Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer 2E
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Introduction
The Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer 2E (English: Anti-Aircraft Cannon Tank 2E) or more commonly known as the Flakpanzer 2E, is the primary mobile anti-aircraft aerial defence system of the Yohannesian Wehrmacht. Exceedingly well-armoured and extremely mobile, the Flakpanzer 2E easily fill its role as an air and ground defence self-propelled artillery system simultaneously.
The Flakpanzer 2E utilises a modified AY2 chassis and is based of the state-of-the-art Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1E Panthera Tigris. The turret system of the E variant has been replaced and modified to accommodate for the automatic arms elevation attachment system of the Flakpanzer's two externally mounted Halstenmetall AY1A TCL automatic cannons.
The basic concept of the vehicle's design is to provide the Yohannesian Wehrmacht with an well-rounded mobile, lethal and efficient modular anti-aircraft aerial defence platform. Based from the chassis of the AY2 series of tanks' E variant, the Flakpanzer 2E maintained the E variant's Adversus and Hauberk hull structure layout, thus maintaining the excellent all-around protection trait and well-armoured characteristic of the Panthera Tigris.
The E variant's integrated AYHK10 ADS was kept, although electronics and sensory unrelated to that of the Flakpanzer 2E's intended role was removed. The Forza FB-12TSD propulsion and 8GDCT automated double clutch transmission systems of the Panthera Tigris was also kept alongside its VLT HPVS-MBT hydropneumatic active suspension system, thus allowing the Flakpanzer 2E to maintain the excellent mobility of the Panthera Tigris.
Armaments
The Flakpanzer 2E utilises two externally mounted Halstenmetall AY1A TCL automatic cannons, eight Attero MANPAD and eight Nimbus III-F SAM-turret mounted and designated in two boxes on both the surrounding left and right side of the turret with a capability to engage opposing armoured fighting vehicles, helicopters and aircraft.
The Halstenmetall AY1A is a Yohannesian-manufactured rapid firing automatic cannon, unique in that it utilises the initiation of telescoped cylindrical firing rounds, thereby increasing the cannon's efficiency and lethality. The AY1A incorporate the use of projectile feeding and fired projectile casing ejection ports, arranged axially from one another in its receiver, with the projectile firing position in between both the aforementioned ports.
The end of the AY1A barrel is mounted to the receiver, and is aligned forward in relation to the projectile firing position. The cannon's rotor mean is mounted on the aforementioned receiver as a result of its rotation, and the round will axially be transported from its feeding position to its ejection port.
Force is also provided by the rotor's connection to flexibly rotate it, consequently allowing the projectile to be transported from the feeding port to its firing position. The rotor will then be rotated simultaneously in a continuous manner alongside the AY1A's firing process. The projectile holding cavity of the rotor will then retain the chamber, alongside its transverse aperture. The aforementioned phase will consequently result in a radial sliding motion of the rotor.
As a result of the phase, the chamber will automatically initiate a camming motion, which will act as a connection towards the purpose of the chamber’s sliding radial rotation, together with that of the rotor, thereby allowing the projectile to be moved automatically towards its firing position. Each of the aforementioned rotation phase will automatically maintain the cavity’s firing position during the projectile firing motion, thereby increasing the gun’s flexibility and reliability.
Two differing, transversing projectile holding cavities are selected towards the system, and the chamber’s camming motion is initiated by virtue of the aforementioned two projectile holding cavities’ movement into the pre-selected firing position and phase in between the rotor motion phase, further reducing chance of operational error and dis-configuration of the gun firing motion.
Pre-selected firing guidance of the projectile within its firing position is provided by the chamber camming motion described previously, which simultaneously will result in a longitudinal axis movement of the projectile’s holding cavities, automatically pre-selecting the right path, together with the barrel bore’s axis, each phase completed within a really short period of only 13 ms.
The AY1A is, unlike other within its calibre, conceptualised with operational efficiency and reliability in mind, with each phase and parts of its system accordingly built with emphasis being place in the easiness of field maintenance and technical efficiency, without sacrificing its lethality and field of firepower capacity. Sudden stopping of automatic firing operationally as a result of abrupt systematic errors found in most other automatic cannons has been avoided by virtue of the gun’s internal sliding mechanism and robust maintenance.
The AY1A is capable of elevating up to 75 degrees to engage any close-ground air support presence within its vicinity, and its utilisation enable the vehicle's gunner to utilise a range of close-in light support intensive rounds within its attached vehicle’s tactical field of operation, with a direct field firing range of up to 2,800 metres against lightly armed and armoured vehicles, and up to 5,500 metres against the AYTRACK’s targeted helicopters and/or aircraft.
Towards its primary anti-aircraft and aerial countermeasure system, the Flakpanzer 2E utilises the Fegosian Nimbus III-F short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile system.
In 1978, a review into the nation's anti-aircraft capabilities found that the nation had too heavy a reliance on too many a missile system for shorter-range air defence, with over 46 different missiles and following systems documented in the 1st Army and Aeromarines alone. As such, an urgent requirement was found for a unified missile system or systems, that could reduce the number of missile types and thus logistical costs incurred by the various operating branches in the Army and Aeromarines.
