Key Data
Cost: $4 Million NSD per unit.
Variants Cost: $4.5 Million NSD per unit.
ATGM/AD: $5 Million NSD per unit.
MCV: $5.2 Million NSD per unit.
DPR: $60 Billion NSD.
Crew
3 crew + 24 passengers.
Dimensions
Length: 8.0 m.
Height: 3.20 m.
Width: 3.29 m.
Weight: 32.3 tons.
Performance
Maximum Speed: 72 km/h; 13.2 km/h on water.
Range: 500 km; 22 NM on water, including survival in Sea State 5.
Suspension: torsion bar-in-tube.
Propulsion: CE V8T500 415 hp (305 kW).
Waterjets/track movement.
Transmission: CE's HS-600-8C2.
Power/weight: 21 hp/tonne
Cargo: Can transport 4.5 kg to shore.
Armament
Main Armament: Twin-mount 360 degree Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS); optional machine guns or grenade launchers as mounts (1,400 grenades, 4,200 bullets).
Additional: 'Speer'-VLATGM ATGM system mounted on rear top hatch (two missiles per pod, four reloads).
Schildkröte 40mm
Primary: Mk. 103/D 40 mm Automatic Cannon Turret System (2,000 - 3,500 rounds).
Secondary: Coaxial machine gun (LSW MareV2 "MSW" standard, 3,000 rounds).
Additional: Commander gunring mount, interchangeable with various weapon systems (GPM, HMG, AGL, etc). (1,000 rounds machine gun).
Schildkröte MGS
Primary: WA Type 5.3 105 mm 52 caliber Rifled Cannon (48 rounds).
Secondary: Coaxial machine gun (LSW MareV2 "MSW" standard, 3,000 rounds).
Additional: Commander gunring mount, interchangeable with various weapon systems (GPM, HMG, AGL, etc). (1,000 rounds machine gun).
Schildkröte MV
Primary: Mounted mortar system (medium to heavy, 70 to 100 rounds depending on size).
Secondary: Two mount 360 degree Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS); optional machine guns or grenade launchers as mounts (400 grenades, 2,000 bullets).
Schildkröte Medvac
Primary: Two mount 360 degree Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS); optional machine guns or grenade launchers as mounts (400 grenades, 2,000 bullets).
Secondary: Gunring mount, commander's weapon.
Schildkröte ATGM/AD
Primary: Dual-barreled SMJ-AP 14.5 mm Heavy Machine Gun or other substitute (GPM, HMG, AGL, etc). (10,000 rounds).
Mission Armament: 12x canister mounts for ATGMs or SAMs (including 'Speer'-VLATGM and Slingshot-VBL). 12-20 canisters stored.
Electronics
Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking.
Armour and Protection
Non-active: 4th Generation WA-STEEL Composite Alloy Armor: 1st lvl: ERA blocks or other slat attachments; 2nd lvl: Metal-composite matrix outer layer and "Aqua Armor", composite ARMOX ADVANCE alloy tiles (Aqua Armor made similar with same materials); 3rd lvl: Ceramic SiC armor layer; 4th lvl: fibreglass/rubber internal liner.
Active: 'Shield' Active Protection system. 16 multipurpose 80 mm grenade launchers, 4 'shotgun' pellet dispensers, and two RMS missile launchers (6 missiles total, 3 per launcher).
Crew Protection: NBC protection (main + auxiliary), pentafluoroethane crew compartment fire extinguishing, Halon 1301 + foam fuel tank extinguishing and self-sealing suite.
Additional: Fuel-using smoke generator.
Background and Design
The Schildkröte Amphibious Assault Vehicle/Armored Personnel Carrier is an armored amphibious personnel carrier that was developed by Wolf Armaments. As per ordered, the TECT Armed Forces requested a vehicle that could be used as an armored personnel carrier and double as an amphibious assault vehicle; the Schildkröte, turtle in German, is essentially designed for TECT's Marine combat units - it provides a means to getting to shore for marine troops and supports them past the shore. The criteria for the future AAV demanded that it swim through the water at fast speeds, be well armed, have a modular build to allow variants or multi-use, and adequately protect personnel inside.
