Your Nation's Main Battle Tank [Part 2]

[The Akasha Colony]

Question, would a 155m artillery shell impacting on the top of RL and NS MBTs destroy said MBT's?

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

[Spirit of Hope]

Question, would a 155m artillery shell impacting on the top of RL and NS MBTs destroy said MBT's?

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

Well I had a conversation with Purpelia about this:

Here is a question. Could you take something like that and remove the explosives to make it a kinetic weapon only? As in a top attack APFSDS dart fired out of artillery units. The idea being that the artillery unleashes a barrage upon an enemy armor formation and ground observers guide the darts home with laser designators. I figure the main advantage over missiles would be that the thing has no engines. And being a light dart it would need much less force and thus smaller control surfaces than conventional guided shells. And being lighter than shells it would fly faster and further for extender range fun.

I was thinking "why use a specialty shell if I can just use a regular ground impact shell." Issue infantry units (maybe at platoon levels) with a laser designation system so that when they call in support fire the can direct some of the shells to hit enemy tanks. Also they could use the designation system to guide artillery on other enemy forces.

Could I make my artillery rounds so that they are both ground impact and airburst? I know the guidance system is doable, which just leaves the question of how the targeting system. I was thinking it would only weigh a couple of pounds, but that might be way off.

[The Akasha Colony]

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

Well I had a conversation with Purpelia about this:

Here is a question. Could you take something like that and remove the explosives to make it a kinetic weapon only? As in a top attack APFSDS dart fired out of artillery units. The idea being that the artillery unleashes a barrage upon an enemy armor formation and ground observers guide the darts home with laser designators. I figure the main advantage over missiles would be that the thing has no engines. And being a light dart it would need much less force and thus smaller control surfaces than conventional guided shells. And being lighter than shells it would fly faster and further for extender range fun.

I was thinking "why use a specialty shell if I can just use a regular ground impact shell." Issue infantry units (maybe at platoon levels) with a laser designation system so that when they call in support fire the can direct some of the shells to hit enemy tanks. Also they could use the designation system to guide artillery on other enemy forces.

Could I make my artillery rounds so that they are both ground impact and airburst? I know the guidance system is doable, which just leaves the question of how the targeting system. I was thinking it would only weigh a couple of pounds, but that might be way off.

The lack of engines isn't really an advantage; radar will still detect it so long as it's still metal and not actively stealthed. You can make a multi-purpose fuze rather easily. It does slightly increase cost, but not substantially relative to the cost of making the shell guided. The targeting designator would work, the problem is, laser designators can be easily detected, and the tanks could easily return fire. The efficacy of such a set-up against a tank column on the move at battle speed is also tricky, but it would be decent for ambushes.

[Samozaryadnyastan]

Question, would a 155m artillery shell impacting on the top of RL and NS MBTs destroy said MBT's?

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

If you could guarantee their accuracy, you could turn them into a less expensive SADARM. A 155mm EFP warhead detonating a few metres above a tank would be devastating, especially since the sub-calibre SADARM was supposedly capable of scoring a kill with its EFP at up to 152m altitude.

[The Akasha Colony]

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

If you could guarantee their accuracy, you could turn them into a less expensive SADARM. A 155mm EFP warhead detonating a few metres above a tank would be devastating, especially since the sub-calibre SADARM was supposedly capable of scoring a kill with its EFP at up to 152m altitude.

You mean, this? Difference is that this is a dedicated AT round, rather than a simple, repurposed general HE round. It's more effective though; one round could theoretically kill two tanks. Or at least kill the same tank twice, to make sure it's good and dead.

There's also a tank-launched variant. Also specific-purpose, rather than general-purpose.

[Samozaryadnyastan]

I read that article not three hours ago, how could I already have forgotten about it :')

[Spirit of Hope]

The lack of engines isn't really an advantage; radar will still detect it so long as it's still metal and not actively stealthed. You can make a multi-purpose fuze rather easily. It does slightly increase cost, but not substantially relative to the cost of making the shell guided. The targeting designator would work, the problem is, laser designators can be easily detected, and the tanks could easily return fire. The efficacy of such a set-up against a tank column on the move at battle speed is also tricky, but it would be decent for ambushes.