The research and development programme began in 1980, before being cancelled in 1982 as the Army diverted funding from symmetric to counter-insurgency systems, whilst retiring the older low mobility short range missile units and moving towards more mobile missile platforms (either as light trailer-mounted or APC-mounted units). As such, this measure saw most older systems retired to 2nd Army units for base training purposes, or stripped down for parts.
After renewed conflicts in 1989, especially in overseas territories, and vulnerabilities exposed by a lack of more modern air cover (the only continuing development being in the Splinter and Rainbow systems as part of the so-called "Fortress Alfegos" doctrine), a second R&D programme was launched by the Fegosian Army into missile technology, in terms of the more modern capabilities available at the turn of the decade in 1990.
After a number of set requirements were outlined, the Army tendered a missile contract to Alfegos Aeronautics, looking for integration into vehicle systems manufactured by the company for the Fegosian Armed Forces (with interest in integration to Airship, Vehicle and Stationary platforms).
This was further subtendered to Ev'kho Heavy Industries with the requirement for integration of some systems into the M1A2 Warhound MBT as an anti-air system to accompany armoured formations, and for integration into airfield and aerodrome defence vehicles (such as the Crawler multi-purpose vehicle bed).
Ev'kho Heavy Industries identified four key niches, that were approved of in the army, for missile application.
- Short range formation defence (dedicated AA)
- Short range individual defence
- Short/Mid range individual defence
- Long range formation defence (dedicated AA)
- Nimbus
- Cirrus
- Cumulus
- Skysinger
The Nimbus rocket system was intended as a multi-target air defence weapon able to target aircraft, helicopters and larger missile systems. With the requirement of having to be used across systems, it was decided that the system would be based upon a single integrated sensor system. With the need for a compact system, an infrared guidance system was chosen.
In light of advancing countermeasure systems, a multi-band IR sensor was chosen to keep pace with advancing technology, using a high density CCD sensor and duel filters to allow detection of 2350 (NIR) and 670 (MIR) cm^-1 IR emissions of hot exhaust from turbine engines (such as those aboard most helicopters and aircraft used for military roles).
As such, the system provides the ability to counter multiple attempts at jamming, ensuring that lethality is maintained. Whilst it would reduce the number of missiles that could be afforded, it was concluded that, in a role as a defence system for an individual vehicle, a high kill rate would be needed if only the single missile were to be deployed.
The IR guidance system borrowed heavily from the AAT-82's guided designator-tracking warhead that revolutionised anti-tank systems in Alfegos, in using a small yet highly sensitive tracking system to ensure locks onto a specific frequency band. The main concern was of tracking specific frequencies, thus ensuring a guaranteed lock, contrary to any jamming attempts.
The majority of efforts came into developing this tracking warhead into a reliable system to use against aircraft, especially considering the higher velocities in the rocket system. The development of the system was concluded in 1994, where it was combined with the other features of the missile body to produce the 1st model.
As such, alongside the passive guidance of the missile, there is the ability for the missile follow designator points from either ground-based LASERs (aboard AA systems or forwards air control units) or from other air units in the area. This feature was developed as optional, with the ability for the sensor filter allowing reception of the specific frequencies to be removed prior to loading.
The IR sensor is combined with a proximity programme within the onboard processor to ensure the missile detonates at a distance of approximately 5 metres from the heat source.
The warhead of the unit was chosen to be the standard annular fragmentation blast warhead as used on most AA missiles being introduced to service. The warhead was first introduced in the 1970s onboard the Rainbow-I Improved VLRSAM, which when deployed as four 10kg contiguous rod warheads demonstrated extremely high lethality at the long range it was operating (as a squadron-killing weapon), albeit only in a single plane. In operation, 40 Rainbow and 32 Rainbow-I units were fired during the 2nd Civil War, in which it was demonstrated that kill probability or damage inflicted was much higher against target aircraft and airships, albeit at the cost of reduced area of damage.
This decision led to the Splinter ULRSAM (the longest range AA missile deployed, perhaps in the world) to continue using a very heavy fragmentation warhead or nuclear warhead, keeping its role as a formation-killer. In the Nimbus, one of the 10kg warheads was taken as a base, and remodelled to fit within a smaller, narrower package as would befit the pod-deployed plan for the weapon system. In testing, the unit was proven to be lethal to aircraft-type targets at up to 20 metres distance from the point of detonation, perfect for the desired weapon system.
The engine, taking up the majority of the missile mass, is a simple solid-fuel rocket, utilising standard APCP fuel integrated into an off-the-shelf Er'sui rocket motor produced in bulk. Directional control is acheived via graphite exhaust vanes, controlled via wire with motor units integrated into the rear stabilising fins.
The onboard computer of the missile was originally a basic processor systems, integrated with the understanding of potential future upgrade to more advanced software systems, with redundant gyroscopic input direct to the onboard circuitry ensuring that missile control is maintained and a straight flight path is produced in the event of onboard system failure. Firing control is via said computer, ensuring that (in the event of computer failure) the system is not armed unless the weapon is operational, reducing the chance of catastrophic failure at launch.
