NationStates Jolt Archive


HAT-1 Sparky MBT Released

Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 01:09
Program Goals
The program goals for the production of Holy Marsh’s first indigineious main battle tank were outstanding speed and mobility, great armor, advanced protection and electronic systems, the ability to penetrate the armor of most MBT’s on the market, and have the ability to deal with opposing helicopters, infantry, and medium vehicles. It had to be reasonably priced but superior in every way.

Background
Holy Marsh Armored Divisions for years relied on the M1A2 SEPs and Leopard 2A6s. They were on par with any other opposing tank in the region, but as more and more enemies appeared in the region sporting tanks of the same quality, it became apparent that the status quo would lead to unacceptable losses. While replacing tanks was of little consequence, the loss of well-trained tank crews who often served hand-in-hand with person that they had known for decades was a serious concern.

Development began in earnest. The Western General Auto corporation ha several design plans for the program, but all were rejected either due to low firepower or extreme cost. Eventually, the government owned Marsh Industries won on their second bid. Development, testing, and initial production took place at MI-8 in Alserta, Marsh Imperial Province. It was dubbed the HAT-1 Sparky: HAT stood for Heavy Assault Tank, which became something of a misnomer, 1 stood for it being the first in the class, and Sparky is national and holy animal of the Holy Marsh.

Four-hundred tanks were split into four armored divisions and had their first action in the Eversi War. After the stunning success of the HAT-1, it was ordered in the thousands and is now the mainstay of the Marsh armored divisions.


Main Armament
Marsh Industries went over several different ideas. Increasing the caliber to sixty or the 120MM to 130MM was considered, but weight considerations as well as accuracy problems quickly meant that MI scrapped these ideas. Eventually, development began on ECT guns. Noting the large increase in penetration and minimal weight issues, the ECT gun was selected. Ignition is handled by the CERISA and is coupled with development and production of liquid propellant. A 500MM recoil mechanism works with a muzzle brake in order to lessen the recoil of the ECT gun. The turret is further developed to make the auto-loader as effective as possible: The HOLY AVENGER Autoloader can now claim 15 rounds a minute. It went through more hours of testing than the ECT gun did, and has been confirmed to be extremely reliable. If the HOLY AVENGER goes through too much fring before maintenance is done, it can go as low as 12 rounds a minute.
These modifications allow for an incredible amount of damage and penetration while also lessening recoil. Indeed, in the short Eversi War, it showed itself to be a very stable, quick, and exceedingly powerful platform. It can fire a wide range of ammunition, and works with all currently operational 120MM rounds and missiles.

Secondary Armament
The first design of the HAT-1 featured a Coaxial GAU-17, SACHERI fired MK-47, and another GAU-17 for the commander. However, this was quickly disposed of as the GAU-17 ammunition would be hard to fit in the tank. The second design was for a 25MM Bushmaster cannon as the coaxial and an M2 Browning as the commander weapon. Few had problems with the reliable M2, but soon some concerns over the autocannon and the ammunition soon shelved that concept for a short while. The third design was for two BRG-15s. The BRG-15 was quickly selected as the commander weapon, but the need for a reliable anti-air capability still drove development. A compact version of the 25MM Bushmaster was decided upon in the later stages of development. It has two mounted grenade launchers that come standard with chaff and smoke, but with some modification fragmentation and flashbang are possible.

Protection
The SAVIOR and SACHERI systems combine to make the HAT-1 extremely difficult to hit. The SACHERI tracks missiles, shells, rockets, and other tank killing devices and orders them based on danger to the tank. A 120MM shell that is going to hit the most heavily armored side of the tank is rated lower than a missile that is aimed at the tank’s top. The SAVIOR system, after the course has been projected, fires multiple large bore interceptors that destroy the target. The system has went through several iterations; the first iteration fired one large bore shell. It had a hit rate of 60% and a destruction rate of 85%. This averages out to 51% of targets tracked were destroyed, a great success rate on par with the best protection systems on the planet. The second iteration fired a second shell that was smaller. It increased the ratio to 55%. Finally, the third iteration raised the ratio to 60% by firing two large bore shells. The GOLIATH system employed by Lyras has a success rate of 64%; the only advantage that SAVIOR has is the ability to further add launchers.

SACHERI actively attempts to neutralize incoming missiles and rockets. The AKS system(Active Kill System) tracks missiles and rockets and continually feeds them false radar/infrared information. The further away the missile or rocket has been fired, the higher the chance that the system will work. If SACHERI believes it will fail, the chaff countermeasures are fired. (if all that fails, there is always prayer.) Active ECM systems and smoke grenades that limit radar cross section are also used.