Initial designs suffered from multiple failures due to the complexity of producing an amphibious landing vehicle that was at the same time armored enough to qualify as an armored personnel carrier - the issue lied mostly in making a vehicle that could traverse the sea and land with the capability of support and protecting its occupants. The first prototype failed to achieve the results desired due to it being too heavy. A second prototype suffered a similar result - being to weak in armor, but light, and not posses a suitable level of armor protection. Many tests and redesigns later - the final prototype of the Schildkröte entered final testing in 2004. Designers finally produced a body capable of faster travel through, had found a suitable new aged armor, and gave the Schildkröte weapon systems allowing them to support infantry in multiple ways. Along with the occupants - Schildkröte can transport four and-a-half kilograms of weight to shore.
The Schildkröte is designed for the role of transporting infantry and their equipment to shoreline; they additionally travel inland to support these troops in combat. Schildkrötes are therefore as light as possible and protected with the most capable of armor and armaments. Starting from the ground up - the Schildkröte focuses on using a wide track system with a dual center connector, better centering the vehicle on surfaces while on land. A dual water jet, one per side, acts as the main propulsion for the Schildkröte while in water; they can survive a sea state of five and travel at about thirteen kilometers an-hour with the assistance of the tracks. The build around the vehicle focuses on protecting the sides while making the front highly angular for water travel. The monocoque hull lighten the overall weight of the vehicle by replacing a base material with just armor. A light 'V' shape lower hull is built with an outer "Aqua Armor" that improves the vehicle's traverse through water; this armor provides additional protection for the vehicle's side flanks. The top half of the body is built normal as it slants to the center and top. The front part of the vehicle is built to spearhead through the water. On top of the Schildkröte are three observation points including the Up-Gunned Weapon Station, the other two being the front portal and the commander hatch portal. The rear ramp is securely attached and lumbers down slowly once unlocked and clear to lower. Equipment is attached to the sides and top of the vehicle for use, including a tower mount and numerous mission oriented equipment; the rear half of the vehicle has wide opening doors for crew to open from the inside.
Once locked-down, the Schildkröte becomes a water tight and NBC clean environment. The interior is lined in the crew area with folding seats for occupants while the three crew members have their own stations inside the vehicle. The commander sits to the front-left of the vehicle under his hatch; here the commander commands the vehicle, operate the Battlespace Network, communications, and other electronics via numerous interfaces. The gunner operates the Up-Gunned Weapon Station or UGWS along with other weapons on-board; they also operate and load these systems, like the optional ATGM tower. The modular design allows the Schildkröte to perform many missions, such as mortar vehicle and ATGM vehicle.
Armaments
The Schildkröte's primary weapon platform is the Up-Gunned Weapon Station, or UGWS. This 360 degree platform is armored and has a visible bubble on top gor the gunner to peer through; its two mounting points can mount a variety of weapons - a heavy machine gun and automatic grenade launcher are the favored choice. Additionally. The Schildkröte can utilize a tower mount that deploys anti-tank missile systems on its rear hull, such as the 'Speer'-VLATGM (two missiles per pod, four reloads). The Schildkröte is capable of firing these weapon systems while traversing water.
Its variants allow the Schildkröte to switch its intended role from armored personnel carrier to a support vehicle. For example, its mortar variant utilizes heavy mortars, such as the HMS-15 Armbrust 155 mm Heavy Mortar, allowing it to provide mobile artillery fire support. The ATGM variant mounts a modified tower mount that allows for more missile mounts, increasing the number of ready missiles. These variants use their interior to store ammunition rather then soldiers. All variants keep the UGWS system, which act as the vehicle's primary defense.
Propulsion/Mobility
As an amphibious assault vehicle, the versatility of the Schildkröte is its mobility. Its ability to drive into deep sea water and traverse the open sea to shore is its primary duty. Utilizing its CE V8T500 415 hp (305 kW), the Schildkröte can reach a speed of seventy-two kilometers and hour at top speed; on water, the Schildkröte can reach just over thirteen kilometers an hour using water jets and its tracks to propel itself and can survive in a Sea State of 5. The Schildkröte's high mobility and maneuverability give it an incredible ability to traverse almost any terrain on land. As the Schildkröte arrives on land, its job is to support the infantry it delivered - a highly mobile and versatile vehicle is needed for such a role.
Armoring & Protection
The Schildkröte utilizes both non-active and active protection systems in its defenses. It is built with a of special variant to the 'Eisen Wand' 4th Generation Composite Armor - a variant design incorporating a nano-crystal steel alloy by the name of "ARMOX ADVANCE" instead of the usual titanium alloy used in other Commoner vehicles. 'Eisen Wand' is named after shield used by the Commoner god of war, which is used for both protection and as a weapon.
