The Macabees
10-03-2008, 16:53
[Note: For more ground warfare products, given that Kriegzimmer is no longer up, please refer yourself to Sistemas Terrestres Segovia Land Systems (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=547939). Also, discussion on the tank should be reserved to the NSDraftroom thread (http://z4.invisionfree.com/NSDraftroom/index.php?showtopic=2407) - thank you.]
Nakíl 1A3/1A3HA Main Battle Tank
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/Macabees/Armor/Nakl1A3.png
The Nakíl main battle tank has been exported in the form of over eight million copies, with several other millions of orders not being fulfilled due to the lack of production capabilities to cope with the demand – even Kriegzimmer (note: the real reason is because I wasn’t around to accept the orders). In that sense, the Nakíl is the most exported tank in the history of arms trade and probably the most produced, as well. A large number have even been produced as monkey models, although these do not even reach near the total production of the actual Nakíl – for example, the Questerian Empire has manufactured close to seventy thousand Type 65s, which is the Questerian Nakíl 1A1. Apart from mere production, the Nakíl is present in the world in several different forms – the 1A1, 1A1GU, 1A1+ and 1A2. The last of the line, the 1A2, boasts of an all-new turret shape, although with decreased armor protection – to decrease weight. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia, and the subcontracted companies in STS Land Systems, wants to offer the power of the 1A2 to the general public. Therefore, Kriegzimmer has outsourced the Nakíl upgrade project to Sistemas Terrestres Segovia. The new 1A3 unites the characteristics of both the 1A1 and the 1A2 series, bringing the Nakíl 1 back into what is a single production model – one turret and one chassis. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia is also offering the public the technology introduced with the Lince, and with brand-new armor and a brand-new main gun. If there was any doubt that the Nakíl was one of the best tanks in the world then, now it’s impossible to think otherwise.
The new modification program subdivides itself into three new models. Nakíl 1A1 users, regardless of who they are, will be able to procure the 1A3 modification kit. Some, especially 1A1+ users, will be able to acquire the 1A3HA kit – 1A2 users will be able to modify their tanks to 1A3HA status, and then probably receive a second modification in the near future to bring it to 1A3+ status. Therefore, ultimately there are chances of up to three new types of Nakíl. Although the 1A3 will have around 95% of all the new goods, each of the other packages will have small features to make them slightly superior – for our strategic allies. What advantages does this new incarnation of the Nakíl provide you? The Nakíl 1A3 unites all of the learned lessons from the development of the carro de combate Lince (Lynx main battle tank, on the export market) and the Nakíl 1A2 main battle tank, and brings together superior armor engineering, as well as new innovations in main gun technology. As always, the new gun also includes a new line of armor piercing ammunition, both for the general market and for strategic allies. The modification kit is simply perfecting the Nakíl, to make it the best fighting machine possible. This kit will increase the life of the Nakíl, when compared to newer main battle tanks, for at least another decade. Indeed, one of the advantages of the Nakíl over foreign tanks is that Kriegzimmer and Sistemas Terrestres Segovia Land Systems will always be working to provide the best tank possible, without the added cost of having to buy an all-new main battle tank.
The choice of words – ‘modification kit’ – is due to the difficulty of calling the 1A3 a modernization. The Nakíl 1A1 was already a modern tank, and is the same generation as any other tank currently on the market. Indeed, the 1A1GU, 1A1+ and 1A2s were improvements, but they were more so modifications to perfect the tank. The 1A3 is much the same, although it should be noted that the level of improvement in substantial. Nevertheless, it remains a 4th generation tank (at least, in what generations in Castilla y Belmonte and The Macabees goes by; 1930-1950 (Panther equivalent), 1951-1970 (T-55, M47/48 equivalent), 1970-1990 (Leopard 2, M1 Abrams equivalent) and 1990 – present). The carro de combate Lince is considered a generation 4+ tank, given that it performs like a sixty ton main battle tank, but only at forty-five tons (some erroneously consider it a light tank) – STSLS considers a 5th generation tank with future technologies, such as electromagnetic guns and fully electric drive trains. In some things, the Nakíl 1A3 may be considered a generation 4+ main battle tank.
The Nakíl 1A3 will be produced mainly in Castilla y Belmonte and the Second Empire of the Golden Throne, and production between all the factories cooperating amounts to around a maximum output of around five hundred thousand main battle tanks per year. This production is colossal, especially when one takes into consideration that a standard tank factory can only produce between thirty and one hundred tanks per year. Fortunately, in the Nakíl’s case Kriegzimmer will remain the main producer, taking advantage of their expansive construction facilities in Allanea, the colonies, Hailandkill, the Empire’s mainland, new factories in Safehaven and Guffingford, et cetera. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia will put into use new factories in Doomingsland and Malatose (originally used for the production of the Lince). Despite the earlier mentioned number of maximum output, it’s likely that production will be maximized at half that number – many tens of thousands of tanks will probably be built by third-party factories, belonging to indigenous industries in client nations. Both major export conglomerates are hoping that the new main battle tank market guarantees at least two million newly built Nakíl vehicles, and millions of upgrades. Other than just widespread upgrades, both companies are looking forward to supplying large amounts of these vehicles (in the 1A3HA manifestation) to NATO – the point where the Nakíl becomes almost the standard NATO tank. Although currently the Nakíl is competing against adversaries that have a big advantage, the fact that they are indigenous designs, already much of NATO has adopted the Nakíl as their tank of choice (e.g. Illior, Automagfreek, et cetera). Nations such as Tyrandis may become new clients, which will expand the Nakíl’s domain. Not only is this an advantage for the producers of the Nakíl, but also for NATO itself. Apart from standardizing a very powerful armament, it allows a NATO-specific Nakíl (we can even assume that the Nakíl 1A3+ will be this tank) to be improved for the alliance. This is difficult to achieve if each nation in the alliance uses a different tank.
Survivability
The Nakíl 1A3 introduces a new level of protection for the series, which increases survivability without a radical increase in vehicle weight. The new turret, fitted both to the Nakíl 1A1 and the Nakíl 1A2, allows for greater armor depth and like the previous models the armor on the tank is completely modular. In fact, the new turret is based on experience and is related to the Lince main battle tank’s and Lynx’s turret, as well as to the JBT-14CM upgrade’s ‘heavy turret’. Technically, a greater armored depth will allow for a greater level of protection, but instead the engineers at Kriegzimmer and at Sistemas Terrestres Segovia have decided to take advantage of it to decrease turret weight – this is especially necessary in the Nakíl 1A3HA, which features a larger main gun. Apart from the new turret, the two new Nakíl variants also feature brand-new ceramic-composite armor schemes and like before the armor is a hybrid between passive ceramic composite, non-explosive reactive armor and explosive reactive armor. Like the Lince and the JBT-14CM, furthermore, the Nakíl 1A3 also introduces multi-layered explosive reactive armor to increase the mass efficiency of the armor. Basically, the engineers at the two main contractors have taken advantage of new technologies in order to keep the armor values of the older variants but at a lesser weight penalty. This has been achieved through a greater understanding of the materials in use.
