Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1L ‘Panthera Leo’ Main Battle Tank

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 5:13 am

Viewing recommendation:

We recommend to view this thread using the Default and Century (wide RMB) NationStates themes. Viewing this thread using the Dark NationStates theme is not recommended, as the dark theme will affect some pictures with transparent background in a bad way. \____(^_^)____/

Design: Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1L ‘Panthera Leo’ Main Battle Tank
Technology: Oh so coincidental! We prefer to be honestly candid rather than vague! This NationStates Modern Technology design contains Post-Modern technology elements that can be taken out and removed if you like. When in doubt, ask us by telegram (or in the thread directly), and we will be more than happy to answer your questions!
Status: We are still editing this product thread to bring it up to date, but it is open for purchase.
Storefront: VMK Defence & Steel Works [ storefront thread ] for questions or posts, not here please. Thank you!

Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1L ‘Panthera Leo’ (King Tiger)

Achtung — Panzer! Den Feind zu vernichten.
Für Kaiser, Reich und Vaterland.

Click here to view a larger dimension of the image [1045 x 393]

Click here to view a larger dimension of the image [1100 x 370]

Click here to view a larger dimension of the image [1045 x 393]

Click here to view a larger dimension of the image [1027 x 343]

Click here to view a larger dimension of the image [1103 x 393]

Table of Contents

1. Specifications
2. Export & License Statement
3. Introduction
4. Primary Armament
5. Secondary Armaments
6. Tertiary Armaments
7. Tactical Combat and Networking
8. Integrated Fire Control System
9. Armour
10. Protection and Support Systems
11. Propulsion System
12. Suspension System
13. Crew Facilities
14. Signature Reduction
15. Out of Character Credit
16. Strengths and Weaknesses

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:41 am

1. Specifications (look here, and not the write-up, for most up-to-date technical data)

Designation:

Name:

Role within the Wehrmact:

Manufacturer:

In service:

Crew:

Weight:

Length (with gun extended forward):

Length of gun:

Height:

Width:

Track width

Ground clearance:

Maximum (governed) speed:

Cross country speed:

Speed 10% Slope:

Speed 60% slope:

Acceleration:

Range:

Operational cruising range:

Trench crossing:

Vertical obstacle:

Fording:

Primary armament:

Power elevation: -9º to 20º
Autoloader: XA1Y-E2 two successive stages, with a rate of fire of up to 15 rounds per minute (not recommended)
Ammunition:
- PLA-80E APFSDS-T depleted uranium armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot
  - Length: 1,000 mm
  - Diameter: 140 mm
  - Frustum length: 140 mm (dub: 20mm)
  - Rod and cap: 20 x 800 mm + 35 x 140 mm
  - Weight: 17 kg
  - Penetrator density: 57,400 kg/m³
  - Impact velocity: 2,200 m/s
  - Penetration: 2,400 mm with a target Brinell hardness of 300; NATO 60 degrees obliquity
- PLA-82E Tandem MP HEAT multi purpose tandem-charge high explosive anti tank
  - Length: 700 mm
  - Diameter: 140 mm (heavy anti tank)
  - Weight: 23 kg
  - Jet length coefficient: 0.75
  - Penetration: 2,300 mm with a target jet length coefficient of 0.5; high strength concrete with strength grade of C140
- PLA-83E HE-FRAG high explosive fragmentation
  - Length: 700 mm
  - Diameter: 140 mm
  - Tail fin span: 350 mm
  - Jet length coefficient: 0.75
  - Fragmentary impact: 97 mm with a charge weight of 4.5 kg, target jet length coefficient of 1.5, and target density of 985 kg/m³
- PLA-84E GLATGM gun launched anti tank guided
  - Length: 1,000 mm
  - Diameter: 140mm
  - Weight: 23 kg
  - Target: Top attack (tandem high explosive antitank)
  - Guidance: Laser beam raider, AYTRACK 03 IACS command supported
  - Tail finspan: 350 mm
  - Velocity: 350 m/s to 700 m/s (top)
  - Range: 7.7 km
  - Penetration: 700 mm post-ERA
- PLA-87E APFSDS-T-TP and other similar training rounds

Secondary armaments:

1 x Ignatz-Ewald 12.7mm AY14 HMG (800 @570/minute)
RWS optional emplacement
Halstenmetall AY1M 40/L70 TCL Autocannon (100 @300/m), or
Mark 30 45/L65 MCT Autocannon (100)
2 x Havik II BLATGM (not recommended)

Tertiary armaments:

16 x Parsifal-Guido fragmentary grenade launchers
2 x Nimbus III-F SAM, or
4 x Crossbow-IV Y BLEGM

Engine:

Maximum power and torque: 1808 kW; 8900 nm (@idle, electric motors)
Fuel consumption: 1.5 L/km
Fuel and engine: Diesel; 2x flat-6 engines + 2x electric generator, 4x electric motors
Displacement and induction: 16.788 litres; quad electronic turbocharger
Transmission: Hybrid Drivetrain

Suspension system:

Power/weight ratio:

Tactical combat and networking:

Integrated fire control system:

Armour:

Protection and support systems:

Price:

Price of domectic manufacturing license:

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:43 am

2. Export & License Statement

Kia Ora, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa; greetings from our sales team at VMK AG — the number one tank manufacturer of the nineteen monarchies, since 1939. He ra pai kia kotou: thank you for showing your interest to procure the Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1L ‘Panthera Leo’ — a next generation main battle tank built in Yohannes.

Acting as benchmark to the modularity and integration capabilities of our design, VMK AG will, as per your modification requirement, gladly allow for you to change the design to better suit your institutional (or personal) preference and doctrinal requirement. Procurement of the L variant will include the right to domestically manufacture its related spare parts and ammunitions. However, this industrial right can only be applied domestically for the operational consumption or use of your purchased L variant, and may not be done for export and, or, any other forms of non-profit distribution outside your nation, in accordance with our Foreign Manufacturing License (FML) specifications. Battle management & networking systems will be set to default — to promote easier integration of the L variant to your nation’s domestic combat management and networking systems. Further, electronics and sensory and the pre-packaged fire control system may be changed according to your taste.

It should be noted that VMK AG, acting under the supervision of the Nineteen Countries Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Trade’s Office of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of High Technology and Industrial Security, will act very strictly in relation to matters of possible intellectual property piracy or reverse engineering of technologies used by the L variant. Any action which connects your nation with intellectual property piracy of any L variant related technologies will result in first official warning by parliament, then intent-to-blockade warning by the Commonwealth Navy, and finally a formally written declaration of war by the three executive.

The Individual export price for one L variant tank is thirty-eight million NationStates or Universal Standard Dollars (38,000,000 NSD/USD), subject to future changes produced by external factors (e.g. inflation). A full Foreign Domestic Manufacturing License (FML) contract can be made at the price of 250 billion NSD/USD. Once a domestic or foreign entity has been given the confirmation for the right to procure the L variant, the issuance of any related ammunition and spare parts’ manufacturing license will be given immediately after, so as to establish the ease of logistics and operational use of the L variant for the purchaser entity.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:45 am

3. Introduction

Since it was first designed in 2011, thousands of armoured fighting vehicles based on that of the AY2 family have been exported and manufactured outside the continent of Yohannes. Over two hundred nations have operated the AY2 series of armoured vehicles; tanks, self-propelled artillery, and other role-specialised variants, making the Yohannesian Panzerkampfwagen (Pz.Kpf.W) AY2 one of the many prevalently exported families of armoured fighting vehicles in the international community, alongside those of the Anemonian HT9A7 Yvernyr, Lyran LY7 and LY4 Wolfhound, and the Lamonian M2 Valkyrie.

The L variant came into existence because the Research & Development Division of VMK decided to further push the AY2 series’ boundaries, and maximise its potential lethality and mobility so that it can fill its heavy armour niche, operating alongside the more standard technology and realistically lighter T2009A4 ‘San Silvacian’. Ever since it was first released for export, the previous E variant was known for its tactical and engineering parity with other tank designs utilising the same level of technology (e.g. LY4A2 ‘Wolfhound’). It was therefore the wish of the Nineteen Countries Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Trade’s Office of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of High Technology and Industrial Security, and the Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force, to conceptualise Yohannes’ next generation main battle tank, based closely on the proven E variant.

In the aftermath of the E variant’s press release, and its first group of production to follow, eighty-seven E variants were chosen to participate in the VMK R&D Division’s ENGMBT (Establishment of Next Generation Main Battle Tank) programme; to see their suitability to the possibility of successive future upgrades.

Some of the main objectives of this project were:

An entire reprogramming and restructuring of internal systems for personnel of the tank;
Further modification to the chosen vehicles; to accommodate for a new fire control, battle management, networking and sensory systems;
The removal of several existing features, and modification of the turret and internal structure of the hull for the addition of an upgraded protection suite; and
The alteration of engine structural placement as well as further electronics upgrade essential to support the propulsion and transmission systems of the new model.

After five years of concentrated funding by both domestic and international sources, with billions of NationStates Dollars/Universal Standard Dollars poured by these institutions, e.g., the Bank of Yohannes, the Government of Lamoni, Lambda Financial, and the field tests to follow, the project was finally completed. The next nine months saw the successful integration of equipment and designs important for the new fire control and battle management systems, mainly the the AYTRACK 03 IACS (Integrated Advanced Control System) and Wilhelm II AMCMW (Advanced Modular Combat Management & Networking Wireless System).

Primary method of lethal projection wise, in the middle of the programme it was decided that the Halstenmetall AY7M — the latest tank gun series of Halstenmetall AG — will again be incorporated into the latest variant of the AY2 family; based as it was heavily from its predecessor, the Panthera Tigris E model. The gun has furthermore been upgraded specially for the L variant, to hopefully optimise its tactical effectiveness when push comes to shove.

The mechanism of the gun design has been slightly changed to further optimise the tank’s lethality on the ground. The original combustion plasma magnification system of the AY7M was slightly altered, with the hope that it would add pressure in the gun. This was done by adjusting the original housing cartridge — and its chamber — under a unique alignment and environment in the barrel of the gun.

Developments of the L variant’s turret structure and hull layout were also heavily influenced by those of the previous E model; though there were certain exceptions, such as the integration of synthetic polymers for the design’s side armour scheme to name just one. Consequently, the L variant is slightly more well-protected than the previous E variant; though that in turn increased structural weight and pressure, which together create another set of weaknesses for the tank.

Figure 1: AY2-1E of the Second Panzer Division conducting its usual patrol routine with the Armed Forces of the Free Republic of Lamoni, a close Yohannesian allied nation located in the region of Greater Dienstad.

Successive operational field tests had shown that the turret structure of the E model could accommodate for the perfect emplacement of sensors and electronics essential for the assorted internal systems — maximising the benefits as well as multiple features present in the tank; whilst the possibility of future system integration was another possible benefit that can be accrued.

It was not all bright, however, as isolated incidents and setbacks had also shown that the modified turret structure was more vulnerable to shot turret trapping side effects — the process in which any penetration by heavy calibre rounds will be reflected down the hull, inflicting serious damage for the vehicle and presenting higher risk for the crew; noted as a very rare occurrence for modern tank designs as it was. In the short term, until the release of further minor improvements or new variant upgrades, the R&D team must realistically accept that as one — of the without a doubt many other existing — weaknesses of the tank design. One of many measures implemented to mitigate this obvious weakness of the turret was the adoption of the Lamonian manufactured Adversus hull armour scheme, which was integrated alongside the L variant’s turret structure. The said armour scheme reinforced the armour integrity of the previous E model, with the hopeful intention that it would sufficiently increase protection for the Panthera Leo on the ground.

Standing at eighty-five tonnes, some observers have said that the L variant is bulky and heavy, and they are right. During development it was decided that this was very bad and must be addressed seriously, because realistically without the right support systems the tank would not move well on the ground. The propulsion and transmission systems of the previous E model were designed to integrate well together, and were therefore left virtually untouched, but the 1808 kW Forza Series A engine, specially designed for the L variant, was introduced as an upgraded alternative to the previous GreenHybrid tank engine. A Hybrid Drivetrain transmission was chosen as its complement, providing the right combination of mobility required to make the Panthera Leo a decently maneuverable design on the field of battle.

Further complementing the above was the adoption of the proven VLT HPVS-MBT: an active hydropneumatic suspension system designed by VLT Automotive, an automotive manufacturing giant of the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg.

In conclusion, the completion of the Panthera Leo project has served its original purpose well. Utilising cutting edge electronics, served by a hotbed tradition of engineering craftsmanship, the Panzerkampfwagen AY2-1L Panthera Leo is a marked symbol of the pioneering quality of Yohannesian engineering. Although the tank design contains numerous weaknesses (as any other tank design would be), it was hoped that its strengths would counterbalance its weaknesses on the field of International Incidents and Nation States battle.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:47 am

4. Primary Armament

[Out of character: NationStates modern technology with Post-Modern technology elements that can be removed, e.g., remove the electrothermal chemical technology. ]

PLA-80E APFSDS-T depleted uranium armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot
- Length: 1,000 mm
- Diameter: 140 mm
- Frustum length: 140 mm (dub: 20mm)
- Rod and cap: 20 x 800 mm + 35 x 140 mm
- Weight: 17 kg
- Penetrator density: 57,400 kg/m³
- Impact velocity: 2,200 m/s
- Penetration: 2,400 mm with a target Brinell hardness of 300; NATO 60 degrees obliquity
PLA-82E Tandem MP HEAT multi purpose tandem-charge high explosive anti tank
- Length: 700 mm
- Diameter: 140 mm (heavy anti tank)
- Weight: 23 kg
- Jet length coefficient: 0.75
- Penetration: 2,300 mm with a target jet length coefficient of 0.5; high strength concrete with strength grade of C140
PLA-83E HE-FRAG high explosive fragmentation
- Length: 700 mm
- Diameter: 140 mm
- Tail fin span: 350 mm
- Jet length coefficient: 0.75
- Fragmentary impact: 97 mm with a charge weight of 4.5 kg, target jet length coefficient of 1.5, and target density of 985 kg/m³
PLA-84E GLATGM gun launched anti tank guided
- Length: 1,000 mm
- Diameter: 140mm
- Weight: 23 kg
- Target: Top attack (tandem high explosive antitank)
- Guidance: Laser beam raider, AYTRACK 03 IACS command supported
- Tail finspan: 350 mm
- Velocity: 350 m/s to 700 m/s (top)
- Range: 7.7 km
- Penetration: 700 mm post-ERA
PLA-87E APFSDS-T-TP and other similar training rounds

To prioritise ease of integration and commonality with the rest of the Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force inventory, the L variant is equipped with the Halstemetall AY7M 140/L50 Tank Gun.