The first layers of Eisen Wand is made up of 'hard defenses'. This includes the right and left panel insert section along the vehicle's sides; these large plate sections in question are attachments that, in Commoner use, are made from the same ARMOX ADVANCE composite material. They are referred to as "Aqua Armor" because they are intended to both protect the vehicle from enemy fire and give the Schildkröte additional agility at sea; they feature groves to protect the vehicle and enhance traverse through water, while at the same time they cover the vehicle's sides with additional protection. ERA and/or NERA (or even NxRA) plates can also be placed above the aforementioned areas once on land to combat shaped charge attacks that the vehicle may encounter, or as additional armoring against various threats. The UGWS turret and top portions of the vehicle also feature many attachments for these plates as well. UGWS' design brings additional protection for crew with its smaller and more angled layout rather then a more larger and more complicated design. The next layer is the vehicle's metal mesh outer layer that makes the surface grainy and hard (although it has been smoothed out for this specific vehicle as to not slow it down on water); under that matrix are tiles of the earlier mentioned ARMOX ADVANCE armor. The thick armoring plates are connected and act as the vehicle's primary armor and protection against hostile action. Its monocoque hull is then constructed with the same material. The final layers are a mixture of SiC ceramic armor, rubber, and fiberglass lining in order to protect from certain threats (shaped charges and spall spreading like weapons and to air/water proof the interior) and add additional comfort to crews. This armor design is very similar to other Commoner vehicle designs. An anti-shaped charge cage around the body can also be fitted if requested once on land. An NBC system protects the crew from nuclear and biological threats outside the comfort of the thick armor; axillary systems and countermeasures are also in place in the instance the main NBC system malfunctions or fails. Fire protection is also important for crews inside; that is why the Schildkröte uses a Pentafluoroethane crew compartment to combat fire threats and have present fire extinguishing capabilities on board to counteract fires.
The primary means of signature reduction is focused on the engine and drive systems of the vehicle. While already alluded to above in the analysis of the platform's propulsion and mobility, relevant points will be reiterated here for ease of reference. The electric drive differs from conventional AFV drive system arrangements by utilizing a hybrid powerplant. This essentially means that the engine generates electric power which in turn powers the batteries which propel the vehicle. The electric drive has, importantly, implemented a suite of features designed to mitigate its detectability, both acoustically and thermally. Moreover, the presence of dual APUs and the primary and secondary battery banks allow the vehicle to be driven for several hours with the main engines off, which pushes the sound generated to below that of a conventional civilian motor vehicle. As with a number of earlier marks of AFV, the Schildkröte's decoupled suspension is separated from the hull, and similarly separated from the final section which turns the drive wheels, a factor which considerably lowers audibility in itself. By utilizing the Eisen-Schloss Combat System to actively monitor the engine and propulsion systems, the crew are able to remain constantly aware of the amount of noise being generated, and also the amount of heat being radiated. Furthermore, as indicated in the propulsion and mobility section, the Schildkröte, as with some larger military armored vehicles, utilizes active cooling of its own exhaust - a further means of suppressing thermal and infrared signature to enemy forces.
The Schildkröte uses the 'Shield' Active Protection system to protect the vehicle from active ground, aircraft, and other threats, utilizing its twenty-four multipurpose launchers to maximum use, as well as 'shotgun' like dispensers, which essentially launch small pellets in a last ditch effort to strike and destroy incoming ordinances. Serious threats like anti-tank shells, and, more notably anti-tank missiles, incoming AT rockets, and other various ground threats are the primary targets of this system. The newer full system for tanks and other armored vehicles uses a Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) that emits a massive, condensed infrared signal to confuse the seeker of an anti-tank guided missile. A semi-active control line-of-sight (SACLOS) system acts as countermeasures for wire and radio guided anti-tank missiles, and thermally and infrared guided missiles are also combated. An impressive suite of active ECM as a means of defeating incoming radar guided missiles, and the suite is usually activated if detection equipment determines that multiple radar signatures are illuminating the vehicle in question. The 'Shield' Active Protection system utilizes its radar sensor to quickly detect incoming threats from a 360 degree point of view. Its quick speed allows for immediate action in identifying and track the threat; this system uses either a munitions launcher to launch munitions to explode before hitting the vehicle or a short range shotgun like dispenser that eliminates incoming projectiles like rocket propelled grenades, rockets, and missiles. A newer addition to countermeasures, Anti-Projectile Armor, resembles ERA tiles with many technological advances made onto the idea; this includes directional explosions that counter incoming enemy projectiles, such as tank shells and RPGs, that would otherwise harm the vehicle if not destroy it. The system is primarily set up to protect against guided anti-tank missiles and shaped charge attacks, which are usually used by infantry or other ground units to attack vehicles; this system, when successful, either destroys, knocks the projectile off target, or lessens the affect of the weapon's damage. This system also works against incoming SSM and ASM missiles with both its multilaunchers and MCD. This system has also shown good results in countering incoming tank shells and artillery rounds; aircraft borne munitions are included as a primary target for this system. The Schildkröte's APS essentially mounts an invisible shield around the vehicle against incoming threats.