The hull structure remains the same – constructed out of improved rolled homogenous armor. Brand-new 1A3s will have the hull sides strengthened, however, while upgraded tanks will have add on plates welded, in order to allow the installation of a heavy explosive reactive armor over the hull. The added plates are meant more to stop the remainder of the jet or the penetrator which is not defeated by the reactive armor than to survive the moving back plate (the hull was already strong enough to withstand this degree of impact loading). This reactive armor is not as heavy as the Asteriox armor used on the Nakíl 1A2, but is similar. However, it uses only one titanium flier plate, with a single bulging perforated ultra-hard steel (600 BHN) plate (20mm) acting as a spaced layer between the forward-moving flier plate and the rear-moving back plate of the explosive reactive armor. On top of the explosive reactive armor is the tank’s main mass of composite-metal hybrid armor, including both passive and reactive elements (although not explosive). Instead of opting to use just one type of ceramic, the Nakíl 1A3 and 1A3HA instead use a ‘gradient’, or multiple types of ceramics to combine the abilities of each. Nevertheless, the bulk of the used ceramic is boron carbide, as is used on the Lince main battle tank, for it’s low bulk density. In order to increase protection against shaped charge warheads, the second part of the gradient is composed of pyrex, which has an even lower density than boron carbide. The boron carbide is backed by a thick layer of rolled homogenous armor in order to protect against the spalling of the ceramic tiles. In the Nakíl 1A3 metal has been used more than in past incarnations of the tank, and this time in the form of ‘triple hardness metal’ (as opposed to steel) – this includes a thin layer of very hard steel (500 BHN) to break the projectile, a second layer of aluminum dotted with nuggets of boron carbide to provide a strength which can be compared to armored steel (see: Zhang, Haitao, et. al., Superlightweight Nanoengineered Aluminum for Strength Under Impact, Advanced Engineering Materials, Volume 9, Number 5, 2007) and a third layer of perforated aluminum. It should be all steels have also seen radical improvement through the introduction of carbon nanospheres, much like the boron carbide nuggets in aluminum, which can withstand shock pressures of close to 250 tons per square centimeter (see: Eshel, David, Power Shields: Bomb-killing ceramics and nanomaterials improve vehicle protection, Defense Technology International, March 2007). All of this will radically increase protection or allow for a great decrease in weight – the latter being the optimal solution. Finally, the armor includes a top layer of heavy explosive reactive armor, similar to Asteriox in composition, although made with titanium flier plates to decrease weight.
Thicknesses vary from location to location, but as expected the thicker modules are located in the front 90º of the tank, with thinner modules protecting between the 90º arc line and the 120º arc line. Like in the Nakíl 1A2, however, lightweight special armor has been used to increase protection of the rear of the vehicle without sacrificing weight – although costs, as can be expected, spiral upwards. In the case of the rear of the vehicle the gravest threats are infantry small arms projectiles with steel and tungsten cores, as well as rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles. The latter are almost near impossible to protect with, especially with physical armor, but the damage done by impacting rocket propelled grenades can be attenuated to a large scale – as long as most of the energy of the grenade’s shaped charge warhead is consumed during penetration. Consequently, the rear side and rear armor is made up primarily of a layered composite armor – a low-density pyrex front-plate, backed by S-2 glass and aluminum foam. The composite armor is protected by a thin steel plate against 8mm tungsten-core armor-piercing projectiles, to offer the vehicle basic survivability against these types of threats; the armor as a hole can defeat up to 20mm anti-material projectiles! Like in past Nakíls, the roof armor is still protected by light explosive reactive armor to defeat top-attack explosively formed penetrators and light anti-tank missiles. Furthermore, the vehicle’s floor has been modified by a new shallow v-shaped steel plate welded together – with a hardened ‘weld crest’ – to deflect the blast of anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices; the suspension has not been modified, given that it’s an active hydropneumatic suspension and the crew can modify the vehicle’s height from the ground as necessary.
The tank commander’s remote weapon station emplacement, which allows the client to choose the RWS of choice, is now protected by a transparent gun-shield, which offers high protection against anti-armor projectiles of up to 13mm in caliber. The gun-shield covers the gunner on the front and on the sides and is composed of a front-plate of aluminum oxynitride, with several inner layers of polycarbonate – the armor is very similar to the technology used to armor MecániCas’ HIM-TEC design. The gun-shield is designed not to intrude in the roof’s armor and to work cooperatively with the explosive reactive armor; to appease clients, the gun-shield is also rated against fragments from the reactive armor, in the low probability that one of the bricks overreacts. In this way, the tank commander can operate the remote weapon station from inside the vehicle – as designed – and from an overhead watch position without fear of being killed by stray gunfire, a dedicated ambush or even a sniper.
It should be noted that the active protection system has seen a new modernization by Indra-Begón and is now known as GIOD Mk. III. This includes a new type of grenade that instead of using fragmentation to destroy inbound warheads, it uses the shockwaves of the blast. Consequently, the threat to nearby dismounted infantry has been radically reduced to the point where it’s no longer a relevant issue. Furthermore, the original radar mast has been eliminated, reducing the turret’s profile, and replaced by six sensors located around the tank operating in the x-band to track incoming threats. The protection system is otherwise the same and offers 360º protection for the Nakíl 1A3 and Nakíl 1A3HA. In modification packages the new grenades will simply replace the old grenades, as the same launching system is used, and the radar will be eliminated and replaced with the new iteration. It should be noted that similar technology has already been implemented with Sistemas Terrestres Segovia’s Lynx main battle tank (export version of the Lince) and will probably be retrofitted into the Lince at a future date (along with other new technologies).
Firepower
The most important new feature of the Nakíl 1A3 is the new AGS.250C 120mm electrothermal-chemical main gun, co-designed by Atmos International (Second Empire of the Golden Throne) and Calzado y Bayo (The Kingdom of Castilla y Belmonte). The AGS.250C is designed to bring clients power enhanced from the AGS.250B and the 120mm gun used on the Nakíl 1A2 by introducing a further advancement of electrothermal-chemical gun propulsion (well, theoretically the technology is separate, but they can be used in conjunction). For the most part, the guns remain the same in regards to manufacturing and materials used in the breech and in the cannon to reduce weight to make one of the lightest 120mm guns available on the market. Minor technologies have been used to further reduce weight near the mount in the turret basket, integrating redundant parts, much like was done in the Lince main battle tank of Castilla y Belmonte. However, the most radical improvement was the inclusion of chemically augmented combustion (HAC), which uses hydrogen to convert molecules with high molecular weight to molecules with low molecular weight – this yields higher impetus or force, and thus higher gun performance. Used in conjunction with electrothermal-chemical technology, this may be known as HYPEC (see: Klingenberg, G., Gun Propulsion Concepts. Part I: Fundamentals, Propellants, Explosives and Pyrotechnics, Volume 20, p. 307). The AGS.250C is a ‘pure liquid propellant’ gun, using the same HAN-based propellants as other tank guns produced by Atmos and Calzado y Bayo. The new gun has reached what is considered the limit for a 120mm gun using electrothermal-chemical technology, although other technologies exist which can possibly further increase performance – nevertheless, further ‘improvements’ will provide clashes between performance versus mechanical simplicity.
Due to this, the Nakíl 1A3HA opts to simply increase the gun-caliber, to provide users some sort of edge over the ‘common’ Nakíl (Nakíl 1A3). All 120mm guns used by the Nakíl in all the tanks coming off the production insofar have used a dual-breech system, which is a lightweight 140mm breech fitted with a 120mm gun-tube. Ideally, this allowed from an easy transition to the 140mm caliber, despite Kriegzimmer’s opinion that larger calibers were not necessarily ideal. However, it now seems as if there is little choice short of providing even more revolutionary gun propulsion technologies, such as electromagnetic acceleration; technology simply doesn’t exist to enhance gun performance past that of the AGS.250C. Therefore, the Nakíl 1A3HA has exchanged the original 120mm gun for the AGS.140 gun tube, using the same breech – weight has increased by around six hundred kilograms, as compared to the 120mm gun tube, but it’s seen as a worthwhile modernization. This provides the Nakíl 1A3HA unsurpassed lethality in the Nakíl line and makes it one of the most powerful tank cannons on the market, in general. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Nakíl 1A3HA is the heaviest tank in the Nakíl series currently put into production – this is not only thanks to the heavier armor (with depleted uranium), but also due to the heavier main gun. It is up to the client (if the client has the potential of procuring the 1A3HA) whether it is within his or her best interests to use the 140mm gun (a client can choose to include all the HA features, except for the increase in bore caliber and instead mount the AGS.250C).