Thats about what I thought. Yes the laser would be easily detectible, and the operator would have to keep line of sight so he would be exposed while marking the target. However if the system is easy to use and light (which it would be) I could issue it at squad or platoon level (still deciding which). Then it gives infantry one more tool to use against tanks or other armored vehicles, plus they could guide air burst versions too. And if the man with the targeted is killed, well then I send a letter home to his family and some one else picks up the targeted for latter use.

If you could guarantee their accuracy, you could turn them into a less expensive SADARM. A 155mm EFP warhead detonating a few metres above a tank would be devastating, especially since the sub-calibre SADARM was supposedly capable of scoring a kill with its EFP at up to 152m altitude.

As has been mentioned I'm trying to keep it a norma, as possible, 155mm artillery round. Which should do a good enough job of gutting an enemy tank if it hits the top armor.

[Samozaryadnyastan]

a 155mm round hitting anywhere is pretty much guaranteed to destroy a tank, regardless of what surface it hits, be its warhead HEAT, EFP or straight-up HE.

[The Republic of Lanos]

Yes, but the turbine design is a gas guzzler, it's just a fact. Its lone advantage is you can run it on any kind of fuel, plus several things that look like fuels.

...I can so picture a scenario.

An M1A2 runs out of fuel near a backcountry town.

A visit to the townspeople leads them to the doorstep of a redneck.

He gives them sealed buckets of some unknown fluid.

The loader looks at the buckets and asks the commander if this is really such a good idea.

Commander says 'There's only one way to find out."

Five minutes later...

The tank drives off.

Moonshine is a helluva drink...

[Carpathia and Moldova]

http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u331 ... /CT-V7.jpg

Still in its early design stages. But this is going to be my next PMT tank. Its being designed from the start with the idea to maximize protection and firepower.

[United States of PA]

Likely so. Most top armor is quite thin. The problem is, standard 155 mm artillery shells are designed to air-burst, which makes them significantly more effective than direct-impact shells against soft targets, which is what they are usually targeted against. You'd have to switch to ground-impact shells, but that reduces their usefulness against infantry, light vehicles, and unprotected structures, and the chances of getting an impact are still tiny unless guided.

If you could guarantee their accuracy, you could turn them into a less expensive SADARM. A 155mm EFP warhead detonating a few metres above a tank would be devastating, especially since the sub-calibre SADARM was supposedly capable of scoring a kill with its EFP at up to 152m altitude.

Dude, why the need for complexity? Copperhead and Excalibur exist for a reason lol.

Btw, if a 155mm were to land directly on a tank (likely impact angle is in the 30-45 degree range me thinks), it would destroy any tank i know of, NS or RL. If it hits between the turret and hull of a MCA-7E, at best it would outright cripple the tank, and i believe i saw sumer say it would even take the turret off.

[Spirit of Hope]

Dude, why the need for complexity? Copperhead and Excalibur exist for a reason lol.

Btw, if a 155mm were to land directly on a tank (likely impact angle is in the 30-45 degree range me thinks), it would destroy any tank i know of, NS or RL. If it hits between the turret and hull of a MCA-7E, at best it would outright cripple the tank, and i believe i saw sumer say it would even take the turret off.

Wow, didn't know about the M712 Copperhead, just looked it up. Turns out that my idea for my nation is already being done. Well that just means it's a good idea. And your description of a 155mm makes me just like this system more.

EDIT: does anyone know him much the copperhead costs?

[United States of PA]

Copperhead is outdated tbh. Needs outright near perfect conditions to operate (Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom are its only combat uses that i am aware of, and even than i've only heard that >200 shells have been fired). Just make call it Copperhead II and give it a better guidance system, and you'll be good. Could also extend the range at the same time.

EDIT: And for mortars there is this, which can land a shell within 1m of a target at up yo 7km.

EDIT EDIT: Copperhead costs around $30,000 per shell.

[Spirit of Hope]

Copperhead is outdated tbh. Needs outright near perfect conditions to operate (Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom are its only combat uses that i am aware of, and even than i've only heard that >200 shells have been fired). Just make call it Copperhead II and give it a better guidance system, and you'll be good. Could also extend the range at the same time.

EDIT: And for mortars there is this, which can land a shell within 1m of a target at up yo 7km.

EDIT EDIT: Copperhead costs around $30,000 per shell.

