encased DU sabots, the reason for the encasing is to prevent air friction from triggering the pyrophoric properties of depleted uranium. Other ammunition includes low-velocity 'guided' rocket artillery ammunition, HE/Thermobarics for use against fortifications, and other rounds in the 203mm UCSNE family. Rounds are loaded from internal magazines via a RAILS (Robotic Automatic Intelligent Loading System) assembly, allowing a firing rate of 12 RPM on medium capacitator charge. Capacitators are located in turret, and require a 'recharge' period after sustained firing.
Secondary Batteries
10 76mm OTO-Melara II guns are placed in ball mounts around the vehicle. They are loaded with ETC charges and can handle a variety of targets, from infantry positions to light armor to aircraft. Primary rounds stores are of APFSDS and canister-flak rounds, which cover most anti-vehicular, anti-personnel and air defense functions. ETC charges give the weapon a usual velocity of 2500 meters per second. The guns draw ammunition from internal magazines via a combination of RAILS and a linkless feed belt: The loader selects which ammunition feed to connect to the gun. This requires the weapon to reset and wait about 30 seconds to reset the feeds, but allows the OTO Melara II to retain high ROF and multipurpose combat loads.
Tertiary Batteries
8 adapted Naval CIWS turrets are placed around the vehicle. Each has a 35mm Millenium gun using 'Super 50' AHEAD, HE, and KE rounds. These guns are the primary method of missile defense. They also carry banks of 20 SLID 'mini missiles' for intercepting incoming weapons. Each weapon carries its own independent sensor array, though it is linked with other systems in the tank. The primary gun is fed through linkless belt, though the SLID racks cannot be reloaded during combat. This is a design flaw and will hopefully be rectified in the future.
NLOS Secondary Battery (Mortars)
The seocndary NLOS battery consists of two 140mm dual barrel, AMOS style automortars. They are mounted in the rear of the vehicle. Generally rounds loaded are HE/Thermobaric weapons or fragmenting/flechette anti-personnel rounds. Anti armor 'smart shell' can also be loaded. Max range is about 50 miles with rocket assisted shells. Charges are ETC based, capable of sustained firing at 30 rounds per minute. Ammunition feeds are similar to that of the OTO Melara guns.
Missile Batteries
200 VLS tubes are mounted on the vehicle, equipped with a variety of weapons and UAVs. The VLS provides an excellent method of indirect and direct fire when weapons such as 'boosted LOSATs' are fired from the tubes. Also included are TAC 'smart missiles'.
The TAC is often said to be more of a suicidal UAV than a missile. The weapon has ample processing power on its own, and an active datalink between the Ogre and the missile itself. Roughly the size of a Tomahawk, it trade range for payload, with a 1,500 pound warhead and a 100 mile range. The TAC is powered by a variable exhaust turbine capable of hovering and loitering, with a maximum supercruise of Mach 2. It is designed to fly 'nap of the earth'. An improved anti-tank version is under development.
[Sensors/EW]
The Ogre mounts an OTH-Surface and Aerial search radar, along with a variety of close range LIDAR, IR, and RADAR sensors for dealing with more immediate threats. The vehicle also mounts an EM sensor, and when still, a seismic one. These provide the Ogre with ample capability to deal with most surface and aerial threats, though an emphasis of the design is that the Ogre Mk XX and it's 'battlegroup' will not easily fall to airpower. Most sensors include crossreferencing software with computer aided identification to ensure maximum accuracy in the system. Smaller radars such as the independent weapons radar and the counterbattery are also tied into the system. Further included is a longer range setting of the EM sensor which in some cases can track down an EM gun for counterfire.
The Ogre also mounts heavy electronic jamming systems to disrupt enemy sensors and missiles. Smokescreen and prismatic chaff dispersal systems are mounted all over the vehicle, not to mask the Mk XX (which would be impossible) but to disrupt rangefinders and targeting systems.
The weapon is managed by a carbon based supercomputer that uses a fiberoptic network to link the entire tank. At full potential the Ogre can simeltanesouly engage hundreds of targets, the primary limiting factor being any human input from the 60 crew members and the amount of weapons availible. This is abseloutely necessary to prevent missile 'swamping' by enemy forces.
Mk XX tactics call for it to be fielded with a 'battlegroup' of supporting combat vehicles. In order to function properly in this role, it has a series of LOS laser transmitters and encrypted radio pulses to communicate. The Ogre and its various systems can share their data throughout the network, likewise it can recieve sensor data from the other vehicles. Thus, the Ogre is not only important as an ultraheavy combatant but as a command unit for land offensives.
