Key Data
Crew: 3 (Commander, driver, gunner).
Cost: 17 million NSD.
Dimensions
Length: 8.89 m (Hull).
Height: 3.34 m.
Width: 3.70 m.
Weight: 53.12 t.
Performance
Maximum speed: 70 km/h.
Operational range: 520 km.
Armament
Main Armament: Twin Mk. 9B 35 mm Automatic Cannons. (600 rounds total).
Secondary: WA 'Slingshot'-VBL deployed in either box or tube launchers; mounts are located on cannon sides (two total) and two on the rear turret hull with a total of eight deployed at a time (one full reload with eight missiles stored, 16 missiles total). Or other short range SAM devices.
Protection
Non-active: 'Eisen Wand' 4th Generation Composite 'T4' Armor: 1st lvl: ERA blocks or other slat attachments; 2nd lvl: Metal-composite matrix outer layer, composite four layer thick titanium alloy tiles (Ti-6A1-4V); 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.
Electronics
Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking.
'Harpoon' FCS.
Power
Propulsion: CVE Type 975 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V-12 Twin-turbo multi-fuel engine
1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW) at 2,600 rpm.
Transmission: Renk Auto HSWL 354.
Gas Capacity: 1,200 litres (264 imperial gallons; 317 US gallons).
Background and Design
The Panther Flakpanzer SPAAG (Self-Propelled-Anti-Air-Gun) is a heavily armored vehicle designed to attack and destroy aircraft - essentially denying hostile aircraft from the airspace around the vehicle as a way to support friendly ground forces. Panthers were developed after years as part of 'Harpoon Project' - a project in the TECT Armed Forces that strives to eliminate hostile air forces by enforcing layers of detection, air protection, and elimination of hostile air threats. The Panther is TECT's latest design on anti-aircraft vehicles that provide friendly ground forces with complete air protection; it's primary duty being to counter all aircraft and missile/rocket threats by denying them any access to the area they protect. The Harpoon Project was born in the early 1990's in order to create a series of anti-aircraft vehicles, anti-aircraft based weaponry and tools, and systems for dealing with enemy air threats. Panthers were the primary vehicle of this project as they would be mobile, heavily armed, and come equipped with many of the Project's anti-aircraft based technology. Wolf Armaments was currently heavily busy with constructing a new main battle tank to replace the older Feurig 1A1, so the Harpoon Project did not receive the attention it deserved. The few designers working on the project established the need for replacing an aging storage of SPAAG that were less then obsolete, and so the Panther was conceived. The first trial vehicle of the Panther was built from a track armored personnel carrier; it was heavy, slow, and its armament was no different from prior designs. The vehicle was scrapped early in 1994 as it failed the criteria for a true new age SPAAG. After 1995, when the Feurig 2A1 made its grand debut in its first vast delivery of finished vehicles, designers next focused on the Panther.
Believing that Panthers would be defending armored forces and mechanized infantry, designers focused on making the Panther heavily armored, well protected, smart, and mobile. Choosing to use the chassis of the now mass producing Feurig 2A1's, designers believed the mobility of a tank would would further increase the vehicle's practicality. A turret was fashioned out of an old design that used automatic loading in order to better accustom automatic cannons. The first trials were less then desirable. Using the results of the failures, the designers went back and improved on the design. Replacing the turret with a brand new, highly mobile, swivel turret increased the rapid response speed of engagements. New thirty-five millimeter cannons instead of twenty millimeter cannons improved the damage and range of gun engagements; a new layout of surface-to-air missile attachments allowed the Panther to engage targets even further out then its gun ranges. Upgraded radar systems gave the Panther a clearer view of the sky and a new targeting radar gave the Panther a superb amount of accuracy with its weapon systems. A new series of tests impressed commanders; weapons demonstrations, anti-rocket and missile demonstrations, and even a drill where the test Panther came under air-launched ATGM attack was conducted with an unarmed dud-missile - the missile was shot down rather then shot down by one of the vehicle's missiles. After some basic modifications and alterations, the Panther was approved for manufacturing and the TECT Government bought large amounts of the vehicle.
