Lyras
21-01-2008, 05:01
Specifications – LY6 Werewolf Assault Gun/Tank Destroyer, Protectorate of Lyras
LY6 Werewolf
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LY6 Werewolf – Temperate camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/WerewolfWoodland.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Urban camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/LY6Werewolfurbancam.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Desert camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/LY6Werewolfdesertcam.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Indirect Fire variant
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Key Data
Crew 3 (Driver, Commander, Gunner)
Dimensions
Length (With Gun Forward) 14.76m
Length 11.3m
Height 3.84m
Width 5.6m
Weight 98.59 tonnes
Ground Clearance Variable. Default at 60cm
Performance
Maximum (Governed) Speed 82 kph
Cross Country Speed 58.3 kph
Speed, 10% Slope 26 kph
Speed, 60% slope 11.1 kph
Acceleration 0kph to 32 kph in 7.5 seconds
Range 400 km (360 km at operational cruising speed)
Manoeuvrability
Vertical Obstacle Crossing 111 cm (43 in)
Trench 260 cm (8 ft, 8 in)
Suspension Hydropneumatic
Armament
Main Armament 155mm 45 calibre ETC smoothbore LY406 (40 rnds) OR 155mm 55 calibre smoothbore LY366 (50rnds)
Coaxial Weapons KWF PAK2 25mm automatic cannon (550 rnds) OR LY60 14.7mm HMG (700 rnds)
LY64 7.62mm machine gun (2,400 rnds)
Commander's Weapon LY64 7.62mm machine gun (2,400 rnds) OR LY60 14.7mm HMG (700 rnds) on powered remote rotary platform.
Additional 2 x lateral grenade launcher racks.
Power
Propulsion LY 691 60L V12 multi-fuel propane-injected twin-turbo diesel 2,500 HP (2,303 kW) at 3000 RPM.
Transmission Hydropneumatic automatic transmission (5 fwd gears, 2 rvse)
Power-to-Weight Ratio 25.36hp/t
Armour and Protection
Armour Chobham, 4th Generation Composite, ERA blocks, optional slat attachments, depleted uranium mesh.
NBC Protection SCFM, clean cooled air, LYMkII CBRN overpressure system.
Active Countermeasures LYI Mk3 L-B ATGM CMD, WATCHKEEPER
Background/Conceptualisation
The LY6 Werewolf assault gun is the latest armoured fighting vehicle designed by the Protectorate Research and Development Commission. Heavily armed and even more heavily armoured, the 98.5 tonne mammoth is designed to engage concentrated, well armed and/or dug-in enemy forces, weather any incoming fire, and respond accordingly.
The earlier LY4 Wolfhound has, since its inception, become one of the world's most successfully exported main battle tanks, generating sales revenue of over three trillion. The widespread use of the LY4 by many nations has shown that Lyran equipment performs exceedingly well against foreign equivalents, but certain conditions and circumstances have repeatedly lowered the relative performance of existing armoured vehicles.
Of specific interest and note was the increasing prevalence of conflict within extremely close environs, such as medium-dense vegetation or urban areas. Anti-tank infantry would frequently establish enfillade positions, often elevated, and would employ short-range, visually guided or unguided high-lethality anti-armour systems with great effect. No one has doubted the Wolfhound's
qualities as a main battle tank, but the fact was that no existing tank has been designed to be able to adequately cope with such short range, fast moving and fluid conditions against an elusive, cunning and well-armed foe.
Conventional responses have included using massed artillery, often in the form of LY300 rocket strikes, or infantry moving in close proximity to armour units. This does however put infantry back into the firing line, lessening the purpose of having AFVs in the area at all.
The Lyran solution to this issue was to design a new vehicle specifically for areas in which high firepower is likely to be directed towards it at close range. Where engagement ranges -and consequent lethality- are short, and protection is paramount for vehicle crews. To that end, Protectorate Research and Development designed the LY6 Werewolf assault gun.
The Werewolf is NOT a main battle tank. The Werewolf is an assault vehicle, designed expressly for the purpose of breaching heavily fortified positions, and engaging dug in enemy forces in scenarios where manoeuverability is less important than protection and firepower. The LY6 is the most heavily armoured combatant vehicle that Lyras has designed, and one of the heaviest and most heavily armoured platforms of its kind. Every emphasis was placed on protection, and it features multiple layers of the strongest armour the Protectorate can devise, in addition to the award-winning WATCHKEEPER APS.
Complimentary to the extensive suite of protective systems are an array of thermal and acoustic signature reduction methods, for use in the approach. As an assault vehicle, the LY6 takes every step possible to ensure that it detects its opponent first, and obtains the first shot. And, by the utilisation of a 155mm electrothermalchemically fired smoothbore main gun guided by the combat-proven Cromwel II FCS, that first shot is likely to be all that is needed.
Requests from a number of foreign powers for a platform combining the long-range hitting power and versatility of the LY366 155mm smoothbore with a more mobile and agile platform than the LY3 Warhound lead to a LY6 variant optimised for indirect fire, sacrificing the LY406 ETC main gun for a more conventional LY366.
Construction of the LY6 is carried out primarily at Eastcudgel, with ongoing evaluations being carried out at the Lughenti Testing Area.
Main Armament
The Werewolf's primary weapon is the LY406 155mm, 45 calibre (6.975m) electrothermal chemically fired smoothbore, and, like its smaller LY402 predecessor, is autofrettaged and stress-hardened to increase durability over extended periods of firing.
The LY4 Wolfhound had set many new benchmarks for main battle tank design, and, despite extensive and ongoing investigation into currently fielded and hypothesised technology, there was nothing on the horizon that appeared to offer a viable means of delivering a more powerful direct-fire weapon that the flashboard large area emitter-fired ETC system employed by the LY402.
Railguns were considered, but despite the notable increase in size between the LY4 Wolfhound and the LY6 Werewolf, the platform was still not large enough to make railgun-based systems combat-viable.
Varessan assistance in projectile design and electromagnetic harmonics (based upon their own Crimson Star system) was exceedingly useful, but their understandable reluctance to share their strategic trump card relegated Lyran advances into the field impractical for tank-based platforms.
The Werewolf, however, required still more power/muzzle energy, and, having reached the 1980m/s limit on effectiveness of KE penetrators, the only potential expansion of yield lay in the tried and true method that was the increasing of the size of the penetrator itself, both in length and diameter, while maintaining that optimum kill speed.
Early tests examined sizes from 140mm through to 203mm, primarily related to the availability of bore and chamber machinery in the appropriate grade. Subsequent analysis was relatively inconclusive, and the 155mm system was eventually chosen for ease of conversion and parts and maintenance commonality.