The entire system, assembled, is intelligent in that it self guides with no input from the platform. As a result, the weapon and its containing pod can be integrated onto almost any platform, to provide AA defence. The pod itself is a lightened steel container, of cuboid shape, consisting of thickened rear end, ejecting front cover, and electronics unit for firing control.
The unit can control up to four individual pods (allowing single, side-by-side or quad arrangements of the missile units), and is normally designed to be fixed onto a vehicle or platform surface. As such, when connected using a standardised connector and being in receipt fo the correct firing signal, the unit can arm and engage all systems on the rocket, meaning the only electronics required for integration are a basic "trigger", which can consist of anything from computerised input from an advanced armoured vehicle, to a literal "button and battery" setup on a basic stationary mounting.
First integration of the weapon was aboard the "Basalt" IFV, a system designed for mountainous and arctic terrain. The AA variant was modified to hold eight missile pods, mounted on two 2x2 frames, the items moving with the vehicle's 40mm Autocannon turret.
Firing controls were modified from the ATGM varient, able to carry four Longbow/Crossbow/Scorpion self-guiding SSMs, with simplification based upon the missile's intelligent nature. The device was further integrated into the M1A3 Warhound MBT package, as an applique AA weapon for dedicated AA vehicles within formations. However, the main deployment was aboard quadruple-firing trailers to be towed by L-SV trucks or ULSV utility vehicles, in defence of more stationary objectives or motorised formations as a much more effective replacement for MANPADs systems in use.
The weapon system was used during colonial operations, particularly in the Hurgat Free state, at the turn of the millenium, where use alongside armoured columns in mountainous areas saw the rapid defeat of the native air force and conversion of the conflict to asymmetric within a week. It was also used during the 3rd Civil War against seperatist air crews during conflicts in Milkavich, against with great success. In total, before upgrades commenced, 110 units were fired, of which 43 were fired in anger. Of these, the results are shown below.
- 1 Failure to fire (shutdown before launch)
- 1 Engine failure midflight
- 16 Defeated by enemy air units (Undetermined as to whether as a result of evasive manouvers, countermeasures or other)
- 7 Hard kills, Fast Jet (Vehicle was observed destroyed)
- 6 Soft kills, Fast Jet (Vehicle was observed damaged)
- 5 Hard Kills, Other aircraft
- 6 Soft kills, Other aircraft
- 1 Impacted but minor/no damage, Airship
The upgrade report noted key flaws in the weapon that were to be addressed to be
- Poor ability to maintain a lock (weapon could be easily "distracted" by certain flare systems)
- Poor initial speed from the weapon
- Poor sensitivity from an inferior CCD sensor
- Ease of detection by targeted aircraft
- Upgraded CCD sensor, cooling system and filters, which now mean the weapon detection is increased, ensuring lock is made earlier and more specifically. The weapon can now lock onto four seperate bands:
- CO2 Band 1 (670 cm-1)
- CO2 Band 2 (2350 cm-1)
- Water (~3300 cm-1, emission linked)
- LASER band (Classified, Fegosian designator operating band)
- Upgraded computer. The missile now uses an off-the-shelf onboard tablet computer system, with programming to increase both lethality, ability to lock and ability to maintain lock. As such, the missile is able to determine:
- Difference between engine and flares.
- Strength of signal relative to temperature and distance (via fourier transform). As such, the missile can approximate time to target, and avoid targets that are out of range or will travel out of range.
- Prioritising of signatures (if presented with multiple, the missile will aim for the sources closest together rather than the strongest source, with the intention of targeting multi-engined aircraft or formation fliers and gaining multiple kills or taking down larger bomber aircraft). This can be reprogrammed depending on platform preference whilst in factory, if so requested.
- Advanced stabilisation with better interpretation of gyroscopic input.
- Optional programme change via the programming unit and thus externally, to allow firing controllers to chose whether the missile is to be passive, or semi-active (following a designator as priority, yet with heat source tracking as backup).
- Single lock - tracking only the one object, not jumping between heat signatures or aircraft.
- Upgraded engine. The APCP engine was changed to a latter model from Er'sui, increasing range.
- Redundant wire package put in, ensuring that three lines of connection are maintained with the vane control servos and thus avoiding problems of melting.
- Casing lightened and strengthened, reducing RADAR signature modestly and improving performance.
- Relatively compact (with the possiblity of eight still being carried to engage targets)
- Heavy Warhead (10kg AFB as compared to 3kg Frag)
- Exceedingly good value for money (the existing missile package price at the time of development was cheaper than a single Attero missile)
- Ability to work without integration ("self-reliance" of the onboard computer)
The concept of the package was to allow the onboard systems of the Flakpanzer-2E aid in both the specificity and the lethality of the Nimbus missile. As such, the vehicle was to be equipped with a LASER designator of standardised bands for Yohannesian Wehrmacht armed forces, based upon a stripped down unit used by airforce designator pods.
The designator itself manifests as a narrow-bore projection coaxial to the left autocannon of the vehicle, allowing high traverse alongside the autocannons. Whilst at long range, this renders the cannons unable to fire (due to projectile drop), the range of mobility provided and lack of need for another intrusion into the vehicle provides the best possible option for this system. This is complemented by the existing onboard aerial vehicle-tracking optics package.