The MkXX carries a stock of onboard 'Hummingbird' UAVs. The Hummingbird is a low-profile scout aircraft made out of fibercomposites and plastics. It is powered by a low-thermal signature turbofan mounted in the center, which is stabilized by small, angled fins. LIDAR, thermal, and visual sensors are included.
Cost: Aur5 Billion per unit. (approx 10 billion USD equivalent)
The UCSA has ordered 12 Ogre Mk XX so far.
As for foreign sales, pre-orders by carefully screened customers may be selected by would not arrive until a suitable heavy transporter is made for the vehicle.
[Ogre Mk XX]
http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/4899/ogremkxxvnew9rs.png
(ignore the V, I've since changed my numbering conventions)
[Background]
The Ogre Mk XX is the first offshoot of the 'Series 20' Ogres, which are designed to be 'landships' in their own right. Facing the problem of patrolling the nation's land borders in its plains areas combined with the increasing levels of attrition in warfare that make it increasingly difficult for aircraft to operate, several megacorps have come together to sponsor the Ogre Mk XX as, at the very least, a technology demonstrator. After years of debate in Senate committees, the Ogre Mk XX is being produced at Autofactories in central city-states.
[Design]
The Ogre Mk XX is a unique weapon to New Empire, though many other nations field similar projects. The chassis consists of three linked segments, each heavily compartmentalized. In total this gives the Ogre 200 meters of length and 32,000 tons of weight. The suspension is designed for stability and durability, using wide, clustered track pods to achieve high tread surface area. It should be noted that the Ogre can cross major rivers, or using its NBC internal-environment system, stay submerged for short periods of time. This is rarely recommended except in cases of duress and emergency.
[Propulsion]
The Mk XX is powered by 3 Pebblebed reactors for a total of 70MW of energy, one reactor in each section, with the more powerful 30MW reactor being in the central section. The top recommended speed of the weapon is 20kph, anything higher could cause seismic effects that would be disruptive to the battlegroup of the Mk XX.
[Armor and Defense]
The Mk XX is equipped with an extreme amount of armor and defensive systems. Using a mix of carbon-composites, ceramics, and heavy metal elements, the outher hull itself can sustain heavy missiles and gunfire, though siege rifles are a distinct threat. The Ogre Mk XX has an advantage in that it is heavily compartmentalized, if it is hit in one specific area the damage control functions can contain the issue and allow the rest of the tank to function at reasonable levels. The Ogre Mk XX's Tertiary-LOS batteries are actually lifted from naval CIWS systems, and perform excellent work against incoming missiles. In addition, the standard anti-missile features of smaller tanks are mounted, though upscaled to fit the Ogre's purposes. EleRA armor covers virtually all of the tank. Four HEL systems, rated at 150kw, are equipped for mineclearing in conjunction with the sensors of forward vehicles. The HEL weapons are also tied into the central battle computer, so they can be used for air defense as well.
For defense against artillery, WARLOCK/Shortstop systems are mounted to prematurely detonate several types of proximity fuses. The Mk XX is also equipped with counterbattery radar, and in some cases HEL weapons can be used against artillery shells.
Given that the 21CB still carries the threat of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, the Mk XX is fully prepared for these weapons. Full NBC containment systems are implemented along with systems to deal with overpressure. A significant emphasis is EMP defense is also present in the Ogre's defensive systems. The Ogre can resist nuclear-level EMP blasts, though EMP does create serious disruptions at close ranges, albeit at those ranges the physical effects of the explosion will be more of a concern. The Ogre carries enough supplies to sustain the crew for several weeks of patrol, though the real limiting factor is the amount of ammunition carried.
[Weaponry]
Primary Batteries
Two dual-weapon turrets are mounted in the forward section of the Ogre, carrying 203mm High Velocity Guns, equipped with electromagnetic rails for increased killing power and NLOS firing capability. Maximum velocity for the weapons is about 4,000 meters per second. Primary ammunition is anti-armor ceramic encased DU sabots, the reason for the encasing is to prevent air friction from triggering the pyrophoric properties of depleted uranium. Other ammunition includes low-velocity 'guided' rocket artillery ammunition, HE/Thermobarics for use against fortifications, and other rounds in the 203mm UCSNE family. Rounds are loaded from internal magazines via a RAILS (Robotic Automatic Intelligent Loading System) assembly, allowing a firing rate of 12 RPM on medium capacitator charge. Capacitators are located in turret, and require a 'recharge' period after sustained firing.
