Russkya
11-03-2007, 21:41
Плавающий Лёгкий Танк 24
(Amphibious Light Tank Model 24, "Valkyrie")
Development
The Russkyan city of Tanovgorod - literally translated as "Tanov's City" - is home to three major facilities that feature prominantly in terms of both history and military importance. They are the Tanovgorod Arsenal, a fully modernized facility contained within walls dating back to the early days of Russkya's organized military history, equal in importance in Russkyan eyes to the Venetian Arsenal. The Sokolov Precision Weapons Facility, located inside the Arsenal and responsible for the production of all precision military weapons from the "Kozodoi" special applications rifle to the new SVR-08 sniper's rifle, and finally, located in a four-storey building a city block from the Arsenal, the Russkyan Strategic Doctrine Analysis and Studies Centre, abbreviated as RSDASC.
Conventional doctrine envisaged a buildup of all nessecary forces via maritime or overland transport, and the Russkyan Strategic Aviation Corp's acquisition of heavy-lift aircraft added a new dimension to this. Russkya, due to a political policy of "non-intervention," and no real need to fight smaller-scale wars, never developed a family of highly deployable light vehicles. However, the conventional thinking of the RSDASC - more than adaquete as a rule - did not give a doctrinal solution to the problems of the Russkyan Battlegroup in Estonavia, currently redesignated as the First Russkyan Overseas Service Regiment, Estonavian Theatre, or the "1st O-E Regiment" for short. The brief history of this brigaded unit is as follows:
Deployed initially as a rifle company of VDV troops supported with L-16 type wheeled light armoured vehicles for mobility, the unit was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and observe the situation. Engaged by hostile forces, the unit commander (Captain Iltchenko, since promoted) aligned his command with the Estovakian units in the area in order to preserve the lives of his men and the ability of his unit to carry out its assigned mission. Receiving a stream of reinforcements, the rifle company swelled into a demi-battalion, and continued to grow until it evolved into the 1st O-E Regiment.
Experiences gained in the Estonavian Theatre demonstrated the need for an easily deployable and supported vehicle with superior firepower and armour to that of a "direct fire" variation of an existing LAV or IFV, ideally deployable by means of a parachute-drop and with amphibious capability. This vehicle would possess high strategic and tactical mobility and be designed to support Light Infantry formations such as VDV, Airborne, non-mechanized Naval Infantry/Marine units, with the capability to engage enemy main battle tanks, light armour, field fortifications, and other targets with main-gun fire, feature ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. RSDASC was able to quickly and thoroughly develop a doctrinal place for this vehicle, dubbed "Valkyrie," and designated "PLT-24," or Plavayushchii Lyogkii Tank, Model 24, or "Amphibious Light Tank, Model 24."
As a further blessing, the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland took interest in this vehicle, and the RMSMC and IMW-LDS were able to cooperate to great success with the design and manufacture of the PLT-24 "Valkyrie" Light Tank.
Design
The core concept behind Valkyrie is high mobility, followed by firepower. In order to achieve these objectives the PLT-24 is powered by a IMW-RMSMC LWMF-3843D multifuel-electric engine producing 925bhp on land and 2750hp in the water. On land, she moves via Russkyan standard-width tracks coupled with evenly spaced rubber-rimmed roadwheels. In the water the tank is propelled by two waterjets, generating 5,520kgf of thrust each for a total of 11,040kgf. The combined expertise of both Isselmere Motor Works and the Russkyan Military Supplemental Manufacturing Corporation was able to produce such a powerful engine in a relatively lightweight format that can be readily maintained and repaired in the field, with armoured hatches for easy access of the motor and its drive components. In addition to the LWMF-3843D, a compact auxiliary power unit (APU) enables PLT-24 to function with the engine shut off due to tactical situation or battle damage. The treads use a simple linking system allowing for damaged segments to be quickly replaced.
Vanes located on the bow and flanks enable the PLT-24 Valkyrie to achieve high amphibious speeds, reducing the time spent traversing wide rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. This is achieved through the "water planing" effect, with the vane design being similar to that of the L12 "Otter" LVPT, which as a larger vehicle than Valkyrie has superlative aquatic performance. These vanes are armoured against 7.62x54R (7.62x53mm) fire, and even when in stowed configuration, provide a measure of predetonation protection against antitank shaped charges such as the ubiquitous RPG-7 rocket. A simple electrically-powered mechanical system (Vane Rigging Mechanism, or VRM) enables them to be easily rigged by the driver from inside the vehicle with a high degree of reliability, and should this fail, VRM is easily disengaged to allow the vanes to be rigged by temporarily disembarked crewmen.
Apart from the armoured bow and flank vanes, the hull is constructed of a tungsten and steel alloy shell, backed by a tungsten alloy mesh, further backed by a triple-hardened-steel encased boron carbide ceramic composite. The interior sides of this are then protected with a ballistic polymer fabric spall liner to protect internal machinery and the crew. This armour pattern is similar to what is utilized by the BMP-3/RSK family of vehicles, although thicker, enabling the comparatively heavier PLT-24 to survive even 50mm automatic cannon fire across the frontal and forward flank arcs from a minimum distance of one kilometre (1000m), and easily survive engagement by automatic cannon fire of up to 40mm from most aspects excepting the rear arc. Side-skirts protecting the tracks are of the tungsten-steel alloy and triple-hardened steel sandwiching a layer of lightweight tungsten-alloy mesh, though much thinner than the hull armour, and extend to cover two thirds of the roadwheels, protecting the otherwise vulnerable tracks from light automatic cannon (up to 25mm) and heavy machinegun fire. The aforementioned components and compositions provide the basic armour protection scheme of the PLT-24. Titanium alloy reinforcements over the crew stations, fuel, engine, and turret floor help protect against antitank mine blasts.