The Nakíl 1A1+ mounted a 20mm autocannon as the preferred co-axial weapon, while the Nakíl 1A1GU retained the original light machine gun. Both STS and Kriegzimmer decided to mount the G379B on the new Nakíl, replacing both of the older co-axial weapons. The G379B is a combat 25mm autocannon which currently sees service in the Lince main battle tank as the G379 – the difference between the two is that the G379B uses electrothermal ignition (ETI) armor-piercing ammunition to increase ballistic lethality against lightly armored vehicles; the energy is taken from the battery which forms part of the new hybrid electric power pack (discussed in detail below). The G379B has a compact mount and recoil mechanism due to the high efficiency muzzle break (60%) and is lightweight thanks to the greater use of aluminum and titanium and the improved feeder system decreases gun size, increases the feeder’s lifespan and decreases weight by over 20% of the original weight of the G379! The G379B uses the same ammunition as the Lince’s G379, although these are adapted as ETI ammunition – the ACC.50 CTA APFSDS can penetrate up to infantry combat vehicles due to its fantastic ballistic capabilities (discussed in the Lince write-up). The gun is fed from ammunition bins located in the turret basket and the tank holds up to two hundred and fifty rounds for the gun. The G379B has an elevation of up to 60º and can depress to -20º, making it perfect for urban operations since it engage targets in tall buildings.
Finally, a new internal mortar will replace the existing 60mm mortar in the turret. The modification includes reducing the weight of the actual mortar by over 20%, modifying the Cornerstone fire control system of the tank (to Cornerstone Mark II), and exchanging the original tank-commander breech loaded mortar for an autoloaded mortar. In order to decrease weight the baseplate of the mortar is fabricated out of aluminum, while the tube and breech use a greater percentage of titanium. The eighteen kilogram mortar is considered an ‘extended-range’ mortar system, and has a maximum effective range of five kilometers with laser guided and unguided shells; the fire control system has been modified to include the possibility of laser guidance and satellite guidance to make the mortars much more lethal during a conflict. Although the new compact autoloader for the mortar is considered more comfortable for the tank commander (normally, the mortar would be loaded by the loader but in the Nakíl there is no loader) the disadvantage is that now the turret carries less ready-ammunition for the 60mm mortar. Instead of the original thirty pieces of ammunition, the Nakíl 1A3 carries twenty-four – regardless, it’s considered worth it, especially considering the greater accuracy the new mortar will have against infantry units and buildings. Although not relevant to the mortar, it should be noted that the commander’s hatch is still behind what is a readied-‘pit’ for a remote weapon station; the client can choose the remote weapon station which best fits its economic capabilities, strategic considerations and political necessities.
Mobility
The Nakíl 1A1GU retained the original gas turbine of the Nakíl 1A1, which was at best a 2nd generation turbine (due to the electronics system integrated into the engine), but the Nakíl 1A1+ mounted the GRS-100, which was the same gas turbine which was mounted in the Nakíl 1A2. This latter engine was much more compact, for the same power output, and decreased fuel consumption to near levels of a modern diesel engine. This gave the 1A1+ a decisive advantage in terms of mobility and logistics over the 1A1 and 1A1GU. In the Nakíl 1A3, Sistemas Terrestres Segovia has leveled the playing field by introducing the TA series 600 gas turbine of the Lince and Lynx main battle tanks – both the 1A3 and 1A3HA will receive this engine, although the 1A3HA will receive a larger version (1,800 horsepower versus 1,700). In general, the engines weigh between 670 and 730 kilograms and have a volume of a little under 1m3, which is remarkable (and smaller than the GRS-100, as well). Fuel efficiency is gained with two principle methods – the electric batteries which belong to the hybrid-electric transmission and a recuperator added to the power pack, which increases thermal efficiency and reuses lost energy. Furthermore, the gas turbine, using more advanced composites and ceramics for construction, can operate a higher temperatures (1,537º C), thereby also increasing the efficiency of the engine. Like its predecessor, the tank includes a turbine diagnostics system (TDS) to make sure the engine is well maintained before the tank enters a combat zone.
As mentioned above, in the Nakíl 1A3HA the mechanical transmission has been replaced by the 800T-96B electric transmission (the Lince uses the 800T-96A transmission, which is less developed). In the Nakíl 1A3, in general, the original transmission – which was the same as in the Nakíl 1A1 – has been replaced by the mechanical transmission used in the Nakíl 1A1+, with an efficiency of between 80-83%. Although the Nakíl 1A3 will not have the same weight advantages as the Nakíl 1A3HA, the new suspension is still an important improvement over the older mechanical transmission. Balzán’s 800T-96B electric transmission is an improvement over the 800T-96A, with greater transfer efficiency to the sprocket. The electric transmission gives the Nakíl 1A3HA an important advantage over the Nakíl 1A3 standard and other main battle tanks abroad, including increased fuel efficiency because the engine is no longer operating based on the desired road speed but to power the generator, which in turns distributes the necessary power. This means that the engine will be operating at the optimum rate for a longer period of time. Second, the existence of batteries and generators means that the original auxiliary power unit can be deleted and there is more available power for the electrothermal-chemical gun (the need for an independent pulsed power supply no longer exists). Third, with an electric transmission there is the advantage of reduced heat and visual signatures, which is an advantage for any tank. Fourth, and related to the second point, it allows for silent watch without the need for an independent and powerful auxiliary power unit, while fifth the transmission is much lighter and much more flexible, while lastly the transmission has advanced diagnostics available for maintenance. For the Nakíl 1A3HA, this means that with the extra five thousand kilograms or so saved of weight the amount of armor can be increased without a major penalty (thus HA, or ‘heavy armor’). In specific to the new transmission, it has a much better power efficiency to the sprocket, as already mentioned, of 72%.
Both versions of the 1A3 have been fitted MecániCas’ Type 640 lightweight tracks, saving around six hundred kilograms of weight. Apart from being lighter, these tracks are also more durable, use a quick-fit system for the pads and use longer-lasting elastomer pads. As should be expected, these are the same tracks that are being used on the Lince and on the Lynx main battle tanks, and other companies have marketed similar track systems to other tank manufacturers. On the Nakíl 1A3 a service life of a minimum of 4,300km can be expected, although like always it really depends on a multitude of variables. For example, it can be expected that the track will last much less if the tank is used mostly on uneven terrain and is driven at fast velocities – this is natural. In the Nakíl 1A3HA’s case, the new tracks and the elastomer rubber pads are more capable of supporting the extra weight, especially given that the new tracks suffer less from pressure on the end connectors since interaction between the sprocket and roadwheels is transferred to the track’s body instead. Due to the inclusion of new tracks, the Nakíl 1A3 and 1A3HA also have a new sprocket and new roadwheels, of the same size and similar weight (the roadwheels are constructed out of aluminum, with steel hubs, and the sprocket is made out of steel). In upgrades, therefore, the new tracks will also require the new roadwheels and sprockets, since these are designed to work together – the old sprocket will not interact correctly with the Type 640 tracks.
It’s difficult to quantify what improvements these modifications have made on the Nakíl. It should be taken into consideration that the tank’s weight has increased and therefore increases in horsepower are to account for this added weight to the tank, not to increase the tank’s power to weight ratio. The main advantages in the new modifications are related directly to the logistical footprint of the tank, which is large given its technological level and its size. The new power pack and tracks are more maintenance friendly, can be repaired faster and less expensively and are much lighter. Furthermore, the new modifications are designed to last longer. Apart from these modifications most everything else remains the same, except that the ‘all-steel’ active hydropneumatic suspension has again been replaced for the earlier, lighter suspension of the same type, with greater use of aluminum, titanium and polymer materials. It should be noted that the hydropneumatic suspension has found a greater role due to the new low-profile turret with limited weapon depression – gun depression should be furthered through the use of the active hydropneumatic suspension. Although at first sight this might be seen as a disadvantage, it’s not because at greater levels of depression an autoloader won’t be able to load the gun, while this isn’t relevant if the entire chassis is moving along with the breech of the gun – the low-profile turret saves over five thousand kilograms of weight and enhances the tank’s survivability, for a minor disadvantage that eliminates many other disadvantages.