Extensive testing of multiple means of propellant ignition lead to the selection of an adaptive plasma-based flashboard large area emitter (FLARE) coupled with the development and production of liquid propellant, designed to, in concert, increase muzzle energy into the area of 21 MJ. While still not as powerful as the 65 calibre 155mm LY366 fitted to the LY3 series, the notably lighter weight of the LY402 (lighter in the order of several tonnes) allowed for a substantially lighter tank, despite upgrades to armour and a far more extensive integrated electronics suite, without sacrificing lethality.
Like the LY402, the LY406 utilises a muzzle brake and 600mm recoil mechanism in order to handle the dramatically increased recoil force brought about by the adoption of ETC technology, particularly when taken in parallel with an already large 155mm system.
The turret of the Werewolf was designed from that of the Wolfhound, with which it shares 45 percent commonality, and is likewise built around the autoloader in order to avoid the problems common to other tanks fielding automatic projectile-loading systems. The Werewolf autoloader allows a rate of fire of 10 shots per minute and holds 25 rounds of ready ammunition. Further it can accommodate up to six different types of ammunition at once. 20 rounds are stored in the hull, and while slower to use, are available for combat without interrupting ongoing operations. The most common types of round carried are the armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) with a depleted uranium core and the high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round, although Lyran-modified canister rounds are also available in large quantities.
In the indirect-fire role, the LY406 is swapped out for the LY366 155mm gun-launcher. The LY366 was first developed for the LY2A3-2 Bull Mastiff Tank Destroyer, also saw action as main armament of the LY3 Warhound series. The LY366, while optimised for long-range, OTH engagements, is more than capable of being used in a direct-fire role, although the LY406 is preferred in this tasking.
The chromium-plated barrel is a fraction over 8m long and is fitted with a slotted muzzle brake which yields increased muzzle velocity whilst reducing the degree of muzzle flash. The wedge-type breech block is integrated with an exchangeable primer magazine fitted with a standard conveyer assembly for automatic (but adjustable and controllable) primer transportation, loading and unloading.
The LY366's automatic shell loading system can handle 50 rounds of conventional 155mm ammunition. When loaded into the Werewolf's magazine, the shells are picked up from the back of the vehicle and automatically stowed in the 50-round magazine in the centre of the chassis.
The shell loading system is driven by brushless electric servo motors supplied by Lyran Arms' Highcairn Manufacturing Zone. The automatic shell loading system has air-forced ram and Cromwell-backed automatic digital control, ammunition supply management and autonomous target-assessed fuze setting.
The LY366 is rated to fire out to 35km with standard ammunition, and 55km with rocket-assisted munitions.
The LY366 features rounds compatible with most 155mm conventional weapons, such as the APFSDS LY29, developed specifically to address the threats posed by growing numbers of highly protected manoeuver forces, such as the Trivalvian “Raptor” and Antigran “Marauder”. High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped-charge rounds such as the LY30 (the latest version of which (LY30A1) incorporates a sophisticated multi-function electronic sensory fuse and increased fragmentation, allowing it to be used effectively against armoured vehicles, personnel and low-flying aircraft) were developed for the LY3 series, and the LY366 weapon system specifically.
LY38 155 mm anti-personnel canister cartridge is another LY366 option, having now been in-service for a number of years within the Lyran arsenal. The LY38 contains 1,750 tungsten projectiles which spread from the muzzle to produce a shotgun-like blast-effect lethal out to 700 m. The tungsten balls can be used for an extremely wide variety of tasks at short-to-medium range, where conventional munitions may not suit the mission profile.
Additional armament
The Werewolf mounts two lateral grenade launchers. Each launcher is electronically-fired, and consists of four barrels which can be intermixed with either smoke, fragmentation or chaff grenades. The smoke grenades are capable of shrouding the vehicle from visual or thermal detection, and the chaff grenades are utilised as a means of breaking up the vehicle's radar cross-section.
As with the LY4, the Werewolf utilises a medium autocannon as a co-axial weapon for use against light vehicles, the excellent and battle-tested KWF PAK2 25mm automatic cannon being again chosen. The PAK2 can destroy lightly armoured vehicles and aerial targets (such as helicopters and slow-flying aircraft). It can also suppress enemy positions such as exposed troops, dug-in positions, and occupied built-up areas.
This chain-driven weapon system uses sprockets and extractor grooves to actively feed, load, fire, extract, and eject rounds. A system of clutches provides for the use of alternates thus allowing the gunner to switch between armour piercing, high explosive and high explosive incendiary rounds, as well as manually selecting the rate of fire.
It has a rating of 31,000 mean rounds between stoppage (MRBS), which is much higher than many comparable devices.
Cartridge; 25mm x 216mm
Operation: chain gun (1.5hp)
Feeds: Disintegrating link belt
Weight: 115kg
Length: 2.25m
Muzzle velocity; 1200m/s
ROF: Cyclic 200 +/- 25 RPM
Max effective range; 2200m
Max range; 6800m
The standard LY64 7.62mm machine gun, essentially analogous to an FN MAG, is also fitted both co-axially and atop a command-operated remote weapon station, for conventional anti-personnel, general defence roles.
Also available, though rarely fielded, is the LY60 HMG. The LY60 heavy machine gun was one of the first weapons designed and produced by Lyras, appearing in both watercooled and aircooled versions. Combat experience demonstrated that the aircooled version was highly suitable for many applications, following a modest increase in the mass of the barrel, and it is in the aircooled version that the LY60 serves today. In AA roles, the LY60 is used on several Lyran AA platforms, and serves as the primary co-axial weapon of the LY2 Mastiff series. The weapon is a belt fed, short recoil operated, open bolt, fully automatic weapon. Metallic disinitegrating link belts can feed it from either the left or right of the reciever. The quick change barrel is removable with the barrel jacket as a unit. The bore is chromium plated to increase barrel life and durability. The weapon fires the the LY112 14.7 x 115mm cartridge. The LY60 has a maximum effective range of 1400m against air targets, and 2200m against ground targets. The standard firing controls consist of a push-type thumb trigger and sear release buttons located between the dual spade grips. Alternatively, an electric trigger can be installed for mounted vehicle applications. The gun is simple in design and rugged in construction, and considered one of the most reliable heavy machine guns in service anywhere in the world.
The LY60 entered mass production as an infantry support weapon, with a tripod mount designed at the Lughenti Test Range. Within three years, the heavy Lughenti Type-I mount was replaced by a lighter design, and it is the Type-II that continues to see service within Lyran infantry formations. Guns produced prior to the arrival of the Type II mount have been retrospectively upgraded.
The infantry version of the LY60, however, had a relatively short primacy within Lyras, being replaced in numerical majority by the version fielded as primary armament for several LY219 variants. It also finds use in several anti-aircraft roles, alongside the KWF PAK2 25mm cannon.