Whilst during the 2011 Greater Tezdrian-Lyras War the Halstenmetall AY4M 140/L50 Tank Gun — used by the now discontinued D variant tank — had certainly proven its capabilities, the existence of other similar tank gun designs outside Yohannes, with pretty much the same performance, had instilled a sense of urgency for Halstenmetall AG to release yet another improvement for the AY series of gun. During the 2011 Solm-Tergnitz Crisis unfolding in the historical region of Judea, it was shown that tank guns of similar technical data to the AY4M design were exported to the opposing alliance Judean Sanctum. This was, without a doubt, unacceptable for Yohannesian policy-makers. The Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force Chief of Staff was further taken off-guard when, during the tactical engagement known in Northern Judea as the Battle of the Nebarod Plain, Solmian armoured formations successfully defended their assigned tactical positions against the advancing panzerkampfwagens of the Yohannesian Thirteenth Panzer Division. In the aftermath of that brief conflict and the political stalemate which ensued, numerous field tests were conducted with the sole purpose of developing a new variant using the latest gun technologies (i.e. along Lyran and Lamonian standard). Halstenmetall AG, a leading propellant and heavy engineering family-owned company in the Regency of Lindblum, was chosen as the primary contractor

Over the next five years, Halstenmetall AG slowly adopted an indigenous version of the then popular electro-thermal chemical tank gun designs already employed by many well-known arms manufacturing exporters (and older nations) overseas — such as Allanea, Amastol, Dostanuot Loj (Sumer), Lamoni, Lyras, Nachmere and The Macabees (the Golden Throne) to name just some. To quote the Lamonian President Andrew Stintson in 2013, “the acquisition of a workable electrothermal chemical tank gun design was the top priority of our ally Yohannes, and in 2010 alone the Bank of Yohannes and its allied banking enterprises overseas poured untold sum of [Universal] Standard Dollars towards ETC related research and development. I was sceptical back then that they [Yohannesian leaders] would succeed.” The sceptical President was wrong, however, for the conceptualisation of the aforementioned technology was finally realised (although only partially) with the introduction of the AY1M Tank Gun, which was designated for the prototype of the AY1 ‘Serenity’ tank (a discontinued variant of the AY1 series of tanks).

The Halstenmetall R&D team discovered a process in which a notable increase in, and higher rate of projectile muzzle velocity could be achieved by synchronising the use of both electrothermal energy and liquid propellant. The team also predicted that their application would result in not just a controlled increase of muzzle velocity for the projectile, but also an increase in maximum gas pressure (and their maintenance) which must be present within acceptable safety level in the barrel of the planned AYM series of smoothbore tank guns. Three weeks of further experimentation continued, with the sole objective of applying the electrothermal chemical (ETC) concept down. It was not easy, but with the precision engineering and ‘can do’ attitude of Yohannesian engineers anything was doable. The subsequent discovery to follow confirmed the original theory of the leading VMK scientist of the day, Dr Aleksander Himmler, that the disadvantages or negative side effects of separately employing the two components (i.e. electrothermal and chemical) could be negated by synchronising their application with one another. This technology, however, was not easily adopted by VMK following this discovery. Historically in the nineteen countries, the gun of an armoured fighting vehicle used an extended barrel platform. This followed the traditional layout, where the end of the breech and the centre bore were structurally put together. The burning of propellant by an igniter that was then needed to produce heated gasses — acting as they were as the catalyst for the projectile to accelerate through the bore of the gun — would consequently result in a higher rate of initial high pressure.

Figure 2: Type D; electrical controlled combustion of powder charges with increased loading densities and integrated additives (OOC: Rheinmetall W&M GmbH).

However, it was extremely hard to extend the the duration of this initial high pressure, because it would then decrease gradually at the same time that the projectile would move through the barrel of the gun. And whilst applying liquid fueling technology would theoretically extend the duration of the rate of high pressure initially achieved, many bad things — such as one, the large size of the fuel chamber that will be required — meant that that fueling process was not the right solution nor was it practical. Meanwhile, employing chemical propellant systems by themselves for the AYM gun series would be regarded as equally — if not even more so — defective. The act of mixing and synchronising two chemicals were truly difficult to manage, and would substantially increase risks in the process. As a result, the Halstenmetall AG R&D team spent quite the appreciable time to thoroughly consider and review the use of such technologies for their latest pet project. To close the matter, the team then discovered that money to be raised to build the aforementioned technologies would be astronomical, and not worth the final outcome. This low return to investment ratio was considered as unacceptable.

Sadly, the lone application of electric energy as the chosen propulsive system for the AYM tank gun was also viewed with heavy scepticism by Halstenmetall researchers and their Bank of Yohannes financiers. Such scepticism resulted from the reasoning of many Yohannesian scientists that the final technology developed by using this route would be very uneconomical, mainly caused by the incurred weight and features of the system’s structure. This in turn was caused by the large electric source that would be required to supply the system. Therefore the utilisation of electro-thermal chemical technology to increase the AYM tank gun’s accuracy and muzzle velocity, whilst negating all the previously mentioned defect features of individually employing electric energy and liquid fueling technologies, was regarded By Halstenmetall as its number one priority. On the ground defectiveness of previous Yohannesian ETC tank gun designs, however, have shown Yohannesian policy-makers that merely copying the designs of Lamoni and Lyras, without having the national industrial and willingness to modify these designs to suit the technological level or operational preference of the nineteen countries, will result in serious flaws in future.

Consequently more capital was raised by VMK with the permission of the Yohannesische Bundesbank, with sources of funding appreciably raised to include such foreign banking entities as Lambda Financial and (later) the Bank of the Atlantic, to name just two. The result was the introduction of the AY2M 125/L55, and ultimately the AY4M 140/L50; the former designated for the B variant whilst the latter for the prototype C and export D variants (both discontinued since mid 2012). A marked improvement and a higher rate of muzzle velocity were reached during the operational trial and final testing stage of the AY4M. This came about as a result of the gun’s harmonious combination of both its electro-thermal energy and liquid propellant systems, in comparison to that of the previous AY1M’s flawed combination. Halstenmetall AG further improved the AY4M concept with the development of its successor, the AY7M 140/L50 Tank Gun. A controlled increase of the projectile's muzzle velocity and the limited maintenance of maximum safety in the barrel of the AY7M were further improved from the AY4M. The absorption of higher recoil energy was also utilised to accommodate the newly improved round power. An identical electrical supply-charged propellant system, without the drawbacks found during this method’s previous experimentation and testing (i.e. with the AY1M), was also incorporated for the AY7M, resulting in a tank gun with lower structural weight. This method — the procurement of less electrical energy — was achieved by the utilisation of higher density chemical propellants, which was similar with the one utilised by the AY4M. Field testing just before the 2011 Gholgoth-Judea military stand-off showed that this arrangement was superior when compared with the employment of granulated solid propellants (found in the majority of foreign conventional tank guns).

Under auspices of its leading researcher Dr. Harvey Proctor, Halstenmetal has furthermore exploited the chemical substance arrangement of the AY7M by integrating its electrical application with extra precision in balance and in accordance with its chemical counterpart. This method further optimised the effectiveness of the gun. A higher projectile velocity rate, together with lower chamber and breech pressure rates, were also achieved and maintained because of the heavier ejection of electrical output from the plasma’s vessel branches. A high rate of temperature was then established (i.e. diffusing of fused wire), which then acted as the source of ionised gas. This further diffused and further acted as catalyst for the combination of fuel and oxydising materials. The existence of a continuous power supply would then be maintained as a result of the process, which would further increase the control of the fuel and oxidising material’s combustion rates. Such an arrangement, and ultimately the resulting energy to be released, would ensure the projectile’s constant nature as it travels along the length of the gun’s barrel. This ultimately extended the duration and optimised the projectile’s high rate of velocity, whilst still maintaining its low chamber and breech pressure rate’s stability even further.

As a measure to accommodate the appreciable increase in high internal pressure of the AYM series of tank guns, Halstenmetall incorporated the use of another of its latest innovation, the Frontier barrel design, for the AY7M tank gun. Frontier is a gun barrel design which uses depressed molybdenum liners for its bore, with an outer jacket of carbon-fibres reinforced metal matrix. The fibres are structured in a cylindrical-like pattern, helix-ended cut alongside the liners. Frontier is a joint design developed by Halstenmetall AG and Schwarzenegger & Oldenburg AG. The average elastic modulus point of its depressed liners of molybdenum is 2.0685 x 105 Pa, or 30 x 106 psi in absolute value. The helically structed carbon fibre and reinfored metal matrix which comprise its outer jacket combination are also used for the bore and applied for the exterior of the liner. This structure gives it good additional and high burst strength, allowing for a good bent force stiffness (twenty-nine per cent greater estimated along the length of the barrel) and integration for the structure of the gun, greater angle pressure stiffness (forty per cent higher estimated along the length of the barrel), and finally provides excellent internal stress resistance and high pressure resilience that often than not become the reality of high intensity firing operation coming from high pressure gun systems, such as those found in not just some Yohannesian main battle tanks, but also those of Lamonian and Lyran main battle tanks.

This design is also, if compared to conventional steel barrels that can be found in some nations overseas, forty-seven per cent lighter, ultimately giving the gun system an enhanced vibration frequency and firing control. This means that the L variant has markedly improved operational firing accuracy whilst on the move in comparison to the previous B and E variants. Internal frictions, found most commonly as a result of high heat temperature in gun barrels — are also mitigated in the AY7M thanks to the carbon fibre-reinforced metal matrix within Frontier. With an absolute tensile strength of 6.2055 x 108 Pa, or 9 x 104 psi by average, the liners of Frontier are capable of resisting internal high pressure. They are also capable of preventing aggregated structural erosion caused by the AY7M’s projectiles. These liners, which may also withstand internal structural stress and heat arising from operational firing situation, are designed in the form of coating, thin plated upon the carbon fibres. The final coating is extremely thin, standing at no more than 0.0003 inches, and this is because a suitable bond form must be generated together with the the carbon fibres. It must also maintain as minimum a weight as possible, and generate a continuous metal staging in-between the composite jacket. The incorporation of molybdenum for the liners is also good for one more reason: it prevents the release of micro fibres towards the barrel’s external surrounding, which will affect nearby personnels’ eyes and lungs and also increase the possibility of abnormal electrical circuitry.

This fibres layering design which is incorporated to reinforce the composite barrel jacket is also designed by Schwarzenegger & Co. AG, a defence company mostly known in the Kingdom of Burmecia for its electro-optics specialised products. In agreement with Schwarzenegger & Co., VMK will manufacture the said design with the company in its Halsten and Valedonia Industrial Complex. The reason VMK chose Schwarzenegger’s design and not its other competitors is because the design, known by its project name as “Frontier”, can provide superior tensile strength and improved elastic modulus (stiffness) value in comparison to the other tenders’ designs. The carbon fibres have an ultimate tensile strength of 2.8 x 105 psi and generates an elasticity modulus value of 7 × 107 psi. The carbon fibres located within the inner and outer areas of the jacket are cut in a different way. This is because the inner areas’ carbon fibres have greater tensile strength in comparison to the outer areas’ carbon fibres. In exchange, the outer areas’ carbon fibres have much greater stiffness than the inner areas. Connecting these two areas are the middle area layer, which comprised of identical properties to the inner area of carbon fibres. The middle area however, is sectioned differently than both the inner and outer carbon fibres areas. The characteristic of the inner carbon fibres area must be that of high strength modulus fibres assembled and cut in superimposed layer, in its entirety.

During domestic production by foreign nations (i.e. would be purchasers), the domestic production right party (e.g. manufacturing company, factory, etc.) may opt for the layer itself to be made to consist of multiple wraps with identical angle, or a single wrap with thickness of approximately one fibre diameter. This inner section of the jacket, which is appreciably thinner in radial dimension than the outer section, provides an impact softening or literal cushion so that thermal expansion of the lining can be absorbed during high pressure firing operation by the tank. Frontier carbon fibres are applied and cut on the liner in a prescribed industrial manner. For ease of operational application outside Yohannes, other suitable carbon fibres (more amenable or affordable for those nations) may be incorporated, for instance those made from regenerated cellulose, monofilament fibre. These fibres must however be very carefully heated in extremely high temperature whilst being distended at the same time. Past operational field and compiled laboratory information have shown that the accuracy of the filament’s diameter will be very important, for without it barrel maintenance cost will go up (corresponding to the inaccuracy or lack of suitable materials). Also, even with proper maintenance the fibre cost will already be very expensive, providing an obvious weakness to this design.

Overall for the jacket, volume of the molybdenum must be put at around ten per cent (and fields tests have shown that it should not be higher than twenty per cent at the most lax). The carbon fibres content of the jacket generally should be as high as possible, although of course the final factor to determine its value will be the overall strength requirements of the barrel; that is, cost versus protection. In Yohannesian Halstenmetall manufactured tank gun system, the jacket is estimated to make up around sixty per cent carbon fibre by volume, allowing the metal matrix to provide more resistance to high structural or barrel stress. Finally, increasing even further the AY7M tank gun’s lethality, an ideal level of kinetic energy can be achieved by controlling maximum pressure. This is done by decreasing propellant burning by virtue of the electrical and propellant systems’ default alteration to limit the pressure rate.

Propellant system of the AY7M, unlike most other electro-thermal chemical tank guns, maintains a higher density rate, and is deemed to be sufficiently capable of penetrating any modern threat that it might face on the battlefield (with the exception of a few cases, such as the much-feared — though very bulky and relatively immobile — Lyran LY9 ‘Direwolf’ heavy tank destroyers). The gun utilises a unique energetic-liquid dispersion method. In between every singular phase, the previously mentioned propellant burning method is controlled by an area of interfacial induction. Cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine will then be dissolved within this system’s homogeneous ethylenediamine dinitrate. During early development of the AY7M, Dr. Josef Hasek of the Traugott-Universität Halsten theorised a new composition of propellant system that can improve tactical situation on the ground for a Yohannesian battle tank (Panzerkampfwagen) under an open area, open engagement free-for-all shooting setting. Further experimentation over the next eleven months would show that whilst the combined presence of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and cyclo trimethyl trinitramine markedly increase the theorised gun’s energy, it simultaneously would seriously increase the gun’s internal impact, shock, and sensitivity of heat friction probability. In response, Dr. Hasek and the Halstenmetall R&D division researchers based on the Traugott-Universität Halsten altered the composition, with the hope of decreasing the aforesaid adverse side-effects.