Other Considerations, the Nakíl 1A3HA and Conclusions
The Nakíl 1A1GU and 1A1+ already introduced a lot in the way of stealth features, including liners along the inside of the engine bay to decrease the thermal signature of the compartment, as well as composite exhausts to decrease heat in what is one of ‘hottest’ places on the tank. The recuperator in the new gas turbine should also have an impact on the amount of heat released by the engine – it should be noted that over 67% of the energy is used due to the recuperator using much of the energy lost as heat again, which means that the TA series 600 is one of the most thermally efficient engines currently on the market. Like in previous versions, the side skirt is also a powerful tool to decrease the thermal signature of the tank. The low-profile turret also adds to the overall survivability of the vehicle, and in Macabee forces the Nakíl tends to wear a camouflage netting which also decreases the tank’s thermal signature and radar cross section, offering it enhanced survivability against ordnances which use radar to guide themselves against the target (such as top-attack munitions). In regards to noise production, during the War of Golden Succession it was said that the tracks made more noise than the tank’s engine, and similar sentiments have been shared by clients which have used the tank in other conflicts. The new guns, whether it be the 120mm L/57 or the 140mm L/50, are mounted in an air-cooled mass attenuated gun. To put these efforts into perspective, it’s not a question of the tank’s signatures being seen at one hundred or even five hundred meters, it’s a question of being targeted at ranges of one kilometer or more and especially by fire-and-forget munitions with the capability of targeting tanks at ranges of multiples of kilometers – in fact, this was the single most deadly threat that was faced by allied tanks at the massive tank battle of Ishme-Dagan.
The Nakíl 1A3HA has been alluded to above and its differences should be reminded. For one, it makes use of thicker frontal armor to enhance protection, taking advantage of its lightweight features (the electric transmission), making it a much more survivable tank. As mentioned, it makes use of an electric transmission and mounts the larger, more powerful 140mm L/50 tank gun (all Nakíl’s feature the dual-caliber breech, as should be reminded). The Nakíl 1A3HA also mounts the larger model 600 gas turbine, producing 1,800hp as compared to 1,700hp. Apart from these already mentioned differences, the Nakíl 1A3HA also introduces the Cornerstone Mark III fire control system, which is modified beyond the Mark II (which introduced the new 60mm internal mortar). The Cornerstone Mark III is at a technological level similar to the Mercenario fire control system used by the Castillian Lince main battle tank. Cornerstone Mk III has been released by the Castillian electronics bordello Indra-Begón and a new generation direct viewing optical (DVO) for the tank commander has replaced the conventional periscope with an optical zoom of up to ten times and a further digital magnification of up to four times. The new ballistic computer and central distribution center are also smaller and faster, and the onboard classification system has been upgraded with all known foreign weapon systems which have recently been released. Although Cornerstone was already a very advanced fire control system, even small improvements can mean large advantages on the battlefield during the correct circumstances. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Nakíl no longer has the millimeter wave radar mast, as this has been replaced by sensors around the tank working in the X-band.
The Nakíl 1A3 is a general upgrade and can be contracted by anybody, including Nakíl 1A1 and 1A1GU users. The Nakíl 1A3HA is a more specific upgrade and is meant for Nakíl 1A1+ clients and all-NATO allies (as well as allies in Damirez’ Commonwealth). As expected, these vehicles can also be contracted brand-new which comes with its advantages (everything is integrated, as opposed to modified into an existing tank) – so new Nakíl users are always welcomed! The Nakíl 1A2 will probably receive a similar modification package, although it will be more in depth – Nakíl 1A2 users will be able to modify their tanks, although it’s unlikely that brand-new Nakíl 1A2s (probably called Nakíl 1A2Ms) will be sold. A Nakíl 1A2 modification will most likely come hand in hand with the expected Lince 1A1 modification package. Therefore, the date for that release will depend much on the Castillian Ministry of Defense (MoD). It’s likely that the Nakíl 1A2 will receive the new turret, as well, to unite the Nakíl line – in this way in the future all tanks can be modified along similar lines, without the need of expensive turret packages. With this new turret both Sistemas Terrestres Segovia and Kriegzimmer believe that they have reached the ‘perfect turret shape’ for the general size of the tank – anything more radical would require a tank along similar lines to the Lince. There have been rumors of a Nakíl 2, but neither company has released any information. Tank enthusiasts have posted that this tank will be similar to the Lince, but yet more radical – nevertheless, nothing should be expected soon.
With this new tank package the Nakíl has gone from forefront to a clear leadership position amongst main battle tanks, and has been transformed into something closer to what is considered a ‘generation 4+’ main battle tank. Given its ‘conventional dimensions’ it’s difficult to be considered technologically similar to the Lince, but it comes as close as possible – future modification programs will probably have to focus on how to decrease weight even further, which may require even more intensive modifications to the chassis and the introduction of new compact technologies to replace current systems. Nevertheless, the Nakíl continues to represent the ‘cream of the crop’ and this has been embossed by the nine and a half million tanks exported insofar, and the many more millions to come.
Statblock (1A3HA in blue)
Manufacturer: Sistemas Terrestres Segovia/Kriegzimmer/Imperial Land Systems
Crew: 3
Weight: 64,320kg/67,400kg
Power to Weight Ratio: 26.4 hp/t/26.7
Length: 7.97m
Length of Gun: 6.84m/7m
Width: 3.8m
Height: 2.6m
Ground Clearance: .4m
Engine: 1700hp Gas Turbine/1800 hp Gas Turbine
Maximum Velocity: 74km/h
Range: 500/640km
Range With External Tanks: 1,130km
Trench: 5.6m
Step: 5.6m
Vertical Obstacle: 1.4m
Ford Unprepared: 1.8m
Ford Prepared: 6m
Climbing Gradient: 40x
Fire and Control Computer: Cornerstone Mk II/Cornerstone Mk III
Armament:
120mm Light Weight High Breech Pressure Liquid Propellant ETC/140mm Light Weight High Breech Pressure Liquid Propellant ETC
1x G379B 20mm CTA ETC autocannon
1x 12.7mm HMG
1x Remote Weapon Station (HammerFist)
1x 60mm mortar
Ammunition:
48 Rounds in turret/36 rounds in turret
Main Gun Depression: -5/+38 degrees
Armor [Rolled Homogenous Equivalent with ERA vs. KE]:
Lower Hull: 1,100mm
Glacis: 2,180mm/2,440mm
Front 1/3 Side Hull: 425mm/930mm
Front Side Turret/ Side Turret: 1,440mm/1,920mm
Rear Turret: 740mm
Rear Hull: 698.5mm
Side Hull: 1,298.5mm/1,810mm
Mantlet: 3,075mm/3,325mm
Weakened Zone: 3,250mm/3,450mm
Front Turret Corners: 3,250mm/3,450mm
Side Turret: 2,200mm
Roof: 235mm
Armor [Rolled Homogenous Equivalent with ERA vs. CE]:
Lower Hull: 1,400mm
Glacis: 2,780mm/2,980mm
Front 1/3 Side Hull: 850mm/1,100m
Front Side Turret/Side Turret: 1,990mm/2,100mm
Rear Turret: 1,498mm
Rear Hull: 1,387mm
Side Hull: 1,700mm/1,750mm
Mantlet: 3,540mm/3,610mm
Weakened Zone: 3,715mm/3,790mm
Front Turret Corners: 3,770mm/3,820mm
Side Turret: 1,830mm
Roof: 715mm
Suspension: Active Hydropneumatic Suspension System
Sensors & Range:
4th Generation FLIR @ 13km targeting range; 8km classification range
3rd Generation LADAR @ ~10km classification range
3rd Generation CITV
Night Vision: Integrated with sensors.