Appliqué armours supported by the PLT-24 include Kontakt-5 ERA (which adds another 2.75 tons to the tank), "Nozh" ERA, which utilizes a limited shaped charge principle to defeat long-rod APFSDS penetrators, and allows the Valkyrie to survive engagement by APFSDS across its entire frontal arc, while not reducing its protection against shaped charge warheads, in addition to MEXAS armour bricks and many other appliqués. The MEXAS bricks marketed by the RMSMC are 150mm thick and MEXAS is typically rated to provide 1:20 (Actual:RHAe) protection, although a more accurate ratio is 1:16 against modern HEAT rounds. IMW-LDS-marketed Palisade non-explosive reactive armour blocks are also supported, as are the Rampart electromagnetic plates, as part of the VLQ.291 system (Adding another 2.0-2.25 tons to the vehicle's weight). Appliqué armours generally do not prohibit the fitting of troop rails to the aft of the turret and the like, which enables supporting infantry to hitch a ride on the Valkyrie light tank, though the safety of this can be dubious depending on which additional systems are fitted, in terms of ERA protection, or active protection systems (APS).
Additional protective measures include a coating of "Crinoline" infrared-suppressant paint, the Vehicle Camouflage Kit carried in the long and narrow aft stowage box above the unditching-log hooks, which consists of camouflage net, infrared-masking camouflage netting, and the necessary poles and wires to suitably camouflage the vehicle when stationary. Provisions are made for the fitting of most known Active Protection Systems and Passive Protection Suites, examples including Russian ARENA and SHTORA, as well as the superlative Russkyan "Wolfshield" APDS.
If such systems do not already equip smoke/grenade/munition dischargers, the PLT-24 is equipped with twenty-four (24) 55mm dischargers, racked in two banks of six on the forward edge of the turret, angled to provide a 100-degree concealing smoke arc to the front of the vehicle with the range adjustable by the tank commander. Four more dischargers are located in two pairs above the six-discharger banks, typically angled to allow for a full "forward salvo" to provide a 180-degree arc concealment / effect (if loaded with antipersonnel munitions instead of smoke canisters), and the remaining launchers are arrayed on the aft of the turret roof to provide similar features for the rear arc of the vehicle. Typically, these 55mm dischargers are loaded with obscuring smoke, which besides visual screening also contain a multi-band counter-laser screening agent. They are coloured dark grey as this is a colour not used by the Russkyan Military or many others for signalling or obscurement and thus will not confuse friendly forces if and/or when the dischargers are fired.
Further protective measures include a baffled fuel tank which prevents explosion, but not fire, should the fuel tanks be filled with a more volatile fuel than the recommended diesel. Of course, the optional pair of additional fuel drums stowed on the aft-end of the vehicle are equipped with a quick-release mechanism, which can be activated by the tank commander or the driver. These drums can feed directly to the fuel tank, and increase range by two hundred kilometres.
One of the primary difficulties facing the designers of light tanks in the modern era is the question of armament. If the vehicle is armed with an automatic cannon and an ATGM, the light tank effectively becomes an Infantry Fighting Vehicle with no troop-carrying capacity. The problem, in a nutshell, is to fit a sufficiently powerful gun with a light weight into a small vehicle without recoil forces cracking the turret ring, and without building a main battle tank. One solution to this problem, utilized by the PLT-24, was found in the excellent CV90120-T vehicle, part of the CV90 combat vehicle family.
RMSMC technicians modified the principles behind the Swiss Ruag Land Systems low-recoil 120mm smoothbore L50 Compact Tank Gun to produce the LWLR-30 125mm and LWLR-31 120mm mainguns. The LWLR (Lightweight Low-Recoil Model No. 30 & 31) is equipped with a pepperbox muzzle brake of high effectiveness to further reduce recoil force, and is capable of firing all types of current and upcoming 120mm and 125mm ammunition. The gun is fitted between the tank commander and gunner in the two-man turret. The PLT-24A is equipped with the LWLR-30 and the PLT-24B with the LWLR-31.
Ammunition supply is provided by the Ob.640 type automatic loader, scaled down and slightly reconfigured for service on the Valkyrie. The armoured automatic loader is fitted to the turret bustle and is isolated from the fighting compartments. This not only increases the automatic loader’s reliability (compared to the carousel-type automatic loaders) but protects the interior of the tank in the event of the automatic loader magazine being ignited by enemy fire. Blowout panels direct the blast upwards and away from the PLT-24, and even a damaged automatic loader magazine is easily and quickly replaced. The automatic loader is configured either for Russkyan-standard 125mm or NATO-standard 120mm ammunition types. The design bureau maximised the vehicle’s internal volume, permitting the use of 125mm APFSDS rounds with long rod penetrators that substantially increase the effectiveness of the 125mm gun against all targets. Capacity for both automatic loaders is thirty (30) rounds of ammunition of all types, including barrel-launched antitank guided missiles. The simple and rugged loading cycle is described below:
The automatic loader is activated and the feed-chain rotates either to the left or the right depending on the proximity of the nearest selected round of any given type. This rotation continues until the appropriate round is in the low-central position, above the loading trough, where the round is then released into the trough and rammed by the chain rammer through the port in the front of the automatic loader magazine wall and the hatch in the rear of the turret, forcing the round along the loading guide and into the gun. The rammer retracts and the weapon is ready to fire. Cycle time is typically three to four seconds. Exception to this rule is if a round must be unloaded and replaced with another round, in which case the chain rammer retracts the round into its original stowage slot and rotates until the selected round can be replaced. Cycle time for this operation is generally six to eight seconds. To facilitate the unloading of previously loaded ammunition or empty shell casings, the chain rammer design is similar to that of a rifle bolt. This simple design increases reliability and function in all tested conditions. The automatic loader is governed by a system tied into the gunner's fire control system. The gunner may order the automatic loader to load a particular type of ammunition until the stock of that round type is depleted, or specify an 'order string,' which will load a variety of projectiles as defined by the gunner. This 'string' feature does not override the automatic loader's ability to near-immediately provide the required round should an unexpected situation arise. The automatic loader's magazine is reloaded either by hand, one round at a time, or replaced entirely by a ammunition resupply vehicle, an operation that takes approximately five minutes. Spare round stowage is fifteen rounds of all types in an armoured magazine located in the forward hull beside the driver's station, separated from the fighting compartments by armoured bulkheads.