Very similar to the Soviet-designed KPV, the LY60 provides almost double the muzzle energy of a conventional 12.7mm (ie, .50 caliber) weapon. With muzzle velocities between 960 - 1030 meters per second and bullet weights near 60grams, the LY60 generates muzzle energy of about 32 kilojoules, and, again similarly to the KPV, penetrated over 30mm of steel armor at 500 meters range and approximately 20mm at 1000 meters.
When vehicle mounted, LY60s feature still-heavier barrels and longer belts.
Cartridge; 0.588 cal (14.7mm x 115mm)
Operation: Short-recoil automatic, open bolt
Method of locking: roller locking
Feeds: Disintegrating link belt
Weight: (with bipod): 45.15kg
Length: 1.625m
Muzzle velocity; 960-1030m/s
ROF: Cyclic 600-700 RPM
Max effective range, bipod; 800m
tripod or pintle: 2200m
Networking, Sensory and Fire Control System
The Werewolf, as with all contemporary and planned Lyran-designed vehicles, uses the Cromwell II fire control and battlespace integration system as the basis of its electronic and information warfare suite. Cromwell II system inputs and actively seeks information from a wide variety of sensory sources, including (but not limited to) the thermal or daylight weapon sight, GPS, a laser rangefinder, automatic crosswind sensor, barometer, meteorlogical datastreams, a pendulum static cant sensor, ammunition type and temperature and so on.
Cromwell II system is part of an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximises combat lethality, performance, output and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual platform, but from every Cromwell II equipped friendly vehicle within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness.
The Cromwell II system utilises this information to compute a firing solution for the gunner, based upon analysis of the target beneath the reticle. This is achieved in less time than it would take the gunner to depress the firing stud. The firing solution that Cromwell II generates ensures a near-perfect hit percent at standard ranges, across all conditions.
At the most basic level, the Cromwell II system aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the warfighting system. This acceleration is achieved by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Cromwell II's ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources
Not just a fire control system, the Cromwell II on the Werewolf features a wide range of mission- and role-specific systems, such as highly specific localised weather pattern calculating software for reference to bomblet dispersal patterns.
Well implemented networking, using the Cromwell II system, can contribute to improved effectiveness in other ways as well. Rather than micromanage a Werewolf or similar Cromwell-equipped platform with close control via a command link tether (such as a radio), networked platforms are given significant autonomy, defined objectives, and allowed to take the initiative in how they meet these objectives. The size, integration and scope of the networked Cromwell II system enables the equipped vehicles to respond to events as they happen, with less reliance on top-down direction.
The system, in its entirety, is fully insulated against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 512 bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security.
All crew stations are fitted with Networked Independent Thermal Viewers, which can be used to locate targets and pass them on to each other, to their peer units, or to the networked higher command, to ensure optimum engagement flexibility. The thermal sight uses NS (and Lyran) standard common modules, with 120 element cadmium mercury telluride, CdHgTe (also known as CMT) infra-red detector array operating in the 8 to 14 micron waveband. The infra-red detector units are cooled with a closed-cycle engine.
As a feature new to the LY6, but being retrofitted to previous hardware as part of the ongoing maintenance cycle, the electrics are composed of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) circuitry, rendering the vehicle proof against electromagnetic interference or EMP-based attack, although itself a highly expensive addition.
Armour and Protection
Like the Wolfhound and Ironheart, all versions of the Werewolf uses a protective shield system dubbed the WATCHKEEPER to intercept incoming missiles and rockets. WATCHKEEPER uses a multi-projectile, shotgun-like blast to destroy incoming munitions just before they impact the tank itself. WATCHKEEPER was designed and developed by Lyran Arms together with The People's Freedom.
The WATCHKEEPER includes an F band fire control radar on six flat-panel antennae mounted on the vehicle. When mounted, the combined radar field of view is 360°/6400mils. When a weapon is fired at the vehicle, the Cromwell fire control computer detects the incoming weapons system and calculates an approach vector. Once the attack is fully classified, the Cromwell system determines the best time and angle to fire the active component of the WATCHKEEPER. The response comes from four launchers installed on the vehicle, two on each side of the turret. The launchers can pivot/rotate on x and y axes, and can therefore engage targets in any direction that the fire control computer deems necessary. The launchers fire small metal pellets, similar to the projectiles of an M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel weapon. However, unlike the claymore, the WATCHKEEPER is designed with a very narrow engagement area, minimising the chances of friendly or civilian casualties.
The WATCHKEEPER system also features an automatic reloading mechanism and can not only identify, track and destroy multiple inbound threats, but can do so simultaneously and from all directions, while the vehicle is on the move.
As with the LY3 and LY4 MBTs, and the Ironheart AMTV, the LY6 Werewolf is also fitted with the Lyran InfoWar Mark III laser-based ATGM counter-measure device. This is attached to the rear-left of the turret, and is designed to neutralise the guidance systems on laser-, infra-red and radar-guided anti-tank missiles. Unguided and visually-directed/TOW missiles are by nature unaffected by this system.
The LYI Mk III ATGM CMD is usually activated by the Cromwell system only when it determines that the active defence measures are insufficient or becoming overwhelmed.
According to Lyran standard, the LY6 Werewolf sports an impressive suite of active ECM as a means of defeating incoming radar guided missiles, and the suite is usually activated if detection equipment determines that multiple radar signatures are illuminating the vehicle in question.
The Werewolf's armour is derived in principle from the highly successful and battle-proven armour of its Wolfhound predecessor, protected as it is by multiple forms of armour layered throughout the vehicle.
The primary external armour is chobham, a form of composite armor composed of multiple layers of steel and ceramic. The steel plates hold the ceramic in position and the ceramic maintains its resistance to shock even when fragmented, as long as it remains held together. Explosive reactive armour is fitted as standard to the turret and major hull areas. Fireproof armoured bulkheads seperate the crew compartment from the engine bay, which itself forms part of the forward passive protection suite.
According to Lyran standards, the LY6 also features extensive depleted uranium (dU) mesh throughout the armour. With its strong emphasis on protection, the Werewolf features more dU mesh than any known armoured vehicle yet fielded, due to the fact that armour bolstered by this dU is considerabley better protected against medium and high-grade anti-tank weaponry, at the cost of notably increased weight. Given the requirements imposed upon the design process.
Fuel and ammunition are located within armoured sub-compartments, with integral blowout panels and anti-spalling steltexolite liners, and steltexolites are also used to protect the internals of the crew compartment, given its greater resilience to KE and HE based armour piercing AT weapons than kevlar. The steltexolite spall liners also provide a high degree of noise and thermal insulation, making the Werewolf, again like the Wolfhound, extremely quiet for its crew.
As with all Lyran armoured vehicles, the LY6 is designed to be fitted with slat (or bar) armour, which is a simple “cage” on the outside of the hull, designed to detonate anti-tank weapons before they contact the main body. This also increases the weight fractionally, but, especially in urban operations, is more important in that it adds an additional 30 cm of width to both sides of the vehicle. Given that the Werewolf already weighs 98.5 tonnes, the difference in total weight is further reduced proportionally. Lyran examples are universally equipped with slat armour as standard, viewing that the drawbacks are far outweighed by the benefits that the armour provides against many forms of anti-tank weaponry.