SACHERI
SACHERI is the most advanced computer system employed thus far in the nation. It incorporates more than twelve information gathering devices and quickly aids the commander in making quick decisions. A few, but not all, features include LOS stablization, 24-hour and all weather observation systems, systems that priortize the 16 most important targets for the tank, target tracking and measurements that surpass systems currently in use which give it a geat first strike capability and probability, T1 battlefield network connections that enable it to be part of the modern battlefield, and advanced radar equipped with the GARSIUS system. The GARSIUS system uses normal radar but adds several classified devices which enable the system to have a better chance at detecting tanks which are waiting in ambush. The SACHERI system has been tested for years and has finally entered service. No errors were reported during the Eversi War, and all commanders in the field have praised it as making an armored division act with nearly one mind. The design of the system also safeguards it against hacking and ECM interference. The SAVHERI system proved to outdo even MI experts’ prediction: It had a hit probability of 83%, which surpasses any other system currently in use. The information sharing capability is such that within mere moments, information is transmitted throughout the entire chain of command. SACHERI’s tracking and prioritizing of targets means that within a few minutes of engagement, the only enemy units left are leaderless and their ability to engage the HAT-1 with any degree of success is negligible.

Armor
4th Generation Composite covers the tank and is very lightweight yet extremely durable. Depleted Uranium mesh covers the top, front, and sides. Explosive Reactive Armor covers the top, front, and front 1/3 sides of the tank. In all, the HAT-1 is well armored with little loss in terms of mobility. The lack of armor experts in the nation means there has been little development in new technology in armor. Weight and glacias is around an M1A2 SEP.

Propulsion and Mobility
The MIH-Turbine/Diesel engine is extremely fuel efficient, yet offers up a healthy 1,500HP and 2750 RPM. The Power to weight ratio is a healthy 25.6 hp/tonne. The Transmission is the MT-Axe One 400, a five gear forward and two reverse transmission that resembles the ease of use enjoyed by the Chattle series of MI automobiles. The Hydractive Suspension is the modern variant of the hydropneumatic suspension and gives the HAT-1 a very smooth ride across even the roughest of terrain. It can reach 80 km/h on the road and 60 km/h off-road, and is able to turn on the dime(in tank terms, anyway.)

Crew Comforts
The same seats used in the Chattle series of automobiles are used in the tank, giving world class comfort and back support to every crew member. There is a small 2X2 area for food and drinks; there is a an area for hot foods that are ready to eat out of the bag and for drinks. Though small, this offers the crew enough food and drink besides their rations to make them quite happy. If one chooses to, there is a way to take out an ammunition block and add in a small fridge that can carry extra rations, though this would be advisable during patrol during peacetime and then only.

The T1 connection used for SACHERI can separately be used to surf the internet, check their e-mail, and make on-line phone calls. Small compartments built into the seat have a small pillow and blanket in case the crew must sleep in there. SACHERI also keeps a constant temperature of 65 degrees, keeping the crew comfortable. The system can be set to any temperature if needs be.


History
The Eversi War was the first war top see the HAT-1. It showed a kill ratio against the Leopard 2A6 of 21:1 and against M1A2 SEPs it was 34:1; together, the ratio was 25:1 Certainly, some of this is due to Marsh training and morale, but much of it is believed to be the superiority of the HAT-1 when noted that the Allies by and large were well trained and had high morale. A total of 17 tanks were knocked out while 425 enemy tanks were knocked out. 325 further enemy tanks were immobilized as were 7 HAT-1s.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
The HAT-1 served on all sides of the Marsh Civil War, performing well under a multitude of combat scenarios. With the HAT-2 in the project phase, the HAT-1 is being phased out.
Export
The first 30,000 HAT-1 MBTs will only cost NS $2,000,000, as they are excess stock.
The HAT-1 costs NS $8,000,000. All exports will be shipped without some components of the SACHERI system that deal with Marsh military intelligence, but this will not affect performance. DPR rights will cost NS $40 billion.

Weight: 58.5 tonnes
Length: 7.6 m.
Width: 3.8 m.
Height: 2.8 m.
Crew: 3
Armor: 4th Generation Composite with depleted uranium, Explosive Reactive Armor on the front and front 1/3 sides.
Protection: Chaff launchers, SAVIOR system, NBC protection.
Primary Armament: MI-ECTA 120MM L55 Cannon.
Secondary: Coaxial Bushmaster 25MM, CROWS MK-47, BGR-15, aformentioned some launchers and chaff launchers.
Engine: MIH-Multifuel Diesel 1,500 HP 2750 RPM.
Transmission: MT- Axe One 400.
Power/weight: 25.6 HP/Tonne OR 21.3 HP/Tonne
Electronics: They all operate under the Sacheri system.
Suspension: Hydractive Suspension
Ground Clearance: 0.5 m
Operational Range: 600 km (Internal fuel)
Road Speed: 80 km/H
Off-Road Speed: 60 km/H
Ford: 1.5 m
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:22
Do you sell it to?
Salzland
22-09-2008, 17:24
Export
The first 20,000 HAT-1 MBTs will only cost NS $2,000,000, as they are excess stock.
The HAT-1 costs NS $8,000,000. All exports will be shipped without some components of the SACHERI system that deal with Marsh military intelligence, but this will not affect performance. DPR rights will cost NS $40 billion.