Networking/Electronics
As with all TECT designed vehicles, the Schildkröte is designed to integrate seamlessly and easily into the most sophisticated of military forces. The vehicle is fitted with a highly extensive sensor suite so as to enable the transmission of as much information as possible into any extant battlenet, while possessing internal computational facilities so as to handle required downloads from it.
While designed to slot into any existing battlespace architecture, the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking is the primary combat networking suit for TECT designed vehicles. Eisen-Schloss is an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximizes combat lethality, performance, and output and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale in any vehicle, unit, and device that uses. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual platform, but from every Eisen-Schloss equipped friendly vehicle within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness. At the most basic level, the Eisen-Schloss Combat System aims to accelerate engagement cycles and increase operational tempo at all levels of the battlefield and warfare. This acceleration is achieved by providing a mechanism to rapidly gather and distribute targeting information, and rapidly issue directives. Eisen-Schloss' ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources.
The WA Interface system that is placed in military vehicles from TECT utilize a far more advanced and adaptive control interface than standard, by displaying sensor data from the vehicle's external sensors directly onto the HUD inside the crew's headset-visor. As the crewman turns his head, the view pans, and either physical or voice activated controls are then used as required. By way of example, the crew commander may look left, with the weapon mounted on the commander's weapon station following his movement (if the function is activated). As required, the commander simply has to look at the target, and press the firing stud. Alternatively, he could look at a target, and designate it for engagement by the gunner by either voice command or toggle. Targets can be sequenced for engagement, and the gunner may target and fire in a similar manner using the vehicle's main gun. The gunner's station is identical to, and interchangeable with, the commander's, and either can take on additional roles if the situation requires. When used in conjunction with Eisen-Schloss, and the fast-traversing turret, the engagement speeds of the Schildkröte are almost twice as fast as any previously designed TECT vehicles – a crucial element to AFV survivability, and fire support responsiveness.
Exterior sensors mounted around the vehicle body and turret gather environmental data, input into both the battlespace network and combat systems, and is computed into real-time solutions for crew; these sensors include temperature, humidity, and various other environmental based sensors.The Frauns Fire Control System (a modified version for lighter vehicles) utilizes this gathered information to compute a firing solution for the gunner, based upon analysis of the target beneath the reticle in a telescopic style scope - there are 3x, 6x, and 12x zoom capability for this feature. This is achieved in less time than it would take the gunner to depress the firing stud. The firing solution assisted by Eisen-Schloss generates ensures a near-perfect hit percent at standard ranges, across all conditions, and increases odds for extended range operation. It is even programmed with special firing solutions for special ammunition use, such as missile based cannon rounds.
These systems, including the Eisen-Schloss Combat System and interaction systems, render the vehicle proof against electromagnetic interference or EMP-based attack using encryption and anti-electromagnetic technology, although these systems are a highly expensive addition. It was quickly reasoned, however, that when operating in an environment which may include anti-strategic platforms such as the nuclear arms and EMP weapons, the chances of the platform encountering high levels of electromagnetic interference goes up dramatically, and the dangers this presents far outweigh the relatively modest (though expensive in absolute terms) cost of the implementation of these countermeasure components.
Variants
Schildkröte MV: The Mortar Vehicle is a variant of the Schildkröte the utilizes mortar set up equipment, and other modifications, to operate medium or heavy mortars. This variant is outfitted with gear inside that can hold in place certain kinds of mortars that require it (normal APC variants have standard gear that holds most wheeled configurations in place); among other changes include ammunition storage, crew positions, and a special antenna for the use of guidance enhancing equipment. Storage is dedicated to basic armament ammunition and mortar rounds only. Only six crewman are needed - the commander of the vehicle and mortar, a gunner and driver, and three gun operators. The vehicle can mount most medium and heavy mortars; TECT uses the HMS-15 Armbrust 155 mm Heavy Mortar as its standard heavy mortar, which is also used on vehicles.