Lyran armour distribution principles differ from global norms, Lyran Arms continuing what is increasingly a trend, distributing its armour protection more evenly, reinforcing the engine bay (frontal, in the Werewolf's case), side armour and turret top. In addition, the Werewolf series places considerable emphasis on anti-mine protection, up-armouring the underside of the chassis, as well as relocating in-chassis ammunition storage. Developmental trials have determined that Werewolf tanks are able to continue fighting (but not moving) having triggered the detonation of an anti-tank mine under the tank without suffering any injuries to the crew.
An automatic, location-specific fire-suppression system is also fitted as standard to detect and render safe any internal fires that might erupt.
Propulsion and mobility
The LY6 Werewolf is powered by the advanced LY691 60L V12 multi-fuel propane-injected twin-turbo diesel 2,500 HP (2,303 kW) at 3000 RPM.. This gives the Werewolf a hp/ton ratio of 25.36.
The Werewolf draws extensively from the engine and propulsion design lessons of the LY3, LY4 and LY219 vehicles, and the LY691 engine is a synthesis of elements of all three previous engine designs. The LY3 Warhound, first of the series, was driven by a LY663 BW-404 V12 diesel, putting out 2,500hp, and from this engine the LY691 derives the majority of its physical commonality, being likewise a 60L V12. From the LY4 Wolfhound's LY664 engine came the propane-injection and twin-turbo elements of the LY691, the auxiliary power units, computerised engine monitoring, component replacement and active cooling systems. From the LY688 fitted to the LY219 Ironheart, the LY691 derived its more esoteric drive elements. Unlike the LY4, the engine of the LY6 is forward mounted, providing a further layer of protection between the crew and the most likely axis of incoming fire.
The LY691 features an electric transmission system, where the drive shafts have been replaced by cable and the power from the engines is transferred by cable throughput, which delivers a number of advantages, including volume efficiency, very high fuel efficiency (essential to make the engine viable, in this case), reduced lifecycle costs, and reduced environmental impacts.
The electric drive has also greatly improved low observability characteristics in terms of thermal and acoustic signatures as well as low visual and radar signatures.
Borrowing again from the LY219, the Werewolf's suspension is mounted on the underframe and not on the side frames, so the suspension is separated from the hull. A result of using a decoupled suspension in conjunction with the spall liners is that the internal noise level is as low as 79dB which is well below civilian vehicle noise standards.
The engine is further decoupled from the final drives allowing flexibility in the placing of systems in the vehicle and also easily allows two smaller engines to be installed instead of one, should local engines be preferred for export purposes. Batteries are integrated into the electric drive system, which when considered in combination with the suspension, allow the vehicle to be driven near-silently for several hours with the engines shut down, a factor very likely to increase psychological strain on forces fighting against it in close terrain. Preliminary analysis of the tactical and strategic ramifications of this show the Werewolf to possess an abnormally low detection signature for any armoured fighting vehicle, let alone a vehicle as large as a 98-and-a-half tonne assault gun.
The final drives are connected by a cross-shaft which gives higher power efficiency in turning manoeuvres by transferring the power regenerated at the inner track during a turn to the outer track.
The LY691 engine is, like its predecessors (bar the LY663), linked to the Cromwell system, which keeps track of the temperatures of each individual segment of the engine, and both monitors and records engine stresses. The system then notifies both the operators and higher command when replacement or repair is required for components, as well as when the engine or parts of it are coming due for routine maintenance. This contributes to greatly reduced attrition, and total combat readiness is markedly improved as a result, while lowering maintenance workloads. The Cromwell system is also responsible for monitoring the active cooling of the vehicle's exhaust, as a means of reducing the vehicle's already low thermal signature, further enhancing the vehicle's low observability characteristics.
The entire engine is also fitted with deployable sand filters for use in high-sand environments, such as deserts or certain parts of the littoral.
As is standard with Lyran armoured vehicles, the Werewolf is fitted with driver rear-vision cameras for manoeuvering in close country or urban environments.
Tracks are shrouded as standard to increase resilience to battle damage, and have with nine road wheels and two drive rollers, with only the forward roller on each side unshrouded.
Crew Amenities
The LY6 chassis is the largest of any extant Lyran fighting vehicle, and while it does use a great deal of internal hull space to carry ammunition, the extensive space created in the vehicle's rear by the usage of a forward mounted engine has enabled the crew amenities pioneered on the LY4 to be taken further by the LY6.
Like the LY4 and LY219, the Werewolf contains a drink point, providing hot water, cold water, and with two further compartments that can be filled with hot or cold drinks of the crew or unit's choice. As well as being morale boosting, hot water in particular can be of direct military value, with it being used to brew tea or coffee, produce other hot beverages and, most importantly, it is used for dehydrated ration packs common to many armies and armed services.
Situated immediately below the drink point is a small bar fridge, which can either carry spare rations, 'jack' rations, or approximately two cases of soft-drinks or equivalent.
The NBC system follows Lyran standard, and features quite adequately as a climate control system, making for working temperatures easily adjustable to every national or personal need (operating temperature range -40C to 55C).
Seat warmers/coolers are also fitted, to ensure greater comfort and optimise combat endurance and deployability of both crew and personnel being transported. The seats can also be adjusted, manually or electronically, to ensure optimum comfort and control access for any shape or size.
Werewolves, like the Wolfhounds, Ironhearts and Manticores are also equipped, as standard, with integral high-speed wireless (satellite) broadband internet connections, allowing the crew to surf the internet, check their emails, or correspond with family. The provision of insulated external connections allows accompanying or transported personnel to simply plug in to the side of the vehicle, and then they to can go online. Vehicles with this feature, an increasing proportion of the Lyran arsenal, are invariably popular with the units that field them, or are attached to them, as they not only ensure vastly improved fire support, but also mean that personnel are going to get, hot (or cold) drinks, snacks and a way to talk to home, all of which ensures dramatically higher morale and the notably higher performance that such morale generates.
Export
Export versions are identical to Lyran versions, with most of the Lyran cryptographic and communications equipment being memory erased to prevent compromise. All are, however, still integratable into a single force, should the requirement to synchronise operations on a multinational basis arise. Modified and/or custom versions of the Werewolf are available from the Lyran Protectorate, with costs altering as circumstances warrant.
Asgarnieu, Verenberg, TPF, Errikland, Bomble, the Federal Republic of Hamilay and and select other nations are eligible for special dispensation, if they wish to utilise the LY6 Werewolf.
Prices for export start at NS $19,000,000 per unit. Production licenses are available through negotiations with Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320).