NBC Protection: Air-tight chassis and turret, air filtration and overpressure air conditioning system, masks and uniforms.
Cost for Upgrade: $2.7 million / $3.2 million
Cost for New Production: $10 million / $11 million
Nakíl 1A3/1A3HA Main Battle Tank
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The Nakíl main battle tank has been exported in the form of over eight million copies, with several other millions of orders not being fulfilled due to the lack of production capabilities to cope with the demand – even Kriegzimmer (note: the real reason is because I wasn’t around to accept the orders). In that sense, the Nakíl is the most exported tank in the history of arms trade and probably the most produced, as well. A large number have even been produced as monkey models, although these do not even reach near the total production of the actual Nakíl – for example, the Questerian Empire has manufactured close to seventy thousand Type 65s, which is the Questerian Nakíl 1A1. Apart from mere production, the Nakíl is present in the world in several different forms – the 1A1, 1A1GU, 1A1+ and 1A2. The last of the line, the 1A2, boasts of an all-new turret shape, although with decreased armor protection – to decrease weight. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia, and the subcontracted companies in STS Land Systems, wants to offer the power of the 1A2 to the general public. Therefore, Kriegzimmer has outsourced the Nakíl upgrade project to Sistemas Terrestres Segovia. The new 1A3 unites the characteristics of both the 1A1 and the 1A2 series, bringing the Nakíl 1 back into what is a single production model – one turret and one chassis. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia is also offering the public the technology introduced with the Lince, and with brand-new armor and a brand-new main gun. If there was any doubt that the Nakíl was one of the best tanks in the world then, now it’s impossible to think otherwise.
The new modification program subdivides itself into three new models. Nakíl 1A1 users, regardless of who they are, will be able to procure the 1A3 modification kit. Some, especially 1A1+ users, will be able to acquire the 1A3HA kit – 1A2 users will be able to modify their tanks to 1A3HA status, and then probably receive a second modification in the near future to bring it to 1A3+ status. Therefore, ultimately there are chances of up to three new types of Nakíl. Although the 1A3 will have around 95% of all the new goods, each of the other packages will have small features to make them slightly superior – for our strategic allies. What advantages does this new incarnation of the Nakíl provide you? The Nakíl 1A3 unites all of the learned lessons from the development of the carro de combate Lince (Lynx main battle tank, on the export market) and the Nakíl 1A2 main battle tank, and brings together superior armor engineering, as well as new innovations in main gun technology. As always, the new gun also includes a new line of armor piercing ammunition, both for the general market and for strategic allies. The modification kit is simply perfecting the Nakíl, to make it the best fighting machine possible. This kit will increase the life of the Nakíl, when compared to newer main battle tanks, for at least another decade. Indeed, one of the advantages of the Nakíl over foreign tanks is that Kriegzimmer and Sistemas Terrestres Segovia Land Systems will always be working to provide the best tank possible, without the added cost of having to buy an all-new main battle tank.
The choice of words – ‘modification kit’ – is due to the difficulty of calling the 1A3 a modernization. The Nakíl 1A1 was already a modern tank, and is the same generation as any other tank currently on the market. Indeed, the 1A1GU, 1A1+ and 1A2s were improvements, but they were more so modifications to perfect the tank. The 1A3 is much the same, although it should be noted that the level of improvement in substantial. Nevertheless, it remains a 4th generation tank (at least, in what generations in Castilla y Belmonte and The Macabees goes by; 1930-1950 (Panther equivalent), 1951-1970 (T-55, M47/48 equivalent), 1970-1990 (Leopard 2, M1 Abrams equivalent) and 1990 – present). The carro de combate Lince is considered a generation 4+ tank, given that it performs like a sixty ton main battle tank, but only at forty-five tons (some erroneously consider it a light tank) – STSLS considers a 5th generation tank with future technologies, such as electromagnetic guns and fully electric drive trains. In some things, the Nakíl 1A3 may be considered a generation 4+ main battle tank.
The Nakíl 1A3 will be produced mainly in Castilla y Belmonte and the Second Empire of the Golden Throne, and production between all the factories cooperating amounts to around a maximum output of around five hundred thousand main battle tanks per year. This production is colossal, especially when one takes into consideration that a standard tank factory can only produce between thirty and one hundred tanks per year. Fortunately, in the Nakíl’s case Kriegzimmer will remain the main producer, taking advantage of their expansive construction facilities in Allanea, the colonies, Hailandkill, the Empire’s mainland, new factories in Safehaven and Guffingford, et cetera. Sistemas Terrestres Segovia will put into use new factories in Doomingsland and Malatose (originally used for the production of the Lince). Despite the earlier mentioned number of maximum output, it’s likely that production will be maximized at half that number – many tens of thousands of tanks will probably be built by third-party factories, belonging to indigenous industries in client nations. Both major export conglomerates are hoping that the new main battle tank market guarantees at least two million newly built Nakíl vehicles, and millions of upgrades. Other than just widespread upgrades, both companies are looking forward to supplying large amounts of these vehicles (in the 1A3HA manifestation) to NATO – the point where the Nakíl becomes almost the standard NATO tank. Although currently the Nakíl is competing against adversaries that have a big advantage, the fact that they are indigenous designs, already much of NATO has adopted the Nakíl as their tank of choice (e.g. Illior, Automagfreek, et cetera). Nations such as Tyrandis may become new clients, which will expand the Nakíl’s domain. Not only is this an advantage for the producers of the Nakíl, but also for NATO itself. Apart from standardizing a very powerful armament, it allows a NATO-specific Nakíl (we can even assume that the Nakíl 1A3+ will be this tank) to be improved for the alliance. This is difficult to achieve if each nation in the alliance uses a different tank.
Survivability
The Nakíl 1A3 introduces a new level of protection for the series, which increases survivability without a radical increase in vehicle weight. The new turret, fitted both to the Nakíl 1A1 and the Nakíl 1A2, allows for greater armor depth and like the previous models the armor on the tank is completely modular. In fact, the new turret is based on experience and is related to the Lince main battle tank’s and Lynx’s turret, as well as to the JBT-14CM upgrade’s ‘heavy turret’. Technically, a greater armored depth will allow for a greater level of protection, but instead the engineers at Kriegzimmer and at Sistemas Terrestres Segovia have decided to take advantage of it to decrease turret weight – this is especially necessary in the Nakíl 1A3HA, which features a larger main gun. Apart from the new turret, the two new Nakíl variants also feature brand-new ceramic-composite armor schemes and like before the armor is a hybrid between passive ceramic composite, non-explosive reactive armor and explosive reactive armor. Like the Lince and the JBT-14CM, furthermore, the Nakíl 1A3 also introduces multi-layered explosive reactive armor to increase the mass efficiency of the armor. Basically, the engineers at the two main contractors have taken advantage of new technologies in order to keep the armor values of the older variants but at a lesser weight penalty. This has been achieved through a greater understanding of the materials in use.