The secondary armament of the PLT-24 includes a coaxial weapon and a remote-capable Overhead Weapons Station (OWS). The coaxial armament is generally an RMSMC-modified and -produced FN BRG-15 heavy machinegun, in 15.5x115mm. However, a suitably modified M-2HB 12.7x108mm, NSV-T, or KORD HMG can also serve in this role. The BRG-15 is fed by two selectable hoppers of 250 round capacity each, enabling five hundred ready-to-fire rounds. The selectable hopper feed enables the gunner to select between two different types of ammunition, if desired, increasing the weapon's versatility. The 15.5x115mm round is capable of penetrating 10mm of RHA steel armour at a thirty degree slope at the distance of 1.35 kilometres (1350m), which effectively enables it to defeat nearly any lightly armoured target at the ranges of one kilometre or further. Such capability is invaluable for this light tank, whose main gun ammunition stowage is unfortunately but necessarily low.
Besides the 500 ready rounds, an additional 1,500 rounds can be carried in internal magazine storage. The OWS is fitted to the commander's cupola and provides a night-capable engagement optic, further increasing the capability of the remote-capable system, controlled by the tank commander, optionally from inside the vehicle. Generally the OWS is fitted with the 7.62x54R PKM-T MMG/GPMG, or the 7.62x51mm FN-MAG58 MMG/GPMG, however an alternate mounting is available, enabling the use of the HK GMG, or the Russkyan designed AGST-20 automatic grenade launcher weapons. Ready ammunition for the OWS is generally 250 rounds (MG) or 100 rounds (AGL), with a further 2,750 rounds (MG) or 900 (AGL) stowed in the armoured storage magazine.
The Amphibious Light Tank Model 24 "Valkyrie" is equipped with a variety of ruggedized electronics. She contains Isselmere-Nielander designed TADS and TMS systems, identical to those found on the excellent IMW-LDS "L-Series" vehicles, such as the L21 "Kodiak" MBT family, L15 "Badger" IFV and vehicle family. The Tactical Awareness Display System (TADS) consists of a two-dimensional moving map display with variable screen display (Map Screen, Ordnance Screen, Vehicle Status Screen, etc.) that presents all information given to it, including updating friendly force locations, enabling superb unit coordination, locations of known enemy units, and information on all presented units, all displayed superimposed on the military terrain map. TMS, the Threat Management System, is equipped with its own display screen, or can alternatively display its information on the TADS screen. TMS collects data from all available sensors and categorizes it prior to displaying it to the crew. TMS is also capable of detecting ATGM launches and the like in most battlefield conditions, generally through input of an APS system such as the Russo-Soviet ARENA.
Operating in conjunction with TADS and TMS, optronic vision blocks enable the crew to possess superior situational awareness. These vision blocks are capable of functioning in 'standard,' infra-red, and passive night vision modes, and are protected from laser-blinding via an electronic screening system. The arrangement of these blocks around the driver's station and commander's cupola is rather liberal, as a light tank cannot survive many impacts from most heavy weapons and thus must be agile and well aware of its surroundings.
The Fire Control System (FCS) can contain targetting data for twenty-five (25) different targets, which the gunner or commander can cycle through, or it may be set for automatic target selection and engagement based on either the threat’s proximity to the vehicle, or its 'perceived threat value’ based on information stored in the TMS and TADS. The gunner's optics include ranging stadia, and the reticule can be set to automatically illuminate based on ambient light conditions or can be activated/disabled at the gunner's discretion. The optics are infrared and passive night-vision capable, and a laser rangefinder provides precise target range data to the FCS. The systems are integrated with engagement time is under two seconds under any conditions for the ruggedized ballistics computer.
Communications with higher command echelons are provided by a medium range radios (25.0km) and a long range radio (75.0km), both encrypted, as opposed to secured. The three-man crew is equipped with communications headsets, broadcasting on a secured wireless frequency or through the vehicle's intercom system via a wired backup connection. The headsets are variable-frequency and encryption-capable, enabling them to connect to communication nets in use with supporting Infantry or other service-branch units, and easing the task of coordination, should nearby infantry be equipped with Personal Role Radios or Section Radios.
NBC/CBR protection is provided via a standard overpressure system. Four adjustable-fit gas-masks are standard with the vehicle's equipment as well, should the crew be forced to disembark in an environment contaminated with relatively low-threat airborne chemical or biological agents. (Full CBR suits were not feasible due to logistical concerns.) The vehicle is also environmentally controlled; a rugged air-conditioning and heating system provides increased crew comfort, and thus combat endurance and capability.
Currently, three variants of the PLT-24 "Valkyrie" Light Tank exist. Besides PLT-24A, equipped with a 125mm LWLR-30 gun, and PLT-24B, equipped with a 120mm LWLR-31 gun, there is the PLT-24 ARACEV (Armoured Recovery and Combat Engineer Vehicle). The "Arakev" sports a telescoping digger/crane instead of a turret, instead replacing the turret with an OWS equipped with a FN BRG-15 HMG, with one thousand (1000) rounds spare stowage in the reduced forward magazine. A larger APU and engine (1500bhp) provide tow-power for the heavy-duty winch, with one located at the fore of the vehicle and another aft. Two banks of eight 55mm dischargers are fitted around the OWS. A mine plow, dozer blade, anti-mine flail, and other fittings can be attached as nessecary to the "Arakev." Additional variants are planned, including an Air Defence Vehicle, armed with two four-cell launchers with the GWS.85 "Vulture" SAM, an assault gun variant with a minimal-recoil large-calibre multi-ammunition gun, and an antitank missile vehicle with a horizontal four-cell GWS.78 "Roc" or GWS.80 "Ostrich" system, and possibly a more expansive armoured recovery vehicle type vehicle with some repair capabilities, such as a heavy-duty crane for engine replacement or repair.
