NationStates Jolt Archive

[M28 Lionhound III Main Battle Tank]
http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/8813/lionhound38jp.png

Length: 9 meters
Weight: 70 tons
Height: 2 meters
Crew: 3 in armored hull compartment

PROPULSION:

The Lionhound III utilizes wide, 32 inch tracks for increased performance in low density surfaces. These tracks are powered by a 1,800 Hybrid Diesel Engine. This offers considereable advantages over a straight up diesel, in addition to lowering energy use, it also allows the tanks to use a low thermal signature power source when stationary or at lower speeds. When the full engine is in operation, a venting system can be activated to keep heat signature at minimum. The maximum speed is about 40mph.

ARMOR:

The MAgneto Hydrodynamic Explosive Munition (MAHEM) program will demonstrate compressed magnetic flux generator (CMFG)-driven magnetohydrodynamically formed metal jets and self forging penetrators with significantly improved performance over explosively formed jets and fragments. Explosively formed jets (EFJ) and self forging penetrators (SFP) are used for precision strike against targets such as armored vehicles and reinforced structures. Current technology uses chemical explosive energy to form the jets and fragments. This is highly inefficient and requires precise machining of the metal liners from which the fragments and jets are formed. Generating multiple jets or fragments from a single explosive is difficult, and the timing of the multiple jets or fragments cannot be controlled. MAHEM offers the potential for higher efficiency, greater control, the ability to generate and accurately time multiple jets and fragments from a single charge, and the potential for aimable, multiple warheads with a much higher EFJ velocity, hence increased lethality and kill precision, than conventional EFJ/SFP. The MAHEM technology is unique in that it can be used to defeat shells as well. Mounted in blisters around the tank and guided by the millimeter wave radar, it can defeat non HEAT missiles and even some lower velocity KE shells.

Armor from outside in:
Mayhem Reactive Armour, Smart Armour, EleRA, Momentum Transfer Armor, NxRA, CERMAT, then Chobham with Tungsten Honey Combs, then another layer of CERMAT, and finally Rubber insulation to prevent spalling. Combined with sloping on nearly every section of the tank, it gives it the capability to survive against 120mm ETC weaponry at range.

EleRA and other reactive systems are also mounted on the bottom of the tank to protect from anti tank mines.

DEFENSES/SYSTEMS:

TAMS II or Tank Anti Missile System. This is a 7.62mm Caseless weapon. A 40mm shortbarrel grenade launcher, tied into the LIDAR and MM wave targeting nad fire control systems for engaging ATGMs. Also mounted is WASP II for dealing with weapons targeted at the side of the vehicle. The Wasp AMPS consists of packets of 5mm Flechettes. Each packet contains flechette "Needles" and their propellant. When the computer in the Wasp AMPS detects incoming missiles, by the same criteria ARENA does, it fires off sections of the appropriate packet at it, showering the missile with high velocity (1500mps) armor piercing flechettes, destroying it, which will eliminate the missile completely, or detonating it prematurely, with minimal, if any damage to the vehicle. In extreme situations, the Wasp AMPS can be used against infantry, which causes horrific effects. Two laser blinders are mounted on the tank for dealing with enemy optics or IR seekers.

The sensor suite forward of the TAMS mounts a variety of cameras, LIDAR, and MM wave radar. It is placed on a a telescoping mount to look over obstacles.

Also mounted is the SHORTSTOP/WARLOCK anti-artillery system to protect against artillery barrage. At higher power it can protect infantry around the tank as well. A series of 81mm smoke grenade launchers are mounted, using smoke with primsatic chaff to disrupt the full spectrum of enemy sensors and rangefinders.

ARMARMENT:
The primary weapon is a 140mm ETC cannon mounted in the turret. The 140mm ETC 'Magnum' round has an effective kill versus the Abrams at about 10 kilometers, though at standard engagement ranges the 140mm is capable of engaging heavier tanks at lower ranges. The Lionhound III's turret has a heavy amount of gun and recoil stablilization, combined with improved turret equipment this means the Lionhound III can engage much higher amounts of enemy units in a given period of time.