Schildkröte Medvac: The Medvac Schildkröte is a variant that provides rapid medical evacuation for injured personnel on and off the battlefield. It also can be used for other ambulance services such as basic treatment and as a medical relief station. Medvacs can provide some immediate medical treatment and basic care until injured can reach a more equipped facility. The capacity is four stretcher positions and a total of six ambulatory personnel; three medical personnel attached to each vehicle provide medical treatment while the remaining crew operate the vehicle. Internal storage is devoted to medical supplies, crew, and basic ammunition for self defense.
Schildkröte ATGM/AD: The Anti-Tank Guided Missile/Air Defense Vehicle of the Schildkröte series is an anti-tank/air support variant of the Schildkröte. Its equipped armament, including two SMJ-APs and dual missile mount system (supporting twelve missile canisters), are part of an independent turret system; furthermore, both the guns and missile mounts can operate independently from the other mounts in a limited fashion. Twelve to twenty canisters can be stored while the canisters themselves can be replaced within minutes by hand if need be. Various ATGM and (small/medium range) SAM systems can be mounted instead of the standard 'Speer'-VLATGM and Slingshot-VBL. The turret itself is designed to fit in traditional turret and RWS mounts where applicable. It is entirely unmanned, allowing for speedier motors and additional equipment to be added to the vehicle; this includes an internally mounted Ku Band radar system and a mountable folding S Band radar on the roof if desired. The crew of three remains but with an additional gunner to assist in reloading and manning weapon systems. Any additional remaining space is utilized as storage.
Schildkröte 40mm: The Forty Millimeter System (40mm) is a heavier armed model of the base Schildkröte. 40mm's primary difference is its up-armored, unmanned main weapon system, the Mk. 103/D Forty Millimeter Automatic Cannon Turret System. The unmanned turret includes an automatic ammunition feed system, built-in optics for the gunner, an ejection-port for spent casing/debris, and a optional add-on points (RWS station, APS add-ons, and more optics). Schildkröte 40mm can carry a full squad of ten soldiers fully equipped for their mission along with additional supplies (such as spare tires, additional ammunition, etc.); operators can opt to remove passenger space for additional ammunition for the gun system. Unlike the [url]Puma 40mm[/url], Schildkröte 40mm has a higher ammunition capacity, more so than the Puma in any state. The crew of three operates the vehicle in support of the troops it carries or units the vehicle is assigned to to support their mission; this would include defeating armored threats or destroying enemies hiding behind defenses. Heavily armed with the main and secondary weapon system, a two pod ATGM tower provides additional firepower.
Schildkröte MGS: The Mobile Gun System of the Schildkröte series is a mobile cannon variant of the Schildkröte. It's main armament, a WA Type 5.3 105 mm 52 caliber Rifled Cannon, is also used as the T-62F's main weapon for its high accuracy and efficient engagement capabilities. The MGS variant's role is to support infantry in a support role, providing direct fire support against hostile entrenchments like bunkers and against enemy vehicles like tanks and armored personnel carriers. The gunner manually loads the cannon and once fired the shell ejects bellow the turret; targeting is handled by the Frauns FCS, the same fire control system used by tanks. This variant holds no occupants other then the three man crew to allow for more storage of ammunition and supplies.
Schildkröte MCV: The Schildkröte Mobile Command Vehicle is a command & control center variant that essentially acts as a command vehicle. Designed to serve as the command vehicle for a group of other Schildkröte or troops, the MCV has many modifications to its hull and interior that leave it an odd duck among ducks. The turret is removed and replaced with an observation point - antennas sprout from four different positions on the vehicle. Inside the left side is converted to additional work space for the command crew; this includes added interfaces, communications equipment, and Battlespace Network based equipment. Deployment gear that transforms the area around the vehicle into a full sized command point are positioned on top of the vehicle. The driver and commander are what is left of the crew, the remaining ten crew members are made up of equipment operators, commanding officers, and other support staff.
Export
The Schildkröte is available for purchase at Wolf Armaments for $4 Million NSD per unit. It's variants are all available for purchase for $4.5 Million each; the command vehicle, however, goes for $5.2 Million NSD per unit and the ATGM/AD goes for $5 Million NSD per unit. Domestic Production Rights are available for this vehicle for $60 Billion NSD.