Snake Eaters
25-10-2005, 19:33
In the years since the introduction of the SE-12 Viper (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=413225) MBT, Snake Eaters has advanced leaps and bounds. AS such, it is felt that mechs should now be utilised on the battlefield more often. Although not designed to completely replace the Viper, the CWT-101 'Panther Claw' will become a more common sight on battlefields that Snake Eaters will doubtlessly be involved in.
Model number: CWT-101
Code name: Panther Claw
Unit type: Bipedal Mobile Infantry Support System
Manufacturer: North Belka Grunder Industries, a sub-sect of Cobra Weaponry.
Operator: Snake Eaters, others.
Dimensions: main body height 12 meters, total height 13.5 meters; main body width 6.0 meters, total width 7.4 meters; main body length 8.5 meters, total length 16 meters
Dry weight: 350 tons
Maximum weight: 590 tons
Construction: titanium frame, with various specialised armours. Slight traces of adamantium.
Powerplant: x4 SeK (Snake Kinetics) fusion pulse generator, each capable of generating 150mW of power.
Propulsion: 2 legs, combination hydraulic/pneumatic walking system
Crew: 2; driver, commander/gunner.
A.I Model: ADA (Advanced Defence Aid)
Computer Core: Type XII Computer Core with vocal interface – linked to ADA.
Performance: maximum ground running speed 140km/h
Equipment and design features: Wide array of built-sensors, including IFF, infrared sensors, motion and seismic detectors. Access to JTIDN (Joint Tactical Information Distribution Network)
Weapon systems: 29mm electromagnetic coilgun, mounted on right shoulder; TMD (Theatre Missile Defence) module, capable of launching ‘Gatekeeper’ missiles, mounted on back, also able to launch conventional missiles; ATR (anti-tank rocket) pod, contains up to 30 missiles, mounted on left shoulder; Belly mounted free electron laser; x2 pulse burst cannons, mounted in knees; x3 45mm grenade launchers, mounted in chin; x6 vertical missile launch tubes, capable of firing Surface-to-Air missiles, Surface-to-Surface missiles, and cluster bombs (three tubes per ‘collar bone’)),
Description: The first bipedal tank to be produced by Snake Eaters, it is less of a tank as a highly mobile infantry support system, and is derived from the design Metal Gear REX, of Shadow Moses fame. Possessing the ability to launch the newly released ‘Gatekeeper’ long range tactical missiles, as well as provide long or close range fire support, it is the next revolution in weaponry. The so-called ‘missing link’ between infantry and artillery. When it was placed into the initial R&D phases of the program, the Panther Claw was designed as a long-range tactical artillery piece, able to deliver conventional or nuclear weapons from ranges in excess of one hundred and fifty miles. However, as the project developed, the potential of this weapon as a close range support system was realised, and thus it was redesigned to be able to function equally well in either situation.
Armament: The 29mm coilgun is derived from Tau railgun technology, which was obtained via trades with the Rogue Nation of Mal-Caor, and is capable of delivering solid slug shells to the target with unerring accuracy. Using vast amounts of data processed through the JTIDN and the computer core, targets can be identified at long range and taken out from a distance. It is important to realise that it is not capable of firing nuclear shells, but it is still almost completely undetectable, as it doesn’t burn any propellant upon launching the shell. Also at long range is the TMD module on the back of the design, carried over from REX. However, it has been altered to allow it to carry the new ‘Gatekeeper’ class of long-range tactical antimatter weapons, as well as launching missiles for the Panther Claw’s own defence. It is essential that a stable firing platform be established before either of these weapons can be used effectively, and as such the Panther Claw has twin pneumatic spikes positioned on the front of each foot, allowing it to anchor itself to the ground. Mounted on the left shoulder is rocket pod, designed for anti-tank warfare. Giving the pod it’s own defensive shielding, and moving the sensors to be deployed over the whole body, to avoid them all being knocked offline in a single blow, rectified this design flaw from REX. The rockets are of the semi-homing type, not needing wires to track their targets, instead using lasers to ‘paint’ the target.