As all light tanks, the PLT-24 must be deployed intelligently and not relied upon as a main battle tank, as the vehicle lacks the armour plate to stand up to ATGM or tank maingun fire. It compensates for this by being agile, quick, and hard-hitting. To use a Napoleonic analogy, "use it as an Hussar, not as a Cuirassier."
[b]Technical Specifications (PLT-24A "Valkyrie")
Crew: 3; Driver, Commander, Gunner
Dimensions
- Length, Hull: 6.64m
- Length, Hull, Gun Forward: 9.18m (LWLR-30); 8.96m (LWLR-31)
- Width: 3.02m (3.2m with skirts)
- Height, Hull: 1.524m
- Height, Turret Roof: 2.34m
- Ground clearance: 0.412m
Ground pressure: 6.444 t/m2
Power-to-weight ratio: 26.43 hp/t (land), 78.57 hp/t (water)
Mass: 35500 kg combat load
Propulsion: LWMF-3843D multifuel-electric, 12V (925 bhp land, 2750 hp water)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four forward, two reverse, hydraulic secondary system
Suspension: Reinforced torsion bar suspension with hydraulic telescopic double-acting shock absorbers.
Reservoirs
- Fuel, Internal: 1540 litres
- Oil: 129 litres
- Coolant: 154 litres
Speed
- Road (Maximum / Cruise): 65 km/h / 50 km/h
- Cross-Country, smooth (Maximum / Cruise): 55 km/h / 40 km/h
- Cross-Country, rough (Maximum / Cruise): 40 km/h / varies
- Water (Maximum / Cruise): 48 km/h / 40 km/h
Range (at cruise speed)
- On Land: >550 km
- On Water: 110 km
Protection (values in RHAe versus KE)
[Note: Appliques not included in protection values.]
- Turret Front/Mantle: 425
- Turret Sides/Rear: 180
- Turret Roof: 120
- Glacis / Frontal Hull: 340
- Flanks: 180 (More heavily armoured towards the front of the hull, less so nearer the engine deck)
- Rear: 120
- Hull Top: 120
Restrictions:
Obstacles:
- Trenches: 2.85m
- Walls: 1m
Weapons
-PLT-24A: 125mm smoothbore high pressure tank gun (with pepperbox muzzle brake); 15.5x115mm coaxial machine gun (BRG-15); 7.62mm (PKT / FN-MAG derived) commander's machine gun in remote-capable low-profile overhead weapons station fitting.
-PLT-24B: 120mm smoothbore high pressure tank gun (with pepperbox muzzle brake); 15.5x115mm coaxial machine gun (BRG-15); 7.62mm (PKT / FN-MAG derived) commander's machine gun in remote-capable low-profile overhead weapons station fitting.
Electronics
- Computer systems: VEI.38(V)2 "Hedgehog" threat management system; VSW.121 gun stabilisation system; VSQ.154 environmental control system; VEW.315 fire control system; VEL.149(V)2 full authority digital engine control
- Optics: Vision blocks: General: 6 × VAS.191 armoured vision blocks (IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 1-9× mag.); Driver: VAS.189 periscopes (thermal, LLLTV-CCD, 1-6× mag.); 16 × VAS.192 commander and gunner periscopes (8 each; thermal, LLLTV-CCD, 1-6× mag.)
- Optics: Sights: VSS.97 commander's independent sight (laser rangefinder, IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 2-12× mag., 20× for day); VSS.98 gunner's sight (laser rangefinder, IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 2-16× mag., 20× for day); 1-2 VSW.27 overhead weapon system sights (IIR, laser rangefinder, LLLTV-CCD, 1.5-9× mag.)
- Communications: VHC.233 rear-mounted field telephone; VHC.229 internal intercom; VEI.47 internal graphical tactical display relay/interface system; VRC.251 long range encrypted radio; VRC.252 medium range encrypted radio; VSC.129 "Brono" secure tactical datalink (when fitted)
- Sensors: VSQ.221 muzzle velocity indicator; VRS.202 short-range, low-power, low probability of intercept microwave radar for the active anti-missile grenade system (VSW.202); VSQ.311(V)3 windage analyser; VSQ.314(V)2 atmospheric pressure sensor; VSR.93 NBC environment detection kit
- Navigation: VSN.44 hybrid navigation system (laser ring gyro INS with embedded GPS)
Countermeasures
- Crinoline IR-suppressing paint; VAQ.247 infrared countermeasures array, VPQ.43 laser warning receiver system; VLQ.291(V)3 electric armour system (when fitted); VRQ.306(V)2 short-range radio frequency jammer; VRQ.309 radar warning receiver system
- Expendable: ERA or NERA appliqué armour (when fitted); VLE.141 76mm countermeasure grenade launchers; 2 × 3-cell VLE.202B 81mm anti-ATGM grenade VLS
Projected Cost Per Unit: $4.25 million.
--
OOC:
- I cannot possibly give enough thanks to Isselmere for his hand in the PLT-24's design and manufacture. The technical specifications are entirely his work; I designed the machine and completed the writeup, but the number-crunching is his. As a result the vehicle is more plausible than it may other would be, with far fewer "rounded off for convienence" numbers and the like. He also formatted this post from my original writeup's information, it's presentation is now much better than what I would have done. I say again: Many thanks and equal, if not greater accolades, to Isselmere and by association, the Isselmere-Nieland Motor Works.
- Secondly, the sale of this machine will be through IMW-LDS (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391319) much as the sale of the MRA-38 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516920) is through AMI. I direct you to other quality products by both Isselmere and Aequatio through their storefronts as well.
- Thirdly: I am not going to defend the purpose of a light tank or the vehicle's design. If you use it intelligently it has the capability to bring pestilience, shit, death, and destruction upon your enemies. If you don't, it's not the tank's fault. If you see something that you think could be improved in the vehicle's design, TG me.
