NationStates Jolt Archive


ABT-1 "Gecko" Airborne Tank

Asgarnieu
07-08-2007, 22:56
New, From AMIndustries: The ABT-1 "GECKO"

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i65/Asgarnieu/ABT-1Gecko.jpg

The ABT-1 was designed for the Asgarnian Armed Forces when paratroopers from the Asgarnian Army's elite airborne divisions requested a light armored vehicle that is more powerful than an infantry fighting vehicle, and can be paradropped into battle amongst paratroopers.

The specifications were very demanding, running from armament to power. The preliminary list follows:

•Must be air-droppable
•Must be capable of keeping up with regular tanks and IFV's
•Must be well-armed and lightly armored
•Must have targeting systems similar to that of regular tanks and IFV's
•Must be amphibious
•Must have strong communications systems linking each unit to a battlefield information system

Deciding to accept the request from the airborne divisions, AMIndustries formulated a plan to give them what they wanted.

DEVELOPMENT

Instead of developing a new chassis specifically for the tank, an existing chassis was used, that of the TK-17 (Tank Killer, Model 017), which was already in use with the Asgarnian Army. However, production had ceased on the TK-17. Several thousand surplus chassis existed at the production facilites.

The chassis were stripped of their heavy armor and brought down to their bare state. Due to the fact that a heavy tank can't be paradropped from a cargo aircraft, the tanks were given 28.6mm thick aluminum armor across the whole surface of the vehicle.

The existing turret, which housed a 145mm gun, was scrapped for a lighter turret comprised of the new aluminum armoring.

Because the airborne division's requested powerful weaponry, instead of giving the vehicle a standard .50 caliber (12.7mm) gun, a 14.5mm gatling gun was installed. The 14.5mm gatling gun is a highly-powerful weapon capable of anti-aircraft use, taking out APC's or other light vehicles, and anti-personnel work. The gun can fire at a rate of 3,000 rounds per minute. The main gun was a problem for AMIndustries developers. Some felt that a 37mm gun would be sufficient, but others wanted a large size weapon. The developers decided upon the LTG-5-57 57mm cannon. The 57mm could be used against structures, enemy vehicles, and watercraft. The gun had a maximum range of 3 kilometers, and was air-cooled. To finish the package, a coaxial 12.7mm machine gun was installed to give the tank's turret a final punch.

Initial testing proved that the tank was good for fighting across open areas, but it failed in urban environments due to the lack of support weaponry. It was found that a 57mm could not be fired with GPS precision, even with powerful targeting systems. The developers borrowed a weapon from the TDK-28 (Tank Destroyer/Killer, Model 028) already in use with the Asgarnian Armed Forces. The TDK-28 used an integral mortar in the rear of the tank that was autoloaded with a special mechanism. By moving the engine system forward a few inches, the mortar could fit, giving the ABT-1 the ability to utilize high-angle weaponry. The mortar used the Stryx GPS guided shell in 80mm caliber. With the addition of the mortar, even an airborne light tank could have guided weaponry.

For additional support, 2 HyperSlam GLM-84 missiles were added to the left side of the tank's turret giving it the ability to defeat heavy armor. The HyperSlam missile is a nearly hypersonic armor-defeating missile with a 25 kilogram warhead. To add even more capability, a single 19-tube Hydra 2.75" FFAR rocket pod was added. Even though the Hydra is used almost exclusively with aircraft, it had proved useful on the TK-17 and T-12 (Tank, Model 012).

After finalizing the weapons systems, the designers tackled the next requirement. The airborne divisions asked for amphibious capabilites, not a usual feature on tanks. However, due to the tank's design features, it was found to be stable over water. Two propellers were added to the main engine's drive. These propellers allowed the tank to ford across deep streams and rivers as well as shallow lakes. However, the tank was found unable to move across fast rivers and oceans.

With all problems out of the way, the tank was finalized, and delivered to Nellis Military Facility for military testing.

ELECTRONICS

The ABT-1 was outfitted with the AEN/UCS-5 (Asgarnian Electronic Network, Universal Computer System, Model 005) system, giving it high-powerd computer systems that were linked via satellite to battlefield HQ.