The Lionhound III has a crewless turret, with a RAILS autoloader installed to further increase firing rates. Coaxially mounted is a 25mm autocannon. Combined with the TAMS II this gives the Lionhound III the capability to deal with a wide variety of threats.

MOD B VARIANT (2021)

90mm EM Railgun in stabilized independent mount. The 90mm Railgun fires HyVeloc Sabots at roughly 8000 meters per second, using ceramic covered DU rods. The Mod B program was started in 2015 but due to budget issues and problems involving the capacitator technology it would be another five years before it was implemented.

[M52 "Wolf" Multirole Combat Vehicle]

Length: 7 meters
Weight: 24 tons
Height: 2.6 meters
Crew: 2, with capability to hold 10 men in troop compartment.

PROPULSION:

The M52 is designed with manuverability in mind, based off of a modified Stryker chassis, however, there are several notable differences. First and foremost is the 450 hp Hybrid-Diesel Engine, which employs electric propulsion for low speeds and stationary operations. The M52 can reach speeds of up to 65mph in optimal terrain, and is also capable of less effective amphibious operations.

ARMOR:

The armor of the M52 is made to withstand high caliber machinegun fire, to the point where 15.5mm rounds can be take in some places, making it significantly more survivable than the older APCs in use by the UCSNE armed forces. This is accomplished through use of CERMET, MEXAS and steel for an RHA value of 300 against KE. The primary concern of the M52 design crew was dealing with the threat of recoilless and rocket based weapons, and so the advanced powerplant of the M52 also powers its EleRA armor which provides the primary defense against HEAT warheads.

DEFENSES/SYSTEMS:

TAMS II or Tank Anti Missile System. This is a 7.62mm Caseless weapon. A 40mm shortbarrel grenade launcher, tied into the LIDAR and MM wave targeting nad fire control systems for engaging ATGMs. Also mounted is WASP II for dealing with weapons targeted at the side of the vehicle. The Wasp AMPS consists of packets of 5mm Flechettes. Each packet contains flechette "Needles" and their propellant. When the computer in the Wasp AMPS detects incoming missiles, by the same criteria ARENA does, it fires off sections of the appropriate packet at it, showering the missile with high velocity (1500mps) armor piercing flechettes, destroying it, which will eliminate the missile completely, or detonating it prematurely, with minimal, if any damage to the vehicle. In extreme situations, the Wasp AMPS can be used against infantry, which causes horrific effects. Two laser blinders are mounted on the tank for dealing with enemy optics or IR seekers.

The sensor suite forward of the TAMS mounts a variety of cameras, LIDAR, and MM wave radar. It is placed on a a telescoping mount to look over obstacles.

Also mounted is the SHORTSTOP/WARLOCK anti-artillery system to protect against artillery barrage. At higher power it can protect infantry around the tank as well. A series of 81mm smoke grenade launchers are mounted, using smoke with primsatic chaff to disrupt the full spectrum of enemy sensors and rangefinders.

The 'Boomerang' Acoustic Sensor array is also mounted on the vehicle. This allows the APC to protect its squad of infantry from sniper fire: The Boomerang can derive the direction a sniper shot from using the microphone array and help direct counterfire against it.

ARMARMENT: On the base model of the M52 the TAMSII pod is the primary engagement method, though for heavier threats a 25mm cannon is mounted in an automated turret rearward of the TAMSII.

VARIANTS

MODEL A: Standard variant, described above.

MODEL B: Anti-tank launcher installed in place of the 25mm autocannon, holds 8 standard bore ATGMs.

MODEL C: Heavy Anti-Tank variant with a 6 tube LOSAT launcher mounted along the top of the vehicle, the crew compartment is more cramped but is designed to carry reloads, though sacrificing these 8 men can be carried.