(Amphibious Light Tank Model 24, "Valkyrie")
Development
The Russkyan city of Tanovgorod - literally translated as "Tanov's City" - is home to three major facilities that feature prominantly in terms of both history and military importance. They are the Tanovgorod Arsenal, a fully modernized facility contained within walls dating back to the early days of Russkya's organized military history, equal in importance in Russkyan eyes to the Venetian Arsenal. The Sokolov Precision Weapons Facility, located inside the Arsenal and responsible for the production of all precision military weapons from the "Kozodoi" special applications rifle to the new SVR-08 sniper's rifle, and finally, located in a four-storey building a city block from the Arsenal, the Russkyan Strategic Doctrine Analysis and Studies Centre, abbreviated as RSDASC.
Conventional doctrine envisaged a buildup of all nessecary forces via maritime or overland transport, and the Russkyan Strategic Aviation Corp's acquisition of heavy-lift aircraft added a new dimension to this. Russkya, due to a political policy of "non-intervention," and no real need to fight smaller-scale wars, never developed a family of highly deployable light vehicles. However, the conventional thinking of the RSDASC - more than adaquete as a rule - did not give a doctrinal solution to the problems of the Russkyan Battlegroup in Estonavia, currently redesignated as the First Russkyan Overseas Service Regiment, Estonavian Theatre, or the "1st O-E Regiment" for short. The brief history of this brigaded unit is as follows:
Deployed initially as a rifle company of VDV troops supported with L-16 type wheeled light armoured vehicles for mobility, the unit was tasked to conduct reconnaissance and observe the situation. Engaged by hostile forces, the unit commander (Captain Iltchenko, since promoted) aligned his command with the Estovakian units in the area in order to preserve the lives of his men and the ability of his unit to carry out its assigned mission. Receiving a stream of reinforcements, the rifle company swelled into a demi-battalion, and continued to grow until it evolved into the 1st O-E Regiment.
Experiences gained in the Estonavian Theatre demonstrated the need for an easily deployable and supported vehicle with superior firepower and armour to that of a "direct fire" variation of an existing LAV or IFV, ideally deployable by means of a parachute-drop and with amphibious capability. This vehicle would possess high strategic and tactical mobility and be designed to support Light Infantry formations such as VDV, Airborne, non-mechanized Naval Infantry/Marine units, with the capability to engage enemy main battle tanks, light armour, field fortifications, and other targets with main-gun fire, feature ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. RSDASC was able to quickly and thoroughly develop a doctrinal place for this vehicle, dubbed "Valkyrie," and designated "PLT-24," or Plavayushchii Lyogkii Tank, Model 24, or "Amphibious Light Tank, Model 24."
As a further blessing, the United Kingdom of Isselmere-Nieland took interest in this vehicle, and the RMSMC and IMW-LDS were able to cooperate to great success with the design and manufacture of the PLT-24 "Valkyrie" Light Tank.
Design
The core concept behind Valkyrie is high mobility, followed by firepower. In order to achieve these objectives the PLT-24 is powered by a IMW-RMSMC LWMF-3843D multifuel-electric engine producing 925bhp on land and 2750hp in the water. On land, she moves via Russkyan standard-width tracks coupled with evenly spaced rubber-rimmed roadwheels. In the water the tank is propelled by two waterjets, generating 5,520kgf of thrust each for a total of 11,040kgf. The combined expertise of both Isselmere Motor Works and the Russkyan Military Supplemental Manufacturing Corporation was able to produce such a powerful engine in a relatively lightweight format that can be readily maintained and repaired in the field, with armoured hatches for easy access of the motor and its drive components. In addition to the LWMF-3843D, a compact auxiliary power unit (APU) enables PLT-24 to function with the engine shut off due to tactical situation or battle damage. The treads use a simple linking system allowing for damaged segments to be quickly replaced.
Vanes located on the bow and flanks enable the PLT-24 Valkyrie to achieve high amphibious speeds, reducing the time spent traversing wide rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. This is achieved through the "water planing" effect, with the vane design being similar to that of the L12 "Otter" LVPT, which as a larger vehicle than Valkyrie has superlative aquatic performance. These vanes are armoured against 7.62x54R (7.62x53mm) fire, and even when in stowed configuration, provide a measure of predetonation protection against antitank shaped charges such as the ubiquitous RPG-7 rocket. A simple electrically-powered mechanical system (Vane Rigging Mechanism, or VRM) enables them to be easily rigged by the driver from inside the vehicle with a high degree of reliability, and should this fail, VRM is easily disengaged to allow the vanes to be rigged by temporarily disembarked crewmen.
Apart from the armoured bow and flank vanes, the hull is constructed of a tungsten and steel alloy shell, backed by a tungsten alloy mesh, further backed by a triple-hardened-steel encased boron carbide ceramic composite. The interior sides of this are then protected with a ballistic polymer fabric spall liner to protect internal machinery and the crew. This armour pattern is similar to what is utilized by the BMP-3/RSK family of vehicles, although thicker, enabling the comparatively heavier PLT-24 to survive even 50mm automatic cannon fire across the frontal and forward flank arcs from a minimum distance of one kilometre (1000m), and easily survive engagement by automatic cannon fire of up to 40mm from most aspects excepting the rear arc. Side-skirts protecting the tracks are of the tungsten-steel alloy and triple-hardened steel sandwiching a layer of lightweight tungsten-alloy mesh, though much thinner than the hull armour, and extend to cover two thirds of the roadwheels, protecting the otherwise vulnerable tracks from light automatic cannon (up to 25mm) and heavy machinegun fire. The aforementioned components and compositions provide the basic armour protection scheme of the PLT-24. Titanium alloy reinforcements over the crew stations, fuel, engine, and turret floor help protect against antitank mine blasts.