The weapons themselves are deployed in the quad-mount firing pods, angled slightly and running along the side of the vehicle turret, using a redunant connection route into the vehicle through where a RCWS point for GPMG would be. The pods are fixed so as to provide eight missiles in quad-pods, each pod group (L & R) with their own intermediary computer to provide interpretation of computer signals from within the tank to the missiles. The pods are treated in the same signature-reducing materials as the rest of the vehicle, ensuring that they provide lower disruption than otherwise to the vehicle profile.
The missiles are modified slightly in the changing of filters onboard the missile, thus allowing them to receive designator signals native to the platform. The computer is modified, allowing duel-band lock upon designator signals, yet otherwise the missile is essentially the same.
- Length: 2,140 mm
- Body Diameter: 210 mm
- Finspan: 390 mm
- Mass: 45 kg
- Warhead: 10 kg Annular Fragmentation Blast (CRW)
- Maximum Lethal Radius (Aircraft): ~50 metres
- Tracking System: Multi-band IR/IR Designator Tracking
- Recommended Temperature Range: ~ -40 to +150 degrees
- Cooling: Compressed gas
- Maximum Lock Distance:
15 km with Sensor
12 km with Designator - Tracking: Passive OR Semi-active, with Target Prioritisation
- Engine: Er'sui Model LR104(EK) APCP Solid Rocket
- Specific Impulse: ~298 s
- Maximum Velocity: 980 m/s
- Minimum Range: 50 metres
- Maximum Range: 16,500 metres
- Maximum Intercept Altitude: 10,000 metres
Onboard the vehicle, the firing system manifests itself in a similar style to the Aterro missile system, and as such, disruption to the vehicle system is minimal, ensuring that the conversion is low cost and non-intensive in maintainance.
Optionally, the Attero MANPAD may also be utilised towards the Flakpanzer 2E.
Attero is a Latin word, with a meaning of: “Destroy, waste, weaken, impair.” The Attero resulted from a joint Lyro/Lamonian requirement for a modern MANPAD, with a 7 kilometer range, a speed of at least Mach 2, as well as the ability to be both shoulder fired, and vehicle launched. The guidance package, and warhead, was left up to LAIX ARMS, as the manufacturer. The Attero has all-aspect attack capability, meaning that it can hit the target not only when it is flying away from the missile, but also when the target is heading toward the missile, or when it is flying across from where the missile is being launched.
A good MANPAD missile has three vital components. If even one of these three components doesn't work, then the missile cannot do its job. These components consist of the seeker, the warhead, and the motor/fins. Electronic systems are used to keep these three components functioning, from target acquisition, to warhead detonation.
The warhead for the Attero consists of three kilograms of FOX-7 high explosive, combined with Tungsten balls, which are shot into the target when the warhead detonates. Combined with shrapnel from the rest of the missile, these tungsten balls cause damage to the target, likely targeting vital systems, such as the cockpit, or the engines. This effect is not unlike the effect used by Ahead ammunition. The warhead is triggered by means of a delayed impact fuse, and a grazing fuse.
FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene) is a new insensitive high explosive mixture, and nearly pure FOX-7 plastic bonded explosives are regarded as slightly superior to RDX (1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine). FOX-7 has been calculated to have a detonation velocity of 8,870 meters per second. The composition of FOX-7 is similar to that of TATB (triaminotrinitrobenzene). TATB is composed of a Benzene ring compound, with three amino, and three nitro groups. FOX-7 has a two carbon backbone in place of the Benzene ring, but it’s amino and nitro groups have similar effects in both cases, according to published reports on sensitivity and chemical decay processes of FOX-7.
The Attero utilizes an Imaging Infra-Red seeker. The IIR seeker allows tracking at off-boresight angles. An Active Pixel Sensor is also utilized, reducing the effectiveness of enemy ECM systems. An Active Pixel Sensor is an integrated circuit, consisting of pixel sensors. Each Pixel Sensor contains a photo-detector, and an active amplifier. APS systems use less power than Charge-Coupled Device systems, have less image lag, and can be made more cheaply than CCD systems. The APS sees in the visible light spectrum, thereby offering a degree of protection against infra-red based countermeasures. APS systems work in temperatures between −55 °C to +125 °C. The APS system is intended to take full-colour images three times every second, allowing the missile to better distinguish between the target, and enemy countermeasures.
Should the target utilize ECM measures (such as DIRCM) against the Attero, the missile is programmed to move in such a way that it can make a successful reacquisition of the target. The missile uses pop-out forward fins, and fold-out rear fins. The rear fins are electrically controlled, allowing for greater directional control.
The Attero is powered by a dual-stage solid fueled Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant Rocket. The fuel contains 78% Ammonium Perchlorate, 20% Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, and 2% Aluminium. This is a "low-smoke" mixture, making it harder for the enemy to trace the firing location of the missile via the smoke trail, and does not degrade rocket motor performance. This solid fuel rocket allows the Attero to reach speeds of 850.73 meters per second. On firing, the booster motor accelerates the missile to a speed of 40 meters per second, and burns out before the missile leaves the launch tube. Once the missile has moved 15 meters from launch, the sustainer motor ignites, propelling the missile to its top speed, and propels the missile until impact.