The belly mounted free electron laser is designed to slice through conventional MBT’s at extremely close ranges. The FEL is a beam of electrons is accelerated to relativistic speeds. The beam passes through a periodic, transverse magnetic field. This field is produced by arranging magnets with alternating poles along the beam path. This array of magnets is sometimes called a "wiggler" because it forces the electrons in the beam to assume a sinusoidal path. The acceleration of the electrons along this path results in the release of a photon (bremsstrahlung or synchrotron radiation, but not in the most common sense of either term). Viewed relativistically in the rest frame of the electron, the magnetic field can be treated as if it were a virtual photon. The collision of the electron with this virtual photon in the creates an actual photon (compton scattering). Mirrors capture the released photons to generate resonant gain. Adjusting either the beam energy (speed/energy of the electrons) or the field strength tunes the wavelength easily and rapidly over a wide range. Since the photons emitted are related to the electron beam and magnetic field strength, an FEL can be tuned, i.e. the frequency or color can be controlled. What makes it a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is that the electron motion is in phase (coherent) with the field of the light already emitted, so that the fields add coherently. Since the intensity of light depends on the square of the field, this increases the light output. Today, a free electron laser requires the use of an electron accelerator with its associated shielding, as accelerated electrons are a radiation hazard. These accelerators are typically powered by klystrons, which require a high voltage supply. Usually, the electron beam must be maintained in a vacuum which requires the use of numerous pumps along the beam path.
Backing this up is the knee mounted pulse burst cannons also derived from Tau technology, and serve as anti-infantry weapons. They do not have an extremely long range, but have an incredibly high rate of fire, meaning they are effective against lightly armoured vehicles as well as infantry. However, MBT’s are less susceptible to these than to the other weapons onboard the Panther Claw. Mounted in the chin are three 45mm grenade launchers. They are mounted in the head to allow accurate firing and targeting. The final weapon is the vertical launch tubes, which are capable of firing a myriad of SAM’s, SAS’, and cluster bombs. These are, of course, dependent upon load out, but are extremely effective, particularly against infantry.
Armour: The Panther Claw is equipped with various armour types, which are designed to give it maximum survivability on today’s modern battlefield. The first of these is a direct-energy weapon shield, limited to the area of the head only, so as to protect the crew. It exists to prevent energy and kinetic weapons reaching the primary hull. Based upon the same designs as that of starships, it is nevertheless privy to the same faults, and as such can be breached quickly under heavy sustained fire. This does not include light arms fire.If the shield is breached, then the next line of defence is ablative armour, which is designed to boil away under energy fire. This also provides defence against kinetic weapons, but the effect is less noticeable. In order to aid this, Chobham armour is incorporated into the design. Although the exact composition of Chobham armour remains a secret, it appears to be a combination of ceramic layered between armour steel plating, a combination that is excellent at defeating high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. Composites have been developed and applied, giving about five times the protection value of the original pure ceramics, the best of which were again about five times as effective as a steel plate of equal weight. The ceramic tiles are encased within a metal (typically titanium) matrix, either by isostatically pressing them into the heated matrix, or by glueing them with an epoxy resin. A titanium matrix is extremely expensive to manufacture but the metal is favoured for its lightness, strength and resistance to corrosion. When the armour is hit by a HEAT round the ceramic layer shatters under the impact point, forming a dust under high pressure. When the HEAT round "burns through" the outer layers of armour and reaches the ceramic, the dust comes flying back out the hole, slowing the jet of metal. Also, it must face direct kinetic rounds, which the original design did not cater for. For this reason, it was redesigned to include additional layers of heavy metals, such as depleted uranium. It also includes, in the latest version, titanium carbide modules. These metal modules or rods have many perforations or expansion spaces reducing the weight up to about a third while keeping the protective qualities fairly constant.