Wow, more precision fire ammo. I'll probably have only a couple of those mortar shells.

As to my Copperhead II (probably should come up with another name for it)

Range: 20 km, minimum of 2 km
Cost: $20,000

When the Copperhead II is fired it follows a normal ballistic trajectory until a predetermined point in flight, at this point it searches for an appropriate target designation. Once a target is designated, via laser illumination, the onboard guidance system will open and operate the steering vanes. Copperhead II's guidance system will continually recheck the point marked laser designation and attempt to land at the last point marked by laser designation. This allows the Copperhead II to hit moving targets. If the laser designation stops during the Copperhead II's flight the Copperhead II will attempt to hit the last marked location.

[Orussia]

As to my Copperhead II (probably should come up with another name for it)

Fer-de-Lance.

EDIT: Actually, that'd be a damn good name for something like that. Fer-de-lance roughly translates to 'spearhead'.

[Spirit of Hope]

As to my Copperhead II (probably should come up with another name for it)

Fer-de-Lance.

EDIT: Actually, that'd be a damn good name for something like that. Fer-de-lance roughly translates to 'spearhead'.

My nation (in my head) is more nordic/viking derived. However that is an awesome name

"I need a Fer-de-Lance now."
"Roger...Shot over...Begin marking target."
BOOM
"Splash over"

[Orussia]

Fer-de-Lance.

EDIT: Actually, that'd be a damn good name for something like that. Fer-de-lance roughly translates to 'spearhead'.

My nation (in my head) is more nordic/viking derived. However that is an awesome name

"I need a Fer-de-Lance now."
"Roger...Shot over...Begin marking target."
BOOM
"Splash over"

Well, I guess since that works for you, I'll go try to find another name for my guided 152mm round that I'm working on.

[Spirit of Hope]

Well, I guess since that works for you, I'll go try to find another name for my guided 152mm round that I'm working on.

You keep it, my army doesn't give names to weapons systems (exempt of external sale) instead just using number designations.

[Old Geneva]

The Army and Naval Marines use the T-80U currently, it is expected to be phased out by the T-X which is under development.

[Anemos Major]

Fer-de-Lance.

EDIT: Actually, that'd be a damn good name for something like that. Fer-de-lance roughly translates to 'spearhead'.

My nation (in my head) is more nordic/viking derived. However that is an awesome name

"I need a Fer-de-Lance now."
"Roger...Shot over...Begin marking target."
BOOM
"Splash over"

Peashooter 9000. :<

tbh at least one top kill weapon in your inventory has to be called Damocles, it'd be hard to find anything more fitting. I mean, top-kill EFPs deployed from 155mm shells which loiter over the battlefield looking for targets? Fucking Damocles right there.

[The Germania Alliance]

I'm not sure I've actually seen the SHORADS WMAV. Is it in your storefront, or on Linc?

Yes, it doesn't have tracks. Deal with it.

I know I'm late to the party here, but holy fucking shit is that sexy or what.

[Yes Im Biop]

Aakaar's Main Battle is the I50 Monster the tank contains twin long range heavy tank cannons that can rotate on a platform that can turn 360 degrees. the tank is over 2 meters tall 3 meters long and over 5000 lbs of steel the tank has 4 long range Machine guns on each side. the enemy goes in like this
and comes out like this

Lets take this apart ok?

What Is this 150 Monster? OS it the name or somthing...ANyay.

Twin Cannons...Just NO. DOnt try. Don't think of trying.

SO its a 6ft tall 9 ft long Tank that is barely heavier than a truck...

Machine Guns dont come in the long range Variety sorry.

The enemy will be rolling on the floor laughing then shoot a RPG-7 at it and VBOOM

[Hladgos]

We use the Merkava for our main battle tank. Followed closely by the M1A2 Abrams.

[Anemos Major]

Yes, it doesn't have tracks. Deal with it.

I know I'm late to the party here, but holy fucking shit is that sexy or what.

XD thanks :-P

There're actually a lot more of these... picdump, anybody?

[Greater Evil Imperial Japanese Dystopia]

I know I'm late to the party here, but holy fucking shit is that sexy or what.

XD thanks :-P

There're actually a lot more of these... picdump, anybody?

You make the best line drawings I ever saw thus far, sometimes you even surpass Yohannes. I have found true appreciation for your work.