- Length: 1.86 m
- Fin span: 18 cm
- Diameter: 80 mm
- Missile Weight: 11.5 kg
- Launch Weight: 17 kg
- Ceiling: 3,000 m
- Range: 7 km
- Propulsion: Dual Stage, Solid Fuel, APCP rocket
- Speed: Mach 2.5 (850.73 m/s)
- Guidance: IIR, with Active Pixel Sensor
- Warhead: 3 kg FOX-7, with Tungsten ball projectiles
- Target: Low flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs
There is a green LED light on the launcher unit, placed within the 4x optical targeting sight. This LED flashes while the missile is tracking a target, and displays a steady light when the missile has locked on to the target, and is ready to fire. A blue LED (connected to the IFF interrogator) is used to indicate if the target is friendly, or hostile. If the blue LED light is on, the target is friendly. If the blue LED light is off, then the target is hostile. Similarly, a red LED is placed next to the other LEDs, and activates when a malfunction is detected in either the missile, or the launcher. An IFF interrogator is integrated into the launcher unit, which operates while the target is being tracked.
The launcher unit is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery, which also gives the missile it's initial power supply. The launcher unit is reusable, only needing a new missile to start the cycle over again.
Electronics
As in the case of commonality most associated with the Yohannesian Wehrmacht, the exact characteristic can be found upon the 2E Flakpanzer variant of the AY2 series of tanks.
The AY2 and its variants' fire control system is that of the Yohannesian AYTRACK advanced fire control system, following the VMK Bureau of Procurement and Development's tradition, and is in all its application an equal, if not more than a match, in comparison of the heavier AY1-1L's AYTRACK fire control system and electronics. AYTRACK as its associated networking and sensory system was conceptualised and developed by the VMK Bureau of Development and Technological Research Committee to provide state-of-the-art Yohannesian armoured fighting vehicles with the ability to engage hostile mobile target flawlessly whilst on the move, and thereby increasing the vehicle's power projectile accuracy and capability's scope of operation effectiveness and ability within its immediate field of tactical surrounding.
With the seemingly unending and ever increasing cold hostility between the multiple present major powers internationally, military development and advancement of research that within the field of armoured warfare in particular, has progressed forward by leap and bound. With the successful development of various multi-day and night twenty-four hour laser ranging sights and the existence of multiple accurate digital tracking target acquisition computer electronics being regarded upon as the future edge over that of raw firepower and protective measure of an armoured fighting vehicle alone.
The VMK Bureau of Development and Technological Research has noted that the development of these computerised systems has reached a level whereby its digital processing capacities were able to accurately track its target on the field of battle, day and night and under some of the most undesirable mobile vibration and situational environmental conditions, to be worrying.
And therefore the development of a remotely controlled weaponry networking systems ignoring all its necessary developmental characteristics cost was initiated with great haste, as the VMK Bureau of Procurement and Technology Research has realised that Yohannes was well behind in terms of its domestic military development to that of other major powers within its rank, categorically regarded as it was as a financial and monetary exchange country, or more simply as an economic powerhouse only, and not a military powerhouse. The AYTRACK was therefore, developed as a direct result of these developments in its developers' mind.
At the most basic level, AYTRACK features electro-optical techniques and electronics which enable the vehicle's gunner to increase the gun's first-strike hit capability in terms of its probability in a considerable manner, by measuring automatic error input and replace the value with a post-entered correctional azimuth and elevation signals. These factors will then be recorded into the computer to calculate elevation and lateral co-ordinate position of the gun, which will then automatically invalidate the previously programmed value, drastically increasing the gunner's first hit probability upon the target.
Further to increase the vehicle's lethality, AYTRACK incorporate a two-axis integral laser range-finder line of stabilised gunner sight, together with a missile guidance information processing capacity and a compensatory automatic drift device. Its gun sight features the application of a Yohannesian XD1-04 computerised controlled targeting mark, or more specifically a range marking, graticule-calibrated application within its sub-systems, with the capability to point its associated gun's specific form of ammunitions, in conjunction to the axis of the corresponding vehicle's gun barrel specification.
The VMK AG Bureau of Development and Technological Research however identified a certain flaws within the aforementioned system, in which the condition of a constant parameter value could not be achieved in some cases, despite multiple-fix error re-programming, and the revelation that upon the conclusion of a successful target hit, a departure from the aforementioned graticule marking range would be needed in regard to the amount of cumulative variation input identified within the system's parameter.
However, recent development has made the discovery whereby the situation in which a range of standard ballistic value, complete with the gun's elevation rate and a computerised arrangement of correlation in regard to the range between the corresponding armoured fighting vehicle to its target possible, consequently propelling the VMK Bureau of Development and Technological Research to develop these additional features towards AYTRACK to further increase its lethality and countermeasure these previous disturbing setbacks.
With the ability to utilise an improved graticulated sight, the VMK Bureau of Research and Technological Development team had decided to initiate the programming of an enhanced computer system which will effectively arrange and provide the appropriate range of ballistic effectiveness value to further provide the AYTRACK corresponding armoured fighting vehicle's crews with the ability to calculate the right specification of the corresponding gun elevation exaction, which would be most effectively be initiated upon by the appropriate circumstance's choice of ammunition range involved regarding the differing situation within the immediate field of operational range.