LY6 Werewolf
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LY6 Werewolf – Temperate camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/WerewolfWoodland.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Urban camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/LY6Werewolfurbancam.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Desert camouflage
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/LY6Werewolfdesertcam.jpg
LY6 Werewolf – Indirect Fire variant
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/2821090/LY6WerewolfwithLY366L55.jpg
Key Data
Crew 3 (Driver, Commander, Gunner)
Dimensions
Length (With Gun Forward) 14.76m
Length 11.3m
Height 3.84m
Width 5.6m
Weight 98.59 tonnes
Ground Clearance Variable. Default at 60cm
Performance
Maximum (Governed) Speed 82 kph
Cross Country Speed 58.3 kph
Speed, 10% Slope 26 kph
Speed, 60% slope 11.1 kph
Acceleration 0kph to 32 kph in 7.5 seconds
Range 400 km (360 km at operational cruising speed)
Manoeuvrability
Vertical Obstacle Crossing 111 cm (43 in)
Trench 260 cm (8 ft, 8 in)
Suspension Hydropneumatic
Armament
Main Armament 155mm 45 calibre ETC smoothbore LY406 (40 rnds) OR 155mm 55 calibre smoothbore LY366 (50rnds)
Coaxial Weapons KWF PAK2 25mm automatic cannon (550 rnds) OR LY60 14.7mm HMG (700 rnds)
LY64 7.62mm machine gun (2,400 rnds)
Commander's Weapon LY64 7.62mm machine gun (2,400 rnds) OR LY60 14.7mm HMG (700 rnds) on powered remote rotary platform.
Additional 2 x lateral grenade launcher racks.
Power
Propulsion LY 691 60L V12 multi-fuel propane-injected twin-turbo diesel 2,500 HP (2,303 kW) at 3000 RPM.
Transmission Hydropneumatic automatic transmission (5 fwd gears, 2 rvse)
Power-to-Weight Ratio 25.36hp/t
Armour and Protection
Armour Chobham, 4th Generation Composite, ERA blocks, optional slat attachments, depleted uranium mesh.
NBC Protection SCFM, clean cooled air, LYMkII CBRN overpressure system.
Active Countermeasures LYI Mk3 L-B ATGM CMD, WATCHKEEPER
Background/Conceptualisation
The LY6 Werewolf assault gun is the latest armoured fighting vehicle designed by the Protectorate Research and Development Commission. Heavily armed and even more heavily armoured, the 98.5 tonne mammoth is designed to engage concentrated, well armed and/or dug-in enemy forces, weather any incoming fire, and respond accordingly.
The earlier LY4 Wolfhound has, since its inception, become one of the world's most successfully exported main battle tanks, generating sales revenue of over three trillion. The widespread use of the LY4 by many nations has shown that Lyran equipment performs exceedingly well against foreign equivalents, but certain conditions and circumstances have repeatedly lowered the relative performance of existing armoured vehicles.
Of specific interest and note was the increasing prevalence of conflict within extremely close environs, such as medium-dense vegetation or urban areas. Anti-tank infantry would frequently establish enfillade positions, often elevated, and would employ short-range, visually guided or unguided high-lethality anti-armour systems with great effect. No one has doubted the Wolfhound's
qualities as a main battle tank, but the fact was that no existing tank has been designed to be able to adequately cope with such short range, fast moving and fluid conditions against an elusive, cunning and well-armed foe.
Conventional responses have included using massed artillery, often in the form of LY300 rocket strikes, or infantry moving in close proximity to armour units. This does however put infantry back into the firing line, lessening the purpose of having AFVs in the area at all.
The Lyran solution to this issue was to design a new vehicle specifically for areas in which high firepower is likely to be directed towards it at close range. Where engagement ranges -and consequent lethality- are short, and protection is paramount for vehicle crews. To that end, Protectorate Research and Development designed the LY6 Werewolf assault gun.
The Werewolf is NOT a main battle tank. The Werewolf is an assault vehicle, designed expressly for the purpose of breaching heavily fortified positions, and engaging dug in enemy forces in scenarios where manoeuverability is less important than protection and firepower. The LY6 is the most heavily armoured combatant vehicle that Lyras has designed, and one of the heaviest and most heavily armoured platforms of its kind. Every emphasis was placed on protection, and it features multiple layers of the strongest armour the Protectorate can devise, in addition to the award-winning WATCHKEEPER APS.
Complimentary to the extensive suite of protective systems are an array of thermal and acoustic signature reduction methods, for use in the approach. As an assault vehicle, the LY6 takes every step possible to ensure that it detects its opponent first, and obtains the first shot. And, by the utilisation of a 155mm electrothermalchemically fired smoothbore main gun guided by the combat-proven Cromwel II FCS, that first shot is likely to be all that is needed.
Requests from a number of foreign powers for a platform combining the long-range hitting power and versatility of the LY366 155mm smoothbore with a more mobile and agile platform than the LY3 Warhound lead to a LY6 variant optimised for indirect fire, sacrificing the LY406 ETC main gun for a more conventional LY366.
Construction of the LY6 is carried out primarily at Eastcudgel, with ongoing evaluations being carried out at the Lughenti Testing Area.
Main Armament
The Werewolf's primary weapon is the LY406 155mm, 45 calibre (6.975m) electrothermal chemically fired smoothbore, and, like its smaller LY402 predecessor, is autofrettaged and stress-hardened to increase durability over extended periods of firing.
The LY4 Wolfhound had set many new benchmarks for main battle tank design, and, despite extensive and ongoing investigation into currently fielded and hypothesised technology, there was nothing on the horizon that appeared to offer a viable means of delivering a more powerful direct-fire weapon that the flashboard large area emitter-fired ETC system employed by the LY402.
Railguns were considered, but despite the notable increase in size between the LY4 Wolfhound and the LY6 Werewolf, the platform was still not large enough to make railgun-based systems combat-viable.
Varessan assistance in projectile design and electromagnetic harmonics (based upon their own Crimson Star system) was exceedingly useful, but their understandable reluctance to share their strategic trump card relegated Lyran advances into the field impractical for tank-based platforms.
The Werewolf, however, required still more power/muzzle energy, and, having reached the 1980m/s limit on effectiveness of KE penetrators, the only potential expansion of yield lay in the tried and true method that was the increasing of the size of the penetrator itself, both in length and diameter, while maintaining that optimum kill speed.
Early tests examined sizes from 140mm through to 203mm, primarily related to the availability of bore and chamber machinery in the appropriate grade. Subsequent analysis was relatively inconclusive, and the 155mm system was eventually chosen for ease of conversion and parts and maintenance commonality.