Logistics and Operation: The Panther Claw is not overly large or heavy when compared to other mechs on the market, it’s smaller size and weight allowing it to conduct more covert operations. The Panther Claw puts a relatively high degree of armour and firepower in a reasonably compact package. When walking, the Panther Claw assumes a taller stance of eighteen meters, allowing its legs to move over a wider area and thus providing it with a faster top speed than would be expected of something it’s size. However, it does cause the Panther Claw to have a much larger target silhouette, making it more vulnerable to enemy fire. When in a normal position, the Panther Claw leans back on its legs, making use of two large support stands (these fold up against the back of its legs when not in use). This gives the Panther Claw a highly stable firing platform and significantly reduces its target silhouette while retaining the ability to rapidly become mobile again. When the machine is forced into a defensive position, it crouches as low as the ground will allow to prevent allowing the enemy to engage large areas of the structure. In most cases, the FEL is rendered unusable, but the functionality of the remainder of its weapons remains. All units are fully NBC-proofed and climate controlled to ensure that crews do not become fatigued on long engagements. The Panther Claw is crewed by two people, both of whom are seated in the cockpit, which is located in the head. A wide array of sensors over the hull of the vehicle create a digital image of the surrounding battlefield. The driver is seated at the front of the head, with the commander sitting at the back. Depending on the situation, he can control both the coilgun and TMD, or the closer ranged weapon. If the situation is where they must engage both types of target, the onboard A.I will take effective control of the longer ranged weaponry, using the vocal interface to request targeting information. The IFF works via connection to the commander via a direct neural interface. The driver is also equipped with a similar system; essentially meaning the Panther Claw becomes an extension of their own bodies. The systems are separate, to prevent the commander interfering with the drive systems. If a crewmember is disabled, the A.I will take over and take appropriate action, which is most likely, a tactical retreat so as to allow the crew to receive medical treatment. If the external sensor network is compromised to the degree that it ceases to function, the jaw will fall open, allowing for visual targeting. However, this opens the cockpit to direct fire, and in this case it is generally considered prudent to retreat.
When the Panther Claw is to be re-supplied to continue fighting, there are two methods. If a depot is readily available, the tank will move there, and the crew will depart via walkway in a manner not dissimilar to the commercial airliners. In the field, a winch elevator has been included, so as to allow the crew to leave. It is capable of reaching the ground even if the Panther Claw is disabled at full extension.
If, during a battle situation, the Panther Claw is on the verge of destruction, the crew can evacuate using the eject mechanism. By activating this mechanical mechanism, which is deliberately kept separate from the electrical systems in order to allow it to operate under extreme circumstances, two panels in the head of the Panther Claw are blown away by explosive bolts, followed by the chairs, along with the crewmembers. They are fired upwards with enough force to put them at least two hundred metres in the air, a safe distance from the tank to prevent them being killed in the subsequent explosion. Parachutes then deploy, and the crew lands much like pilots.
Total Programme Cost: SL£600 billion
Unit Production Cost: SL£3.15 billion
Annual Maintenance Cost (per unit): SL£60 million
Export Cost per Unit: SL£3.45 billion
SL£ = Snake Lira
Images
Panther Claw design. ( http://www.berserkercrew.it/sanctvs/img2d/mech3b.jpg)
Panther Claw in mid build. ( http://www.firedragon.com/~lwg3d/upload/wip/2003/09/24-396215.jpg)
Panther Claw in battle situation, desert camouflage scheme. ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/SnakeEaters/Ground%20Support/Rex-2.jpg)
Panther Claw, front view. Shows array of weapons and external detail. ( http://www.metalgearsolid.sztab.com/html/fusion_images/articles/rex_3.jpg)
Panther Claw, left view. Anti Tank Rocket pod is transparent. Notice open cockpit, and support pylons deployed from rear of legs. ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/SnakeEaters/Ground%20Support/Rex3.jpg)
Closing Statement
With the rolling out of the CWT-101 Panther Claw, North Belka Grunder Industries, and in turn Cobra Weaponry, has outdone itself once more. The first bipedal tank ever created by Snake Eaters, its aim is to reaffirm Snake Eaters’ reputation as a world leader in military technology. All enquires regarding sales are welcome, and demonstrations will be offered at set locations.