The crews will now be able to pre-programme the computer to change the exact type of ammunition needed for the right circumstance, and pending the relatively correct input given in regard to the condition only however, in which the parameter of the gun's atmosphere and barrel are at the right set value, the AYTRACK will then be able to automatically provide an accurate target hit value in exaction..
The fire control system's field of view consists of a kinetic energy stadiametric ranging scale, fragmentary high explosive and chemical energy ammunition information and statistics input, designated as it was as an effective Yohannesian secondary range finding method in case of an unexpected emergency. The system unable the gunner of its corresponding armoured fighting vehicle to accurately and smoothly track and verified its target within its scope of operational range tactically. Further aiding AYTRACK is the X1A-AY GPS sub-system.
The Yohannesian X1A-AY GPS (global positioning system) system of navigation is included to calculate and determine the armoured fighting vehicle's gun barrel position, and it collected its informational input and surrounding visible surface and statistical data within a state-of-the-art light modulating LCD (liquid crystal display) screen.
The X1A-AY is able to give the AYTRACK's corresponding armoured fighting vehicle the ability to observe its immediate surrounding operational condition tactically, and to present a rough and general outline of the vehicle's environmental and physical surrounding. Vehicular radio data furthermore link the corresponding vehicle to the AYTRACK immediate fire control command, which will allow the aforementioned vehicle to initiate its operation upon independent fire-strike missions rapidly once the system has delivered the collected position data of the target. The X1A-AY GPS sub-system further serve to reduce the chance of friendly formational casualties by utilising a Yohannesian X10-A BCIS (battlefield combat identification system).
Once the target within the input of the main AYTRACK screen is located within an ideal, if not suitable range of interception, the gunner will then be able to fire the gun by pressing a launch section located within the computerised LCD screen.
The development of the AYTRACK fire control system has considerably altered the main disadvantage of the previous AY1-1L's initial prototype model upon production, which utilised a more basic fire control computing programme, and AYTRACK further enhanced the effectiveness of the AY2 series of tanks.
The gun sight of the AYTRACK fire control system is also locked in conjunction with its telescopic axis sight, providing a parallel combined gun system, with one set of azimuthally drives and set of elevation, and another set of azimuthally sensors and elevation rate, assisted by the utilisation of a gyroscope gun stabilisation system which further enhanced the associated system's elevation and lateral sensor capability, and in finality, considerably altered the capability of the system to control its corresponding armoured fighting vehicle's gun line of sight.
The AYTRACK fire control system features a gunner's operated thermal imaging sight as well as a commander's active control and monitor panel, allowing both of the commander and gunner to retroactively detect, engage, and verified targets at long range, with a high rate of accuracy, and under some of the most unfavourable weather conditions within the battlefield and tactical scope of operation.
AYTRACK in general is divided by two stages in which the commander can select either a low-resolution imagery to identify minor threat, to be followed if necessary by an infra-red, high resolution and radar integrated imagery to provide a more thorough analysis of the target's position, and range. An AYTRACK sub-system commander-operated anti-aircraft sight allows the commander of the AY2 to subsequently engage air targets by utilising the AY2's AY02-MG from within the safety of its turret.
AYTRACK's internally operated target acquisition networking and management systems, infrared and laser ranging controlled data are initiated by controlling its stabilised networking, gunner-operated device to automatically aim the AY2's main gun towards any visible mobile and stationary target, with a twenty four hour day and night capability coverage, providing an accurate ballistic elevation and azimuth offset field position whilst providing a systematic informational gathering input essential upon the accuracy and capability of an effective modern fire control system.
By utilising the features of a combined sensors sight, in conjunction with its application internally within the AYTRACK computerised fire control system, the AY2 has acquired the ability to effectively countermeasure the ever-growing air threats coming from opposing enemy air support aircraft and ground projectile threat, in finality targeting the aforementioned threat from within its combined sensors sight, and thereby to aim its power projectile capability against the aforementioned threat.
The VMK Bureau of Acquisition and Application Management has recently observed as the availability and discovery of state-of-the-art sensors, combined with a range of previously unavailable micro electronics and computerised development has made the realisation of an advanced multi-threat targeting sight enveloped together within a unitary sensor, possible.
After two years of developmental research and quantum, the VMK Head of Procurement and Development Research, Dr. Siti Subrono has decided that the incoming AY2 project, alongside the heavier AY1, would utilise the aforementioned technology, thereby increasing the armoured fighting vehicle's direct projectile effectiveness and surveillance platform capability against opposing rotorcraft, land-based power projectile threat, and of course, hostile combat personnel.
Utilising the latest AYD0B active ballistic computer, the system features the ability to automatically verified angular crosswind and target speed input, course angle, and target range. AYD0B ABC act as a mean of informational input firing statistics data storing within the AYTRACK, and is mainly processed to approximately determine and track ballistic informational data, in-between that of the already stored information and the main collectible data.
The flexibility of the AYD0B active computer system enable the AY2's personnel to manually utilise the system's ability to track the associated ambient air temperature and barrel wear air pressure, and the ability to calculate with accuracy the necessary time that high-explosive, fragmentary projectile controlled detonation should be initiated over an identified and verified target.