Extensive testing of multiple means of propellant ignition lead to the selection of an adaptive plasma-based flashboard large area emitter (FLARE) coupled with the development and production of liquid propellant, designed to, in concert, increase muzzle energy into the area of 21 MJ. While still not as powerful as the 65 calibre 155mm LY366 fitted to the LY3 series, the notably lighter weight of the LY402 (lighter in the order of several tonnes) allowed for a substantially lighter tank, despite upgrades to armour and a far more extensive integrated electronics suite, without sacrificing lethality.
Like the LY402, the LY406 utilises a muzzle brake and 600mm recoil mechanism in order to handle the dramatically increased recoil force brought about by the adoption of ETC technology, particularly when taken in parallel with an already large 155mm system.
The turret of the Werewolf was designed from that of the Wolfhound, with which it shares 45 percent commonality, and is likewise built around the autoloader in order to avoid the problems common to other tanks fielding automatic projectile-loading systems. The Werewolf autoloader allows a rate of fire of 10 shots per minute and holds 25 rounds of ready ammunition. Further it can accommodate up to six different types of ammunition at once. 20 rounds are stored in the hull, and while slower to use, are available for combat without interrupting ongoing operations. The most common types of round carried are the armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) with a depleted uranium core and the high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round, although Lyran-modified canister rounds are also available in large quantities.
In the indirect-fire role, the LY406 is swapped out for the LY366 155mm gun-launcher. The LY366 was first developed for the LY2A3-2 Bull Mastiff Tank Destroyer, also saw action as main armament of the LY3 Warhound series. The LY366, while optimised for long-range, OTH engagements, is more than capable of being used in a direct-fire role, although the LY406 is preferred in this tasking.
The chromium-plated barrel is a fraction over 8m long and is fitted with a slotted muzzle brake which yields increased muzzle velocity whilst reducing the degree of muzzle flash. The wedge-type breech block is integrated with an exchangeable primer magazine fitted with a standard conveyer assembly for automatic (but adjustable and controllable) primer transportation, loading and unloading.
The LY366's automatic shell loading system can handle 50 rounds of conventional 155mm ammunition. When loaded into the Werewolf's magazine, the shells are picked up from the back of the vehicle and automatically stowed in the 50-round magazine in the centre of the chassis.
The shell loading system is driven by brushless electric servo motors supplied by Lyran Arms' Highcairn Manufacturing Zone. The automatic shell loading system has air-forced ram and Cromwell-backed automatic digital control, ammunition supply management and autonomous target-assessed fuze setting.
The LY366 is rated to fire out to 35km with standard ammunition, and 55km with rocket-assisted munitions.
The LY366 features rounds compatible with most 155mm conventional weapons, such as the APFSDS LY29, developed specifically to address the threats posed by growing numbers of highly protected manoeuver forces, such as the Trivalvian “Raptor” and Antigran “Marauder”. High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped-charge rounds such as the LY30 (the latest version of which (LY30A1) incorporates a sophisticated multi-function electronic sensory fuse and increased fragmentation, allowing it to be used effectively against armoured vehicles, personnel and low-flying aircraft) were developed for the LY3 series, and the LY366 weapon system specifically.
LY38 155 mm anti-personnel canister cartridge is another LY366 option, having now been in-service for a number of years within the Lyran arsenal. The LY38 contains 1,750 tungsten projectiles which spread from the muzzle to produce a shotgun-like blast-effect lethal out to 700 m. The tungsten balls can be used for an extremely wide variety of tasks at short-to-medium range, where conventional munitions may not suit the mission profile.
Additional armament
The Werewolf mounts two lateral grenade launchers. Each launcher is electronically-fired, and consists of four barrels which can be intermixed with either smoke, fragmentation or chaff grenades. The smoke grenades are capable of shrouding the vehicle from visual or thermal detection, and the chaff grenades are utilised as a means of breaking up the vehicle's radar cross-section.
As with the LY4, the Werewolf utilises a medium autocannon as a co-axial weapon for use against light vehicles, the excellent and battle-tested KWF PAK2 25mm automatic cannon being again chosen. The PAK2 can destroy lightly armoured vehicles and aerial targets (such as helicopters and slow-flying aircraft). It can also suppress enemy positions such as exposed troops, dug-in positions, and occupied built-up areas.
This chain-driven weapon system uses sprockets and extractor grooves to actively feed, load, fire, extract, and eject rounds. A system of clutches provides for the use of alternates thus allowing the gunner to switch between armour piercing, high explosive and high explosive incendiary rounds, as well as manually selecting the rate of fire.
It has a rating of 31,000 mean rounds between stoppage (MRBS), which is much higher than many comparable devices.
Cartridge; 25mm x 216mm
Operation: chain gun (1.5hp)
Feeds: Disintegrating link belt
Weight: 115kg
Length: 2.25m
Muzzle velocity; 1200m/s
ROF: Cyclic 200 +/- 25 RPM
Max effective range; 2200m
Max range; 6800m
The standard LY64 7.62mm machine gun, essentially analogous to an FN MAG, is also fitted both co-axially and atop a command-operated remote weapon station, for conventional anti-personnel, general defence roles.
Also available, though rarely fielded, is the LY60 HMG. The LY60 heavy machine gun was one of the first weapons designed and produced by Lyras, appearing in both watercooled and aircooled versions. Combat experience demonstrated that the aircooled version was highly suitable for many applications, following a modest increase in the mass of the barrel, and it is in the aircooled version that the LY60 serves today. In AA roles, the LY60 is used on several Lyran AA platforms, and serves as the primary co-axial weapon of the LY2 Mastiff series. The weapon is a belt fed, short recoil operated, open bolt, fully automatic weapon. Metallic disinitegrating link belts can feed it from either the left or right of the reciever. The quick change barrel is removable with the barrel jacket as a unit. The bore is chromium plated to increase barrel life and durability. The weapon fires the the LY112 14.7 x 115mm cartridge. The LY60 has a maximum effective range of 1400m against air targets, and 2200m against ground targets. The standard firing controls consist of a push-type thumb trigger and sear release buttons located between the dual spade grips. Alternatively, an electric trigger can be installed for mounted vehicle applications. The gun is simple in design and rugged in construction, and considered one of the most reliable heavy machine guns in service anywhere in the world.
The LY60 entered mass production as an infantry support weapon, with a tripod mount designed at the Lughenti Test Range. Within three years, the heavy Lughenti Type-I mount was replaced by a lighter design, and it is the Type-II that continues to see service within Lyran infantry formations. Guns produced prior to the arrival of the Type II mount have been retrospectively upgraded.
The infantry version of the LY60, however, had a relatively short primacy within Lyras, being replaced in numerical majority by the version fielded as primary armament for several LY219 variants. It also finds use in several anti-aircraft roles, alongside the KWF PAK2 25mm cannon.
Very similar to the Soviet-designed KPV, the LY60 provides almost double the muzzle energy of a conventional 12.7mm (ie, .50 caliber) weapon. With muzzle velocities between 960 - 1030 meters per second and bullet weights near 60grams, the LY60 generates muzzle energy of about 32 kilojoules, and, again similarly to the KPV, penetrated over 30mm of steel armor at 500 meters range and approximately 20mm at 1000 meters.