The hull structure remains the same – constructed out of improved rolled homogenous armor. Brand-new 1A3s will have the hull sides strengthened, however, while upgraded tanks will have add on plates welded, in order to allow the installation of a heavy explosive reactive armor over the hull. The added plates are meant more to stop the remainder of the jet or the penetrator which is not defeated by the reactive armor than to survive the moving back plate (the hull was already strong enough to withstand this degree of impact loading). This reactive armor is not as heavy as the Asteriox armor used on the Nakíl 1A2, but is similar. However, it uses only one titanium flier plate, with a single bulging perforated ultra-hard steel (600 BHN) plate (20mm) acting as a spaced layer between the forward-moving flier plate and the rear-moving back plate of the explosive reactive armor. On top of the explosive reactive armor is the tank’s main mass of composite-metal hybrid armor, including both passive and reactive elements (although not explosive). Instead of opting to use just one type of ceramic, the Nakíl 1A3 and 1A3HA instead use a ‘gradient’, or multiple types of ceramics to combine the abilities of each. Nevertheless, the bulk of the used ceramic is boron carbide, as is used on the Lince main battle tank, for it’s low bulk density. In order to increase protection against shaped charge warheads, the second part of the gradient is composed of pyrex, which has an even lower density than boron carbide. The boron carbide is backed by a thick layer of rolled homogenous armor in order to protect against the spalling of the ceramic tiles. In the Nakíl 1A3 metal has been used more than in past incarnations of the tank, and this time in the form of ‘triple hardness metal’ (as opposed to steel) – this includes a thin layer of very hard steel (500 BHN) to break the projectile, a second layer of aluminum dotted with nuggets of boron carbide to provide a strength which can be compared to armored steel (see: Zhang, Haitao, et. al., Superlightweight Nanoengineered Aluminum for Strength Under Impact, Advanced Engineering Materials, Volume 9, Number 5, 2007) and a third layer of perforated aluminum. It should be all steels have also seen radical improvement through the introduction of carbon nanospheres, much like the boron carbide nuggets in aluminum, which can withstand shock pressures of close to 250 tons per square centimeter (see: Eshel, David, Power Shields: Bomb-killing ceramics and nanomaterials improve vehicle protection, Defense Technology International, March 2007). All of this will radically increase protection or allow for a great decrease in weight – the latter being the optimal solution. Finally, the armor includes a top layer of heavy explosive reactive armor, similar to Asteriox in composition, although made with titanium flier plates to decrease weight.
Thicknesses vary from location to location, but as expected the thicker modules are located in the front 90º of the tank, with thinner modules protecting between the 90º arc line and the 120º arc line. Like in the Nakíl 1A2, however, lightweight special armor has been used to increase protection of the rear of the vehicle without sacrificing weight – although costs, as can be expected, spiral upwards. In the case of the rear of the vehicle the gravest threats are infantry small arms projectiles with steel and tungsten cores, as well as rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles. The latter are almost near impossible to protect with, especially with physical armor, but the damage done by impacting rocket propelled grenades can be attenuated to a large scale – as long as most of the energy of the grenade’s shaped charge warhead is consumed during penetration. Consequently, the rear side and rear armor is made up primarily of a layered composite armor – a low-density pyrex front-plate, backed by S-2 glass and aluminum foam. The composite armor is protected by a thin steel plate against 8mm tungsten-core armor-piercing projectiles, to offer the vehicle basic survivability against these types of threats; the armor as a hole can defeat up to 20mm anti-material projectiles! Like in past Nakíls, the roof armor is still protected by light explosive reactive armor to defeat top-attack explosively formed penetrators and light anti-tank missiles. Furthermore, the vehicle’s floor has been modified by a new shallow v-shaped steel plate welded together – with a hardened ‘weld crest’ – to deflect the blast of anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices; the suspension has not been modified, given that it’s an active hydropneumatic suspension and the crew can modify the vehicle’s height from the ground as necessary.
The tank commander’s remote weapon station emplacement, which allows the client to choose the RWS of choice, is now protected by a transparent gun-shield, which offers high protection against anti-armor projectiles of up to 13mm in caliber. The gun-shield covers the gunner on the front and on the sides and is composed of a front-plate of aluminum oxynitride, with several inner layers of polycarbonate – the armor is very similar to the technology used to armor MecániCas’ HIM-TEC design. The gun-shield is designed not to intrude in the roof’s armor and to work cooperatively with the explosive reactive armor; to appease clients, the gun-shield is also rated against fragments from the reactive armor, in the low probability that one of the bricks overreacts. In this way, the tank commander can operate the remote weapon station from inside the vehicle – as designed – and from an overhead watch position without fear of being killed by stray gunfire, a dedicated ambush or even a sniper.
It should be noted that the active protection system has seen a new modernization by Indra-Begón and is now known as GIOD Mk. III. This includes a new type of grenade that instead of using fragmentation to destroy inbound warheads, it uses the shockwaves of the blast. Consequently, the threat to nearby dismounted infantry has been radically reduced to the point where it’s no longer a relevant issue. Furthermore, the original radar mast has been eliminated, reducing the turret’s profile, and replaced by six sensors located around the tank operating in the x-band to track incoming threats. The protection system is otherwise the same and offers 360º protection for the Nakíl 1A3 and Nakíl 1A3HA. In modification packages the new grenades will simply replace the old grenades, as the same launching system is used, and the radar will be eliminated and replaced with the new iteration. It should be noted that similar technology has already been implemented with Sistemas Terrestres Segovia’s Lynx main battle tank (export version of the Lince) and will probably be retrofitted into the Lince at a future date (along with other new technologies).
Firepower
The most important new feature of the Nakíl 1A3 is the new AGS.250C 120mm electrothermal-chemical main gun, co-designed by Atmos International (Second Empire of the Golden Throne) and Calzado y Bayo (The Kingdom of Castilla y Belmonte). The AGS.250C is designed to bring clients power enhanced from the AGS.250B and the 120mm gun used on the Nakíl 1A2 by introducing a further advancement of electrothermal-chemical gun propulsion (well, theoretically the technology is separate, but they can be used in conjunction). For the most part, the guns remain the same in regards to manufacturing and materials used in the breech and in the cannon to reduce weight to make one of the lightest 120mm guns available on the market. Minor technologies have been used to further reduce weight near the mount in the turret basket, integrating redundant parts, much like was done in the Lince main battle tank of Castilla y Belmonte. However, the most radical improvement was the inclusion of chemically augmented combustion (HAC), which uses hydrogen to convert molecules with high molecular weight to molecules with low molecular weight – this yields higher impetus or force, and thus higher gun performance. Used in conjunction with electrothermal-chemical technology, this may be known as HYPEC (see: Klingenberg, G., Gun Propulsion Concepts. Part I: Fundamentals, Propellants, Explosives and Pyrotechnics, Volume 20, p. 307). The AGS.250C is a ‘pure liquid propellant’ gun, using the same HAN-based propellants as other tank guns produced by Atmos and Calzado y Bayo. The new gun has reached what is considered the limit for a 120mm gun using electrothermal-chemical technology, although other technologies exist which can possibly further increase performance – nevertheless, further ‘improvements’ will provide clashes between performance versus mechanical simplicity.
Due to this, the Nakíl 1A3HA opts to simply increase the gun-caliber, to provide users some sort of edge over the ‘common’ Nakíl (Nakíl 1A3). All 120mm guns used by the Nakíl in all the tanks coming off the production insofar have used a dual-breech system, which is a lightweight 140mm breech fitted with a 120mm gun-tube. Ideally, this allowed from an easy transition to the 140mm caliber, despite Kriegzimmer’s opinion that larger calibers were not necessarily ideal. However, it now seems as if there is little choice short of providing even more revolutionary gun propulsion technologies, such as electromagnetic acceleration; technology simply doesn’t exist to enhance gun performance past that of the AGS.250C. Therefore, the Nakíl 1A3HA has exchanged the original 120mm gun for the AGS.140 gun tube, using the same breech – weight has increased by around six hundred kilograms, as compared to the 120mm gun tube, but it’s seen as a worthwhile modernization. This provides the Nakíl 1A3HA unsurpassed lethality in the Nakíl line and makes it one of the most powerful tank cannons on the market, in general. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Nakíl 1A3HA is the heaviest tank in the Nakíl series currently put into production – this is not only thanks to the heavier armor (with depleted uranium), but also due to the heavier main gun. It is up to the client (if the client has the potential of procuring the 1A3HA) whether it is within his or her best interests to use the 140mm gun (a client can choose to include all the HA features, except for the increase in bore caliber and instead mount the AGS.250C).