Secondary Batteries
10 76mm OTO-Melara II guns are placed in ball mounts around the vehicle. They are loaded with ETC charges and can handle a variety of targets, from infantry positions to light armor to aircraft. Primary rounds stores are of APFSDS and canister-flak rounds, which cover most anti-vehicular, anti-personnel and air defense functions. ETC charges give the weapon a usual velocity of 2500 meters per second. The guns draw ammunition from internal magazines via a combination of RAILS and a linkless feed belt: The loader selects which ammunition feed to connect to the gun. This requires the weapon to reset and wait about 30 seconds to reset the feeds, but allows the OTO Melara II to retain high ROF and multipurpose combat loads.
Tertiary Batteries
8 adapted Naval CIWS turrets are placed around the vehicle. Each has a 35mm Millenium gun using 'Super 50' AHEAD, HE, and KE rounds. These guns are the primary method of missile defense. They also carry banks of 20 SLID 'mini missiles' for intercepting incoming weapons. Each weapon carries its own independent sensor array, though it is linked with other systems in the tank. The primary gun is fed through linkless belt, though the SLID racks cannot be reloaded during combat. This is a design flaw and will hopefully be rectified in the future.
NLOS Secondary Battery (Mortars)
The seocndary NLOS battery consists of two 140mm dual barrel, AMOS style automortars. They are mounted in the rear of the vehicle. Generally rounds loaded are HE/Thermobaric weapons or fragmenting/flechette anti-personnel rounds. Anti armor 'smart shell' can also be loaded. Max range is about 50 miles with rocket assisted shells. Charges are ETC based, capable of sustained firing at 30 rounds per minute. Ammunition feeds are similar to that of the OTO Melara guns.
Missile Batteries
200 VLS tubes are mounted on the vehicle, equipped with a variety of weapons and UAVs. The VLS provides an excellent method of indirect and direct fire when weapons such as 'boosted LOSATs' are fired from the tubes. Also included are TAC 'smart missiles'.
The TAC is often said to be more of a suicidal UAV than a missile. The weapon has ample processing power on its own, and an active datalink between the Ogre and the missile itself. Roughly the size of a Tomahawk, it trade range for payload, with a 1,500 pound warhead and a 100 mile range. The TAC is powered by a variable exhaust turbine capable of hovering and loitering, with a maximum supercruise of Mach 2. It is designed to fly 'nap of the earth'. An improved anti-tank version is under development.
[Sensors/EW]
The Ogre mounts an OTH-Surface and Aerial search radar, along with a variety of close range LIDAR, IR, and RADAR sensors for dealing with more immediate threats. The vehicle also mounts an EM sensor, and when still, a seismic one. These provide the Ogre with ample capability to deal with most surface and aerial threats, though an emphasis of the design is that the Ogre Mk XX and it's 'battlegroup' will not easily fall to airpower. Most sensors include crossreferencing software with computer aided identification to ensure maximum accuracy in the system. Smaller radars such as the independent weapons radar and the counterbattery are also tied into the system. Further included is a longer range setting of the EM sensor which in some cases can track down an EM gun for counterfire.
The Ogre also mounts heavy electronic jamming systems to disrupt enemy sensors and missiles. Smokescreen and prismatic chaff dispersal systems are mounted all over the vehicle, not to mask the Mk XX (which would be impossible) but to disrupt rangefinders and targeting systems.
The weapon is managed by a carbon based supercomputer that uses a fiberoptic network to link the entire tank. At full potential the Ogre can simeltanesouly engage hundreds of targets, the primary limiting factor being any human input from the 60 crew members and the amount of weapons availible. This is abseloutely necessary to prevent missile 'swamping' by enemy forces.
Mk XX tactics call for it to be fielded with a 'battlegroup' of supporting combat vehicles. In order to function properly in this role, it has a series of LOS laser transmitters and encrypted radio pulses to communicate. The Ogre and its various systems can share their data throughout the network, likewise it can recieve sensor data from the other vehicles. Thus, the Ogre is not only important as an ultraheavy combatant but as a command unit for land offensives.
The MkXX carries a stock of onboard 'Hummingbird' UAVs. The Hummingbird is a low-profile scout aircraft made out of fibercomposites and plastics. It is powered by a low-thermal signature turbofan mounted in the center, which is stabilized by small, angled fins. LIDAR, thermal, and visual sensors are included.
Cost: Aur5 Billion per unit. (approx 10 billion USD equivalent)
The UCSA has ordered 12 Ogre Mk XX so far.
As for foreign sales, pre-orders by carefully screened customers may be selected by would not arrive until a suitable heavy transporter is made for the vehicle.