Model number: CWT-101
Code name: Panther Claw
Unit type: Bipedal Mobile Infantry Support System
Manufacturer: North Belka Grunder Industries, a sub-sect of Cobra Weaponry.
Operator: Snake Eaters, others.
Dimensions: main body height 12 meters, total height 13.5 meters; main body width 6.0 meters, total width 7.4 meters; main body length 8.5 meters, total length 16 meters
Dry weight: 350 tons
Maximum weight: 590 tons
Construction: titanium frame, with various specialised armours. Slight traces of adamantium.
Powerplant: x4 SeK (Snake Kinetics) fusion pulse generator, each capable of generating 150mW of power.
Propulsion: 2 legs, combination hydraulic/pneumatic walking system
Crew: 2; driver, commander/gunner.
A.I Model: ADA (Advanced Defence Aid)
Computer Core: Type XII Computer Core with vocal interface – linked to ADA.
Performance: maximum ground running speed 140km/h
Equipment and design features: Wide array of built-sensors, including IFF, infrared sensors, motion and seismic detectors. Access to JTIDN (Joint Tactical Information Distribution Network)
Weapon systems: 29mm electromagnetic coilgun, mounted on right shoulder; TMD (Theatre Missile Defence) module, capable of launching ‘Gatekeeper’ missiles, mounted on back, also able to launch conventional missiles; ATR (anti-tank rocket) pod, contains up to 30 missiles, mounted on left shoulder; Belly mounted free electron laser; x2 pulse burst cannons, mounted in knees; x3 45mm grenade launchers, mounted in chin; x6 vertical missile launch tubes, capable of firing Surface-to-Air missiles, Surface-to-Surface missiles, and cluster bombs (three tubes per ‘collar bone’)),
Description: The first bipedal tank to be produced by Snake Eaters, it is less of a tank as a highly mobile infantry support system, and is derived from the design Metal Gear REX, of Shadow Moses fame. Possessing the ability to launch the newly released ‘Gatekeeper’ long range tactical missiles, as well as provide long or close range fire support, it is the next revolution in weaponry. The so-called ‘missing link’ between infantry and artillery. When it was placed into the initial R&D phases of the program, the Panther Claw was designed as a long-range tactical artillery piece, able to deliver conventional or nuclear weapons from ranges in excess of one hundred and fifty miles. However, as the project developed, the potential of this weapon as a close range support system was realised, and thus it was redesigned to be able to function equally well in either situation.
Armament: The 29mm coilgun is derived from Tau railgun technology, which was obtained via trades with the Rogue Nation of Mal-Caor, and is capable of delivering solid slug shells to the target with unerring accuracy. Using vast amounts of data processed through the JTIDN and the computer core, targets can be identified at long range and taken out from a distance. It is important to realise that it is not capable of firing nuclear shells, but it is still almost completely undetectable, as it doesn’t burn any propellant upon launching the shell. Also at long range is the TMD module on the back of the design, carried over from REX. However, it has been altered to allow it to carry the new ‘Gatekeeper’ class of long-range tactical antimatter weapons, as well as launching missiles for the Panther Claw’s own defence. It is essential that a stable firing platform be established before either of these weapons can be used effectively, and as such the Panther Claw has twin pneumatic spikes positioned on the front of each foot, allowing it to anchor itself to the ground. Mounted on the left shoulder is rocket pod, designed for anti-tank warfare. Giving the pod it’s own defensive shielding, and moving the sensors to be deployed over the whole body, to avoid them all being knocked offline in a single blow, rectified this design flaw from REX. The rockets are of the semi-homing type, not needing wires to track their targets, instead using lasers to ‘paint’ the target.