Further two months of practical finding and laboratory experimentation resulted in a substantial decrease of the gun’s propellant energy output. Whilst initially accepted as the inevitable result, Halstenmetall further raised capital for funding the ambitious project, and as after three more months of intensive testing, Dr. Hasek and the Raugott-Universität Halsten development division finally developed a high-energy, multiple propellant gun system with substantially reduced internal friction, allowing them to minimise heat sensitivity that would be associated with improving a double based conventional propellant gun system. The gun's propellant composition also includes a liberal mixture of cyclo trimethyl trinitramine, thirty-one per cent in relation to the mixed composition of seventeen per cent nitrato ethyl nitramines, therefore subtracting the excess of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and diethylene glycol dinitrate which act as stabilising factors for the improvement in energy output associated with the AY7M tank gun design. The gun was also known for its optimised high muzzle velocity. Computerised and lengthy simulation conducted by the Raugott-Universität Halsten team found that up to one point five per cent higher muzzle velocity could be achieved by composing a twenty-five-thirty-thirty-five combined percentage of cyclo trimethyl trinitramine together under a five micron weight particle size package.

Further experimental tests, three in total, conducted within the space of six weeks further strengthened the conviction that nitrato ethyl nitramines and cyclo trimethyl trinitramine were the right combination to be used in such a formula. This was approved within one week following the aftermath of the third experiment. The result is a gun with low internal pressure sensitivity, a high propellant momentum, and one point five per cent higher muzzle velocity. Using input from the data gathered from previous tests, for the gun fifty-five per cent energetic solid would be dispersed proportional to forty-two per cent of its weight, allowing for the possibility of more propellant burning control and intensity which result from the lack of sufficient energetic solid presence. A low percentage of nitrate-ester is also incorporated as solid stabilising presence for the gun’s propellants, which was done also for the previous AY2M and AY4M tank gun designs, to further increase the practical application of the energetic-liquid dispersion method. Also, for the AY7M it was found that the propellant must be energetic up only to the point that the requirement of electrical energy will not be considered as too excessive. An augmented combustion plasma mechanism is incorporated as the AY7M’s designated electric feed pump, which is applied during the process of fuel injection needed by the oxidising amplified chamber, and is controlled by the plasma cartridge’s attached amplified power. The plasma injection served to act as supply for the oxidising augmentation’s chemical reaction, thus increasing the system’s pressure and drastically enhancing the lethality of the AY7M tank gun.

For the L variant, that mechanism has been slightly changed to further optimise the tank's lethality during open field, open area free-for-all engagement. The combustion plasma magnification system of the original AY7M was modified to further multiply the pressure in the gun. This was achieved by aligning the original housing cartridge and its chamber in a unique environment in the barrel of the gun. This setting allowed for the emplacement of a teamed up coaxial plasma energy amplificatory transmitter between the standardised electrical set of energy. Realistically, this would multiply the existing supply of electric power needed by the gun. Another benefit of this modification to the pre-existing system found in the E variant’s original AY7M gun would be the stable provision of electrical supply for the gun. This set of energy extends and expands its reach behind the projectile, whilst the projectile is being propelled towards the AY7M’s bore. This mechanism would also automatically release the addition of gases coming from the gun’s chemical propellant, which once initiated fully, would result in an extended pulse of electrical current. The result is the further magnification of the original plasma mechanism of the gun, therefore increasing lethality of the gun by virtue of its higher penetration capacity, longer tactical range, and higher rounds acceleration. Field tests have shown that 1 kilojoule electrical energy per gram on the propellant is the minimum requirement for this arrangement. Propellant burning behaviour is sufficiently controlled at the same time to ensure that the ideal pressure profile in relation to the appropriate function of time will be met with the appropriate arrangement with the amount of electrical energy. Further controlled burning rate is also provided by the incorporation of point four to point five per cent carbon-black, consolidated and dispersed solidly, further strengthened with guar ga=m.

This existing interaction between the system's propellants and electrical discharges was intended to be kept at all cost, because this will result in higher pressure level as the gun’s projectile accelerates and moves. A relatively quiet muzzle break enhancement handled the gun’s recoil process, in which an extended length of recoil is toned down, strengthened by the AY7M’s thermal shroud mass attenuation, consequently allowing the Panthera Leo to withstand the added recoil of the gun. The VMK Bureau of Development & Technological Research Division, with assistance from the family owned company Parsifal-Guido Defence Propellants AG in the Kingdom of Alexandria, accomplished this feat by applying the teamed up presence of high energy oxidiser and binder of thermoplastic elastomer, by diverging the concentration of seventy-eight per cent oxidised molding powder particles in relation to its weight, which form the thermoplastic elastomer binder’s covering, with a concentration of nineteen per cent in relation to its weight. Precipitation of polymer substance is utilised during the preparation phase of the molding powder, otherwise known as the polymer precipitating process. At the most basic, this process is achieved by incorporating the energetic polymer as a solute into liquid form, within the chosen solvent.

The next phase involves the slow addition of solid oxidiser, to be followed by the incorporation of a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer. This process is applied to ensure the solid oxidiser and precipitated polymer coating process is completed identically in multiple preparatory phases. The coated inter-connected sub-atomic constituents, which after some deliberations have been decided must be 730 micrometres in measurement are then shaped as appropriate to the gun’s propellant. This method would reduce the engineering cost of mass-producing large quantity of the gun’s propellant system.

Another well-known feature of the gun is its effective recoil counter-measure, which is achieved thanks to its unique barrel mounting mechanism. The feature substantially reduces weight and manufacturing efforts to produce the gun, at the same time incorporating the use pf a counter recoil and recoil brake mechanism to lower its track of recoil. This feat is accomplished without reducing stability of the tank whilst the gun is discharging its projectiles. The mounting used the addition of a unit of singular piston cylinder, which is applied to allow alterations of the linked barrel’s muzzle height. This structure allows the mechanism to initiate a suspended cylindrical motion. It also allows for the mount to carry the gun on the side end of its piston. At the same time, recoil brake process is connected to the framework of the gun barrel, which allows for an automatic on and off switch operation in case the projectile will pass through the barrel towards the clear path and resistance-free barrel recoil.

The braking mechanism is inter-connected in the unit of piston cylinder; important for the muzzle height’s adjustment. This mechanism is activated during firing initiation phase of the gun, to be more precise during each upward motion of the barrel. The barrel’s recoil energy is then absorbed and dispersed at exactly the same time that the backward phase of braking mechanism described previously happens; jointly scattered through the recoil path and out of the recoil range. This allows the gun barrel’s axis turning motion to release the recoil energy, resulting in minimal braking force requirement. The breaking range and the braking mechanism maintain the recoil at minimum size along the path. This ensures the quantitative reduction of maintenance weight and effort, and drastically reduces the gun’s recoil length. Therefore the maximum path of barrel recoil and a reduced braking range can still be achieved at the same time that high muzzle height exists. Its electro-hydraulic braking median is furthermore designed to resist pressure momentum. This minimum braking length allows for ease of obtaining stability when the tank fires its projectiles, with muzzle height greater than five metres at braking length. Field testing conducted by the Bureau of Development & Research in Halsten Proving Ground has thus proven, justifying the monetary fund spent throughout the duration of the development, that stability of the tank during firing can be achieved with ease. The muzzle height of the barrel during testing was six metres, which proved that a braking force reduction requirement of just above thirty per cent could be realised.

The muzzle brake of the gun allows for the effective elimination of barrel stress when the tank is firing its load at the enemy, which is achieved by utilising an integral element alongside the muzzle’s side end in the barrel of the gun: the existence of multiple integrated bores situated to resemble a ring formation around the barrel. The long cylindrical jacket tube, with its separate gas openings and exit is inter-connected with the barrel’s side end. The tube’s surface is also guided by a circular ring arranged under a narrow depression, which ends at the opposite of both the narrow and long aperture gas exit openings, terminating into the barrel’s opening flat surface. Adding as an advantage is also the fact that the jacket tube is smaller when compared with other similar barrel arrangements which utilised the method of separating muzzle brak with the gun. This alternative method can be achieved because more than sixty per cent of the braking force energy in the AY7M is delivered towards the barrel whenever the tank fires its load, whilst only thirty per cent is delivered to the jacket tube; this making the gun system different than those found in other tank guns. This alternative arrangement further allows for lower barrel weight in comparison to some other muzzle brake arrangements. And finally, this arrangement for the gun allows for easier manufaturing of the barrel’s muzzle. It also allows the gun to fire its projectiles smoothly through the area of the muzzle brake, without the influence or presence of negative jump error angle. This ensures the L variant has higher hitting speed and higher striking accuracy against enemy target, which is increased further by the dynamic vibration attenuations capability of its AYTRACK 03 integrated advanced fire control system — a marked improvement from the previous E variant.

The AY7M uses a variety of rounds able to be used by the same generation of main battle tanks of its kind, for instance the Yohannesian (utilised by the Confederate States of Anagonia and the Confederate Army also) PLA-80E DU-APFSRPDS-T (depleted uranium armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot), with a perforation limit of 2,400 mm at an impact velocity of 2,200 /s, accommodated adequately by a tracer cavity at the flight projectile’s rear without any degradation to the penetration performance of the rod’s armour; PLA-83E HE-FRAG (high explosive fragmentation); PLA-82E Tandem MP HEAT (multi purpose tandem-charge high explosive anti tank); PLA-84E (top attack gun launched anti tank guided missile, on the lack of the Havik II BLATGM’s availability or preference), which has an effective range of 4000 m; and the APFSDS-T-TP (armour-piercing penetrator target practice), with other training rounds also provided. The AY7M acquired larger velocity mark as a result of its greater length and dimension, set at fifty calibres, a total of seven metres. The greater length of the gun allows for a slight improvement and more efficient propellant burning phase over the previous AY2M. The gun is furthermore fitted with a rigid fibre glass thermal sleeve blanket around its barrel to protect the gun thermally from operational on-and-off active battlefield environment and terrain conditions, utilising the existence of a ring-shaped gap found between the gun’s barrel and its sleeve, which is made up of of sandwiched honeycomb layers of materials in-between that of the stiff, unyielding inner and outer envelopment.

Fed by a modified version of the XA1Y-E1 utilised by the B variant, the AYM series of tank gun’s development has increased the importance of developing an upgraded automatic loading system, as the size and weight of the AY7M’s ammunitions have revealed the condition whereby a human cannot effectively handle them within the confines of the tank’s turret. Prioritising commonality factor, the VMK Bureau of Development and Technological Research has decided to create the XA1Y-E2. The production of ever increasing number of large calibre weaponry has seen the invention and production of many gun automatic loading systems in the international community, as the arms manufacturing industries of many nations strive to promote their own autoloading systems. Most apparently needed in a setting whereby a large field gun is fielded for an armoured fighting vehicle, and especially for tanks such as the AY2 series, the VMK R&D Division has proceeded to improve on its own autoloading system.

The advantages of a well-designed automatic loading system for a tank gun are clear. It would (i) considerably increase the gun’s rate of fire; (ii) lower on the ground crew number and thus reduce manpower requirement by removing the gunner; and (iii) free up internal space for crew compartment. Observations of many foreign produced autoloaders have seen the technical complexities of maintaining either the bustle or carousel system for their corresponding armoured fighting vehicle on the ground. The XA1Y-E2, as the E1, was therefore conceptualised with different technicality in mind. The XA1Y-E2 has the ability to load ammunitions under all azimuth and elevation co-ordinate value within its structural limit, which allows for an increasing rate of fire. This is because the two successive systematic gun loading stages of the XA1Y-E2 allow the ease of transfer of the gun breech loaded shells from the magazine in a more effective manner. It also achieved such in a reduced successive progress rate, thus allowing the XA1Y-E2 to work with as small an energy requirement as possible. Controlling movement of the XA1-E2 is kick-started by the utilisation of a trolley mounted in an identical pair of opposite motion direction-specialised tracks. The tracks are used to control its movement in relation with the shell retrieval position within the turret’s given internal ammunition storage space, done simultaneously at both sides of the magazine.

The gun feeding mechanism will then proceed to ram the shells towards the gun’s breech, which is mounted on the turret. The motion directing tracks located opposite to one another will then guide the mechanism to simultaneously operate alongside the given azimuth and elevation co-ordinate of the gun. Once this is done the trolley will propel a fully electrically-powered motor along the direction given by the track. This process will push both the shell and the trolley, fully electrically powered from the described source, from the magazine towards the pod. The whole process is pretty much almost done by the time the shell comes closer towards the pod’s inner section, for the gun has reached full loading position, and is ready to be loaded. To conclude the process, a fixed, controlled guidance is then provided from the rotating cam wheel, which will provide a secured holding position in-beween the rammer and the shell, positioned along the bore line’s direction. The motor will then propel twice, in fast successive stages, to create two propeling forces towards the gun’s breech. The pod will automatically detach itself once the position has been aligned and fixed, clearing the space for the gun recoiling process to happen.

Aided by the smooth-on-the-ground-operational-capability of the VLT HPVS-MBT active hydropneumatic suspension system, the XA1Y-E2 automatic gun loading system has the ability to maintain accurate control on many rough terrains, and is manufactured to be fully compact whilst saving much needed internal turret space. By utilising the gunner’s gyro-stabilised panoramic sight, the crew of the tank can initiate the on-board hit avoidance and target acquisition sensors, which are mounted on the surrounding left and right frontal side of the vehicle's turret. The XA1Y-E2’s structural-based and adapted automatic loading system is capable of handling and firing up to fifteen rounds of AY7M ammunitions per minute, to be replenished internally within the turret or externally through the rear. The addition of a supporting burst diaphragm further ensures that when an ignition of the ammunition as a result of penetration towards the automatic loader and magazine happens, the forthcoming centre pressure of the blast will be vented upwards, consequently altering it away from the vehicle’s crew compartment. The AY7M tank gun can power elevate from 20º to -9º.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:50 am

5. Secondary Armaments

Figure 3: The Lamonian LA-420A1 Havik II ATGM fired from a Pz.Kpf.W AY2-1E ‘Panthera Tigris’ of Lieutenant-colonel Adam Sören Haupt of the Fifth Panzer Company in the 2011 Torensonn Front, Battle of the River Rheinn; the border of Tergnitz and Solm in the historical region of Ellorea.