It was also outfitted with the ACN/UCOS-4 (Asgarnian Communications Network, Universal Communications System, Model 004) communications system. This gave each unit UHF/VHF communications and jamming capabilites.

In addition, the ADN/UDCS-1 (Asgarnian Defense Network, Universal Defense Countermeasures System, Model 001) defense network was added, allowing the tank to detect IR targeting systems and laser targeting systems. When a laser or IR targeting system locks on to an ABT-1, the computer automatically launches IR/Laser-blocking smoke grenades from the 60mm smoke grenade launchers, giving the vehicle's crew adequate time to leave the area.

The tank is also equipped with the ALR-5 (Automatic Laser Rangefinder, Model 005) laser rangefinder and the NTTS-22 (Nighttime Targeting System, Model 022) targeting system.

WEAPONS

•1 x LTG-5-57 57mm Main Gun (25 rounds)
•1 x CMG-4 12.7mm Coaxial Machine Gun (1,250 rounds)
•1 x HGG-3 14.5mm Gatling Gun (2,800 rounds)
•1 x TM-L-80 80mm Stryx Mortar (10 rounds)
•2 x HyperSlam Missile Tube (2 rounds)
•1 x Hydra Rocket Pod (19 rockets)
•10 x 60mm Smoke Grenade Launcher (10 shells)

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Airborne Tank
Place of Origin: Asgarnieu

Weight: 10.1 Tonnes
Length: 5.11 Meters
Width: 3.0 Meters
Height: 3.1 Meters

Crew: 2 (Driver/Commander, Gunner)

Armor: 28.6mm Aluminum

Primary Armament: 57mm cannon
Seconadary Armament: 14.5 mm gatling gun, 12.7mm machine gun
Tertirary Armament: 80mm mortar
Quaternary Armament: 60mm smoke grenades

Engine: 1 x David & David TE-L-15Y Bio-Diesel/Electric

Power/Weight: 589 Horsepower (58 hp/tonne)

Suspension: Tosion Bar

Operational Range: 573 kilometers
Speed: 65 km/h

Cost: $1,500,000.00 USD/unit
Domestic Production Rights: $8,500,000.00 USD

NOTE: Because some militaries are not exactly partial to gatling guns on their tanks, we offer the Lyran LY60 Heavy Machine Gun in 14.7 x 155mm (.588 caliber). Purchasers can swap out the HGG-3 Heavy Gatling Gun for the LY60 at no extra cost.

USERS

Asgarnieu
Far Echo Islands
Ok-La-Ho-Ma
The vadican
07-08-2007, 23:20
so what is this about excatly
Asgarnieu
07-08-2007, 23:28
[OOC: I'm selling them on the international market. Hopefully a few nations will scoop a few up.]
Ok-La-Ho-Ma
08-08-2007, 01:25
Our heavy industry of OTW (Military Div.)- Ok Tractor Works would like to buy the production right to the ABT-1 "GECKO"

We will wire the 8.5 million to you on confirmation.


Claas Omaha
CEO of OTW
OK Tractor Works
Leafanistan
08-08-2007, 02:49
OOC: I was terrified this was some sort of flying tank that would compete with my flying tank in the World's Most Impractical Weapon's Storefront.

I feel stupid for misinterpreting 'Airborne'.
The Far Echo Islands
08-08-2007, 03:03
OOC: I was terrified this was some sort of flying tank that would compete with my flying tank in the World's Most Impractical Weapon's Storefront.

I feel stupid for misinterpreting 'Airborne'.

ooc: lolz, you're not alone.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/The_Far_Echo_Islands/cfeis2.png

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/The_Far_Echo_Islands/cfeidodseal1.png

Official Goverment Request

The Confederacy of the Far Echo Islands would like to acquire domestic production rights to the ABT-1 "GECKO" As typical in these transaction, the money will be wired as soon as this order is confirmed.

Sincerely,
Arnold Nugeen
Sectary of Defense
Leafanistan
08-08-2007, 03:13
OOC: Serious criticism time.

Everyone hates Gatling Tanks, they are wasteful of ammo and dubious in usefulness that a simple blowback machine gun can do just as well.

How many rounds of the massive 14.5mm round can this Gatling gun carry? How fast is it? Do the math and usually you end up with just a few seconds of firing time at full speed.

