Your Nation's Main Battle Tank (No Mechs) [Part 1]

[Satirius]

The shape and dimensions of the tank are based on the Israeli Merkava and the Russian T-90, but the bayonet was just for fun
The speed is unusually high, but by no means impossible. The American M18 tank destroyer had a top speed of 100 kph and it weighed 18 tons!

The tank is very small compared to most western tanks, and it doesn't use any expensive metals like DU or titanium, so less materials are needed to build it resulting in a lower price.
Hydropneumatic suspension is in the cheap Arjun tank. And although electric armor is experimental, prices would drop once it is mass produced.

Oh, and that pointy, machinegun looking thingy on top of the turret IS the coaxial gun.

EDIT: I'm going away tomorrow for 2 days, so don't expect me to reply until then.

Either way, I'll still have to reply.

The thing on top of the turret is not a coaxial, it's a commander's weapon. A coaxial is directed by the gunner as it moves in sync with the main gun, ans often shares the same mount.

While I concede to your mention of cheap construction ala Arjun tank, I'd like to remind you that the M18 Hellcat was a tank destroyer with light armor all around(1 inch RHA maximum) and none at the top.

[Iyndolen]

We have no battletanks.

"Than you're fucked, basically..."
~General Anne Wilson, commander of the Tank Corps

We dont have the money or the want to build a large offensive force.

Tanks are valuable for a defensive force, almost as much as they are for an offensive force.

Progressiae, I may just have to conquer you to teach you a valuable lesson in defence...

The ability and use of MBTs in modern war is greatly over estimated for both defense and attack. There is nothing a tank can do that a combination of other cheaper and more effective vehicles can't. Ultimately a MBT is a nation's collective military Wank.

[Saurisia]

"True, an all-infantry military is a cheap alternative to vehicles, combined with strong defenses and perhaps a guerrilla campaign, it's more than able to hold its own against a far superior force."
~Samantha Jacobson, Chief and Commander of the Army

[Ramsetia]

[Placeholder for picture, whenever I get around to it]
The Ramset Combat Tank (not a Main Battle Tank) is the CT-80 Strider, a lightly-armoured, but heavily-armed vehicle that relies more on manoeuvrability than walls of Depleted Uranium or active countermeasures for defensive purposes. Termed a Combat Tank to it's purpose as a skirmisher, analogous to light cavalry in medieval times, as opposed to the mainstay of a battle force.

Primary armament consists of a 122mm rifled auto-loading cannon capable of firing most forms of anti-tank and anti-emplacement munitions. Secondarily, there is also a two-tube reusable missile launcher capable of anti-air, or guided anti-tank fire, and 23mm co-axial machniegun. These are all aimed via a similar system to that found mounted on the chin turret of most tank-hunting gunships. A selection of pintle mounts are in use, from automatic shotguns to 7.62mm machineguns.

Armour is light all over to save weight, resulting in a fragile vehicle. Layers of steel and kevlar lining to prevent spalling. Impact-reactive appliqués are used on tanks going into heavy fire, though do adversely affect handling.

Mobility is provided by a 12 cylinder diesel engine running four electric motors. Capable of blistering top speeds (by tank standards), with four individual tracks at the corners of the vehicle that support the main body's angled underside, and help to protect the vehicle from mines.

The tank is assembled from pieces imported through private companies, and has an awkward, unbalanced look, with it's turret centred to the left of the vehicle, and the cannon centred at the right of the turret. Due to the off-center nature of the vehicle's cannon, avoiding incoming fire from a strider is that much harder. Despite appearing lopsided, it's vertically small, and noted for it's cramped interior.

Manned by a crew of 3, with a driver, commander, and gunner. It can be operated by a driver and gunner alone if need be. There are mounting cages and hooks for crew equipment, and bullet-resistant external storage for jerry cans and survival gear.

[Aridiya]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Main Battle Tanks are expensive. They can be taken out by infantry weapons. But even in a defensive battle, somewhere, somehow, somebody is going to have to move foward under fire. If you do that with infantry or light armored vehicles, your casualty rate is going to look like World War One, all over again. Artillery always causes the most losses in a fixed battlefield. So, you need a mobile, protected gun platform. That's a tank. Also, a small, fast tank can not out run a Mach 4 sabot round.

[Orcoa]

3A Shadow Sword

[Ramsetia]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Main Battle Tanks are expensive. They can be taken out by infantry weapons. But even in a defensive battle, somewhere, somehow, somebody is going to have to move foward under fire. If you do that with infantry or light armored vehicles, your casualty rate is going to look like World War One, all over again. Artillery always causes the most losses in a fixed battlefield. So, you need a mobile, protected gun platform. That's a tank. Also, a small, fast tank can not out run a Mach 4 sabot round.