MODEL D: Medical variant, no turretted system but larger crew comparment to store medical supplies.

MODEL E: Logistics/Salvage variant, turretted weapon replaced with a crane, enlarged storage compartment.

MODEL F: Command variant, same systems but only 8 can be carried in crew compartment, increased C4I gear.

MODEL G: Indirect Fire variant, armed with 2-barrel 120mm automortar turret in place of 25mm cannon.

MODEL H: Mineclearing variant with plow, mine detection systems, crew compartment with clearing devices and equipment.

M193 Orc Powered Battledress (issued 2015)
http://img100.echo.cx/img100/2555/orc1sc.gif
M193 with full armor inserts (Credit to Shirow cause I'm too lazy to draw new pics)

Systems: The M193's main processing systems are evident in TTFT-Silicon Hybrid computer mounted in the system's back, near the battery. It has more processing power than the M180, primarily because it also must manage the suit's joints. The visor is laid with TTFT, giving it a durable heads up display. The helmet can be integrated with a TTFT-Optics module on the soldier's weapon as well. The suit is NBC capable as well and features cooling systems for the soldier. The M193 optics module incorporates both daylight, night, and thermal sighting, as well as acoustic sensors. All this information can be shared via the SLICS networking system. Another important feature is the climate control, which can keep the soldier comfortable while minimizing thermal profile using specialized vents and thermat material.

Propulsion/Battery: The M193 is powered by a mix of fuel cells and rechargeable, high density batteries, though the power pack is completely modular and can be changed as needed. It powers a series of hybridelectric-microhydraulic acuators on the limbs. The suit uses a series of pressure pads and electrical pickups to properly, meaning that with a trained user, the suit is moving before he or she even does. It is roomy enough for BDUs to be worn underneath. The battery pack generally gives a soldier in a high intensity combat situation (such as an urban firefight) about 6 hours of battery life.

Armor: The suit's more flexible areas are made of Spectra-Dragonskin (SOV)coated with liquid armor, capable of defeating 7.62 rifle rounds (I shit you not. http://www.pinnaclearmor.com/assets/video/308.wmv) and shrapnel. The outer armor is ONNEX/Ceramic, capable of defeating heavy rifle rounds and other threats. Helmet is made of similar materials.

Cost/Deployment: Only issued to certain units (not just Special Forces, but some line units have M193s availible), cost is roughly 50,000 a suit.

[M331 Odysseus Heavy Battle Armor](introduced 2023)
http://img67.exs.cx/img67/6642/Odysseus.png
Artwork by me, design inspired by Shirow again.
The Odysseus may be used primarily as an assault weapon by the UCSNE, but it as versatile as it's namesake. The Odysseus has legs like those of a dog's hind legs, and it can actually go quite fast while still negotiating difficult terrain. The arms, while seeming small, are extremely powerful, as are the hands. The suit uses the master-slave arm concept, meaning the larger, robotic arms are mimicking the arms of the pilots. However, the arms of the pilot are contained in heavily armored gauntlets extending from the torso. The pilot can actually disengage the slave arms and use the human sized hands for manipulating standard sized weapons. The slave arms have larger, more powerful hands to manipulate heavy weapons such as the M44 coilgun pictured. The hardpoints on the shoulders are also reinforced, for mounting heavy weapons. The current configuration is reffered to as the 'sniper', with an enhanced solid state radar and a battery of VT-KEAPER (Variable Target Kinetic Energy Armor Piercing, Extended Range) missiles.

The sensors on the suit include enhanced optic, IR, and LIDAR on the front and back. the sensors can rotate about as much as the human eye, a bit more, really. There is a retractable sensor head with all these features, as well as a millimetric radar. Sensor data can be recieved on internal screens, or through the TARGETS II system, which projects information into the 'mind's eye'.