The 57mm cannon is also pretty underpowered. While it can probably take out similar vehicles, Heavy APCs, Light Tanks, not to say Main Battle Tanks won't be fazed much by a 57mm cannon. The BMD-1 a Soviet Airborne Tank has a 73mm gun from the BMP-1. The latest version has a 100mm rifled gun I believe.

Either that or replace it with a 27-37mm Autocannon.
Asgarnieu
08-08-2007, 03:25
The Far Echo Islands - Your order is accepted.

Ok-La-Ho-Ma - Your order is accepted.

--

OOC: Thanks for the input Leafy.

The reason I made the 14.5mm a gatling gun is because an airborne tank is very underpowered compared to a standard tank. The gatling gun is able to acheive high rates of fire, and is useful against low flying aircraft such as attack helicopters; which the ABT-1 is very vulnerable to. The rate of fire is similar to that of a 7.62mm gatling gun; and carries a similar number of rounds. I would also like to add that you can have the 14.5mm gatling switched out to something else...perhaps less gatling-ish.

In regards to the main weapon, 57mm is appropriate. By having a 27mm or 37mm autocannon; I'm selling an IFV. I don't want to sell IFV's.

Due to the fact that a 57mm round can disable a tank if it hits it the tracks, or maybe even the turret. Besides, this thing is designed to be VERY light. Its sole purpose in life is to give airborne divisions light armor to support their advances.

I hope that clears things up...
Leafanistan
08-08-2007, 03:42
The reason I made the 14.5mm a gatling gun is because an airborne tank is very underpowered compared to a standard tank. The gatling gun is able to acheive high rates of fire, and is useful against low flying aircraft such as attack helicopters; which the ABT-1 is very vulnerable to. The rate of fire is similar to that of a 7.62mm gatling gun; and carries a similar number of rounds. I would also like to add that you can have the 14.5mm gatling switched out to something else...perhaps less gatling-ish.

The M197 7.62mm Microgun has enough rounds for slightly less than a minute of continuous fire, usually fired in 100 round bursts with a long time for cooling. A revolver cannon or even a simple MG can be much more ammo conservative, something airborne troops should value since they won't get resupplied anytime soon eh?

In regards to the main weapon, 57mm is appropriate. By having a 27mm or 37mm autocannon; I'm selling an IFV. I don't want to sell IFV's.

Due to the fact that a 57mm round can disable a tank if it hits it the tracks, or maybe even the turret. Besides, this thing is designed to be VERY light. Its sole purpose in life is to give airborne divisions light armor to support their advances.

I hope that clears things up...

I have no idea why a 27mm or a 37mm Autocannon suddenly makes it an IFV. The BMD-2 was equipped with a 30mm Autocannon and some missiles on the side. The BMD-4 now has a 100mm rifled cannon, antitank missiles on the side, machine guns and an automatic grenade launcher.

The 57mm gun will be slower to load than an autocannon and slower to react with followup shots, something that highly mobile and fasting moving troops really shouldn't have.

On an unrelated note, when this is airdropped, is it just a simple multistage parachute or does it use a retrorocket equipped drop pallet like the BMDs?
Asgarnieu
08-08-2007, 04:22
OOC:

Gatling Gun: Perhaps, but remember; customers can have it removed. I like it.

57mm Gun: I like the 57 due to its extreme power versus that of a 27-37mm gun. Besides, it's cooler.

The ABT-1 is airdropped from a cargo aircraft on a pallet with a large parachute and several retrorockets to soften the descent even further. You can't risk destroying the payload in an airborne drop situation.
Asgarnieu
10-08-2007, 04:56
Bump for interest.

Added: Option to switch out gatling gun for conventional HMG.
Ok-La-Ho-Ma
10-08-2007, 21:31
SIC
We are building a special trade/embassy complex for your nation which we do for favored trade nation in our country. Permission has been granted by our gov't. We are setting up the required machinery for building the ABT-1.
We will set up trials to test different gun system to help improve the the design at our test facility in Alluwe. We invite your specialists to aid us in this project. We look forward to a long working relationship.


Claas Omaha
CEO OK-Tractor Works
Asgarnieu
13-08-2007, 03:33
We will send a team of 24 design and construction specialists to assist your company's efforts in modifying the tank.

Thank you.