I never said it could outrun the round. But you'll have a hell of a time tracking it, regardless of your fire control system

[Jordan Harvey]

Tanks were rendered obsolete upon Jordanization of the US Military (with many others along with all by decade's end militaries) and were replaced with an advanced four-man class of aircraft piloted by reassigned Air Force members and tank operators known as J-Victory. It is armed with a near-endless array of machine guns and missiles. It is coated in titantium, diamond, and Kevlar, making very durable in combat. J-Victory vessels can be modified; Some specialized J-Victory's are equipped with cloaking devices and/or other unique weaponry for a particular mission or environment.

[Grays Harbor]

The Challenger is the primary tank used in all armoured and mechanized batallions assigned to grenadier divisions and armoured divisions.

The Cavalier is used for the armoured batallions assigned to Line Divisions and Light Divisions, as well as heavy scout batallions. The Cavalier is powered by a V6 turbo-charged after-cooled diesel engine delivering 512 hp (382.2 kW). This drives an automatic transmission. The transmission system has five forward and two reverse gears. This drives 8 wheels which are each equipped with an independent suspension system and is furthermore equipped with run-flat inserts and a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS). Braking is provided by 8 disc brakes. Steering is provided on the first and second axles and at slow speed with also the fourth axle. Together, this allows Cavalier to achieve road speeds in excess of 100 km/h, negotiate gradients up to 60%, ford water up to a depth of 1.5m without preparation, and have a turning radius of 9m

[Zivenzia]

[Grays Harbor]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Main Battle Tanks are expensive. They can be taken out by infantry weapons. But even in a defensive battle, somewhere, somehow, somebody is going to have to move foward under fire. If you do that with infantry or light armored vehicles, your casualty rate is going to look like World War One, all over again. Artillery always causes the most losses in a fixed battlefield. So, you need a mobile, protected gun platform. That's a tank. Also, a small, fast tank can not out run a Mach 4 sabot round.

Hence why I am enjoying ressurecting the infantry tank concept, lower speed and weaponry, bulk up the armour and having something that is cheap and moves forward.

A pair of vehicles we have been experimenting with, the Wolfhound Mk I and Mk II. Based on the Challenger MBT chassis and turret, the Mk I has twin 57mm autocannon, and the Mk II has quad 23mm autocannon. Designed as an infantry assault support vehicle, its higher rate of fire is expected to cover the infantry against light armoured vehicles and enemy troop formations. Battlefield survivability is expected to be enhanced through the use of the Challenger chassis and turret and the same armour protection as utilized by the Challenger. Once testing has been concluded, both are expected to enter mass production and deployment to Infantry Battalions with 1 platoon of 6 vehicles per battalion. It is not known yet if this platoon will replace the AT platoon intrinsic to each battalion, or will be an addition to the standard TO&E.

[The EuropeanFederation]

The European Imperial Army's main battle tank is the Leopard II. Although we also specialise in the Challenger II due to our strong ties with the United Kingdom. The Leopard II has undergone many defensive improvements, sacrificing no advantages of its fire-power. It has seen action in recent years acting as a peace-keeper in the Balkans.

[Northwest Prussia]

Our MBT is the PZKW-90 Barbar

[DeusII]

The Conquerer 5, though they're not used very often now apart from in blocking off streets in civil emergencies etc. The problem is not with the tanks themselves, but how the enemy can adapt and also their support. If the enemy if using guerilla tactics then they're useless. They also require lots of fuel supplies, which can be ambushed much more easily. Heavy artillery, helicopters and much faster armoured vehicles are the way forward.

They're often used for intimidation purposes when invading.

[Chernobyl-Pripyat]

soon to have a complete write up




T-20 MBT

Length: 9.8m
Width: 3.9m
Height: 2.5m
Weight: 55 tons
Crew: 3
Armor: Tungsten-High Hardness steel composite, ERA, NERA
Engine: 1,300hp diesel engine
Speed: 70km/h
Operational Range: 550km

Primary Armament: 125mm ETC smooth-bore 2A66M[40rnds], ATGM capable[5 missiles;HUNTER ATGM, export 9M119M Refleks compatible]

Secondary Armament: 2A72 30mm dual-feed cannon[500rnds], 6P49 KORD on RWS mount[300rnds]

Systems:
--Commander
-PNK-4S/SR AGAT
--Gunner
-ESSA sight[1G46 gunner day sight, CATHERINE-FC thermal imaging camera, wind sensor]
--Driver
-TVN-5 day-night sight