Appliqué armours supported by the PLT-24 include Kontakt-5 ERA (which adds another 2.75 tons to the tank), "Nozh" ERA, which utilizes a limited shaped charge principle to defeat long-rod APFSDS penetrators, and allows the Valkyrie to survive engagement by APFSDS across its entire frontal arc, while not reducing its protection against shaped charge warheads, in addition to MEXAS armour bricks and many other appliqués. The MEXAS bricks marketed by the RMSMC are 150mm thick and MEXAS is typically rated to provide 1:20 (Actual:RHAe) protection, although a more accurate ratio is 1:16 against modern HEAT rounds. IMW-LDS-marketed Palisade non-explosive reactive armour blocks are also supported, as are the Rampart electromagnetic plates, as part of the VLQ.291 system (Adding another 2.0-2.25 tons to the vehicle's weight). Appliqué armours generally do not prohibit the fitting of troop rails to the aft of the turret and the like, which enables supporting infantry to hitch a ride on the Valkyrie light tank, though the safety of this can be dubious depending on which additional systems are fitted, in terms of ERA protection, or active protection systems (APS).
Additional protective measures include a coating of "Crinoline" infrared-suppressant paint, the Vehicle Camouflage Kit carried in the long and narrow aft stowage box above the unditching-log hooks, which consists of camouflage net, infrared-masking camouflage netting, and the necessary poles and wires to suitably camouflage the vehicle when stationary. Provisions are made for the fitting of most known Active Protection Systems and Passive Protection Suites, examples including Russian ARENA and SHTORA, as well as the superlative Russkyan "Wolfshield" APDS.
If such systems do not already equip smoke/grenade/munition dischargers, the PLT-24 is equipped with twenty-four (24) 55mm dischargers, racked in two banks of six on the forward edge of the turret, angled to provide a 100-degree concealing smoke arc to the front of the vehicle with the range adjustable by the tank commander. Four more dischargers are located in two pairs above the six-discharger banks, typically angled to allow for a full "forward salvo" to provide a 180-degree arc concealment / effect (if loaded with antipersonnel munitions instead of smoke canisters), and the remaining launchers are arrayed on the aft of the turret roof to provide similar features for the rear arc of the vehicle. Typically, these 55mm dischargers are loaded with obscuring smoke, which besides visual screening also contain a multi-band counter-laser screening agent. They are coloured dark grey as this is a colour not used by the Russkyan Military or many others for signalling or obscurement and thus will not confuse friendly forces if and/or when the dischargers are fired.
Further protective measures include a baffled fuel tank which prevents explosion, but not fire, should the fuel tanks be filled with a more volatile fuel than the recommended diesel. Of course, the optional pair of additional fuel drums stowed on the aft-end of the vehicle are equipped with a quick-release mechanism, which can be activated by the tank commander or the driver. These drums can feed directly to the fuel tank, and increase range by two hundred kilometres.
One of the primary difficulties facing the designers of light tanks in the modern era is the question of armament. If the vehicle is armed with an automatic cannon and an ATGM, the light tank effectively becomes an Infantry Fighting Vehicle with no troop-carrying capacity. The problem, in a nutshell, is to fit a sufficiently powerful gun with a light weight into a small vehicle without recoil forces cracking the turret ring, and without building a main battle tank. One solution to this problem, utilized by the PLT-24, was found in the excellent CV90120-T vehicle, part of the CV90 combat vehicle family.
RMSMC technicians modified the principles behind the Swiss Ruag Land Systems low-recoil 120mm smoothbore L50 Compact Tank Gun to produce the LWLR-30 125mm and LWLR-31 120mm mainguns. The LWLR (Lightweight Low-Recoil Model No. 30 & 31) is equipped with a pepperbox muzzle brake of high effectiveness to further reduce recoil force, and is capable of firing all types of current and upcoming 120mm and 125mm ammunition. The gun is fitted between the tank commander and gunner in the two-man turret. The PLT-24A is equipped with the LWLR-30 and the PLT-24B with the LWLR-31.
Ammunition supply is provided by the Ob.640 type automatic loader, scaled down and slightly reconfigured for service on the Valkyrie. The armoured automatic loader is fitted to the turret bustle and is isolated from the fighting compartments. This not only increases the automatic loader’s reliability (compared to the carousel-type automatic loaders) but protects the interior of the tank in the event of the automatic loader magazine being ignited by enemy fire. Blowout panels direct the blast upwards and away from the PLT-24, and even a damaged automatic loader magazine is easily and quickly replaced. The automatic loader is configured either for Russkyan-standard 125mm or NATO-standard 120mm ammunition types. The design bureau maximised the vehicle’s internal volume, permitting the use of 125mm APFSDS rounds with long rod penetrators that substantially increase the effectiveness of the 125mm gun against all targets. Capacity for both automatic loaders is thirty (30) rounds of ammunition of all types, including barrel-launched antitank guided missiles. The simple and rugged loading cycle is described below:
The automatic loader is activated and the feed-chain rotates either to the left or the right depending on the proximity of the nearest selected round of any given type. This rotation continues until the appropriate round is in the low-central position, above the loading trough, where the round is then released into the trough and rammed by the chain rammer through the port in the front of the automatic loader magazine wall and the hatch in the rear of the turret, forcing the round along the loading guide and into the gun. The rammer retracts and the weapon is ready to fire. Cycle time is typically three to four seconds. Exception to this rule is if a round must be unloaded and replaced with another round, in which case the chain rammer retracts the round into its original stowage slot and rotates until the selected round can be replaced. Cycle time for this operation is generally six to eight seconds. To facilitate the unloading of previously loaded ammunition or empty shell casings, the chain rammer design is similar to that of a rifle bolt. This simple design increases reliability and function in all tested conditions. The automatic loader is governed by a system tied into the gunner's fire control system. The gunner may order the automatic loader to load a particular type of ammunition until the stock of that round type is depleted, or specify an 'order string,' which will load a variety of projectiles as defined by the gunner. This 'string' feature does not override the automatic loader's ability to near-immediately provide the required round should an unexpected situation arise. The automatic loader's magazine is reloaded either by hand, one round at a time, or replaced entirely by a ammunition resupply vehicle, an operation that takes approximately five minutes. Spare round stowage is fifteen rounds of all types in an armoured magazine located in the forward hull beside the driver's station, separated from the fighting compartments by armoured bulkheads.