The belly mounted free electron laser is designed to slice through conventional MBT’s at extremely close ranges. The FEL is a beam of electrons is accelerated to relativistic speeds. The beam passes through a periodic, transverse magnetic field. This field is produced by arranging magnets with alternating poles along the beam path. This array of magnets is sometimes called a "wiggler" because it forces the electrons in the beam to assume a sinusoidal path. The acceleration of the electrons along this path results in the release of a photon (bremsstrahlung or synchrotron radiation, but not in the most common sense of either term). Viewed relativistically in the rest frame of the electron, the magnetic field can be treated as if it were a virtual photon. The collision of the electron with this virtual photon in the creates an actual photon (compton scattering). Mirrors capture the released photons to generate resonant gain. Adjusting either the beam energy (speed/energy of the electrons) or the field strength tunes the wavelength easily and rapidly over a wide range. Since the photons emitted are related to the electron beam and magnetic field strength, an FEL can be tuned, i.e. the frequency or color can be controlled. What makes it a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is that the electron motion is in phase (coherent) with the field of the light already emitted, so that the fields add coherently. Since the intensity of light depends on the square of the field, this increases the light output. Today, a free electron laser requires the use of an electron accelerator with its associated shielding, as accelerated electrons are a radiation hazard. These accelerators are typically powered by klystrons, which require a high voltage supply. Usually, the electron beam must be maintained in a vacuum which requires the use of numerous pumps along the beam path.
Backing this up is the knee mounted pulse burst cannons also derived from Tau technology, and serve as anti-infantry weapons. They do not have an extremely long range, but have an incredibly high rate of fire, meaning they are effective against lightly armoured vehicles as well as infantry. However, MBT’s are less susceptible to these than to the other weapons onboard the Panther Claw. Mounted in the chin are three 45mm grenade launchers. They are mounted in the head to allow accurate firing and targeting. The final weapon is the vertical launch tubes, which are capable of firing a myriad of SAM’s, SAS’, and cluster bombs. These are, of course, dependent upon load out, but are extremely effective, particularly against infantry.
Armour: The Panther Claw is equipped with various armour types, which are designed to give it maximum survivability on today’s modern battlefield. The first of these is a direct-energy weapon shield, limited to the area of the head only, so as to protect the crew. It exists to prevent energy and kinetic weapons reaching the primary hull. Based upon the same designs as that of starships, it is nevertheless privy to the same faults, and as such can be breached quickly under heavy sustained fire. This does not include light arms fire.If the shield is breached, then the next line of defence is ablative armour, which is designed to boil away under energy fire. This also provides defence against kinetic weapons, but the effect is less noticeable. In order to aid this, Chobham armour is incorporated into the design. Although the exact composition of Chobham armour remains a secret, it appears to be a combination of ceramic layered between armour steel plating, a combination that is excellent at defeating high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. Composites have been developed and applied, giving about five times the protection value of the original pure ceramics, the best of which were again about five times as effective as a steel plate of equal weight. The ceramic tiles are encased within a metal (typically titanium) matrix, either by isostatically pressing them into the heated matrix, or by glueing them with an epoxy resin. A titanium matrix is extremely expensive to manufacture but the metal is favoured for its lightness, strength and resistance to corrosion. When the armour is hit by a HEAT round the ceramic layer shatters under the impact point, forming a dust under high pressure. When the HEAT round "burns through" the outer layers of armour and reaches the ceramic, the dust comes flying back out the hole, slowing the jet of metal. Also, it must face direct kinetic rounds, which the original design did not cater for. For this reason, it was redesigned to include additional layers of heavy metals, such as depleted uranium. It also includes, in the latest version, titanium carbide modules. These metal modules or rods have many perforations or expansion spaces reducing the weight up to about a third while keeping the protective qualities fairly constant.