- "BASTION" Battle Management System [absent on export tank]
- TShU1-7 EOCMDAS
- Electromagnetic protection system
- "Ironclad" Active Protection System[domestic, export will use ARENA-E APS]
- Relikt ERA
- Nakidka camouflage kit
- Fire Suppression system
- NBC protection system, including anti-neuron liner
- Ainet fuse setting system
- Spalling liner

Protection[ERA]:
Front, hull:
750mm[1000mm] vs KE, 900mm[1400mm] vs CE
Side:
450mm[700mm] vs KE, 650mm[900mm] vs CE

[Iyndolen]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Main Battle Tanks are expensive. They can be taken out by infantry weapons. But even in a defensive battle, somewhere, somehow, somebody is going to have to move foward under fire. If you do that with infantry or light armored vehicles, your casualty rate is going to look like World War One, all over again. Artillery always causes the most losses in a fixed battlefield. So, you need a mobile, protected gun platform. That's a tank. Also, a small, fast tank can not out run a Mach 4 sabot round.

Hence why I am enjoying ressurecting the infantry tank concept, lower speed and weaponry, bulk up the armour and having something that is cheap and moves forward.

I conquer with that, and my nation has a vehicle namely a heavy tracked seige vehicle for that but that's not really the job of a MBT a MBT's job is to take to the field and engage other MBT's in battle, and for my money I'd rather use long range self propelled guns, aircraft, or Vtols for the job.

[Mikedor]

The Conquerer 5, though they're not used very often now apart from in blocking off streets in civil emergencies etc. The problem is not with the tanks themselves, but how the enemy can adapt and also their support. If the enemy if using guerilla tactics then they're useless. They also require lots of fuel supplies, which can be ambushed much more easily. Heavy artillery, helicopters and much faster armoured vehicles are the way forward.

They're often used for intimidation purposes when invading.

ISAF uses tanks in Afghanistan, for fire support. They're far less vulnerable to IED's, and the morale effect is also something to be considered.

[DeusII]

The Conquerer 5, though they're not used very often now apart from in blocking off streets in civil emergencies etc. The problem is not with the tanks themselves, but how the enemy can adapt and also their support. If the enemy if using guerilla tactics then they're useless. They also require lots of fuel supplies, which can be ambushed much more easily. Heavy artillery, helicopters and much faster armoured vehicles are the way forward.

They're often used for intimidation purposes when invading.

ISAF uses tanks in Afghanistan, for fire support. They're far less vulnerable to IED's, and the morale effect is also something to be considered.

But they're not superior to other methods. I said we use them, just not to the effect that others do.

[Beth Gellert]

Grays: Is there much point to a roof-mounted machinegun -basically a light, last-ditch anti-aircraft weapon- on vehicles carrying what are essentially primary anti-aircraft artillery? :P

The Beddgelert People's Army currently deploys two main battle tanks, a situation owing to the large numbers (over two million hulls and counting) involved and the impossibility of replacing all old models within a few short years of a new model's introduction. The current front-line model is the TB-130 Hathi, of which there are some hundred and sixty thousand in service, while the more numerous prior-generation model is the TB-110 Tarw.

TB-130 Hathi (Elephant)

Development of a new 130mm-gun tank began in the 1990s, by which time the Tarw's 110mm weapon no longer represented the cutting-edge in main battle tank firepower. The project progressed slowly under the liberal Commonwealths that followed the First, but by the start of 2009 several training and front-line units were equipped with the new tank.

Hathi is significantly heavier than any other tanks previously in Beddgelen service, but concerns over its strategic mobility were significantly allayed by the facts of Beddgelert's unusual wide-gauge railway system, and in any case the new machine is now being viewed as a homeland weapon for the defence of the Commonwealth, while TB-110 in its Batch 3 configuration will continue to regarded as the Guard's 'deployment tank' meeting the nation's traditionally limited over-seas combat requirements.

Like Tarw, Hathi has adjustable suspension to aid mobility in varied terrain and enhance the scope of defensive firing positions available to the crew in some situations.

Aside from firepower, TB-130's enhancements over its (largely unrelated) predecessor are chiefly in protection. The tank makes far more extensive use of Beddgelert's second generation of advanced composites in its armour scheme, some of which is modular in nature, and over-all weight of armour is substantially increased. Explosive Reactive Armour is supposed to be fitted as standard to Hathi tanks, but it is reported that some have entered service without its incorporation having been undertaken.