The secondary armament of the PLT-24 includes a coaxial weapon and a remote-capable Overhead Weapons Station (OWS). The coaxial armament is generally an RMSMC-modified and -produced FN BRG-15 heavy machinegun, in 15.5x115mm. However, a suitably modified M-2HB 12.7x108mm, NSV-T, or KORD HMG can also serve in this role. The BRG-15 is fed by two selectable hoppers of 250 round capacity each, enabling five hundred ready-to-fire rounds. The selectable hopper feed enables the gunner to select between two different types of ammunition, if desired, increasing the weapon's versatility. The 15.5x115mm round is capable of penetrating 10mm of RHA steel armour at a thirty degree slope at the distance of 1.35 kilometres (1350m), which effectively enables it to defeat nearly any lightly armoured target at the ranges of one kilometre or further. Such capability is invaluable for this light tank, whose main gun ammunition stowage is unfortunately but necessarily low.
Besides the 500 ready rounds, an additional 1,500 rounds can be carried in internal magazine storage. The OWS is fitted to the commander's cupola and provides a night-capable engagement optic, further increasing the capability of the remote-capable system, controlled by the tank commander, optionally from inside the vehicle. Generally the OWS is fitted with the 7.62x54R PKM-T MMG/GPMG, or the 7.62x51mm FN-MAG58 MMG/GPMG, however an alternate mounting is available, enabling the use of the HK GMG, or the Russkyan designed AGST-20 automatic grenade launcher weapons. Ready ammunition for the OWS is generally 250 rounds (MG) or 100 rounds (AGL), with a further 2,750 rounds (MG) or 900 (AGL) stowed in the armoured storage magazine.
The Amphibious Light Tank Model 24 "Valkyrie" is equipped with a variety of ruggedized electronics. She contains Isselmere-Nielander designed TADS and TMS systems, identical to those found on the excellent IMW-LDS "L-Series" vehicles, such as the L21 "Kodiak" MBT family, L15 "Badger" IFV and vehicle family. The Tactical Awareness Display System (TADS) consists of a two-dimensional moving map display with variable screen display (Map Screen, Ordnance Screen, Vehicle Status Screen, etc.) that presents all information given to it, including updating friendly force locations, enabling superb unit coordination, locations of known enemy units, and information on all presented units, all displayed superimposed on the military terrain map. TMS, the Threat Management System, is equipped with its own display screen, or can alternatively display its information on the TADS screen. TMS collects data from all available sensors and categorizes it prior to displaying it to the crew. TMS is also capable of detecting ATGM launches and the like in most battlefield conditions, generally through input of an APS system such as the Russo-Soviet ARENA.
Operating in conjunction with TADS and TMS, optronic vision blocks enable the crew to possess superior situational awareness. These vision blocks are capable of functioning in 'standard,' infra-red, and passive night vision modes, and are protected from laser-blinding via an electronic screening system. The arrangement of these blocks around the driver's station and commander's cupola is rather liberal, as a light tank cannot survive many impacts from most heavy weapons and thus must be agile and well aware of its surroundings.
The Fire Control System (FCS) can contain targetting data for twenty-five (25) different targets, which the gunner or commander can cycle through, or it may be set for automatic target selection and engagement based on either the threat’s proximity to the vehicle, or its 'perceived threat value’ based on information stored in the TMS and TADS. The gunner's optics include ranging stadia, and the reticule can be set to automatically illuminate based on ambient light conditions or can be activated/disabled at the gunner's discretion. The optics are infrared and passive night-vision capable, and a laser rangefinder provides precise target range data to the FCS. The systems are integrated with engagement time is under two seconds under any conditions for the ruggedized ballistics computer.
Communications with higher command echelons are provided by a medium range radios (25.0km) and a long range radio (75.0km), both encrypted, as opposed to secured. The three-man crew is equipped with communications headsets, broadcasting on a secured wireless frequency or through the vehicle's intercom system via a wired backup connection. The headsets are variable-frequency and encryption-capable, enabling them to connect to communication nets in use with supporting Infantry or other service-branch units, and easing the task of coordination, should nearby infantry be equipped with Personal Role Radios or Section Radios.
NBC/CBR protection is provided via a standard overpressure system. Four adjustable-fit gas-masks are standard with the vehicle's equipment as well, should the crew be forced to disembark in an environment contaminated with relatively low-threat airborne chemical or biological agents. (Full CBR suits were not feasible due to logistical concerns.) The vehicle is also environmentally controlled; a rugged air-conditioning and heating system provides increased crew comfort, and thus combat endurance and capability.
Currently, three variants of the PLT-24 "Valkyrie" Light Tank exist. Besides PLT-24A, equipped with a 125mm LWLR-30 gun, and PLT-24B, equipped with a 120mm LWLR-31 gun, there is the PLT-24 ARACEV (Armoured Recovery and Combat Engineer Vehicle). The "Arakev" sports a telescoping digger/crane instead of a turret, instead replacing the turret with an OWS equipped with a FN BRG-15 HMG, with one thousand (1000) rounds spare stowage in the reduced forward magazine. A larger APU and engine (1500bhp) provide tow-power for the heavy-duty winch, with one located at the fore of the vehicle and another aft. Two banks of eight 55mm dischargers are fitted around the OWS. A mine plow, dozer blade, anti-mine flail, and other fittings can be attached as nessecary to the "Arakev." Additional variants are planned, including an Air Defence Vehicle, armed with two four-cell launchers with the GWS.85 "Vulture" SAM, an assault gun variant with a minimal-recoil large-calibre multi-ammunition gun, and an antitank missile vehicle with a horizontal four-cell GWS.78 "Roc" or GWS.80 "Ostrich" system, and possibly a more expansive armoured recovery vehicle type vehicle with some repair capabilities, such as a heavy-duty crane for engine replacement or repair.