Logistics and Operation: The Panther Claw is not overly large or heavy when compared to other mechs on the market, it’s smaller size and weight allowing it to conduct more covert operations. The Panther Claw puts a relatively high degree of armour and firepower in a reasonably compact package. When walking, the Panther Claw assumes a taller stance of eighteen meters, allowing its legs to move over a wider area and thus providing it with a faster top speed than would be expected of something it’s size. However, it does cause the Panther Claw to have a much larger target silhouette, making it more vulnerable to enemy fire. When in a normal position, the Panther Claw leans back on its legs, making use of two large support stands (these fold up against the back of its legs when not in use). This gives the Panther Claw a highly stable firing platform and significantly reduces its target silhouette while retaining the ability to rapidly become mobile again. When the machine is forced into a defensive position, it crouches as low as the ground will allow to prevent allowing the enemy to engage large areas of the structure. In most cases, the FEL is rendered unusable, but the functionality of the remainder of its weapons remains. All units are fully NBC-proofed and climate controlled to ensure that crews do not become fatigued on long engagements. The Panther Claw is crewed by two people, both of whom are seated in the cockpit, which is located in the head. A wide array of sensors over the hull of the vehicle create a digital image of the surrounding battlefield. The driver is seated at the front of the head, with the commander sitting at the back. Depending on the situation, he can control both the coilgun and TMD, or the closer ranged weapon. If the situation is where they must engage both types of target, the onboard A.I will take effective control of the longer ranged weaponry, using the vocal interface to request targeting information. The IFF works via connection to the commander via a direct neural interface. The driver is also equipped with a similar system; essentially meaning the Panther Claw becomes an extension of their own bodies. The systems are separate, to prevent the commander interfering with the drive systems. If a crewmember is disabled, the A.I will take over and take appropriate action, which is most likely, a tactical retreat so as to allow the crew to receive medical treatment. If the external sensor network is compromised to the degree that it ceases to function, the jaw will fall open, allowing for visual targeting. However, this opens the cockpit to direct fire, and in this case it is generally considered prudent to retreat.
When the Panther Claw is to be re-supplied to continue fighting, there are two methods. If a depot is readily available, the tank will move there, and the crew will depart via walkway in a manner not dissimilar to the commercial airliners. In the field, a winch elevator has been included, so as to allow the crew to leave. It is capable of reaching the ground even if the Panther Claw is disabled at full extension.
If, during a battle situation, the Panther Claw is on the verge of destruction, the crew can evacuate using the eject mechanism. By activating this mechanical mechanism, which is deliberately kept separate from the electrical systems in order to allow it to operate under extreme circumstances, two panels in the head of the Panther Claw are blown away by explosive bolts, followed by the chairs, along with the crewmembers. They are fired upwards with enough force to put them at least two hundred metres in the air, a safe distance from the tank to prevent them being killed in the subsequent explosion. Parachutes then deploy, and the crew lands much like pilots.
Total Programme Cost: SL£600 billion
Unit Production Cost: SL£3.15 billion
Annual Maintenance Cost (per unit): SL£60 million
Export Cost per Unit: SL£3.45 billion
SL£ = Snake Lira
Images
Panther Claw design. ( http://www.berserkercrew.it/sanctvs/img2d/mech3b.jpg)
Panther Claw in mid build. ( http://www.firedragon.com/~lwg3d/upload/wip/2003/09/24-396215.jpg)
Panther Claw in battle situation, desert camouflage scheme. ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/SnakeEaters/Ground%20Support/Rex-2.jpg)
Panther Claw, front view. Shows array of weapons and external detail. ( http://www.metalgearsolid.sztab.com/html/fusion_images/articles/rex_3.jpg)
Panther Claw, left view. Anti Tank Rocket pod is transparent. Notice open cockpit, and support pylons deployed from rear of legs. ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/SnakeEaters/Ground%20Support/Rex3.jpg)
Closing Statement
With the rolling out of the CWT-101 Panther Claw, North Belka Grunder Industries, and in turn Cobra Weaponry, has outdone itself once more. The first bipedal tank ever created by Snake Eaters, its aim is to reaffirm Snake Eaters’ reputation as a world leader in military technology. All enquires regarding sales are welcome, and demonstrations will be offered at set locations.