The L variant uses the same Ignatz-Ewald 12.7mm AY14 heavy machine gun (with enough space for eight hundred rounds) of the E variant as secondary field projection and countermeasure against nearby enemy infantries and light formations. Unlike the previous E variant, however, the internal RWS mechanism of the L variant presents the opportunity to access other weapon options. The default Ignatz-Ewald AY14 HMG may therefore be removed or replaced with any other similar designs serving similar functions. Co-axially mounted to the primary Halstenmetall AY7M 140/L50 is the emplacement of two optional choices of automatic cannons: the Halstenmetall AY1A 40/L70 TCL automatic cannon or the Amastoli and The Macabees Imperial Golden Throne Mark 30 45/L65 MCT automatic cannon (with permission granted from the Government of Amastol), with enough space for one hundred rounds for each option. These optional coaxial armaments were chosen and integrated on the L variant to maximise its lethality against lightly-armed and armoured mobile target or hostile heavy infantry formation; mostly the former, not the latter. This further assists the tank by allowing the crew to save the primary gun's rounds.

The L variant may also be equipped with six Havik II BLATGM using a set of external launchers mechanism for the Havik II, with each holding three missiles. Using this last option will however slow down the tank and make it more vulnerable to enemy attack.

Ignatz-Ewald 12.7mm AY14 HMG

With a field firing range of over two thousand and eight hundred metres and a five hundred and seventy rounds per minute firing rate, the AY14-HMG was conceptualised as a vehicle mounted machine gun, although it can still be used by ground infantries, but is however deemed as ineffective in such a role. This comes as a negative side-effect because of its heavy weight of approximately fifty kilogrammes. The AY14-HMG functions by virtue of its unique recoil system, which incorporates a double sliding piece chamber together with a fixed barrel. Its barrel extension, which uses a systematic special holding cavity, is coupled with the chamber’s left and right operations, with the left side operating as ejector and the right side operating as the round’s main support. The right side is also attached by an arched camming initiation which operates as control and ejection accelerator for the chamber. The slide used by both the extractor and ejector is attached to the recoil spring, and is used as both selection and extraction systems for the round. The round accelerates and progresses by virtue of the chamber’s second half, which acts as feeding belt and thus links in the cycle. Once the process has been completed, a selector firing pin will ignite and then the cycle can start all over again. Force for the cycle originates from the motion where the round is pushing against the operating holder. This pressurised the two sides at the same time until the pressure goes down to a safe level, which allows both the halves to be motioned back again.

Acceleration is caused by the cammed side, which flings the other side back together with it. Used rounds can be ejected to the left, right or down as per preference of the operator. The gun’s feed mechanism can also be motioned towards both sides, with as little changes to its operation as possible, thus increasing the gun’s effectiveness in terms of manpower and time cost. This operation requires a lot of physical power, however. The moderately heavy barrel is used both to optimise surface area and decrease operation cooling period and heat dispersion. A front forward grip is used and fixed to act as assistance during barrel change operation. It is also used for extra protection so no hand protection is required. A dual trigger mechanism is used for the AY14-HMG. Automatic firing operation can be sustained with only a single trigger, which means less energy expanded and less use of manpower. It also increases safety for the operators.

Halstenmetall AY1M 40/L70 TCL Autocannon

The Halstenmetall AY1M is a rapid firing 40/L70 automatic cannon which can fire up to fifty armour piercing telescoped cylindrical rounds every ten seconds. It incorporates the use of projectile feeding and projectile casing ejection ports, arranged axially from one another in its receiver, with the projectile firing position in between both these ports. The end of the barrel is mounted to the receiver, and is aligned forward from the projectile firing position. The AY1M’s rotor mean is mounted on the receiver because of its rotation mechanism requirement, which causes the round tp be axially transported from its feeding position to its ejection port.

Mark 30 45/L65 MCT Autocannon

The Mark 30 is The Macabees and Amastoli revolver, preferred over the gatling gun type configuration for the sake of initial velocity, given that a revolver has less mass than a gatling gun and therefore is easier to spin. It is a multi-chambered automatic cannon designed primarily as a CIWS (Close-In Weapon System). It is designed to provide high level of firepower through the use of a larger calibre (forty-five millimetres, as opposed to twenty or thirty-five millimetres), the large number of types of ammunition made available for the gun system and similar gun performance technology as that integrated into other gun systems such as Calzado y Bayo’s CB.125 125mm advanced tank gun.

Havik II BLATGM

With the need for a vehicle launched anti-tank guided missile becoming apparent to LAIX Arms, it was decided to use the Joint Common Missile’s body as the basis of the Havik; as it was called, due to the simple design of the missile. Where the original JCM was designed to be launched from helicopters and aircraft; the Havik would be launched from main battle tanks first, with later possible modification to allow it be launched from helicopters and aircraft. Guidance for the Havik II is provided by a tri-seeker warhead, combining MMW, IIR, and SALH homing. This is combined with an INS/GPS system, allowing the missile to attain a hit ratio of ninety-five per cent. In areas where enemy ECM is encountered, the system can also use a fiber-optic connection to the launching mechanism (available in both air and box launched versions). This connection to the launching mechanism is impossible to jam, and will allow the missile to strike the target, with enemy ECM becoming effectively useless.

The Havik II is a top-attack missile, allowing it to strike the weakest part of hostile armour formations. The Havik II is meant to attack armoured fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, and low flying helicopters. However, the missile will simply fly directly towards enemy helicopters when fired in anti-helicopter mode. This helps to increase accuracy against helicopter targets. With a maximum range of 18 km (ground launched), and 28 km (air launched), the Havik II can not only be fired from a longer distance than the Helios II, but can also be fired without revealing the location of the firing unit to the enemy. The Havik II retains an active radar jammer, allowing it to bypass the milimetre-wave and radar frequencies commonly used in Active Protection Systems. While the Havik used a jammer from Krupp Industries in The Peoples Freedom, the Havik II uses a domestic model, which is smaller, while giving the same performance as the model from Krupp Industries. In addition, the electronics in the Havik II use Gallium Arsenide in place of Silicone, allowing the missiles to survive EMP in good working order. The use of Gallium Arsenide makes the missile more expensive, but the resistance to EMP was judged to be worth the extra cost.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:52 am

6. Tertiary Armaments

Additionally, the L variant comes in default with eight multipurpose smoke-capable, fragmentary firing grenade launchers on both the left and right sides of the turret (for a total of sixteen grenades), which can threaten opposing infantries and support nearby friendly personnel or partially hide the tank itself. The L variant may also be equipped, optionally, with two Nimbus III-FS SAM, with accommodation emplacement in two external box launchers, each holding one missile in either the surrounding left and/or right side of the tank’s turret. Another set of optional addition to the already extensive and array of lethal weaponry available is the Crossbow IV-Y guided missiles, with a maximum of four fielded in each of the two external launchers. Both these options, however, cannot be used together due to structural limitation and conflicting internal stress on the turret.

Nimbus III-FS SAM

The Nimbus III-FS SAM is a Fegosian manufactured, short-range anti-air missile defence system. Anti-air capabilities designed for the AY2 series saw approaches by VMK AG in order to improve the anti-aerial lethality of its vehicles, whilst simultaneously maintaining its high mobility and ability to defend formations effectively. The Nimbus-III was seen as a perfect system to be based on an armoured vehicle, with four desirable features: (i) relatively compact (with the possibility of eight still being carried to engage targets); (ii) heavy warhead (10 kg AFB as compared to 3 kg Frag); (iii) exceedingly good value for money (the existing missile package price at the time of development was cheaper than a single Attero missile); and (iv) the ability to work without integration (‘self-reliance’ of the onboard computer). Alongside VMK, works were carried out at Ev'kho Heavy Industries to produce a full integration package into the vehicle, resulting in the Nimbus III-F package. The concept of the package was to allow the onboard systems of the vehicle 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 the Yohannesian Wehrmacht, based upon a stripped down unit used by airforce designator pods.

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, e.g., 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 tank, 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 first 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 anti air 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 five 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 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 achieved 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 system, 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 anti air defence. The pod itself is a lightened steel container, of cuboids shape, consisting of thickened rear end, ejecting front cover, and electronics unit for firing control. The weapons themselves are deployed in the quad-mount firing pods, angled slightly and running along the side of the vehicle turret, using a redundant connection route into the vehicle through where a remote controlled weapon station 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 tank, ensuring that they provide lower disruption than otherwise to its 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.

Onboard the tank, the firing system of the Nimbus within the L variant manifests itself in a similar style to the Aterro missile system, utilised by that of the previously released Flakpanzer 2E variant of the AY2 series of armoured fighting vehicles. As such, disruption to the tank system is minimal, ensuring that the conversion is low cost and non-intensive in maintenance. The latest upgrades to the Nimbus in 2008 saw the upgrades of its CCD sensor and 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 separate bands: (i) CO2 Band 1 (670 cm-1); (ii) CO2 Band 2 (2350 cm-1); (iii) Water (~3300 cm-1, emission linked); and (iv) LASER band (Classified, Fegosian designator operating band). The computer was also upgraded, with the missile now using an off-the-shelf onboard tablet computer system, with programming to increase lethality, and the abilities to lock and maintain lock. As such, the missile is able to determine difference between engine and flares.

The missile can also determine strength of signal relative to temperature and distance via Fourier transform; that is, the missile can approximate time to target, and avoid targets that are out of range or will travel out of range. If presented with multiple signatures, the system can also prioritise signatures, where it will aim for the sources closest together rather than the strongest source; done with the intention of targeting multi-engine 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 is also provided, together with 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. The integration of the system with the L variant also allows for it to initiate single lock, where it will track only one object, not jumping between heat signatures of aircraft. Engine has also been upgraded, with the APCP engine changed to a latter model from Er'sui, increasing its lethality to aircraft-type targets at more than twenty metres distance from the point of detonation. Finally, redundant wire package has been put in, ensuring that three lines of connection are maintained with the vane control servos and thus avoiding problems of melting, and its casing lightened and strengthened to modestly reduce RADAR signature and improve performance.

Parsifal-Guido Fragmentary Grenade Launchers

The laser detection general purpose aerosol-capable and smoke-firing grenades’ conceptualisation was the result of VMK R&D Division’s additional requirement for the provision of additional countermeasure and all-around camouflage protection for the L variant. It utilises an invisible-purpose, fast and slow burning charged smoke shells to partially cover the tank from enemy fire in a successive rapid manner. As do most other existing smoke grenades, it only partially covers the tank with smoke screen envelopment, in the process hopefully temporarily protecting the tank from enemy line of sight or line of fire. When the controller initiates the system, differing reactionary and smoke emitting, partial charging smoke shells will be discharged in stages. The smoke shells are expelled and burst-charged at the same time to extend the duration of the discharged smoke, which result in the slow burning time of three minutes and thirty seconds after firing.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:52 am

7. Tactical Combat and Networking

The Wilhelm II Tactical & Combat Networking is the successor to the previous Wilhelm I. It is a set of advanced modular and integrated combat management and networking wireless systems (AMCMN-WS) primarily developed by Burmecian family-owned high-technology company Dietrich-Thordvaldsonn Farbenindustrie AG. Wilhelm II incorporates the agglomerated and integrated functions of a decision-making simulator, sensor, signal processor, wireless networking detector and integration systems under a robust, time saving, and power efficient systematic structure. The rapid development of integrated circuit technology in many nations of the international community has seen the innovation of multiple networking and battlespace systems, at a pace unheard of the previous generations. It was based on this level of threat that the Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force Chief of Staff has prioritised for the development of a new, innovative and re-programmed tactical and combat networking integration for its armoured fighting vehicles. The result was the Wilhelm I, which was designed with a complete divergence nature from the NEKO and its associated electronics, although of course, the integration of both systems in a singular vehicle can easily be realised. Like Wilhelm I, Wilhelm II utilises an advanced and upper tier agglomeration of sensors, radios and processing systems cost-efficiently thanks to the design’s geometry and modularity. It effectively connects the virtual world and simultaneously fuses it with the physical realm. The Wilhelm II incorporates the application of four peripheral networks; those of the “entrance”, “main”, “support”, and “storage” groups of peripheral networks.

The “entrance” peripheral networks incorporate the agglomeration of an equilibrium activator and sensing circulatory sub-system, signal receiver, input processor, power source storage sub-system (preferably that of the Jenrak Xzaerom G Network or anything of equal standing), data storage, wireless interaction and communication sub-system, and finally, home pin-pointing features. The “entrance” may also be integrated with multiple foreign systems of the same level as Wilhelm II (including the previous Wilhelm I, though this is not recommended for obvious technical reason). Once their vehicles have been registered and their specific user accounts validated, personnel manning any vehicles operating under the, and within the reach of, Wilhelm II have the capacity to communicate with one another through localised data display and networking information interfaces (DNII). Non-Wilhelm registered and non-integrated vehicles within its vicinity may, at the discretionary of the local commander, communicate with the main body of resources and central server through the input processor peripheral network mentioned above. Because of this, access to information contained in the peripheral network — including but not limited to the latest strategic information issued by the central command and many other important tactical intelligence and processed data acquired from the sensing circulatory sub-system’s peripheral network — may be accessed easily and effortlessly. Although the addition of the Jenrak Xzaerom’s G Network and data storage for these applications is recommended, however many other alternative networking interfaces of equal standing may also be used to work together with Wilhelm II.

Both the central administration and localised computers may process and connect with Wilhelm II, both in intervals or continuously. These localised and central (commander) computers may also interact with one another through the application of the equilibrium activator peripheral network, which uses a wide array of data gathering and networking capabilities by the application of third party medium. This can be accessed via a personal computer, tablet, tactical digital voice (TDV) helm, or by utilising the standard default interface as attached to the vehicle. The Wilhelm II uses a decentralised sensor network which is distributed within the vicinity of the agglomerated systems’ active database collection and information input in conjunction with the Xzaerom G Network. Simply put, by doing this, Wilhelm II may answer the inquiry of its users, whether it is a localised or central user, about the geographical, physical, or terrain characteristic or tactical surrounding of her or his vehicle, through the systems’ attached actuating sensor. The network is also self-organised and structured, in that it may act automatically to distribute either, or the identical combination of, information and data as per circumstance in its direct operational battlefield and tactical area of engagement.

It achieves these features by the transfer of existing asymmetrical networking and data gathered in the given spatial arrangement or placement of suggested path which is forwarded or registered under the storage data powerplant, wireless interaction amd communication sub-system and the home pin-pointing sub-systems. Consequently its capacity to operate is not limited to just a singular conventional wireless networking service within its vicinity. All these networking protocol and modularity have given Wilhelm II a marked operational accessibility on the battlefield and off the battlefield, via web-based tools to various other things such as signal processors, image codes management, and inter-computerised security abilities. The peripheral networks of sensor of Wilhelm II may optionally be altered and re-programmed by the localised networking vehicle’s crew. To add to this, it can download multiple defence and, or, security integral software which can then be initiated from various possible localised user database and, or, positions, in essence allowing for the distribution and support of multiple processed data and information input in its centralised data storage through available wireless interaction routes and communication peripheral agglomerated networks.