Designed around the base chassis of the Feurig 2, the Panther features many of the same propulsion and chassis build that comes with the Feurig line of vehicles. The engine, tracks, and construction are essentially the same. The turret is the main feature of the vehicle; it was independently designed for quick motions in a 360 degree rotation in mere milliseconds. This turret features slopping, which adds additional protection to the vehicle against ground threats by adding density to the overall thickness upon impact of enemy projectiles. As a concept born from Feurig series of main battle tanks - Panthers also feature active defense systems that are included on main battle tanks, including a remote missile system and 'shotgun' pellet dispensers. The differences begin with and within the turret. Two thirty-five millimeter gun systems are mounted on both sides of the turret and can point almost completely up and down. Also visually different are the radar mounts located on the face and head of the turret - the lower face radar being the tracking radar unit and the above radar unit being used for searching. Inside the turret is an automatic loading system used for a continuous firing until a reloading period.
Armaments
The Panther is designed to eliminate almost any air threat within a 25 kilometer range of it by missile or five and a half kilometers with its guns. The role of the Panther is a self-propelled anti-air gun platform; it is mobile and designed to keep up with rapid advancing armored forces in order to protect them from hostile air threats, be they missiles or aircraft or other forms of air threats. The primary armament of the Panther are two thirty-five millimeter automatic cannons while its secondary armaments are its multiple surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), which can be positioned both gun systems and two rear mounting stations. The guns are one-hundred caliber (3.30 meters) long, with a muzzle velocity of 1,456 m/s; the guns have a maximum range of five and a half thousand meters or five and a half kilometers with a combined rate of fire of 1,100 rounds/min. Standard rounds include the Frangible Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FAPDS), which can target both ground vehicles and aircraft - there are also variable armor piercing and high explosive munitions to choose from. A FAPDS uses a frangible high density alloy core, which makes the projectile frangible (hence the name). During penetration, a frangible projectile’s core fragments into many high velocity pieces. The effect of a frangible projectile on a lightly armoured target is much the same as a high explosive incendiary round, but with a cloud of dense, high velocity fragments penetrating deeper into the target's interior. Upon striking heavy armor the effect of FAPDS is more akin to a standard APDS (armor-piercing discarding sabot), albeit with higher fragmentation of the core, and hence lethality if the armor is perforated. These impressive munitions can equally destroy enemy aircraft and ground vehicles while more AP and HE munitions can target ground troops as well.
The secondary armament, the surface-to-air missiles, are standard WA 'Slingshot'-VBL. The Slingshot is a new age guided missile designed to engage various air threats including but not limited to helicopters, aircraft, missiles, UAV's, other missiles, rockets, and possibly long range artillery rounds. The missile features a highly sensitive infrared seeker, which is capable of identifying targets with an extremely low infrared signature, such as other missiles or UAV's, but also aircraft and helicopters. This highly accurate missile uses a penetrator warhead to do greater damage against more heavily armored targets, such as attack helicopters. These missiles greatly increase the Panther's interception range, giving them a twenty-five kilometer 'outer bubble' range. Although. Panthers can also utilize other short to medium range surface-to-air missile systems with some minor tweaking. Panthers come with two launching points for missiles, one launch unit per gun system and two positions on the rear turret hull. This gives the Panther eight missiles ready to fire at any moment and with enough ammo on board to perform a full reload of all launchers (depending on launch unit, number of missiles on-board may change). A modified S-VBL attaches two units together for four missiles each combined unit - these launchers, for example, are mounted on the rear hull only and increase the amount of missiles ready by four. The Panther can store up to six hundred rounds of ammunition on board, allowing plenty of anti-aircraft and anti-vehicle ammunition at all times.
Propulsion and Mobility
The propulsion of the Panther is very similar to the Feurig 2 Series of main battle tanks. It moves like a tank because it essentially is a tank; it encompasses the strengths of a tank, its power and durability, while also taking its weak points, such as weight and size. Regardless. The Panther is a fast moving heavy machine capable of keeping up with most rapid armored advances as it was essentially designed to be part of armored forces as well as many other military units. Its turret motor, however, is unique and allows the turret to be quickly rotated in order to best position onto targets with its weapon systems - it can do a full rotation within milliseconds.