The Nakíl 1A1+ mounted a 20mm autocannon as the preferred co-axial weapon, while the Nakíl 1A1GU retained the original light machine gun. Both STS and Kriegzimmer decided to mount the G379B on the new Nakíl, replacing both of the older co-axial weapons. The G379B is a combat 25mm autocannon which currently sees service in the Lince main battle tank as the G379 – the difference between the two is that the G379B uses electrothermal ignition (ETI) armor-piercing ammunition to increase ballistic lethality against lightly armored vehicles; the energy is taken from the battery which forms part of the new hybrid electric power pack (discussed in detail below). The G379B has a compact mount and recoil mechanism due to the high efficiency muzzle break (60%) and is lightweight thanks to the greater use of aluminum and titanium and the improved feeder system decreases gun size, increases the feeder’s lifespan and decreases weight by over 20% of the original weight of the G379! The G379B uses the same ammunition as the Lince’s G379, although these are adapted as ETI ammunition – the ACC.50 CTA APFSDS can penetrate up to infantry combat vehicles due to its fantastic ballistic capabilities (discussed in the Lince write-up). The gun is fed from ammunition bins located in the turret basket and the tank holds up to two hundred and fifty rounds for the gun. The G379B has an elevation of up to 60º and can depress to -20º, making it perfect for urban operations since it engage targets in tall buildings.
Finally, a new internal mortar will replace the existing 60mm mortar in the turret. The modification includes reducing the weight of the actual mortar by over 20%, modifying the Cornerstone fire control system of the tank (to Cornerstone Mark II), and exchanging the original tank-commander breech loaded mortar for an autoloaded mortar. In order to decrease weight the baseplate of the mortar is fabricated out of aluminum, while the tube and breech use a greater percentage of titanium. The eighteen kilogram mortar is considered an ‘extended-range’ mortar system, and has a maximum effective range of five kilometers with laser guided and unguided shells; the fire control system has been modified to include the possibility of laser guidance and satellite guidance to make the mortars much more lethal during a conflict. Although the new compact autoloader for the mortar is considered more comfortable for the tank commander (normally, the mortar would be loaded by the loader but in the Nakíl there is no loader) the disadvantage is that now the turret carries less ready-ammunition for the 60mm mortar. Instead of the original thirty pieces of ammunition, the Nakíl 1A3 carries twenty-four – regardless, it’s considered worth it, especially considering the greater accuracy the new mortar will have against infantry units and buildings. Although not relevant to the mortar, it should be noted that the commander’s hatch is still behind what is a readied-‘pit’ for a remote weapon station; the client can choose the remote weapon station which best fits its economic capabilities, strategic considerations and political necessities.
Mobility
The Nakíl 1A1GU retained the original gas turbine of the Nakíl 1A1, which was at best a 2nd generation turbine (due to the electronics system integrated into the engine), but the Nakíl 1A1+ mounted the GRS-100, which was the same gas turbine which was mounted in the Nakíl 1A2. This latter engine was much more compact, for the same power output, and decreased fuel consumption to near levels of a modern diesel engine. This gave the 1A1+ a decisive advantage in terms of mobility and logistics over the 1A1 and 1A1GU. In the Nakíl 1A3, Sistemas Terrestres Segovia has leveled the playing field by introducing the TA series 600 gas turbine of the Lince and Lynx main battle tanks – both the 1A3 and 1A3HA will receive this engine, although the 1A3HA will receive a larger version (1,800 horsepower versus 1,700). In general, the engines weigh between 670 and 730 kilograms and have a volume of a little under 1m3, which is remarkable (and smaller than the GRS-100, as well). Fuel efficiency is gained with two principle methods – the electric batteries which belong to the hybrid-electric transmission and a recuperator added to the power pack, which increases thermal efficiency and reuses lost energy. Furthermore, the gas turbine, using more advanced composites and ceramics for construction, can operate a higher temperatures (1,537º C), thereby also increasing the efficiency of the engine. Like its predecessor, the tank includes a turbine diagnostics system (TDS) to make sure the engine is well maintained before the tank enters a combat zone.
As mentioned above, in the Nakíl 1A3HA the mechanical transmission has been replaced by the 800T-96B electric transmission (the Lince uses the 800T-96A transmission, which is less developed). In the Nakíl 1A3, in general, the original transmission – which was the same as in the Nakíl 1A1 – has been replaced by the mechanical transmission used in the Nakíl 1A1+, with an efficiency of between 80-83%. Although the Nakíl 1A3 will not have the same weight advantages as the Nakíl 1A3HA, the new suspension is still an important improvement over the older mechanical transmission. Balzán’s 800T-96B electric transmission is an improvement over the 800T-96A, with greater transfer efficiency to the sprocket. The electric transmission gives the Nakíl 1A3HA an important advantage over the Nakíl 1A3 standard and other main battle tanks abroad, including increased fuel efficiency because the engine is no longer operating based on the desired road speed but to power the generator, which in turns distributes the necessary power. This means that the engine will be operating at the optimum rate for a longer period of time. Second, the existence of batteries and generators means that the original auxiliary power unit can be deleted and there is more available power for the electrothermal-chemical gun (the need for an independent pulsed power supply no longer exists). Third, with an electric transmission there is the advantage of reduced heat and visual signatures, which is an advantage for any tank. Fourth, and related to the second point, it allows for silent watch without the need for an independent and powerful auxiliary power unit, while fifth the transmission is much lighter and much more flexible, while lastly the transmission has advanced diagnostics available for maintenance. For the Nakíl 1A3HA, this means that with the extra five thousand kilograms or so saved of weight the amount of armor can be increased without a major penalty (thus HA, or ‘heavy armor’). In specific to the new transmission, it has a much better power efficiency to the sprocket, as already mentioned, of 72%.
Both versions of the 1A3 have been fitted MecániCas’ Type 640 lightweight tracks, saving around six hundred kilograms of weight. Apart from being lighter, these tracks are also more durable, use a quick-fit system for the pads and use longer-lasting elastomer pads. As should be expected, these are the same tracks that are being used on the Lince and on the Lynx main battle tanks, and other companies have marketed similar track systems to other tank manufacturers. On the Nakíl 1A3 a service life of a minimum of 4,300km can be expected, although like always it really depends on a multitude of variables. For example, it can be expected that the track will last much less if the tank is used mostly on uneven terrain and is driven at fast velocities – this is natural. In the Nakíl 1A3HA’s case, the new tracks and the elastomer rubber pads are more capable of supporting the extra weight, especially given that the new tracks suffer less from pressure on the end connectors since interaction between the sprocket and roadwheels is transferred to the track’s body instead. Due to the inclusion of new tracks, the Nakíl 1A3 and 1A3HA also have a new sprocket and new roadwheels, of the same size and similar weight (the roadwheels are constructed out of aluminum, with steel hubs, and the sprocket is made out of steel). In upgrades, therefore, the new tracks will also require the new roadwheels and sprockets, since these are designed to work together – the old sprocket will not interact correctly with the Type 640 tracks.
It’s difficult to quantify what improvements these modifications have made on the Nakíl. It should be taken into consideration that the tank’s weight has increased and therefore increases in horsepower are to account for this added weight to the tank, not to increase the tank’s power to weight ratio. The main advantages in the new modifications are related directly to the logistical footprint of the tank, which is large given its technological level and its size. The new power pack and tracks are more maintenance friendly, can be repaired faster and less expensively and are much lighter. Furthermore, the new modifications are designed to last longer. Apart from these modifications most everything else remains the same, except that the ‘all-steel’ active hydropneumatic suspension has again been replaced for the earlier, lighter suspension of the same type, with greater use of aluminum, titanium and polymer materials. It should be noted that the hydropneumatic suspension has found a greater role due to the new low-profile turret with limited weapon depression – gun depression should be furthered through the use of the active hydropneumatic suspension. Although at first sight this might be seen as a disadvantage, it’s not because at greater levels of depression an autoloader won’t be able to load the gun, while this isn’t relevant if the entire chassis is moving along with the breech of the gun – the low-profile turret saves over five thousand kilograms of weight and enhances the tank’s survivability, for a minor disadvantage that eliminates many other disadvantages.