Pilum-XU7 FIIACS (Further Integration Incentive of Agglomerated Computer Systems) of Wilhelm II further supports its ease of computerised integration with the vehicle. This feat is accomplished by the existence of an array of interfaces required for the digital computer to receive its designated data, together with a second group of interfaces relating to the digital transmission of the information. This information will of course be most likely an existing enemy target or possible hostile entity which has been detected within Wilhelm II’s vicinity. The commander and, or, driver of the vehicle may access this array of interfaces, provided that they have clear access to Wilhelm II (i.e. without enemy intervention). Following a screen loading period of no less than one minute (as such it is recommended to switch the PILUM on prior to the vehicle’s field operation), the transmitted information will then be processed by Wilhelm II. This comes in two successive stages, of which one may be chosen separate of the other, or alternatively as per the preference of the crew, in conjunction with one another.

The first is the access given to the remote tactical information (RCI) which comes from the two new sensors placed strategically, one on the left and right side on the rear turret of the vehicle. The second is that of the localised tactical information (LCI). The RCI and LCI features allow for stronger integration of Wilhelm II, thus reducing unnecessary maintenance cost and the time that it would take for the system to be fully uploaded to the vehicle for each operation. In terms of the collection and integration of communication systems, the crew of the vehicle are provided with an inter-crew operational ISLM helmet mounted digital communication system, with the addition of fibre-optic net for each vehicle. As a result, the vehicle is adequately protected from external jamming operation by the utilisation of jamming devices. It also allows for better method of communication over some other conventional communication systems. The ISLM digital helmet communication system (ISLM-17 DCS) comprises of a mounted helmet with display imitation capability having the capacity to provide resolute rear projection screen visualisation, together with the provision of an optical eyepiece equipment which is used to expand the maximum size of screen that the crew can view.

The ISLM-17 DCS’ XA-1SLM sub-system (or the XA-1 light spatial modulator system) is also used to receive and pass collected data or compile accurate images on one side of the screen for the crew. Enhanced light magnification optics are used to receive and pass the modulated light. This gives the sub-system a markedly superior light modulation and image projection which are very beneficial for the crew, especially under tense tactical situation. As further addition to inter-vehicular communication capability to the overall network is the XAV-T10 UHFR radio (or its counterpart the toned down XAV-T10 High Frequency Tactical Communication radio). This design uses transmission and receiver antenna and communication link, paired together with an integrated electrical microcircuit chip; the former mounted to the circuit of the silicon chip, whilst the latter handles the collected base of input and output signals flowing to and from the pair of communication path. Thus essential information and data are received at faster rate, saving much needed time during tactical operation or when needed.

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. Because of this, crew of the vehicle may connect and surf the internet at leisure time with minimal interference, and use the previously mentioned integrated communication system to collect crucial tactical information from nearby allied or supporting formations. To further enhance the use of spatial provision and safety allocation of the integrated system, a default installation position is provided into each of the internal crew member’s seat, and is protected from external shock and vibration. As a result of its integration with the Nexus G Network, originating from the Xzaerom Institute and the Government of the Empires of Jenrak, crew members of the vehicle can ‘sync’ and ‘swarm’ browsed or collected internet web pages within the limit of the G Network’s allocation of passive memory storage. As a result, in leisure crew of the vehicle may record important tactical and strategic situation update so long as they are located within the vehicle’s corresponding operational radius. This also means, of course, that they can also browse saved websites from the worldwide web with ease, which can provide quite the distraction.

Such is the popularity of vehicles with fully operational Wilhelm II and its sub systems that the Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force Chief of Staff has decided to issue a four hundred and fifty NationStates Dollars fine if any crew member of her or his attached formation is caught using Wilhelm II for unproductive things which drastically lower combat productivity.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:55 am

8. Integrated Fire Control System

AYTRACK 03 IACS (Integrated Advanced Fire Control System) and its supporting networking and sensory systems were conceptualised by the VMK Bureau of Development and Technological Research Committee to provide Yohannesian armoured fighting vehicles with the ability to engage enemy mobile target effectively whilst moving, thereby increasing the vehicle’s power projectile accuracy and lethality for tactical operations. With the seemingly never ending and ever increasing cold war style crises between multiple competing imperialist nations in the international community, military development and research, especially in matters relating to armoured warfare, have progressed by leap and bound. Yohannesian policy-makers believe that the release of many multi-day and night twenty-four hours laser ranging sights and the innovation of many accuracy digital tracking target acquisition electronics and computer technology out there have shown that they are the future of military engagement; that is, raw firepower or protective measures of armoured vehicles alone will not be enough. The Bureau has noted that the development of these computerised systems has reached a level whereby their digital processing capacities are able to accurately track their target on the field of battle, day and night and under some of the most undesirable environment and tactical condition (e.g. mobile vibration, weather). Therefore the development of remotely controlled weaponry networking systems ignoring all the cost that would be incurred for their development were kick-started with great haste, as the VMK Bureau of Procurement and Technology Research realised that Yohannes was well behind in terms of its domestic military development in comparison to other military powers. The AYTRACK was therefore developed directly because of all the above reasons.

Fundamentally, AYTRACK features electro-optical techniques and electronics which enable the vehicle’s gunner to increase the gun’s first-strike hit chance by their ability to provide automatic error input and replace these values with post-entered correctional azimuth and elevation signals. These data will then be recorded into the computer to calculate the elevation and lateral co-ordinate position of the gun, which results in the invalidation of the previously programmed values, in the process increasing the gunner’s chance to hit the target. In addition to this feature, AYTRACK incorporates a two-axis integral laser range-finder line of stabilised gunner sight, which allows for access to the Yohannesian XD1-04 computerised controlled targeting mark application. This is pretty much a range marking, graticule-caliberated application within the sub-system which provides information about the gun’s available (or existing) and types of ammunitions, together with the axis of the corresponding vehicle’s gun barrel specification. Missile guidance information processing capacity and a compensatory automatic drift device are also included to take into account the secondary armaments and tertiary armaments of the L variant and possible danger around the vehicle.

There are flaws to this design, however, where constant parameter value required under certain conditions are sometimes going missing. Reprogramming can be done to address this problem, but constant danger present on the field of battle means the crew of the vehicle will not have the time to address this problem. Further, once a successful target hit has been achieved, the crew must manually adjust the value to depart from the graticule marking range. Te number of cumulative variation input within the system’s parameter must also be constantly monitored, and their complex nature mean that careful training must be provided to ensure the potentials of the systems are used to the maximum. Recent development has seen the incorporation of a range of standard ballistic value, complete with the gun’s elevation rate and the adoption of computerised arrangement of correlations pertaining to the range between the corresponding armoured fighting vehicle to its possible target. These further enhance lethality and countermeasure capabilities to somewhat dampen the previously mentioned weaknesses. With improved graticulated sight technology realised, the Bureau has also programmed an enhanced computer system which provides a range of ballistic value (e.g. effectiveness), arranged neatly for the crew to study on the field of battle. The ability to accurately calcualte the right specifications of corresponding gun elevation and other statistics is also provided, allowing crew members to judge appropriate choice of ammunitions from a range of existing ammunitions in formation inventory which will be needed for their mission.

Crew members can pre-programme the computer to change the exact type of ammunition required for their mission, and once correct input has been made and parameter of the barrel and the gun’s atomosphere are set at the right value, AYTRACK can then automatically provide accurate target hit value. For the relevant crew member, field of view includes kinetic energy stadiametric ranging scale, framgentary high explosive and chemical energy ammunitions information, and statistics input to ensure effective secondary range finding method in case of unexpected emergency. These features allow the gunner to very accurately track and simultaneously verify the target from known or pre-programmed tactical information (e.g. identify the model of the vehicle) so long as it is within range. Under certain situations X1A-AY satellite-based radio navigation system (or other similar systems) can be used to further aid AYTRACK. X1A-AY RatNav (and other similar system) is used to calculate and determine such things as gun barrel position whilst it records information input and analyses surrounding visible surface and statistics in a separate light modulating liquid crystal display screen from the main screen. This increases AYTRACK’s ability to observe and present a rough summary of the area surrounding the vehicle. Vehicular radio data also links the vehicle to its immediate fire control command, which allows the vehicle to initiate independent fire-strike operation rapidly once the system has delivered all the necessary information about the target. Another added advantage is the fact that this reduces friendly casualty rates, which is further ensured by the addition of the 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 on the computerised LCD screen. The gun sight of AYTRACK is locked with its telescopic axis sight, allowing for a parallel combined gun system with azimuth drives and elevation sets, azimuth sensors and elevation rates, and gyroscope gun stabilisation features which further enhance the main system’s ability to control the line of sight of the vehicle’s gun. A gunner’s operated thermal imaging sight and commbander’s active control and monitor panel are also provided, allowing both gunner and commander to detect, verify and engage the target at longer range, with higher accuracy and under some of the most disadvantageous weather conditions out there. AYTRACK can be broadly separated into two stages, where the commander can select either a low-resolution imagery to identify minor threats or an infra-red, high resolution and rader integrated imagery which provides very accurate analysis of the target’s position and its distance from the vehicle. The commander also has an anti-aircraft low-resolution imagery from AYTRACK’s sight which allows any available heavy machine guns and automatic cannons within the system’s integration range to try engaging the air target, all done from inside the safety of the turret. AYTRACK’s internally operated target acquisition networking and management systems and infrared and laser ranging controlled data can be operated through the stabilised networking, gunner-operated device to automatically aim the vehicle’s main gun towards any visible mobile or stationary target, with twenty-four hours day and night coverage to give accurate ballistic elevation and azimuth offset field position as well as systematic information gathering input that are much needed to ensure accuracy for an effective modern fire control system.

Using the elements of a combined sensors sight in conjunction with its internal application within AYTRACK’s computerised fire control system, the vehicle has the ability to adequately countermeasure emerging threats coming from the air (e.g. enemy support aircraft) or the ground (e.g. ground projctiles). VMK Bureau of Acquisition and Application Management has ovbserved how, as many nations with healthy arms manufacturing industries overseas can produce state-of-the-art sensors left and right (combined with a range of previously unavilible micro electronics and computers), crucial it is that Yohannes must be able to develop an advanced multi-threat targeting sight that can be enveloped together within a unitary sensor, if possible. After two years of research, the Head of Procurement and Development Research of VMK, Dr Siti Subrono, has finally decided that the planned AY2 series of armoured vehicles project must be equipped with this technology. She hoped that this would increase its direct-fire and surveillance platform potentials against enemy helicopters, threatening land-based heavy projectiles, and hostile cobat personnel. Equipped with the latest AYD0B active ballistic computer, the system can automatically verify angular crosswind and input the speed of the target. It can also to a lesser extent analyse the course angle and range of the target. AYD0B allows the input of informaton to such things as firing statistics to be stored in AYTRACK. Its main intended purpose, members of the Bureau believe, is to determine and trail ballistic information and to provide additional data to already existing stored information (i.e. the main data collected in AYTRACK from other sub-systems). The AYD0B active computer system is also flexible in that it allows crew members to manually adjust the system’s programme — though this must be done very carefully and specialised training provided beforehand — so that it can take into account personalised and localised data, for instance ambient air pressure, or the effect of local air temperature on gun barrel wear, or the time that it would take for a high explosive, controlled detonation fragmentary projectile to reach an identified and verified target. Multiple types of previously detected ballistic amunition and projectiles can also be taken into account for its calculation, whilst other things such as drift signals and flight time are provided albeit in a limited manner.

AYD0B computer system operates by making practical and effective use of its large collection of sub-channels and wires with a modifiable amplifier to instantly transmit collected operational data and in the process accurately and precisely showing the information and range of the tracked and verified target. The computer system and its related electronics in the vehicle can be used to support the operation of the PLA-84E AY-33A gun launched or Havik II box launched anti-tank guided missiles. An assembly of conventional telescope cluster — which consists of a mirror to detect and direct possible erorr signals affecting the telescope’s line of sight, a processor to control signal and input to remove the effects of angular noise, and a motor to control it — is used to allow the vehicle to more easily produce target position signals on the field of battle. Error detection and correction in case of unreliable communication channels are also taken into account thanks to the use of a digital error detection subsystem, which is used to take into account the position of the target and comparable signals from the assembly. Important software information and instructions (e.g. boresight alignment, offset correction) for the crew are stored inside the digital memory. The system, thanks to its modularity and easy deletability, allows easy access to replay important for mirror and boresight data adjustment, and thus contributes to the crew members’ ability to accurately compute elevation error signals and azimuth average of the target.

The development of the AYTRACK fire control system has fixed some disadvantages found in the previous AY1-1L’s prototype, which used a more basic fire control computing programme.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 11:34 pm

9. Armour

The development of the L variant’s turret structure and hull layout was heavily inspired by those of the previous E model, with the exception of the new addition of its synthetic polymers integrated side armour scheme. This means that the L variant has slightly better protection than the previous E variant, without much change in structural weight thanks to the nature of its armour reinforcement. Field tests have shown that the turret structure of the previous E model allowed for the placement of sensors and electronics required for the various internal systems (e.g. electronics, engine support) in the design to work properly. It also allowed space for future update and further systems integration with new electronics. However, once redesigned to allow for these new additions, during a new field test undertaken it was discovered that this modified turret structure contained flaws, one of which was its vulnerability to “shot turret trapping”, the process in which any penetration by heavy calibre rounds would be reflected down the hull, inflicting serious damage for the vehicle and presenting higher risk for the crew; noted as a very rare occurrence for modern tank designs as it was. It was decided, however, that this risk (and others) were worth the added features to the new design. For the time being — until the release of further minor improvement or new upgrades — the R&D team must realistically accept this as one — of the without a doubt many other existing — weaknesses of the tank design.

The excellent Lamonian Adversus armour scheme was used as temporary reinforcement alongside the integration of the new Oldenburg layering, as a way to counteract new weaknesses relating to the updated turret structure. Under this new scheme, where possible hard surface ceramic components laterally enclosed with elastomer are incorporated to the original armour to further optimise protection for the tank. Ignatz-Ewald AG, a family-owned defence company of the Noble Republic of Treno, was chosen as the primary contractor to oversee the development of this modular turret and armour skirt scheme. Encapsulated ceramic tiles are used for the side and skirt armour, which can be attached by rapid fastening to reinforce the main armour of the hull whenever needed. By enclosing the integrated synthetic polymers within the armour side skirt scheme, expansion of structural impacts from some existing modern threats (i.e. better armour ballistic resistance and degradation mitigation) can be reduced. This continuously patterned combination of ceramic and elastic synthetic polymers redirects internal structural shockwave, allows ceramic containment to be placed, and reduces and limits backstage vibration from adjoining impact.