Armor consists of ONNEX ceramic composites, some areas of steel, and Pinnacle SOV series 'Dragonskin' for exposed areas such as hands. EleRA is fitted on most areas of the suit. The armor can resist most light cannon and small arms fire. For use against ATGMs, there are three laser blinders for missile IR/Optic targeting, as well as smokescreens and other defensive devices. Many choose to mount a small COIL for close range defense against the enemy.

The suit is powered by an upscaled version of the powerplant used on the Orc

[Small Arms] (Issued 2000-2010 unless noted otherwise)

M32 ATAR

It uses caseless ammunition, 6.5x50mm HyVeloc. As there is no ejection port for spent rounds, the cleanliness of the rifle is increased, requiring the occasional sweep of the barrel. The rounds are mounted in multistack magazines, using a G-11 type system to quickly rotate them to firing position. It can be equipped with 20, 40, and 60 round magazines. It has a very high cyclic rate, but full automatic is limited to a mere 90 RPM for ammunition conservation. However, during 3 round bursts, the full cyclic rate is used, allowing 3 rounds to leave the barrel before the recoil affects the shooter. Very few personal armor systems, and even less people, take 3 6.5x50mm in nearly the exact same place too well. It's accurate, on average, to about 700 yards. Some round variants go farther, some less. The M32 is also shown with a detachable M370 20mm Multi-Munition launcher. Everything from modified shotgun shells to grenades to mini RPGs can be fired by that weapon provided it is in the M2020 family. Can be surpressor fitted.

M27 ATSR

When an M32 doesn't have the reach or the punch, get your designated marksman. He's most likely equipped with the M27 ATSR, a deadly rifle availible in either 7.62mm NATO or Mini-50 caliber rounds. Shown with a 20 round box mag of 7.62 NATO, the ATSR will make bodies drop at 1300 yards. Single shots with a base model, 7.62 ATSR have shown accuracy of .2 Minute of Angle, matched only in the same caliber by the German AMP DSR-1, a rifle that designers looked to when making the ATSR.

M280 ATMG

Nothing keeps their heads down- or blows them clean off-like a ripping burst of 6.5x50mm HyVeloc. The M280 is a light weapon, and carried in every squad. Like the FN Minmi (You may know it as the M249 SAW), the M280 can spew bullets at a nice 300 RPM. If you can take off the safeguards and let it go cyclic, you're looking at around 1000. The M280 is belt fed, and is shown with a 200 round battlepack. It's light weight and ease of use have made it favorites with paratrooper and Special Operations as well. Even this beauty can be surpressor fitted!

RT-33 ASPR

If you want to reach out and touch someone, reach for your RT-33 first. Firing either .408 CheyTac or .50 BMG in 5, 10, or 15 round magazines, the ASPR will kill the enemy, be he a soldier, in powered armor, or driving a light vehicle at about 2 miles out. The ASPR isn't as standard issue as the M27, but is often given to recon teams, defensive positions, or Hunter Killer teams when it isn't being tossed around with the Special Forces.

M-9 Close Quarters Battle Weapon

The equivalent to the M-4 Carbine, the R-9 does what the OICW failed to do. It mounts an inernal 20mm MML, with a 5 or 10 round magazine. This gives the trooper a shotgun or grenade launcher in addition to the 40 rounds of 6.5mm HyVeloc he has mounted dorsally, FN P90 style. It's often issued to MPs with 20mm Riot rounds, or a different mix of deadly munitions for strike teams, tank crewmen, or urban combat operations. It can be fitted with a surpressor.

M17 APW

A pistol in the 10mm or 5.7mm caliber. While the 5.7mm seems pathetic compared to the 10mm, it's more effective against body armor. 15 and 30 round magazines, respectively, are standard issue, although longer ones have appeared. Semi auto and burst firing modes come standard, but Special forces troops may opt for full auto. A surpressor and a variety of laser sights and flashlights can be used.