Tarw's sophisticated laser warning system is adopted by Hathi, but while the earlier tank could respond only by deploying a smokescreen or attempting to locate and directly surpress the source of the threat with gunnery, the new machine mounts a digitally integrated system known as JOS VAPS, or vehicle active protection system.
In all, unless manually over-ridden, JOS VAPS:
-alerts crewmembers to the presence of reflected laser energy, the actual targeting of the tank by a laser system, and the source of a targeting beam
-deploys a laser-disruptive aerosol screen that takes two to three seconds to form and lasts for around ten times that long, and which is infrared-opaque
-activates continuous coded-pulse infrared jamming
-detects and classifies potential threats with Doppler radar and launches a split-second hard-kill response with explosive canisters

A second-generation of the system is under development with a view to making its hard-kill component less collaterally dangerous, and while prototypes are reported to have been tested, VAPS continues to be produced, suggesting that issue of the new system is not imminent.

Hathi is also capable of creating its own smokescreen by injecting raw diesel fuel into the exhaust, and is equipped with an automatic fire and explosion detection and suppression system.

Technical Data-
Primary Builder: SEB, Fort Brennus Heavy Lorry Plant
Crew: 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Weight: 59,850kg combat
Dimensions: 10.42m gun forwards, 7.4m hull length, 3.6m width, 2.34m height
Engine: 1,450hp diesel
Fuel: 1,610 litres
Top Speed: 72kph (45mph) road, 42kph (26mph) cross country
Road Range: 485km+ (300miles+); 600km+ (373miles+) with extra fuel tank
Trench: 3m
Vertical Obstacle: 1m
Fording: 1.4m
Main Armament: 130mm L/55 BGMKV smoothbore gun with multi-axis stabilisation, firing HEAT-MP, APFSDS(-T), smoke, practice, BRES BGAM Totem-3 anti-tank guided missile; -9 +18 degrees elevation; fume extractor and thermal sleeve standard
Fire Control: laser range-finder, ballistic computer with manual override, thermal imaging night sight, stabilised panoramic sight for the tank commander, and a secondary telescopic sight; fire-on-the-move capable at night.
Secondary Armament: co-axial 10x70mm machinegun, 10x70mm anti-aircraft machinegun, 2x3 smoke-grenade dischargers
Ammunition: 36x130mm, 5xATGM, 1,200x10mm, 6xsmoke grenades fire-ready, 10xVAPS grenades fire-ready (aerosol and explosive included)
Armour:
-without ERA: KE ~600mm glacis, ~900mm turret; CE ~950mm glacis, ~1,200-1,500mm turret
-with ERA: KE ~600-750mm glacis, ~1,050mm turret; CE ~950-1,100mm glacis, ~1,350mm-1,650mm turret

TB-110 Tarw (Bull)

The TB-110 (Batch-3) is Beddgelert's standard main battletank. Entering series production in 1986, TB-110 was a development of the TB-100, itself little more than a domestic derivative of the ubiquitous T-55 with a locally-developed powerpack and suspension system. Now in its third configuration a much upgraded TB-110 is to serve on for several years as its successor, TB-130, is gradually phased in to replace it.

TB-110 is larger and heavier than the T-55 to which it is distantly related, and like the withdrawn TB-100 it has six road wheels on each side as opposed to five on the T-55. The improved Beddgelen suspension system is adjustable, enabling the hull to be raised and lowered, enhancing cross-country mobility and allowing an increased range of firing positions, and it is protected by steel skirting. Over-all weight of armour substantially increased over the TB-100, while the domestic 900hp 8-cylinder diesel engine provides additional power to compensate for increased mass.

Additional protection measures incorporated into the Batch-3 upgrade include a sophisticated laser warning system that is able to pick-up reflected laser radiation, enabling the crew to be alerted to the presence of laser range-finding and target-designating systems even if they have not illuminated the tank, and Explosive Reactive Armour. Tarw can create its own smokescreen by intecting diesel into the exhaust manifold.

Aside from the different wheel layout and increased length, the TB-110 series can be easily identified by their reshaped turrets, which are significantly enlarged and slightly boxy in shape. Increased protection, better stowage, and less cramped conditions -especially important for big Geletian tankers- are the aims of the turret redesign.

In action, every bit as important as the enhancements in protection and mobility is the gunnery upgrade afforded the Tarw series. The 110mm gun mounted by TB-110 is longer than the gun it replaces and fires new ammunition types including a locally-designed APFSDS round and an Igovian gun-launched anti-tank guided missile. It is fitted with a muzzle-reference system, wind gauge, termal sleve, fume extractor, and is directed by the Arduinna fire-control package incorporating a laser range finder and thermal acquisition system with a ballistic computer. The latest Totem-2 missile is reputedly capable of defeating 900mm of armour at a range of 5,000 metres and mounts a dual warhead to defeat reactive armour, while older versions can penetrate some 625mm at ranges up to 4,500 metres.