Ignatz-Ewald AG researchers and technical team opted for three combinations of materials to be integrated as the main body enclosement for the scheme. Polysulfide is the main enclosement material to provide good structure stimulation. This material is chosen because its integration results in good elastic combination to ensure integrity and survivability of the armour scheme at high structural stress rates. This means more protection for the tank under certain unfavourable tactical situation and environment. Formation commanders or unit officers can choose to attach up to a maximum of three layers of this integrated synthetic polymer structure to add to existing structural integrity and protection for the tank. Oldenburg adds protection from most medium and some heavy rounds for the L variant externally, whilst internally its force stimulation provides the right elastic condition to ensure the ceramic’s integrity.

During the course of the development of the Adversus Tank Armour, which would be used on the Lamonian A2, and subsequently the Yohannesian AY2 series of tanks, different armour concepts came up that could be used for future projects, for instance the cross-wise oriented non-energetic reactive (NERA) armour panels: Exote; Aermet 100; Resilin; Aermet 100; Composite Sandwich Panel; Aermet 100; Resilin; Aermet 100; Composite Sandwich Panel; Aermet 100; Ti-6Al-4V; U-3Ti alloy DU mesh; Ti-6Al-4V; SiC encased in Ti-6Al-4V; Ti-6Al-4V; Chassis; and Anti-spall. Adversus is the latest in the LAIX ARMS line-up of Lamonian armour solutions for tanks. Adversus starts with Exote, which is rated as being effective against small arms armour piercing rounds (including 15 mm armour piercing rounds). The Exote layer is expected to deal with small arms fire and shrapnel from enemy weapons fire. Exote is Titanium Carbide ceramic particles in a metallic matrix. In this case, the metallic matrix is a rolled homogeneous armour (RHA), making it ductile, which greatly improves its multi-hit capabilities while preserving typical ceramic terminal ballistic properties; high hardness and ablation.

Due to the fact that the ceramic has been suspended in matrix form instead of sintered together, it is cheaper than ceramic tile armour arrays, while providing calculated protection levels equivalent to a 1.77x thickness efficiency, and 2.25x mass efficiency, compared to RHA alone. This process means that Exote is classified as a Metal Matrix Composite, or MMC. Exote-Armour was invented and first manufactured by Exote Ltd., a Finnish corporation. Upon impact by an armour-piercing round, Exote’s titanium carbide particles wear down the round via ablation, until the round is effectively turned into dust. Exote also spreads out the energy of the round, and distributes it over a larger area, thus fully neutralizing impact. The damage area is only twenty to thirty per cent larger than the calibre of the hit, and the rest of the plate will still remain protective. This can be seen in Exote’s multi-hit armour characteristic, which provides excellent protection from small arms, with a lighter weight than RHA alone. The Exote is also used to contain the rest of the armour package.

Lamonian innovations in the form of extruded para-organic resilin are also used. Resilin is an elastomeric fibrous compound found within the musculature of insects. To quote Dr Chris Elvin of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; “Resilin has evolved over hundreds of millions of years in insects into the most efficient elastic protein known...” Using genetically modified E.Coli bacteria, the CSIRO team was able to synthetically generate a soluble Resilin protein, based upon the cloning and expression of the first exon of the Drosophila CG15920 gene. By means of a CSIRO-patented process, the resulting resilin rubber was shown to have structurally near-perfect resilience nature, with a ninety-seven per cent post-stress recovery. The next-nearest competitors are synthetic polybutadiene ‘superball’ high resilience rubber (80 per cent) and elastin (ninety per cent). The cross-linking process itself is remarkably simple. It needs only three components - the protein, generally lactose, or a near analogue, a metal ligand complex, ruthenium in this case, and an electron acceptor. The mixture is then flashed with visible light of 452 nanometres wavelength to form the polymer - within 20 seconds, the proteins will be cross-linked into a matrix with remarkable tensile strength.

Like its Acerbitas cousin, the Resilin used in Adversus is intended, as with NERA generally, to warp, bend or bulge the Aermet 100 plates upon impact. As the plates move, bullets are subjected to transverse and shear forces, diminishing their penetration, and shaped-charge weapons find their plasma jets unable to readily focus on a single area of armour. In the case of segmented projectiles, the transverse forces are less pronounced, compared to unitary variants, but the movement of the plate essentially forces the projectile to penetrate twice, again lowering total impact upon the platform protected. The Resilin components are layered with Aermet 100 plates. The Aermet plates are angled, as penetrators striking angled plates will bend into the direction the plate is facing. This action on the part of the penetrator serves to significantly reduce the impact of the penetrator itself, as the penetrator expends energy on this bending motion, instead of being allowed to focus all of its kinetic energy on a single spot on the armour. Aermet 100 alloy features high hardness and strength, coupled with high ductility. Aermet 100 alloy is used for applications requiring high strength, high fracture toughness, high resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and fatigue. Aermet 100 is more difficult to machine than other steels; Aermet being specially graded martensitic steel, and requires the use of carbide tools.

Composite Sandwich Panels are used both to increase the structural integrity of the armour, as well as to catch fragments that are created by enemy fire. The outside of the panels are composed of one centimetre thick plates of Aermet 100 alloy. One such plate is placed on either side of the panel. The interior of each panel consists of a three centimetre thick honeycomb of hexagonal celled, thickness oriented Aermet 100, where each cell of the honeycomb measures six millimetres across. Each hexagonal cell is filled with a mix of sintered Titanium Diboride (TiB2) ceramic tiles, and vinylester resin. This adds additional ceramic protection to the armour. Ti-6Al-4V is a very popular alloy of Titanium. Designed for high tensile strength applications in the 1000 MPa range, the alloy has previously been used for aerospace, marine, power generation and offshore industries applications. Ti-6Al-4V offers all-round performance for a variety of weight reduction applications. It is used to sandwich the Depleted Uranium mesh, encase the SiC ceramic, and as the majority of the armour after that. As chemically pure Depleted Uranium is very brittle, and is not as strong as alloys, U-3Ti alloy is used for the DU mesh. This alloy has a density of 18.6 grams per cubic centimetre. The alloy displays higher strength, and less brittleness than chemically pure Depleted Uranium.

Silicon Carbide encased in Ti-6Al-4V comes after this, with the Titanium alloy being used to encapsulate the SiC ceramic, as well as assist in hydrostatic prestressing, which is known to extend interface defeat. The SiC is isostatically pressed into the heated matrix; which more securely binds the ceramic into place. Interface Defeat is a phenomenon observed when a hypervelocity penetrator strikes a sufficiently hard ceramic. The penetrator flattens its nose against the ceramic without penetrating into the ceramic for up to several microseconds, with penetrator material flowing laterally across the face of the ceramic until the ceramic starts to crack. As soon as cracks form, the lateral flow stops and penetration resumes. This effect is also called "dwell" in some publications. Silicon Carbide is excellent for producing this effect. More Ti-6Al-4V is used as the bulk of the armour after the encased SiC, which has a superior mass efficiency relative to RHA, while its thickness efficiency is a bit lower (about 0.9:1). The chassis is located behind this, with Dyneema being used as a spall liner. In Yohannesian main battle tanks, the chassis would likely consist of RHA, to replicate those of the latest Lamonian main battle tanks. Most of the armour is concentrated on the frontal arc, with the sides also being covered, but to a lesser degree. The rear of the tank (like all tanks) is protected by RHA. Where logically applicable, the VMK Board of Procurement Division followed the Lyran designed Hauberk ERA in order to increase the protection levels of the tank. This includes use of Hauberk on the tank’s roof, which helps to protect the vehicle against top attack munitions.

‘Hauberk’ shaped-charged explosive reactive armour is fitted as standard (though can be removed), designed to destroy (or at the very least severely degrade) hostile munitions, be they high explosive (HE)-based or kinetic penetrators. ‘Hauberk’ is also available from yet another close bilateral allied state of the Kingdom of Yohannes, that of the Lyran Protectorate, at no extra cost, and has been designed specifically to take advantage of research into explosive reactive armour carried out at the Lughenti Testing Range, of which the Yohannesian Federal Government has noted approvingly. Owing considerably to its ‘Rainmaker’ ancestor, ‘Hauberk’ differs from ‘Rainmaker’ in two ways. The first change is a shift in the formation of the explosively formed penetrators of the defensive system, from directly opposing the projectile (firing along the same axis as the most likely threat at any given armour location) to a slanted system, angling (approximately) forty-five degrees up. The new system not only leaves ‘Hauberk’ considerably more compact, but dramatically improves its effectiveness against kinetic munitions of all forms. The ‘Hauberk’ HERA system is composed of “bricks” making each “bricks” easily replaceable once used and allowing the system to be fitted to vehicles already in service. The “bricks” are lightweight (at around three kilogrammes) and this allows them to be positioned on as many areas of the tank as needs require.

An Aermet 100 Mine Protection Plate has been incorporated onto the underside of the tank, which offers protection from mines, and IEDs. This protection is in addition to the crew seating, and other protection measures. The turret front and sides are fitted with wedge-shaped add-on armour in sections, which can easily be replaced by engineers and the vehicle’s associated maintenance crew at field workshops if hit or, at a later stage, be replaced by more advanced armour. Aermet 100 alloy provides the outer casing, with a layer of Resilin to work against CE threats. U-3Ti alloy DU spheres encased in an Aermet 100 matrix cause KE rounds to yaw, reducing their penetration. The “wedge” armour is backed by more Aermet 100 alloy plating.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 12:48 am

10. Protection and Support Systems

The L variant can accomodate the provisions of many foreign active protection systems so long as they have similar internal attributes and can be engineered to match the tank’s default protection suite, the AYHK10 APS (Active Protection System). In Te L variant, the AYHK10 APS has been specially upgraded to include the integrated addition of two successive stages of soft-kill levels and those of two external sensors; one on the top left side on the turret and the other lower on the bottom hull scheme. The former is used to increase resistance against guided anti tank threats, whilst the latter to maximise the original APS’ hostile target misdirection potentials. Around the community of Nation States and amidst the countless International Incidents out there, many anti armoured vehicle measure systems, whether coming from ground or air, have been developed very rapidly. The seemily never-ending cold wars (and occassionally, rather hot), crises, and military stand-off between newly discovered or old world nations have seen rates of military innovation and technologivcal advancement unheard of in any other world situation or timeline.

At present, some armoured fighting vehicles still use systems that allow their crews to identify emerging threats by relying on their eyesights or fields of vision. Passive defence systems and countermeasures (e.g. smoke screen envelopment) are also used to temporarily protect vehicles. These have however been made somewhat outdated in some (especially those war-weary) regions by the rapid development and adoption of many countermeasure systems, for instance innovations relating to laser gided and infrared illumination to detect surrounding threats, or the rapid development of many new anti-tank guided missiles. These amongst other factors have opened the eyes of Yohannesian policy-makers that the VMK R&D Division must incorporate new active protection system and related sub systems for the AY2 series of tanks; with the AYHK10 APS being the culmination of that goal. The system improves rates of survivability for friendly vehicles by creating a condition where incoming projectile or missile guidance systems (e.g. anti tank guided missiles and rockets) can be prevented from achieving their intended kills. It achieves this by utilising a hemispheric barrier zone around friendly vehicles with IR and milimetre wave signls used to target enemy missles or projectiles; with screening grades being the first stage and this being the second. Once fully initiated, sensors will throw encyrpted signals to crew members of surrounding vehicles.

AYHK10 is good just like other systems of its kind in that its radars can detect and track incoming threats by utilising internal soft-kill emitter sensors which are automatically processed into the system and projected to existing interfaces. The system can also countermeasure and intercept threats by diverging the previously mentioned process into its de-centralised networks. Several important sensors to fully initiate the full hemispherical coverage are located on the vehicle; for instance the collection of flat panel raiders which are subsequently placed at strategic locations in a rectangular zoned shape, with two raiders located just below the hull of the vehicle and the other set located just below the turret in front. These locations are not arbitrary as they are strategic assets — in that they are required for the AYHK10’s detection and tracking subsystems — and must thus be protected by the Hauberk and Oldenberg armour screening. Infrared and milimitre wave detectors are used and inter-connected into a transmitter in the system; with this being attached outside the vehicle’s quadrant points together with another device used for encrypted early warning transmission to transmit collected data and input these as informaton into the interfaces for the crew members to see. Once transmitted, information are immediately passed on by the associated receiver to the commander of the vehicle. This information is then processed after the commander activate AYHK10-A3’s control and tracking subsystems. small interconnected systems which can be accessed through the commander’s screen onboard the tank are used to encrypt the information, allowing the commander to choose whether to manually countermeasure the identified threat or let the system eliminate the identified threat.

Once any incoming threat has been detected, verified and identified, the AYHK10 ADS countermeasure stage will then be activated and positioned accordingly to intercept the incoming threat. At this stage the commander can activate an interface with options which allow her or him to compute the origin of the threat (e.g. direction) and alter the position of the turret to that direction. Countermeasure launch then commence in a ballistic trajectory to intercept the threat. All this fully computerised process takes just three to five seconds, thus limited only by the decision-making skill of the commander. Specialised training of crew members must thus be given thoroughly to maximise AYHK10 ADS’ potential. The broad hemispherical coverage of its internally built laser threat indentifiers allow the system to provide a full three hundred and sixty degree active operational protection and barrier for the tank. Its sensory can identify many types of projectiles, such as anti-tank guided missiles, grenades, and long rod and tandem charge projectiles, to name four of the most common ones, and and other known or visible unverified objects within seventy-five metres of the tank. In case an emerging threat (e.g. a projectile) has passed this first obstacle, the soft-kill emitter sensors will identify the threat and the hard-kill system will compute and verify the input containing information of the incoming target, which can be done from the moment that that target has reached one kilometre distance from the tank, and all done in under two seconds interval between any previous target to any new one.

Double based propellants are used for the aerosol smoke grenades to try to frustrate enemy ultraviolet and infrared or millimetre wave radar sensors. Upon detection by the system, the smokes are launched, and then the splinters which contain copper and zinc will minimise enemy infrared tracking efficiency whilst the carbon fibre payloads occludes energy within the electromagnetic spectrum’s millimetre reach. The new AYHK10 smoke dispersal method was developed with improvement from previous weaknesses in mind, such as (i) danger to surrounding infantry created by high explosive countermeasures and grenades used as dispersal method; (ii) delays from when grenades were fired until they explode and aerosol are released; and the (iii) lack of pneumatic equipment technology to spread the aerosols. The new method used in the AYHK10 first aimed to overstep these weaknesses by operating without needing chemical deposition as source of gases. This means it has longer reach that can go beyond the previous design, which restricted it to only visible and near infrared regions round the vehicle’s electromagnetic spectrum.

