Weight: 30 tonnes
Length: 8.2 metres
Width: 2.7 m
Height: 2.1 m
Crew : 2 (Commander, Driver)
+ 10 troops
Armor: Aluminum alloy with ceramic composite
Main armament: 30mm multi purpose Autocannon (1400 rounds)
Secondary armament: Co-axial mount for 12.7mm HMG or 30mm grenade launcher
Engine: inline-six diesel engine 600 horsepower
Power/weight: 20 hp/tonne
Suspension: 10x10 Hydropneumatic Double wishbone suspension
Operational range: 800 km
Speed: 116 kph
Speed(water): 13kph
History
Designed in 2001 to meet the Drackonisian Army's goal of increased mechanized infantry divisions. In mid-2004, one prototype and one pre-production model had been built and was evaluated in the army's proving grounds, where the vehicle met a number of emerging wheeled armoured vehicle requirements.
The Mudskipper-C2 production model was developed in 2005 equipped with a more advanced driveline and hydro-pneumatic suspension system, and a number of changes from the C1 prototype including a V shaped underbody for resistance against landmines and IEDs instead of a flat hull and revised rear suspension.
Design Overview
As with a number of other recently introduced wheeled armoured vehicles, the Mudskipper is a modular design with various levels of armour protection and weapon systems able to be equipped up to a gross vehicle weight of 30,000 kg. Along with its size, the Mudskipper is air portable by C-130s or other similar cargo aircraft.
The Mudskipper's layout is conventional: the driver sits front left and the power pack is to the right. The layout leaves the rest of the vehicle clear for additional ammo storage and troop compartments, which is provided with a power-operated ramp and roof hatches.
Armament
Various weapon systems can be fitted on the roof, including a complete stabilized turret armed with a 30mm DAR-AC2 multipurpose autocannon and modular coaxial mount capable of mounting a 12.7HMG or 30mm grenade launcher. Additional 7.62mm machine guns can be mounted over the rear troop compartment. In addition, the vehicle can be configured to carry varying combat payloads - from turreted weapon stations (including 105 mm tank guns) to rocket launchers. The modular top deck allows for quick configuration change.
Arguably, despite all the various armaments the ICV is equipped, none makes it more versatile or deadly as its onboard electronics. Comprising of a multitude of computers and sensors, the Mudskipper is a highly intelligent vehicle designed for modern combat. Its primary goal in addition to providing increased mobility and protection to its cargo of infantry, is to serve as a mobile headquarters for the soldiers as well. As with most Drackonisian armed forces vehicles, it is equipped with LEGION and networked to various air and land assets such as infantrymen, main battle tanks, artillery platforms, attack helicopters and fighter aircraft in the theatre of battle.
Purpose-built for urban warfare, the Mudskipper ICV will be instrumental in overcoming some of the challenges that infantrymen face when fighting in built-up areas. In urban environments, soldiers have decreased situational awareness, poor intelligence on the enemies' movement and location, amongst other things. In particular, they are vulnerable to ambush and unconventional tactics utilized by the enemy.
As such, To increase situational awareness for infantry troops, the LEGION network connected Mudskipper ICV will interface with the Advanced Warrior System (AWS) to constantly update infantry troops on enemy movement and location. With a better picture of the operating environment and key battlefield information provided by LEGION, soldiers can call for support from air and land forces to coordinate manoeuvres and deliver precision fire on enemy targets.
In addition to providing battlefield information, the Mudskipper ICV can also pinpoint hostile positions and engage them directly. The Weapon Detection System (WDS) on board determines the location of enemy fire by computing sound data gathered by an array of microphones on the vehicle. This information is then shared with other friendly forces via the LEGION network.
Mobility
The Mudskipper uses a patented independent double wishbone suspension, for improved ground mobility and stability over the rough terrain. The use of automatic traction control and the capacity for large footprint off-road tires enables it to traverse at unprecedented speeds in soft ground conditions. Capable of hitting up to 116kph at its top speed, it presents unmatched mobility for a vehicle of its class.
The mudskipper's weight also allows it to be air transportable, greatly increasing its tactical options and operation flexibility. It's lightweight chassis also affects its fuel economy, making it less strenuous on supply lines to sustain on extended operations. It's strength lies in its ground mobility, capable of achieving extremely high top speeds and remaining very maneuverable in combat situations.
In its baseline configuration, the Mudskipper is fully amphibious: two water jets mounted on either side at the back of the hull propel the vehicle through water at 13 kph.
Designed to ferry troops into combat over land and small rivers, the vehicle is designed to be amphibious to increase tactical option. When entering water, the Mudskipper exposes only 30 cm of its roof above water level, with the turret capable of engaging units on land.
Armor
The vehicle has a double hull with an external V-hull that improves mine blast survivability. Add-on armor such as ERA can provide further protection for troops if necessary. It is also capable of providing full Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protection in extreme operational conditions. The hull can be fully sealed when entering deep water and the vehicle is fully amphibious.
Due to the expense of manufacturing vast quantities of titanium alloy, the choice was made to utilize both titanium and aluminum in the construction of the Mudskipper. Consisting of Aluminum 2040, a lightweight material with copper as the primary alloying element. It is well known for its high strength to weight ratio, as well as good fatigue resistance and a of a high-strength alloy that doesn’t fracture and can resist blasts without failure or cracking. To counter its relatively poor corrosion resistance however, the 2040 plates are spaced, on top is a layer of grade 5 titanium alloy. To further enhance the protection levels, a second skin of ceramic plates are added behind the titanium armor plating, with plastic filler layer placed in between. As the vehicle is primarily designed to operate in urban environments and forests, armor is designed to withstand small arms fire as well as IEDs, mines and shaped charge warheads. The double hull is spaced in between, adding increased protection for the soldiers against RPGs and shaped charge warheads commonly used in such environments.
Standard equipment includes powered steering on the front four wheels, central tyre-pressure inflation system, anti-lock braking system and nuclear, biological and chemical defensive system and equippable APS, which replaces the coaxial mounting.