TB-110, especially in baseline format, is a comparatively cheaply produced tank in modern terms, and so unlikely to be removed from production under the militant Chivo Doctrine despite the coming of its nominal replacement.

Technical Data-
Crew: 4
Weight: 48 tonnes
Dimensions: 9.98m length gun-forward, 3.44m width, 2.6m height
Armour: up to ~600mm against KE, up to ~900mm against CE
Primary armament: 110mm L/52 BG110S smoothbore; HEAT-MP, tungsten APFSDS, ATGM-110A/B Totem-2
Secondary armament: 6x50mm co-axial machinegun, 6x50mm or 10x70mm anti-aircraft machinegun
Powerplant: 900hp diesel
Suspension: torsion bar
Range: 500km (310mi)
Speed: 64km/h (40mph)

nb- the two diagrams are not scaled to one another. TB-110 pictured is early-production and lacks armoured skirts.

[Grays Harbor]

Grays: Is there much point to a roof-mounted machinegun -basically a light, last-ditch anti-aircraft weapon- on vehicles carrying what are essentially primary anti-aircraft artillery?

(you mean other than to see if I could match zsu 23-4 weapons to a challenger II turret, and make it look like it belonged there? nope. mostly it came about from a convo I had with New Nick. sometimes I do graphics just to see if I can, to keep in practice.)

[South Aropa]

Diablo MK-IV (King Diablo) Main Battle Tank.

Crew: 3: Pilot, Gunner, Commander. Also possible space for 4 passengers.

Weight: 78 Tons

Armour: Super-tensile NeuChrome armour.

Drive: Electric wheel hub engines powerd by a Depleted Uranium battery. 60km/h flat road speed.

Armament: Twin 113mm Katana Railguns (Gunner), 12mm gatling gun (Gunner), 20mm railgun auto turret (Commander), 17mm railgun forward auto gun (Pilot).

Extra: Explosive Reactive Armour.

This is the primary battle tank in the South Aropan army. The older MK-I to MK-III versions are also in active service untill they can be recycled. Another, completely new Battle Tank is also in development to work along side the Diablo.

[Bafuria]

The shape and dimensions of the tank are based on the Israeli Merkava and the Russian T-90, but the bayonet was just for fun
The speed is unusually high, but by no means impossible. The American M18 tank destroyer had a top speed of 100 kph and it weighed 18 tons!

The tank is very small compared to most western tanks, and it doesn't use any expensive metals like DU or titanium, so less materials are needed to build it resulting in a lower price.
Hydropneumatic suspension is in the cheap Arjun tank. And although electric armor is experimental, prices would drop once it is mass produced.

Oh, and that pointy, machinegun looking thingy on top of the turret IS the coaxial gun.

EDIT: I'm going away tomorrow for 2 days, so don't expect me to reply until then.

Either way, I'll still have to reply.

The thing on top of the turret is not a coaxial, it's a commander's weapon. A coaxial is directed by the gunner as it moves in sync with the main gun, ans often shares the same mount.

While I concede to your mention of cheap construction ala Arjun tank, I'd like to remind you that the M18 Hellcat was a tank destroyer with light armor all around(1 inch RHA maximum) and none at the top.

Yay, I have computer access where I am!

"The thing on top of the turret is not a coaxial"
Indeed it isn't (oops ).

"...the M18 Hellcat was a tank destroyer with light armor all around(1 inch RHA maximum) and none at the top"

The SV-8 isn't exactly heavy either.

[Marpean]

We use the Leopard 2 battle tank, we currently have 40,000 of them. http://newwars.files.wordpress.com/2008 ... ard2a6.jpg


We also use the Stingray light tank as a way of supporting the Leopard 2 tank in the field, we currently have 48,000 of them.
http://www.kitsune.addr.com/Rifts/Rifts ... t_Tank.jpg

[Amerikians]

The United States Armed Forces utilizes three distinct armored vehicles known as 'tanks'. Note: Amerikan Designation for 'Main Battle Tank' is 'Medium Tank'

The First:

Designation: M-60 'Patton'
Type: Medium Tank
Service Record: 1961-Present
Used By: United States Army
Photo: ---

The Second:

Designation: M-48 'Patton'
Type: Medium Tank
Service Record: 1949-Present
Used By: United States National Guard
Photo: ---

The Third:
Designation: M551 'Sheridan'
Type: Airborne Light Tank
Service Record: 1971-Present
Used By: United States Airborne Infantry / United States Maritime Rangers
Photo: ---

[Veceria]

The T-CXII Alphabeast, equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machinegun and a 12.7mm Anti- Air machinegun.