As briefly introduced already, AYHK10 is also equipped with a suite which use sensors around the vehicle to further detect threats and to manipulate spectral characteristic through laser dazzling and the previously mentioned grenades. The three sensors for this suite detect threats at much longer ranges than the other sensors described already which are employed by the vehicle, and are more passive to reduce chance of detection. Two of these search and track sensors are mid infrared focal-plane array to complement the hemispherical coverage provided by the parent protection system. They work at fifty cycles per second and cover both the left and right side of the tank turret. A third covering the other near field of view is mid infrared scanning array with laser illuminator and range-gated camera based on a near infrared scanning array. It works at the same rates and is located on the bottom left side of the turret (protected by the Oldenburg armour scheme). These features allow the suite to identify either extremely fast high intensity outbursts or lower intensity threats.

The AYHK10 ADS, unlike its predecessor the AYHK9, can also fill the role of fast counteractive vehicle protection system. It can eliminate risks from enemy rocket propelled grenades in close ranged combat situation with a total responsive time of just above 1 ms. Plural passive sensors have been added for the system, alowing the active defence to analyse the tank’s surrounding and locate threats which have been detected by its laser tracker. It analyses such things as the angular co-ordination, range, and the velocity of the threat. Fast countermeasure against the verified target is provided by countermunitions which are activated if the system regard the threat as requiring level one intervention, to be guided by the system’s computerised software onboard the tank. The AYHK10 ADS also has its own radiometric countermeasure sub-system, the AYXA-1BS, which can be used to mitigate risks coming from millimetre wave sensory guidance system employed by enemy missiles to act as projector guide targeting the tank. AYXA-1BS uses repetitively sourced millimetre wave and is equipped with an inter-connected system of attenuator and circular light converter, which are used to transmit radiatory millimetre wave signal surrounding the tank. This creates an electromagnetic field surrounding the tank which provde good radiatory intensity to match the tank’s surrounding (e.g. environmental features, buildings). This means that risks coming from enemy missiles targeting the tank can be mitigated, thus increasing further survivability rates for the tank and onboard crew members.

Commonality requirement by the Commonwealth Navy Expeditionary Force means that the AY09 AFEDSS (Automatic Fire and Explosion Detection and Suppression System) will be used for the L variant. AY09 AFEDSS is a fully automatic combat operational detection, control and suppression system, which can be flexibly adjusted to act under normal or combat mode setting. Its development resulted from the disastrous Santa Serrifian colonial war (i.e. that nation did not pay back its loan) in the region of Europa, when needless casualties were caused by the Santa Serriffan rebel faction’s extensive use of upgraded HEATs on the advancing panzers of Liutenant General Erwin Lower’s Thirteenth Panzer Division. The General Staff therefore concluded that a new add-on modular design emphasising the factors of commonality and interchange-ability between Expeditionary Force combat vehicles must be created. AY09 AFEDSS provides another layer of protection for the tank engine and its crew members by discharging or suppressing explosion or fire caused by projectile penetration. Equipped with an overheat wire detector, it can also detect changes in temperature in the engine compartment. The ability to systematically detect and verify first-degree pressure shock-capable explosion (in under 3.1 ms) and suppress them (in under 100 ms) from HEAT or KE penetration isprovided by its optical fire detection and protection system. An operational dual mode automatic status indicator is also available to provide initiated backing in case of serious malfunctioning of the system.

Standing at eighty-five tonnes, some observers have said that the L variant is bulky and heavy. This drawback is very bad and must be addressed seriously, because realistically without the right support systems the tank will not operate well on the ground. To provide additional layer of support system for the tank engine, VMK AG worked together with Forza Automotive of the Republic of United Cordonia and contracted its parent Vitaphone Racing Company to specially develop an EMS (Engine Management System) for the L variant. EMS is a computer which monitors the performance of the engine and the conditions which the tank is experiencing. It controls which of the two ICEs of the powerplant will be operating at any one time and determines whether or not assistance from the non-operating ICE is needed or electric boost is needed. This is done by measuring the load of the engine at any one time and by calculating the throttle response from the driver. EMS also controls and governs the complex commonrail fuel injection pattern of the two ICE's and also provides the computing power to run the variable valve timing system. Another protection system to ensure minimum standard is reached for mobility and field performance of the tank is the Ignatz-Ewald Powerplant Network Detection (PND) system, with the Regency of Lindblum’s Ignatz-Ewald AG acting as primary contractor. PND detects engine fault and problems by using neural network to show accurate information and collect computerised analysis of the engine’s components. This operation is undertaken by the crew to analyse the possibility of engine technical problems and other performance faults happening which may come during combat (or non combat) operation. Divided into two stages of encoding and decoding networks, PND receives sensor information and principally verifies plural analysis of existing primary components to present powerplant data from the analysed sensor. The decoding network receives input from the encoding stage to reconstruct the information and compute the required output. The result is the accumulation of mobility and on the ground operational information that the crew can analyse. This reduces the chance of engine fault happening by allowing manual intervention by the crew or supporting formation on the ground.

The GreenTank project debuts Forza’s eCharge system, using electrically powered compressors to forcibly aspirate the engine of the tank rather than using exhaust powered turbochargers or mechanically driven superchargers. Beside being efficient, the eCharge system also reliable because it has smaller number of moving parts in extreme conditions when compared to other typical methods. Each engine mounts two compressors; one for each bank of cylinders, amounting to a total of four for this particular drivetrain. The system also mounts a total of two turbines which are used to recollect energy from the exhaust gases. Ultra-high voltage wires are used to save battery power, with saved power transferred to a series of electric motors in one of the system’s compressors, where the motors are then used to accelerate the compressor to full operating speed to ensure maximum boost availability. Meanwhile, the Forza EMS (Engine Management System) controls air flow rate and boost pressure via control of the compressor speed which allows for precise and effective combustion fuel flow rate. The compressors used are Variable Geometry Turbochargers which are well suited to diesel engines and were first used by Forza on the Corio series of commercial truck. VGTs alters effective aspect ratio of the turbo as conditions change. This is done because optimum aspect ratio at low engine speeds is very different from that at high engine speeds. If the aspect ratio is too large, the turbo will fail to create boost at low speeds; if the aspect ratio is too small, the turbo will choke the engine at high speeds, leading to high exhaust manifold pressures, high pumping losses, and ultimately lower power output. By altering the geometry of the turbine housing as the engine accelerates, the turbo’s aspect ratio can be maintained at its optimum. Because of this, VGTs have a minimal amount of lag, have a low boost threshold, and are very efficient at higher engine speeds.

When integrated with the rest of the support systems as a whole, VGTs do not require a wastegate. At high engine speeds there is more energy generated by the turbine than is required by the compressor. Under these conditions, the excess energy can be used to recharge the energy storage for the next acceleration phase or used to power some of the auxiliary loads such as an electric air conditioning system. The system can operate in what is commonly known as a ‘steady state’, where the power produced by recycling the energy from the exhaust gases through the exhaust turbines matches the power consumed by the compressors. This prevents the system from draining the batteries.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 2:50 pm

11. Propulsion System

Maximum power and torque: 1808 kW; 8900 nm (@idle, electric motors)
Fuel and engine type: Diesel; 2x flat-6 engines + 2x electric generator, 4x electric motors
Displacement and induction: 16.788 litres; quad electronic turbocharger

The propulsion and transmission systems of the previous E model were designed to integrate well together, and were therefore left virtually untouched. The system that must be carefully designed to accommodate the heavy and somewhat bulky tank (standing at eighty-five tonnes) that the L variant is is centred along the new 1808 kW Forza Series A engine, specially designed for the L variant as an upgraded alternative to the already existing GreenHybrid tank engine. A Hybrid Drivetrain transmission was chosen to complement the Series A engine, providing the right combination of mobility required to make the Panthera Leo a decently maneuverable design on the field of battle.

Weighing at just above five thousand and two hundred kilogrammes, the Series A of the DFB-12ETDH is a production version of the GreenTank project engine which was not fitted to any applications. The Forza GreenTank project is a design study to create a propulsion system for an armoured vehicle operating where carbon-based fuel is at a premium. GreenTank uses technologies that have been pioneered on race cars, small passenger cars, and diesel-electric trains to strive for a fuel consumption target of one point five litres per kilometer. The Series A represented several major design advantages over the GreenTank system which increased the powerplant’s reliability, capability, and its performance in the field. Most crucial to this was reducing the size and weight of the battery pack which worked in tandem with the system, as the presence of the battery pack negated every packaging advantage made possible by the dimensional small engine and help to reduce the weight penalty that DFB-12ETDH powered tanks faced over their FB-12TSD engined counterparts.

The Forza HDrive uss two internal combustion engines. Each is a Flat-6 unit displaing a relatively small 8.4 litres, forcibly inducted by Forza’s eCharge aspiration system and teamed with Forza's HybriDrive technology which altogether creates the hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain. Due to requirements to use a hybrid drivetrain, the engines needed to be kept physically small to maximise available space in order to fit the generators and battery packs required for the hybrid system. This led to the demand for a small-displacemnt engine which would keep external dimensions to the minimum and that would also be more efficient than a larger engine when at light load, such as speeds above idle. Maximum power produced by the ICE does not need to be as high to equal other vehicles for power to weight ratio, as the power prvided by the motor generators in parallel to the ICE would be sufficient to address the difference in power levels. The two Flat-6 engines are stacked on top of one another to form what resembles a flat-H engine, except with no mechanical connection between the two crankshafts.

The engine has a specific output of fifty-eight kilowatts per litre; that is, the HDrive engine yields roughly the same amount of power per litre compared to the FB-12TSD which powers the previous E model despite consuming half of the fuel. The output is a product of the engine’s low compression ratio, relatively high maximum engine speed and very high staged boost levels which are explained later. Each cylinder displaces 1.4 cubic centimetres. The total power of just the two ICE's alone is a mere 1,008 kW, mch lower than the 1,750 kW produced by the best of the FB-12TSD series, however the hybrid system can contribute an extra 800 kW to this total when the engine is at its maximum output, giving a total output of 1808 kW or over 2,426 HP. The Series A version of the DFB-12ETDH extracts more power per litre than the initial GreenTank version due to increased boost setting and a re-calibrated fuel injection pattern which helps to provide maximum mecanical energy with every stroke of the piston. Improved transmssion systems also mitigate the loss of power throughout the system as a whole which keeps the tank's power trcks almost the same as the power at the engine’s crank.

The engine block itself is made from aluminium alloy, made up of eleven per cent silicon, four per cent manganese, and point five per cent magnesium. This Al-Alloy has high thermal conductivity and thus can dissipate heat quicker than cast iron. Further, it leads more thermal efficiency, cooler running engines, and are lighter thereby improving the overall vehicle’s operative characteristics. Combined with the more efficient fuel burn and the increased flexibility of the forced induction system, this drivetrain increases specific power while reducing fuel consumption. The engine itself makes use of an extremely low compression ratio of fourteen to one, putting it on equality with the lowest compression diesel engines fitted to passenger cars and possibly the lowest ever seen on a tank. Diesel engines generally have a very high compression temperature and pressure at piston top dead center. If fuel is injected under these conditions, ignition will take place before an adequate air-fuel mixture is formed, causing heterogeneous combustion to occur locally which essentially results in an inefficient combustion reaction.

When the compression ratio is lowered, compression temperature and pressure at top dead centre decrease significantly. Consequently, ignition takes longer when fuel is injected near top dead centre which allows for a more desirable mixture of air and fuel. This alleviates the formation of NOx and soot because the combustion becomes more uniform throughout the cylinder without localized high-temperature areas and oxygen insufficiency. Furthermore, injection and combustion close to top dead centre result in a highly-efficient diesel engine, in which a higher expansion ratio is obtained than in a high-compression-ratio diesel engine, thus meaning the engine can produce more force with a single stroke. Due to its low compression ratio, the maximum in-cylinder combustion pressure for this diesel engine is lower than other typical heavy diesels which allows for significant weight reduction through structural optimization, essentially lightening the engine where possible and reducing it's exterior dimensions. Because the stresses placed on the cylinder block by compression are much less than other diesels, the engine does not need to be engineered to withstand these forces and thus weight and exterior size can be shredded. Also due to the lower combustion ratio, internal components such as the crankshaft were also able to be adapted due to a lesser stroke being required. This in particular reduces mechanical friction by a considerable percentage. Because the internal components and the engine block have much less stress placed upon them, they are able to last longer than components of other diesel engines, which results in not only a more fuel efficient engine but also one which is more reliable.

There are only two primary problems that have been preventing the spread of low-compression-ratio diesels in modern applications regardless of their numerous advantages. The first is the fact that when the compression pressure is reduced, the compression temperature during cold operation is too low to cause combustion, which means the engine cannot be started. The second is the occurrence of misfiring during warm-up operation due to lack of compression temperature and pressure. Forza engineers decided that the problem of a reduced compression temperature could be fixed by simply altering the amount of fuel injected when the engine is starting, thus calling for a variable fuel injection system which would be electronically controlled. The newly adopted multi-hole piezo injectors allow for a wide variety of injection patterns and can inject fuel in increments of 10^-9 of a litre and at temperatures of up to two thousand bar. Precision in injection amount and timing increases the accuracy of mixture concentration control which means the engine can start in all conditions no matter how cold the temperature is. Ceramic Fast Glow Plugs developed by NGK also help the cold start capability. As opposed to a metal pin-type glow plug, the heating coil of a ceramic glow plug has an especially high melting point. It is also sheathed in silicon nitrite, an extremely robust ceramic material. The combination of the heating coil and ceramic sheath enable higher temperatures and extremely short preheat times due to excellent thermal conductivity. Also, ceramic glow plugs have a more compact design. This is important, because there is very little free space in today’s engines. NGK NHTC glow plugs achieve a temperature of 1,000^OC in less than two seconds and can after-glow for more than ten minutes at temperatures of up to 1,350^OC. Optimum combustion is ensured even at low compression ratios. In addition, the NHTC glow plug can glow intermediately to prevent cooling of the particle filter in deceleration phases.