Other Considerations, the Nakíl 1A3HA and Conclusions
The Nakíl 1A1GU and 1A1+ already introduced a lot in the way of stealth features, including liners along the inside of the engine bay to decrease the thermal signature of the compartment, as well as composite exhausts to decrease heat in what is one of ‘hottest’ places on the tank. The recuperator in the new gas turbine should also have an impact on the amount of heat released by the engine – it should be noted that over 67% of the energy is used due to the recuperator using much of the energy lost as heat again, which means that the TA series 600 is one of the most thermally efficient engines currently on the market. Like in previous versions, the side skirt is also a powerful tool to decrease the thermal signature of the tank. The low-profile turret also adds to the overall survivability of the vehicle, and in Macabee forces the Nakíl tends to wear a camouflage netting which also decreases the tank’s thermal signature and radar cross section, offering it enhanced survivability against ordnances which use radar to guide themselves against the target (such as top-attack munitions). In regards to noise production, during the War of Golden Succession it was said that the tracks made more noise than the tank’s engine, and similar sentiments have been shared by clients which have used the tank in other conflicts. The new guns, whether it be the 120mm L/57 or the 140mm L/50, are mounted in an air-cooled mass attenuated gun. To put these efforts into perspective, it’s not a question of the tank’s signatures being seen at one hundred or even five hundred meters, it’s a question of being targeted at ranges of one kilometer or more and especially by fire-and-forget munitions with the capability of targeting tanks at ranges of multiples of kilometers – in fact, this was the single most deadly threat that was faced by allied tanks at the massive tank battle of Ishme-Dagan.
The Nakíl 1A3HA has been alluded to above and its differences should be reminded. For one, it makes use of thicker frontal armor to enhance protection, taking advantage of its lightweight features (the electric transmission), making it a much more survivable tank. As mentioned, it makes use of an electric transmission and mounts the larger, more powerful 140mm L/50 tank gun (all Nakíl’s feature the dual-caliber breech, as should be reminded). The Nakíl 1A3HA also mounts the larger model 600 gas turbine, producing 1,800hp as compared to 1,700hp. Apart from these already mentioned differences, the Nakíl 1A3HA also introduces the Cornerstone Mark III fire control system, which is modified beyond the Mark II (which introduced the new 60mm internal mortar). The Cornerstone Mark III is at a technological level similar to the Mercenario fire control system used by the Castillian Lince main battle tank. Cornerstone Mk III has been released by the Castillian electronics bordello Indra-Begón and a new generation direct viewing optical (DVO) for the tank commander has replaced the conventional periscope with an optical zoom of up to ten times and a further digital magnification of up to four times. The new ballistic computer and central distribution center are also smaller and faster, and the onboard classification system has been upgraded with all known foreign weapon systems which have recently been released. Although Cornerstone was already a very advanced fire control system, even small improvements can mean large advantages on the battlefield during the correct circumstances. On the other hand, it should be noted that the Nakíl no longer has the millimeter wave radar mast, as this has been replaced by sensors around the tank working in the X-band.
The Nakíl 1A3 is a general upgrade and can be contracted by anybody, including Nakíl 1A1 and 1A1GU users. The Nakíl 1A3HA is a more specific upgrade and is meant for Nakíl 1A1+ clients and all-NATO allies (as well as allies in Damirez’ Commonwealth). As expected, these vehicles can also be contracted brand-new which comes with its advantages (everything is integrated, as opposed to modified into an existing tank) – so new Nakíl users are always welcomed! The Nakíl 1A2 will probably receive a similar modification package, although it will be more in depth – Nakíl 1A2 users will be able to modify their tanks, although it’s unlikely that brand-new Nakíl 1A2s (probably called Nakíl 1A2Ms) will be sold. A Nakíl 1A2 modification will most likely come hand in hand with the expected Lince 1A1 modification package. Therefore, the date for that release will depend much on the Castillian Ministry of Defense (MoD). It’s likely that the Nakíl 1A2 will receive the new turret, as well, to unite the Nakíl line – in this way in the future all tanks can be modified along similar lines, without the need of expensive turret packages. With this new turret both Sistemas Terrestres Segovia and Kriegzimmer believe that they have reached the ‘perfect turret shape’ for the general size of the tank – anything more radical would require a tank along similar lines to the Lince. There have been rumors of a Nakíl 2, but neither company has released any information. Tank enthusiasts have posted that this tank will be similar to the Lince, but yet more radical – nevertheless, nothing should be expected soon.
With this new tank package the Nakíl has gone from forefront to a clear leadership position amongst main battle tanks, and has been transformed into something closer to what is considered a ‘generation 4+’ main battle tank. Given its ‘conventional dimensions’ it’s difficult to be considered technologically similar to the Lince, but it comes as close as possible – future modification programs will probably have to focus on how to decrease weight even further, which may require even more intensive modifications to the chassis and the introduction of new compact technologies to replace current systems. Nevertheless, the Nakíl continues to represent the ‘cream of the crop’ and this has been embossed by the nine and a half million tanks exported insofar, and the many more millions to come.
Statblock (1A3HA in blue)
Manufacturer: Sistemas Terrestres Segovia/Kriegzimmer/Imperial Land Systems
Crew: 3
Weight: 64,320kg/67,400kg
Power to Weight Ratio: 26.4 hp/t/26.7
Length: 7.97m
Length of Gun: 6.84m/7m
Width: 3.8m
Height: 2.6m
Ground Clearance: .4m
Engine: 1700hp Gas Turbine/1800 hp Gas Turbine
Maximum Velocity: 74km/h
Range: 500/640km
Range With External Tanks: 1,130km
Trench: 5.6m
Step: 5.6m
Vertical Obstacle: 1.4m
Ford Unprepared: 1.8m
Ford Prepared: 6m
Climbing Gradient: 40x
Fire and Control Computer: Cornerstone Mk II/Cornerstone Mk III
Armament:
120mm Light Weight High Breech Pressure Liquid Propellant ETC/140mm Light Weight High Breech Pressure Liquid Propellant ETC
1x G379B 20mm CTA ETC autocannon
1x 12.7mm HMG
1x Remote Weapon Station (HammerFist)
1x 60mm mortar
Ammunition:
48 Rounds in turret/36 rounds in turret
Main Gun Depression: -5/+38 degrees
Armor [Rolled Homogenous Equivalent with ERA vs. KE]:
Lower Hull: 1,100mm
Glacis: 2,180mm/2,440mm
Front 1/3 Side Hull: 425mm/930mm
Front Side Turret/ Side Turret: 1,440mm/1,920mm
Rear Turret: 740mm
Rear Hull: 698.5mm
Side Hull: 1,298.5mm/1,810mm
Mantlet: 3,075mm/3,325mm
Weakened Zone: 3,250mm/3,450mm
Front Turret Corners: 3,250mm/3,450mm
Side Turret: 2,200mm
Roof: 235mm
Armor [Rolled Homogenous Equivalent with ERA vs. CE]:
Lower Hull: 1,400mm
Glacis: 2,780mm/2,980mm
Front 1/3 Side Hull: 850mm/1,100m
Front Side Turret/Side Turret: 1,990mm/2,100mm
Rear Turret: 1,498mm
Rear Hull: 1,387mm
Side Hull: 1,700mm/1,750mm
Mantlet: 3,540mm/3,610mm
Weakened Zone: 3,715mm/3,790mm
Front Turret Corners: 3,770mm/3,820mm
Side Turret: 1,830mm
Roof: 715mm
Suspension: Active Hydropneumatic Suspension System
Sensors & Range:
4th Generation FLIR @ 13km targeting range; 8km classification range
3rd Generation LADAR @ ~10km classification range
3rd Generation CITV
Night Vision: Integrated with sensors.
NBC Protection: Air-tight chassis and turret, air filtration and overpressure air conditioning system, masks and uniforms.
Cost for Upgrade: $2.7 million / $3.2 million
Cost for New Production: $10 million / $11 million