MAG-22 ACS

Shotgun is a fairly specific term for this little beauty. While it can be chambered in good old 12 Gauge, it's 20mm version gives the user a good selection of grenades as well. It has a 7 round tubular magazine, and can be fitted with a folding or solid stock. A variety of sights are availible as well. While a shotgun won't be in every squad, the ACS can be seen in Urban combat, MP, and other units outside the Special forces.

M55 Medium Machine Gun

When the .50 caliber is too much, and the M280 is too little, turn to the 7.62mm Caseless firepower of the M55. The M55 firing rate is limited to 300, but the cyclic rate is at least 3 times higher. It's shown with the magazine fed mode, the only changes necessary for belt fed firing is to open a small cover on each side of the weapon, just below the scope, so the feed can eject. The M55 is lighter than the M60, and is usually fitted with a 150 round drum magazine or a 200 round battlepack during combat.

(To be updated)

[Nice. Just a small nit, caseless rounds tend to be significantly shorter than their cased counterparts. Having a caseless round that's 50mm long is something I'd expect from a .50C round instead of one in the 6mm range.]

OOC: True, but given stuff like Dragonskin I want my men to be packing some high velocity ammo, as it isn't always combat effective to use the burst mode (uses up ammo more quickly and it increases the chance of the weapon jamming).

[Okay, but you do realize such high velocity will result in terrible recoil, right? Even with battlearmour, I don't expect such kickback will go unnoticed.]

OOC: Yep, the rifles all have kickback more similar to a 1950/60 era battle rifle rather than 5.56 assault rifles. New Empire has strong hunting traditions that have rubbed off over the years so that the idea of accurate shots being preferable to automatic fire is pretty much engrained in the mindset of troops.

OOC: Updated with M52 Wolf.

OOC:
The MOD B VARIANT (2021)'s gun's velocity is way too high for an efficient in atmosphere weapon.

Also an electromagnetic gun that fires a 9cm round (sg10? maybe as DU is sg11, length to width is 1:1) at 8km/s would need to develop about 20 times the energy of it’s more conventional 120mm cousin. It also would be much larger and heavier (and most 9cm rounds would be much larger then the 9cm one I used to calculate this).

If the above weapon were changed so that it fired a 5cm (sg10, length to width 16:1) round it would have superior armor penetration, superior ballistics, and would go about 4km/s (about the most you can go for a useful atmospheric weapon).

Also the above weapons would require very long barrels (20m+) and be extraordinary expensive (even for PMT).

Real world work (almost exclusively theoretically) in electromagnetic guns has generally centered on smaller weapons (such as 3cm diameter, and much less powerful). Such a weapon would be far less expensive, far shorter (about 10m), require far less energy, be able to carry more ammunition, and probably cost less then a million dollars per unit.

Also the penetraters for 120mm guns are slightly larger then 20mm, are about 15 times as long as wide, and develop velocities between about 1.5 to 1.8 km/s

Overall I like the tank but why is it so slow? Today’s tanks have inferior engines and are just as massive but go faster.

OOC: Why would I be firing a full 9cm slug? The 8kms is for saboted 20mm ceramic-tungsten slugs, even then due to accuracy issues the 8kms is limited to shorter range firing. The 9cm diameter is to fire HE, Flechette, and Bore-Missile rounds, 8kms is the highest possible velocity. I might lower velocity, but the bore size isn't changing. No point in equipping an MBT with a small diameter barrel.

And the tanks aren't 'slow'... Most people don't consider how often tanks can throw tracks, putting a 70 ton tank at 50 mph or more is going to cause a lot of stress on the suspension and probably throw some treads, meaning the speedy tank is now immobile and going to need someone to get out and fix it in the middle of a combat zone. Not to mention this offers greater fuel economy and there isn't much reason you need a tank to be moving faster than 40-45 mph for.

That reasoning is good enough for me.

OOC: Updated with M331 Battle armor.