The commorail fuel injector is capable of a maximum of nine injections per combstion, injecting at up to two thousand bar in very precise amounts. Along with the three basic injections: pre-injection, main injection, and post-injection, different injection patterns will be set according to driving conditions which are controlled and govened automatically by the engine control unit. Definite engine-start even with a low compression ratio is attriutable to this precise injection control and also the adoption of ceramic glow plugs. Any misfiring that may occur during warm-up operation after engine-start is prevented by adopting a variable valve timing system for the exhaust valves, similiar to the one seen on other Forza engines. From studying diesel engines, it was noted that just a single combustion cycle is sufficient for the exhaust gas temperature to rise. Given this, the exhaust valves are opened slightly during the intake stroke to regurgitate the hot exhaust gas back into the cylinder, which increases the air temperature. This promotes the elevation of compression temperature which in turn stabilizes ignition and greatly reduces if not eliminates the chance of a misfire. The use of two seperately controlled internal combustion engines is designed to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation. In typical light load driving the driver uses only around a quarter to a third of an engine’s maximum power. In these conditions, the throttle valve is nearly closed and the engine needs to work hard to draw air for combustion, which causes pumping loss. Some large capacity engines need to be throttled so much at light load that the cylinder pressure at the zenith of the cylinder is approximately half that of a small engine half the size. Low cylinder pressure means low fuel efficency and fuel consumption begins to skyrocket.

Deactivating one engine at light load means there are fewer cylinders drawing air from the intake manifold which works to increase its fluid (air) pressure. Operation without variable displacement is wasteful because fuel is continuously pumped into each cylinder and combsted even though maximum performance is not required. By shutting down effectively half of vehicle's cylinders the amount of fuel being consumed is much less. Between reducing the pumping losses which increases pressure in each operating cylinder and decreasing the amount of fuel being pumped into the cylinders. Fuel consumption for large capacity Forza engines can be reduced by twenry to thirty-five per cent in highway conditions. The two internal combstion engines are identical flat-6 engies designated #1 and #2 as discussed reviously. One engine is designated the primry engine while another is designated as the secondary; due to wear and tear issues, the designations switch automatically on the hour to ensure an adequate amount of down time for each engine. The primary engine will operate whenever the tank is not relying on battery power for movement or to provide power to the systems which make up the tank. The secondary engine only activates on demand; ie when the primary engine can not sustain the amount of power required by the vehicle at the present time.

Each ICE is connected to a motor/generator as will be discussed later. The two engines power the generator which stores the energy created in the battery packs, relying on the remaining electric motor/generators to convert the electrical energy into motion.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 7:43 pm

12. Suspension System

Standing at eighty-five tonnes, the L variant requires the support of innovative, state-of-the-art suspension system for it to realise its decent maneuverability on the field of Nation States battles and International Incidents. The Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg’s VLT HPVS-MBT active hydropneumatic suspension system was again chosen, after conclusion that there would be no other feasible method to improve an already excellent suspension system, which has been proven multiple times on the field of battle.

Building on earlier experiences with the company’s past active Hydropneumatic Vehicle System (HPVS), used on all recent VLT Group military vehicles, VLT developed an active hydropneumatic suspension system for the AY2 series of armoured fighting vehicles. This system works with hydraulic cylinders, mounted behind every road wheel (thus, 7 on each side). The cylinders have been connected with each other along the length of the vehicle, together with nitrogen-filled hydraulic accumulators. If a roadwheel hits a bump, the nitrogen is compressed by the hydraulic oil inside the hydraulic unit, if the wheel then returns to the normal driving situation, the nitrogen will expand once again to return the suspension to normal circumstances. A constant hydropneumatic suspension with onboard damping is thus available. The system, however, is progressive, which means that the system can take into account the type of terrain the vehicle is currently on, as well as differences in weight. As the hydropneumatic cylinders are only connected length-wise, the suspension left and right has essentially been separated, which means that all wheels will have equal ground pressure in uneven terrain, dividing the ground pressure more evenly over the tracks. A downside of the lengthwise cylinder connection is that a vehicle would be likely to nose-dive during braking or lean backwards during acceleration.

To combat this, the VLT HPVS system of the vehicle is equipped with a computer that can measure pitch, roll, acceleration and deceleration in both lateral and longitudinal directions, as well as various other variables in relation to the actions of the driver and the condition of the surface. The computer, also connected to several gyroscopes, can thus monitor the movements of the vehicle, and anticipate and act upon changes in the suspension level by reducing or increasing the level of hydraulic fluid in specific cylinders or in all cylinders, through a central pump with a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The driver also has the ability to make the tank kneel or tilt to one side, but can also choose to lower or higher the entire suspension, thus allowing the tank to reduce its silhouette by being lower, or having more ground clearance in a higher suspension setting. The body computer also knows when the gun is discharged, and the system will move to counteract the recoil of the system to make sure the tank will remain stable. The cylinders used in this system have very few moving parts, meaning they require little maintenance, and will not require replacement often. The system itself is light, reliable and relatively small, and ready for a long service life, and should replacement be necessary, a mechanic can mount a new cylinder unit (which can be ordered complete or in parts, with complete units only requiring basic mechanical skill to mount into the hull and connect the hydraulic tubing).

Also, the HPVS system is, in soldier terminology, “idiot-proof” by being able to withstand the extra stresses of exceeding the maximum weight of the vehicle. All cylinders are encapsulated in armoured units behind armoured skirts, protecting the system from being damaged. Should one of the cylinders be damaged, despite these protection measures, the central body computer of the suspension system can detect a leak in the system and shut off the leaking cylinders by closing valves. This prevents a leak from draining the system and allows the vehicle to continue, despite damage to the suspension system, as long as the tracks themselves have not been damaged, and the system has several additional features, such as the crosswise stabilisation of the vehicle that takes place automatically under a speed of 3 km/h. If necessary, the driver can also engage it at speeds above this limit.

The stabilisation system makes sure that the hull and turret of the vehicle remain as level as possible while the vehicle itself is at a side slope. This is done by locking the cylinders of the suspension in a level position on one side of the vehicle. This prevents the vehicle from tipping over, making it easier to cross steep side slopes. Also, there is a system on board that stabilises the vehicle in corners, to reduce vehicle roll. This is done by temporarily deactivating the hydropneumatic suspension in high-speed corners, reducing the rolling movement caused by the suspension system. If necessary, the system can also be turned off by the driver or commander. Next to these features, HPVS also offers a vehicle weight indicator, making it easy to remind the driver or commander of the weight of the vehicle. Also, a system has been installed that can keep the vehicle completely level when standing still, as long as the slope the vehicle is on is not too extreme.

The development of HPVS-MBT has reaffirmed VLT’s superiority in the field of military vehicle suspensions, with the introduction of its active hydropneumatic vehicle system (HPVS).

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 7:50 am

13. Crew Facilities

The vehicle’s compartment comes with multiple collection of digital interfaces and system electronics, most of which have been described already, which include limited internal data storage used as secondary emergency measure in case of malfunctioning of the Xzaerom G Network. Rudimentary but easily adjusted seats are available for the crew. Secondary optical sight and sensory for the fire control system in front of the commander section can be accessed by the commander and gunner. Integrated twenty fours day and night sight and features are provided. Automatic and manual operation interfaces may also be accessed in this area. Accessible small armaments storage is provided in the turret in case crew members need to (or can) escape. AYX47-B1 fibreoptic connections are used for the L variant’s electronics to reduce exposure and pressure shock.

Low-quality air conditioning and heating is provided via liquid heater based on the engine for hot summer or cold winter season operations. This also has the added advantage of reducing engine heat signature. All the described provisions would hopefully improve operating environment for the crew even under AFEDSS NBC activate operation. An NBC protected water tank system is also connected to the central liquid heater, which can be used by crew members whenever they want hot or cold water. Plastic bottles for a cuppa Earl Grey tea or Arjuna hot coffee are also provided.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 12:55 am

14. Signature Reduction

The LCSS (lightweight camouflage screening system) used by previous variants have been seen as relatively ineffective by VMK Bureau of Procurement and Research. Therefore a replacement was developed. Existing signature reduction methods mainly revolve around the use of several camouflage layers which are screened together for the vehicles. The act of connecting and dismembering these screen layering must be done in a fast manner and doing that will be good for crew members on the ground. In the new replacement the camouflage screen layers does not have physical effects on the vehicles from point of contact. Known as ‘Lotion’, the screening is made up of multispectral lightweight ultra camouflage net system, based on the existing ULCAN system. When applying lotion, two becket block of loops are attached at the screen of the camouflage layer in an alternating manner with long beckets block of loops repeatedly. Dismembering are then done rapidly to limit rigid plastic structures which increase enemy radiation detection. Infrared camouflage screening are also used for lotion which lower chance of infrared detection from enemy devices. The layering is made up of lightweight pores structures which are attached with strips. This somewhat reduces infrared detection for the tank at a range of up to fifty metres.

Transmission for the tank contains a planetary gear set that adjusts and blends the amount of torque from the engine and motors as it is needed. Special couplings and sensors monitor rotation speed of each track and the total torque on the tracks, for feedback to the control computer.
The L variant’s signature reduction and operational field tactical camouflage methods are largely centred around its integrated and modular structure. It combined the dynamic and teamed up presence of a modified HybriDrive electro-mechanical Stealth and Overboost features, together with the ULCAN-based Lotion scheme. Two other advantages are made possible by the HybriDrive system of the tank. The first is ‘Stealth Mode’, where the vehicle can travel at slow to medium speeds without using the ICE for power, thus running silently. This gives an assaulting force an enourmous advantage as an enemy will generally not be able to hear the armoured fighting vehicles approaching, except over rough ground which would cause noise. However, the absence of an engine note will mean that the noise of the tracks on the ground alone will not alert the enemy to the presence of an AFV. In this mode, the alternator spins freely and the engine is de-coupled from the rest of the drivetrain. Stealth Mode can be run for up to fourty minutes or fifty kilometres running off the battery power. After this, the ICE will need to recharge the battery pack.

The second is the ‘Overboost’ function. When accelerating, the vehicle teams the powerful ICE with the pair of motor-generators to combine their power and torque, resulting in a huge boost to acceleration. The Overboost function can also be employed for the vehicle to act as a tug, by either pushing or pulling an otherwise immobile vehicle, up to an eighty tonne tank, to a safer position. Exhaust fumes and gases are passed out the rear of the vehicle, through a double muffler and particle filter. Exhaust gases are diluted with outside air to reduce their heat signature. This is done by sucking air through a small inlet flush against the tank and mixing the cool outside air with the exhaust gases. Exhausted and outside air meet in a special Y tube, with a radiator being mounted on the stem of the Y, sucking air from both stems through to the exhaust.

Sound-deadening engine covers are also fitted to the engine to reduce the noise both inside and outside the cabin. Forza engineers are particualrly ardent at reducing the NVH of large luxury cars but found the same basic principles applied to armoured vehicles. Double-insulated sound covers are placed in a box to cover the engine, which is itself mounted on springs to quell vibrations. The top of this box can be easily removed to lift the whole engine out. As a result, the vehicle is much quieter inside and out than any other vehicles of its level.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 1:40 am

15. Out of Character Credit

The Macabees: thank you for creting the Nakil. Without it, Dostanuot Loj and Lyras would not create what they have created.
Dostanuot Loj: We looked up to your desgn for our early designs (though we failed badly). Thank you.
Lyras: You are a nice guy. We have never properly said our thank you. Thank you so much for everything, and sorry if we have not been thankful enough or we have underrated your influence on things. Some people criticised your In Character nation (and things related to it). No one is perfect, and we do say you have done so many great things. It is much easier to complain than to actually write something (as we have found out the hard way ourselves). Thank you for all the wonderful writing you have done.
Lamoni: Thank you for being a good mentor.
Anemos Major: Thank you for your patience. You are such a nice person and we think people tend to underrate you, which is not fair, because you are probbaly one of the smartest (and wisest, also nicest) people out there NS wise.
Van Luxemburg: Thank you VL
Vitaphone Racing: Thank you VR
~~Santheres: Thank you. And sorry if we were so annoying and selfish~~ Actally nevermind. Deprecated. All meta!
Hardenburgh: Thank you for the 2010 war
The player behind Jenrak: Thank you for your patience
Milograd: Thank you for your patience
Automagfreek: We are sorry we were so selfish and were thankful enough
Rich and Corporations: Thank you for putting a hard limit on the whole NSMT thing in 2012. No one had the guts to do it but you. Our eyes would not be opened without your divine intrveention.
Questers: Thank you for introducing us to the other side of RPing style. Whilst we are not a fan of hard MT realism now, you have made us realise how one can do non hard MT realism things but still do it responsibly and within limit. Also, you are still the navel boss.
And everybody who have ever mentioned Yohannes related things, whether good or bad, thank you. Whether you are criticising our stuff, or you are saying good things about our stuff, doesn't matter. By mentioning us in a bad way or good way you have decided to acknowledge our OOC and IC existence. Thank you very much. We will always try to introduce flaws and weaknesses to counterbalance strengths on Yohannes and related stuff to try to satify everyne.
Patented stuff: Thank you.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 1:56 am

16. Strengths and Weaknesses

[ Out of Character post ] Kia Ora! There are many weaknesses to the King Tiger. And we did it intentionally (don’t ask why, we like the name). Despite the gold and silver plated verbose under introduction section, King Tiger is not meant to be a ‘my main battle tanks for my armoured divsion’ kind of tank. And anyone who told you so are not telling the truth. In the continent of Yohannes, King Tiger is only used for heavy Panzer companies and heavy Panzer battalions. They are used to bolster weak defensive points or they are used as spearhead. But they are not used as mainstay of any armoured divisions. So don’t spam them on the battlefield please. One, youa re giving a bad name for King Tiger that way.

Also? They like engine problems. Yes, King Tiger lieks engine problems and has heavy logistical need. So again, please don’t spam them unless you want to godmod your way out of its weaknesses. Offensive wise it’s good. It can take out any tank no problem (except Lyras’ Direwolf, but that stuff is not meant to be spammed also anyway so there you go). Also we have purposely added shot turret trap stuff and other weak armour points for real weaknesses thugh we didn’t have to. They are not generally a problem in real life but with NSMT stuff you never know. And we love adding weak points to the design. We have also made the King Tiger expensive both maintenance and purchase cost wise. Because they are and should not be cheap.

Also signature reduction for King Tiger it does not have as many fancy stuff as other NSMT stuff. And we did it for a reason: more glaring weakness. So there you go.

If there are other weak points u feel we should add feel free to say here or by telegram. We love telegrams. We love NationStates.

Another weaknesses is the fact that King Tiger specifications will tell you that it is not fast, at least for NSMT design. If you compare it to other NSMT tanks you will see that it is probably the slowest out there, despite the engine and transmission. Doesn’t matter, that’s another weakness because it’s fun. Also, missile to top. Enough said. Unless you don’t know what we mean.