When vehicle mounted, LY60s feature still-heavier barrels and longer belts.
Cartridge; 0.588 cal (14.7mm x 115mm)
Operation: Short-recoil automatic, open bolt
Method of locking: roller locking
Feeds: Disintegrating link belt
Weight: (with bipod): 45.15kg
Length: 1.625m
Muzzle velocity; 960-1030m/s
ROF: Cyclic 600-700 RPM
Max effective range, bipod; 800m
tripod or pintle: 2200m
Networking, Sensory and Fire Control System
The Werewolf, as with all contemporary and planned Lyran-designed vehicles, uses the Cromwell II fire control and battlespace integration system as the basis of its electronic and information warfare suite. Cromwell II system inputs and actively seeks information from a wide variety of sensory sources, including (but not limited to) the thermal or daylight weapon sight, GPS, a laser rangefinder, automatic crosswind sensor, barometer, meteorlogical datastreams, a pendulum static cant sensor, ammunition type and temperature and so on.
Cromwell II system is part of an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximises combat lethality, performance, output and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual platform, but from every Cromwell II equipped friendly vehicle within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness.
The Cromwell II system utilises this information to compute a firing solution for the gunner, based upon analysis of the target beneath the reticle. This is achieved in less time than it would take the gunner to depress the firing stud. The firing solution that Cromwell II generates ensures a near-perfect hit percent at standard ranges, across all conditions.
At the most basic level, the Cromwell II system aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the warfighting system. This acceleration is achieved by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Cromwell II's ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources
Not just a fire control system, the Cromwell II on the Werewolf features a wide range of mission- and role-specific systems, such as highly specific localised weather pattern calculating software for reference to bomblet dispersal patterns.
Well implemented networking, using the Cromwell II system, can contribute to improved effectiveness in other ways as well. Rather than micromanage a Werewolf or similar Cromwell-equipped platform with close control via a command link tether (such as a radio), networked platforms are given significant autonomy, defined objectives, and allowed to take the initiative in how they meet these objectives. The size, integration and scope of the networked Cromwell II system enables the equipped vehicles to respond to events as they happen, with less reliance on top-down direction.
The system, in its entirety, is fully insulated against electronic interference and data-hacking, and all communications and information exchange programs are 512 bit encrypted to ensure maximum network security.
All crew stations are fitted with Networked Independent Thermal Viewers, which can be used to locate targets and pass them on to each other, to their peer units, or to the networked higher command, to ensure optimum engagement flexibility. The thermal sight uses NS (and Lyran) standard common modules, with 120 element cadmium mercury telluride, CdHgTe (also known as CMT) infra-red detector array operating in the 8 to 14 micron waveband. The infra-red detector units are cooled with a closed-cycle engine.
As a feature new to the LY6, but being retrofitted to previous hardware as part of the ongoing maintenance cycle, the electrics are composed of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) circuitry, rendering the vehicle proof against electromagnetic interference or EMP-based attack, although itself a highly expensive addition.
Armour and Protection
Like the Wolfhound and Ironheart, all versions of the Werewolf uses a protective shield system dubbed the WATCHKEEPER to intercept incoming missiles and rockets. WATCHKEEPER uses a multi-projectile, shotgun-like blast to destroy incoming munitions just before they impact the tank itself. WATCHKEEPER was designed and developed by Lyran Arms together with The People's Freedom.
The WATCHKEEPER includes an F band fire control radar on six flat-panel antennae mounted on the vehicle. When mounted, the combined radar field of view is 360°/6400mils. When a weapon is fired at the vehicle, the Cromwell fire control computer detects the incoming weapons system and calculates an approach vector. Once the attack is fully classified, the Cromwell system determines the best time and angle to fire the active component of the WATCHKEEPER. The response comes from four launchers installed on the vehicle, two on each side of the turret. The launchers can pivot/rotate on x and y axes, and can therefore engage targets in any direction that the fire control computer deems necessary. The launchers fire small metal pellets, similar to the projectiles of an M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel weapon. However, unlike the claymore, the WATCHKEEPER is designed with a very narrow engagement area, minimising the chances of friendly or civilian casualties.
The WATCHKEEPER system also features an automatic reloading mechanism and can not only identify, track and destroy multiple inbound threats, but can do so simultaneously and from all directions, while the vehicle is on the move.
As with the LY3 and LY4 MBTs, and the Ironheart AMTV, the LY6 Werewolf is also fitted with the Lyran InfoWar Mark III laser-based ATGM counter-measure device. This is attached to the rear-left of the turret, and is designed to neutralise the guidance systems on laser-, infra-red and radar-guided anti-tank missiles. Unguided and visually-directed/TOW missiles are by nature unaffected by this system.
The LYI Mk III ATGM CMD is usually activated by the Cromwell system only when it determines that the active defence measures are insufficient or becoming overwhelmed.
According to Lyran standard, the LY6 Werewolf sports an impressive suite of active ECM as a means of defeating incoming radar guided missiles, and the suite is usually activated if detection equipment determines that multiple radar signatures are illuminating the vehicle in question.
The Werewolf's armour is derived in principle from the highly successful and battle-proven armour of its Wolfhound predecessor, protected as it is by multiple forms of armour layered throughout the vehicle.
The primary external armour is chobham, a form of composite armor composed of multiple layers of steel and ceramic. The steel plates hold the ceramic in position and the ceramic maintains its resistance to shock even when fragmented, as long as it remains held together. Explosive reactive armour is fitted as standard to the turret and major hull areas. Fireproof armoured bulkheads seperate the crew compartment from the engine bay, which itself forms part of the forward passive protection suite.
According to Lyran standards, the LY6 also features extensive depleted uranium (dU) mesh throughout the armour. With its strong emphasis on protection, the Werewolf features more dU mesh than any known armoured vehicle yet fielded, due to the fact that armour bolstered by this dU is considerabley better protected against medium and high-grade anti-tank weaponry, at the cost of notably increased weight. Given the requirements imposed upon the design process.
Fuel and ammunition are located within armoured sub-compartments, with integral blowout panels and anti-spalling steltexolite liners, and steltexolites are also used to protect the internals of the crew compartment, given its greater resilience to KE and HE based armour piercing AT weapons than kevlar. The steltexolite spall liners also provide a high degree of noise and thermal insulation, making the Werewolf, again like the Wolfhound, extremely quiet for its crew.
As with all Lyran armoured vehicles, the LY6 is designed to be fitted with slat (or bar) armour, which is a simple “cage” on the outside of the hull, designed to detonate anti-tank weapons before they contact the main body. This also increases the weight fractionally, but, especially in urban operations, is more important in that it adds an additional 30 cm of width to both sides of the vehicle. Given that the Werewolf already weighs 98.5 tonnes, the difference in total weight is further reduced proportionally. Lyran examples are universally equipped with slat armour as standard, viewing that the drawbacks are far outweighed by the benefits that the armour provides against many forms of anti-tank weaponry.