As all light tanks, the PLT-24 must be deployed intelligently and not relied upon as a main battle tank, as the vehicle lacks the armour plate to stand up to ATGM or tank maingun fire. It compensates for this by being agile, quick, and hard-hitting. To use a Napoleonic analogy, "use it as an Hussar, not as a Cuirassier."
[b]Technical Specifications (PLT-24A "Valkyrie")
Crew: 3; Driver, Commander, Gunner
Dimensions
- Length, Hull: 6.64m
- Length, Hull, Gun Forward: 9.18m (LWLR-30); 8.96m (LWLR-31)
- Width: 3.02m (3.2m with skirts)
- Height, Hull: 1.524m
- Height, Turret Roof: 2.34m
- Ground clearance: 0.412m
Ground pressure: 6.444 t/m2
Power-to-weight ratio: 26.43 hp/t (land), 78.57 hp/t (water)
Mass: 35500 kg combat load
Propulsion: LWMF-3843D multifuel-electric, 12V (925 bhp land, 2750 hp water)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four forward, two reverse, hydraulic secondary system
Suspension: Reinforced torsion bar suspension with hydraulic telescopic double-acting shock absorbers.
Reservoirs
- Fuel, Internal: 1540 litres
- Oil: 129 litres
- Coolant: 154 litres
Speed
- Road (Maximum / Cruise): 65 km/h / 50 km/h
- Cross-Country, smooth (Maximum / Cruise): 55 km/h / 40 km/h
- Cross-Country, rough (Maximum / Cruise): 40 km/h / varies
- Water (Maximum / Cruise): 48 km/h / 40 km/h
Range (at cruise speed)
- On Land: >550 km
- On Water: 110 km
Protection (values in RHAe versus KE)
[Note: Appliques not included in protection values.]
- Turret Front/Mantle: 425
- Turret Sides/Rear: 180
- Turret Roof: 120
- Glacis / Frontal Hull: 340
- Flanks: 180 (More heavily armoured towards the front of the hull, less so nearer the engine deck)
- Rear: 120
- Hull Top: 120
Restrictions:
Obstacles:
- Trenches: 2.85m
- Walls: 1m
Weapons
-PLT-24A: 125mm smoothbore high pressure tank gun (with pepperbox muzzle brake); 15.5x115mm coaxial machine gun (BRG-15); 7.62mm (PKT / FN-MAG derived) commander's machine gun in remote-capable low-profile overhead weapons station fitting.
-PLT-24B: 120mm smoothbore high pressure tank gun (with pepperbox muzzle brake); 15.5x115mm coaxial machine gun (BRG-15); 7.62mm (PKT / FN-MAG derived) commander's machine gun in remote-capable low-profile overhead weapons station fitting.
Electronics
- Computer systems: VEI.38(V)2 "Hedgehog" threat management system; VSW.121 gun stabilisation system; VSQ.154 environmental control system; VEW.315 fire control system; VEL.149(V)2 full authority digital engine control
- Optics: Vision blocks: General: 6 × VAS.191 armoured vision blocks (IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 1-9× mag.); Driver: VAS.189 periscopes (thermal, LLLTV-CCD, 1-6× mag.); 16 × VAS.192 commander and gunner periscopes (8 each; thermal, LLLTV-CCD, 1-6× mag.)
- Optics: Sights: VSS.97 commander's independent sight (laser rangefinder, IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 2-12× mag., 20× for day); VSS.98 gunner's sight (laser rangefinder, IIR, LLLTV-CCD, 2-16× mag., 20× for day); 1-2 VSW.27 overhead weapon system sights (IIR, laser rangefinder, LLLTV-CCD, 1.5-9× mag.)
- Communications: VHC.233 rear-mounted field telephone; VHC.229 internal intercom; VEI.47 internal graphical tactical display relay/interface system; VRC.251 long range encrypted radio; VRC.252 medium range encrypted radio; VSC.129 "Brono" secure tactical datalink (when fitted)
- Sensors: VSQ.221 muzzle velocity indicator; VRS.202 short-range, low-power, low probability of intercept microwave radar for the active anti-missile grenade system (VSW.202); VSQ.311(V)3 windage analyser; VSQ.314(V)2 atmospheric pressure sensor; VSR.93 NBC environment detection kit
- Navigation: VSN.44 hybrid navigation system (laser ring gyro INS with embedded GPS)
Countermeasures
- Crinoline IR-suppressing paint; VAQ.247 infrared countermeasures array, VPQ.43 laser warning receiver system; VLQ.291(V)3 electric armour system (when fitted); VRQ.306(V)2 short-range radio frequency jammer; VRQ.309 radar warning receiver system
- Expendable: ERA or NERA appliqué armour (when fitted); VLE.141 76mm countermeasure grenade launchers; 2 × 3-cell VLE.202B 81mm anti-ATGM grenade VLS
Projected Cost Per Unit: $4.25 million.
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OOC:
- I cannot possibly give enough thanks to Isselmere for his hand in the PLT-24's design and manufacture. The technical specifications are entirely his work; I designed the machine and completed the writeup, but the number-crunching is his. As a result the vehicle is more plausible than it may other would be, with far fewer "rounded off for convienence" numbers and the like. He also formatted this post from my original writeup's information, it's presentation is now much better than what I would have done. I say again: Many thanks and equal, if not greater accolades, to Isselmere and by association, the Isselmere-Nieland Motor Works.
- Secondly, the sale of this machine will be through IMW-LDS (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391319) much as the sale of the MRA-38 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=516920) is through AMI. I direct you to other quality products by both Isselmere and Aequatio through their storefronts as well.
- Thirdly: I am not going to defend the purpose of a light tank or the vehicle's design. If you use it intelligently it has the capability to bring pestilience, shit, death, and destruction upon your enemies. If you don't, it's not the tank's fault. If you see something that you think could be improved in the vehicle's design, TG me.