The AYD0B computerised system detected multiple ballistic ammunition and projectile types, and its categorised informational input includes the verified target's drift signals, flight time, and super-elevation. AYD0B computer system operates by utilising a large collection of several sub-channels which will then transmit the collected operational data through several wires simultaneously, and used together in conjunction with an adjustable first operational amplifier which indicate with striking accuracy and precision the information and range of the tracked and verified target.
As an accommodation towards the Havik II box-launched anti-tank guided missiles and Attero man-portable air defence system which would be crucially required by the vehicle, developers of the original computing systems has devised a method whereby the 2E Flakpanzer variant’s electronics may be adapted simultaneously towards the effective support of the said missile systems.
AYTRACK utilises an assembly of conventional telescope cluster which enhanced the vehicle's ability to generate target position signals on the battlefield. The assembly comprises of a mirror which is used for detecting and directing any possibility of error signals within the telescope's line of sight. Alongside the processor's control signal input is the allocation of a motor which is utilised to control the assembly's mirror. The presence of angular noise and line is eliminated by the said processor and the said mirror's capability to operate simultaneously within the line of sight error signals.
The detection of digital error information is accomplished by the utilisation of a digital error detection system which will process the position of the target and its corresponding signals from the assembly. The said processed information will then be sent towards an attached amplification control stabilising system. During the alignment of the boresight, the said system's micro-controller will automatically input and instructed an encrypted data which will, at no less than two seconds by approximation, eliminate the presence of angular noise from the target positions signals. The said system furthermore can be used in conjunction with the assembly simultaneously to further adjust the associated line of sight of the gun.
The digital error detection system converts the provided azimuth and elevation error signals value and processed the said information into azimuth and mirror steering signals. By the utilisation of an analog interface, the system will then direct the steering signals and incorporate the given value into multiplex signals within the amplification control stabilising system. The clear and singular analog path is then converted back into the digital path by the converter.
The signals will then be processed by a micro-controlling device which filters any possible noise from that of the mirror steering signals. Its software information and instructions, and that of the boresight alignment offset correction value are then stored inside the digital memory. Easily deleteable and modular, the device provides excellent replays which are crucial for the mirror and boresight data input's alteration and adjustment. As such, the system unable the crew of the vehicle to calculate with striking accuracy the elevation error signals and azimuth average of the targets attached information.
The Wilhelm Tactical & Combat Networking is integrated, at default, with that of the Flakpanzer 2E.
The Wilhelm is an advanced modular and integrated combat networking wireless systems (AMCIN WS), a tactical peripheral network which incorporates an agglomeration of the most advanced networking technology available to the Yohannesian Federal Ministry of Defence as of the present. It is most commonly known within the popular circle of Yohannesian armoured warfare proponents as “The Wilhelm”.
The Wilhelm incorporate the agglomerated and integrated function of a decision-making simulator, sensor, signal processor and wireless networking detection & integration within a robust, time saving, and power efficient systematic structure. The rapid development of an integrated circuit technology available worldwide has seen the innovation of multiple networking & battlespace systems, at a pace unheard of the previous generations.
It was based upon such a background that the Yohannesian Wehrmacht, in conjunction with that of the Federal Ministry of Defence, has decided that the development of a completely new, innovative and re-branded advanced tactical & combat networking integration within its countless operated armoured fighting vehicles as a must. As a result, The Wilhelm, as the name was eventually known as, was designed with a complete divergence nature from that of the AYTRACK and its associated electronics, although of course, integration of both systems within a singular vehicle can easily be initiated.
The Wilhelm utilises some of the most advanced, and upper tier, of sensors, radios and processing systems, at a competitively low cost attributed to the design’s geometry and modularity, in comparison to the majority of its overseas competitors. The Wilhelm effectively connects the virtual world and simultaneously fuses it with that of the physical realm.
The Wilhelm incorporate the application of three peripheral networks, that of the “entrance”, “main”, “support” and “storage” groups of peripheral networks, a total of four in simplicity.
The “entrance” peripheral networks incorporate the agglomeration of an equilibrium activator, sensing circulatory sub-system, signal receiver, input processor, powerplant sub-system, data storage, wireless interaction & communication sub-system and finally, that of home pin-pointing features. The “entrance” may also be integrated with multiple foreign systems of the same sophisticated level as that of The Wilhelm, one marked symbol of its multiple ease of integration characteristics.
The Wilhelm’s attached vehicular crews are given the capacity to communicate, if formally registered and upon validation of the specific user’s account(s), through a localised data display and networking information interfaces (DNII). Non-Wilhelm registered and integrated vehicles within its vicinity may, as per the associated crew’s discretion, communicate with the main body of resources and central server through the input processor peripheral network mentioned above.
As a result of this characteristic, access of the data storage peripheral network’s information and various other crucial tactical intelligence & processed data acquired from that of the sensing circulatory sub-system’s peripheral network, may be accessed easily and effortlessly. Although the addition of Xzaerom’s G Network in such a method is recommended, however various other alternative Networking interface may also be used in conjunction with that of The Wilhelm.