Lyran armour distribution principles differ from global norms, Lyran Arms continuing what is increasingly a trend, distributing its armour protection more evenly, reinforcing the engine bay (frontal, in the Werewolf's case), side armour and turret top. In addition, the Werewolf series places considerable emphasis on anti-mine protection, up-armouring the underside of the chassis, as well as relocating in-chassis ammunition storage. Developmental trials have determined that Werewolf tanks are able to continue fighting (but not moving) having triggered the detonation of an anti-tank mine under the tank without suffering any injuries to the crew.
An automatic, location-specific fire-suppression system is also fitted as standard to detect and render safe any internal fires that might erupt.
Propulsion and mobility
The LY6 Werewolf is powered by the advanced LY691 60L V12 multi-fuel propane-injected twin-turbo diesel 2,500 HP (2,303 kW) at 3000 RPM.. This gives the Werewolf a hp/ton ratio of 25.36.
The Werewolf draws extensively from the engine and propulsion design lessons of the LY3, LY4 and LY219 vehicles, and the LY691 engine is a synthesis of elements of all three previous engine designs. The LY3 Warhound, first of the series, was driven by a LY663 BW-404 V12 diesel, putting out 2,500hp, and from this engine the LY691 derives the majority of its physical commonality, being likewise a 60L V12. From the LY4 Wolfhound's LY664 engine came the propane-injection and twin-turbo elements of the LY691, the auxiliary power units, computerised engine monitoring, component replacement and active cooling systems. From the LY688 fitted to the LY219 Ironheart, the LY691 derived its more esoteric drive elements. Unlike the LY4, the engine of the LY6 is forward mounted, providing a further layer of protection between the crew and the most likely axis of incoming fire.
The LY691 features an electric transmission system, where the drive shafts have been replaced by cable and the power from the engines is transferred by cable throughput, which delivers a number of advantages, including volume efficiency, very high fuel efficiency (essential to make the engine viable, in this case), reduced lifecycle costs, and reduced environmental impacts.
The electric drive has also greatly improved low observability characteristics in terms of thermal and acoustic signatures as well as low visual and radar signatures.
Borrowing again from the LY219, the Werewolf's suspension is mounted on the underframe and not on the side frames, so the suspension is separated from the hull. A result of using a decoupled suspension in conjunction with the spall liners is that the internal noise level is as low as 79dB which is well below civilian vehicle noise standards.
The engine is further decoupled from the final drives allowing flexibility in the placing of systems in the vehicle and also easily allows two smaller engines to be installed instead of one, should local engines be preferred for export purposes. Batteries are integrated into the electric drive system, which when considered in combination with the suspension, allow the vehicle to be driven near-silently for several hours with the engines shut down, a factor very likely to increase psychological strain on forces fighting against it in close terrain. Preliminary analysis of the tactical and strategic ramifications of this show the Werewolf to possess an abnormally low detection signature for any armoured fighting vehicle, let alone a vehicle as large as a 98-and-a-half tonne assault gun.
The final drives are connected by a cross-shaft which gives higher power efficiency in turning manoeuvres by transferring the power regenerated at the inner track during a turn to the outer track.
The LY691 engine is, like its predecessors (bar the LY663), linked to the Cromwell system, which keeps track of the temperatures of each individual segment of the engine, and both monitors and records engine stresses. The system then notifies both the operators and higher command when replacement or repair is required for components, as well as when the engine or parts of it are coming due for routine maintenance. This contributes to greatly reduced attrition, and total combat readiness is markedly improved as a result, while lowering maintenance workloads. The Cromwell system is also responsible for monitoring the active cooling of the vehicle's exhaust, as a means of reducing the vehicle's already low thermal signature, further enhancing the vehicle's low observability characteristics.
The entire engine is also fitted with deployable sand filters for use in high-sand environments, such as deserts or certain parts of the littoral.
As is standard with Lyran armoured vehicles, the Werewolf is fitted with driver rear-vision cameras for manoeuvering in close country or urban environments.
Tracks are shrouded as standard to increase resilience to battle damage, and have with nine road wheels and two drive rollers, with only the forward roller on each side unshrouded.
Crew Amenities
The LY6 chassis is the largest of any extant Lyran fighting vehicle, and while it does use a great deal of internal hull space to carry ammunition, the extensive space created in the vehicle's rear by the usage of a forward mounted engine has enabled the crew amenities pioneered on the LY4 to be taken further by the LY6.
Like the LY4 and LY219, the Werewolf contains a drink point, providing hot water, cold water, and with two further compartments that can be filled with hot or cold drinks of the crew or unit's choice. As well as being morale boosting, hot water in particular can be of direct military value, with it being used to brew tea or coffee, produce other hot beverages and, most importantly, it is used for dehydrated ration packs common to many armies and armed services.
Situated immediately below the drink point is a small bar fridge, which can either carry spare rations, 'jack' rations, or approximately two cases of soft-drinks or equivalent.
The NBC system follows Lyran standard, and features quite adequately as a climate control system, making for working temperatures easily adjustable to every national or personal need (operating temperature range -40C to 55C).
Seat warmers/coolers are also fitted, to ensure greater comfort and optimise combat endurance and deployability of both crew and personnel being transported. The seats can also be adjusted, manually or electronically, to ensure optimum comfort and control access for any shape or size.
Werewolves, like the Wolfhounds, Ironhearts and Manticores are also equipped, as standard, with integral high-speed wireless (satellite) broadband internet connections, allowing the crew to surf the internet, check their emails, or correspond with family. The provision of insulated external connections allows accompanying or transported personnel to simply plug in to the side of the vehicle, and then they to can go online. Vehicles with this feature, an increasing proportion of the Lyran arsenal, are invariably popular with the units that field them, or are attached to them, as they not only ensure vastly improved fire support, but also mean that personnel are going to get, hot (or cold) drinks, snacks and a way to talk to home, all of which ensures dramatically higher morale and the notably higher performance that such morale generates.
Export
Export versions are identical to Lyran versions, with most of the Lyran cryptographic and communications equipment being memory erased to prevent compromise. All are, however, still integratable into a single force, should the requirement to synchronise operations on a multinational basis arise. Modified and/or custom versions of the Werewolf are available from the Lyran Protectorate, with costs altering as circumstances warrant.
Asgarnieu, Verenberg, TPF, Errikland, Bomble, the Federal Republic of Hamilay and and select other nations are eligible for special dispensation, if they wish to utilise the LY6 Werewolf.
Prices for export start at NS $19,000,000 per unit. Production licenses are available through negotiations with Lyran Arms (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541320).