Hope this helps
Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 17:27
T: Roef
From: Holy Marsh

As Salzland pointed out, I do indeed sell the HAT-1 Sparky. Are you interested?
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:27
OOC: O, yea right...
IC:
we woud like to buy 20 of these nice tanks. Just of tests, later we will maybe buy more.
Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 17:32
To: Roef
From: Holy Marsh

That comes out to $40 Million for our excess stock tanks, many which have see battle, or $160 million for tanks fresh off of the production line. Which one do you prefer?
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:35
To: Holy Marsh

From: Roef, head of military

Well, excess stock tanks, woud be fine if they all, work perfect, or almost perfect. If they are damaged, and half destroyed, ofcourse i woud pay you less.
But 40 million will be wired.
Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 17:38
To: Roef
From: Holy Marsh

Payment received. We would never sell damaged or destroyed tanks, but many prefer the "clean" feeling of a newly manufactured tank, so we thought it would be wise to ask.
The tanks shall be shipped from Khaska military base to your nation when they have been stripped of Marsh gear. Thank you for your interest in Marsh Industries.
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:45
OOC: O, dont worry about that gockade thread, as no reason, and no other stuff, jsut for anger from him, it will be ignored. So, dont be scared or something.

IC:
To: Holy Marsh

From: Roef, head of military

Thank you. Maybe later we will buy more, but first: The super test!
No, just tests...
Thank you.
Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 17:47
OOC: Nah, not worried about the blockade thread. This is time-stamped after my civil war, which hasn't been RPed yet. Fluid time ftw.

To: Roef
From: Holy Marsh

You are welcome, and may the Holy Marsh guide you on the Eternal Path.
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:49
OOC: I know, i dont mind, it wil ldie-off in time.

IC:
To: Holy marsh

From: Roef

Thank you. And a question, are these ships, they got protection right? Or just 1 ship with 20 tanks on it?
Zinaire
22-09-2008, 17:49
OOC: Nah, not worried about the blockade thread. This is time-stamped after my civil war, which hasn't been RPed yet. Fluid time ftw.

OOC: Well, then naturally the tanks can't be used until after your civil war has happened.
Holy Marsh
22-09-2008, 17:53
OOC: Well, then naturally the tanks can't be used until after your civil war has happened.

Obviously, but then again, the blockade happens now while the Civil War has been going on for three IC years. Don't worry about it- it's twenty tanks that will not take part in anything until the civil war has happened. His testing will take at least a few days RL time, and by then the CW RP will have started. Then I can't sell anything while the CW has been going on, so everyone is fine.


IC:
To: Roef
From: Holy Marsh

The transport ship has a detachment of Marines, but beyond that has no protection.

OOC@Roef: Like I said, fluid time-stamped after my civil war, which is after the blockade is over.
Roef
22-09-2008, 17:54
OOC: Alright.
Holy Marsh
27-09-2008, 06:00
After evaluating post-war military demands, Holy Marsh has put all 30,000 tanks up for the $2 million price tag.
Third Spanish States
27-09-2008, 06:32
http://www.combatreform.com/lavdanger.htm

After devising a revolutionary rocket assisted drop system for up to 60 metric tons carriage, the MilNet, on behalf of the Revolutionary Army of the Confederacy of Third Spanish States, would like to acquire six Sparky MBTs to form the First and Only "Sparky" Airborne Division of Epic M113 Gavin, the best armored fighting vehicle of all times and of M135 MacGavin, not as good because it's wheeled crap too. Thus, as we are unaware whether your excess stockpile has been delivered, we shall either wire 12 or 48 millions following confirmation.
Holy Marsh
27-09-2008, 06:50
OOC: I lolzed.

We would be pleased to send you six HAT-1s- your decision on whether you want the excess stockpile or a freshly produced tank is all that is required.
Third Spanish States
27-09-2008, 07:13
After consideration, the MilNet has decided to request for vehicles from your stockpile rather than for new vehicles. The 12 millions shall be wired while we shall mail to the Holy Marsh a miniature M113 Airborne Vehicle and poster of general James M. Gavin as a token of our appreciation.

(OOC: I have a design named M135 MacGavin, thus I couldn't resist. Anyway, consider this a serious purchase In-character. They just don't want to ruin one of their own tanks in their loony tests of attempting to air drop a 50 - 60 ton tank with rocket assistance. Yes, basically they are trying to do this, because their military is a bit... anarchic)
Holy Marsh
27-09-2008, 07:23
OOC: Sounds like a funny test. Tell me what the results are.XD
To: Third Spanish States
From: Holy Marsh

The tanks are being gathered for shipping and should arrive within the week. We thank you for the miniature vehicle and, of course, that wonderful poster.