Both the central administration and localised computers may processed and connect with The Wilhelm, both in intervals or continuously. The said localised and central computer may furthermore interact with one another through the application of the equilibrium activator peripheral network, utilising a wide array of data gathering & networking capabilities, by the application of a third party’s medium, which may conveniently be simply that of a PC, tactical digital voice (TDV) or by simply utilising The Wilhelm’s standard default interface as attached to the vehicle.
The Wilhelm utilises a decentralised sensor network which is distributed within the vicinity of the agglomerated systems’ active database collection & information input. Simply put, by utilising the said method, The Wilhelm may answer the inquiry of its users, whether it be a localised or central user, about the physical surrounding of its attached formation’s tactical situation, through the systems’ attached actuating sensor. The network is also self-organised and structured, essentially meaning that The Wilhelm may automatically act in relation to its realistic ability to distribute either the identical combination of information and data, or not as per circumstance on its direct operational battlefield and tactical area of engagement.
It achieves the said features by the transfer of existing asymmetrical networking and data gathered in the given spatial arrangement or placement of suggested path which the powerplant, wireless interaction & communication sub-system and finally, that of home pin-pointing sub-systems has registered and/or automatically recommended. As a result, The Wilhelm’s capacity to operate is not limited to just that of a singular conventional wireless networking service within its vicinity. The previously mentioned networking protocol and modularity has given The Wilhelm a marked operational accessibility on the battlefield and off the battlefield, via web-based tools to various signal processor, image codes management and inter-computerised security ability.
The peripheral networks of sensor, of The Wilhelm, may optionally be altered and re-programmed by the localised networking vehicle’s associated crews. As an addition is The Wilhelm’s ability to initiate the process of downloading multiple software which can be initiated from various possible localised user database and/or position, and in finality that of distributing and supporting multiple processed data and information input within its centralised data storage, by route of the wireless interaction & communication peripheral agglomerated networks.
In terms of communication systems collection and integration, crews of the vehicle is provided with an inter-crew operational ISLM helmet mounted digital communication system, with the addition of a fibre-optic net located within its associated vehicle. As a result, the vehicle is adequately protected from external jamming initiation by the utilisation of jamming devices, as well as simultaneously providing a superior communication method over other conventional communication systems.
The ISLM digital helmet communication system, or more commonly known as the ISLM-17 DCS, comprises of a helmet mounted display imitation capability with the capacity of providing a resolute rear projection screen visualisation, and an eyepiece optical providence, which is utilised to expand the large field of viewable images of the crew. The said technologies enhanced the ISLM-17 DCS’ XA-1SLM sub-system, or more commonly known as the XA-1 light spatial modulator system, which is incorporated to receive and simultaneously pass collected data and accurate images from that of the SLM sub-system, towards the projection screen’s rear side. Enhanced light magnification optics are utilised as an additional measure to receive and pass the modulated light from that of the XA-1 SLM.
The said arranged light magnification optics collectively has the projected capacity to accurately align visual light coming from the optical source to produce a numerically low natured illumination beam light, altogether with a beam pattern detachment to guide the illuminated light towards the designated path of modulated light space provided by the XA-1 SLM sub-system. There are two methods in which the said projection can be accomplished, that of a 90 degrees angle guidance in relation to the original light path, and that of a straight guidance.
As a result, the ISLM-17 DCS is capable of providing a markedly superior light modulation and image projection towards the usage by that of the vehicle’s crews, in comparison to other existing equipment of its level.
As a further addition of inter-vehicular communication towards the system’s integration is that of the XAV-T10 UHFR radio or more commonly known within the Wehrmacht as the XAV-T10 High Frequency Tactical Communication radio.
The XAV-T10 incorporate the addition of a transmission and receiver antenna & communication link, paired together with that of an integrated electrical microcircuit chip. The former is mounted to the circuit of silicon chip, whilst the receiver link accommodates the collected base of input and output signals flowing to and fro the pair of communication path. Thus essential information and data will be received at a significantly faster rate, allowing the saving of precious time upon critical operational and inter-vehicular tactical condition.
The said operation can simultaneously be integrated with that of a LAN communications radio operation, with the addition of an identical cycle, as previously mentioned above, inter-connected with that of a communication local area network, with the ability to restrict external interference by utilising the addition of the integrated electrical microcircuit arrangement in relation to the transmission and receiver communication link. As a result, crews of the vehicle may connect and surf the internet at leisure time with minimal interference, and utilised the previously mentioned above integrated communication systems to collect crucial tactical information from that of nearby allied, supporting and/or friendly vehicles. In conclusion, to further ensure maximum utilisation of spatial providence and safety allocation of the integrated systems, a default installation position is provided into each of the internal crew’s seat, and is protected from external shock and vibration.
Furthermore, as a resulf of its integration with the Nexus G Network, originating from Xzaerom and the Government of the Empires of Jenrak, crews of the vehicle has the capacity to 'snyc' and 'swarm' collected and browsed internet web pages within the limit of the G Network's allocation of passive memory storage. As a result, in leisure crews of the vehicle may record important tactical and strategic situational update within the vehicle's corresponding operational radius, as well as, amusingly, browsed saved websites from the worldwide web with ease.
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