The Panther is powered by a CVE Type 975 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V-12 Twin-turbo multi-fuel engine. It was designed by Commoner Volkswagen Engineering originally for heavy duty trucks and machinery. This engine is used in many similar chassis vehicles with great results and designers decided to keep the engine for the Panther as well. The Type 975 is known for its high compression and very high power to displacement ratio; allowing it to pour out vast amounts of power even for its smaller size. It was placed in the rear of the vehicle where it is protected and has in place protection systems to protect the crew from engine failures. The Panther's tank chassis also boast more high mobility and agility then most armored vehicles, and was/used used on the Feurig 2 series of main battle tanks. Traveling at top speed; the Panther can reach 70 km/h on even surfaces, like roads, while traveling at moderately slower speed on rougher terrain. The gas capacity is 1,200 litres (264 imperial gallons; 317 US gallons).
In an attempt to counter inferred signature; exhaust pipes are water cooled and angled off to the sides of the vehicle to create more surface area and disbursement of heat. The Panther can handle 1.2 meters (3 ft 11 in) water crossings and handle most irregular terrain.
Networking/Electronics
As with all TECT designed vehicles, the Panther 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. The Panther is also a dedicated mobile radar unit as it sports its own search radar that identifies and tracks almost anything above the ground in a thirty-five kilometer range. This, along with the tracking radar system and 'Harpoon' Fire Control System, make the Panther a precise and highly versatile combat support vehicle in today's modern battlefield.
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 'Harpoon' FCS is an independent targeting & solution system for the Panther SPAAG and other air defense systems; it is designed to spot, target, and provide ease-of-operation for the operator with eliminating targets. This system utilizes the Panther's two mounted radars to spot and track incoming threats from over thirty-five kilometers away; though the Eisen-Schloss system allows the target, if spotted and tracked beforehand, to be identified and ready to be engaged thanks to the Network's shared database - essentially eliminating engagement time immensely. This is the same for other combat networks that other military forces may use. The search radar is an S Band radar mounted unit on the top face of the tank while the tracking radar is a Ku Band radar unit mounted on the front-face of the turret; the radars provide 360° scanning with simultaneous target tracking, clutter suppression, search on the move capability and have monopulse tracking mode. This system allows for targets to be spotted, identified, tracked, and engaged within their thirty-five kilometer search range with quick reaction speed - if not spotted prior by superior radar systems nearby which would alert the vehicle's commander via its battlespace networking. Harpoon also allows ease of selection of what system to use in order to engage a target by providing detailed information on incoming threats and analyzing it; all of which is automated and lightning fast. Essentially allowing quick speed missile targeting and engagement, which only requires the weapons operator's prompt reply. This system also assists the automated firing of the guns with gun sensors and other tools to fire "Ahead" rounds, or rounds meant to intercept the target ahead by firing farther down path. By predicting the path of the flying object and firing on that path, it allows highly accurate munition placement that will destroy the target with vast amounts of penetrations.
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.
Protection and Armor
As explained earlier; the Panther is designed to protect a certain area from close range airborne threats, including aircraft and missiles. These systems will obviously protect the Panther as well as the force/area it is meant to protect. The individual protection of the vehicle is similar to the main battle tanks that the Panther was developed from. The vehicle chassis and new slopped turret utilize the 'Eisen Wand' 4th Generation 'T4' Composite Armor variant; it is named after the weapon used by the Commoner god of war as a shield for protection and for his brutal assaults. This specific armor is inherited from the Feurig 2A1, which gives the vehicle vastly improved armor compared to many other SPAAG vehicles; although, this addition also adds weight, which lead to the Panther being often characterized as a heavy SPAAG.
This complex armor design is created using layers of protection meant to counter potential hostile fire. The first layer is made up of 'hard defenses'. This includes the right and left panel insert section along the tank's sides; these tiles in question are inserts that, in Commoner use, are made from similar hardened titanium plates. ERA and/or NERA (or even NxRA) plates can also be placed above the aforementioned tiles to combat shaped charge attacks that the tank may encounter, or as additional armoring against various threats. The turret also features a vast array of sloped attachment slots that increase survivability. The turret's highly pyramid-slopped design brings additional protection for crew with its new thickened layout; the high angles increases the true-measurement in depth when incoming projectiles strike said surface; new outer construction to the vehicle additionally adds similar angle affect to portions of the vehicle. The next layer is the tank's metal mesh outer layer that makes the surface grainy and hard; under that matrix are tiles of the earlier mentioned 'T4' (or to be specific, Ti-6A1-4V) armor. This armor is constructed in thick plates welded together in rows of four; instead of a single large heavy plate, a system of partially thick plates with minor spacing between the next plate - this is done with four plates and small gaps left between them. The idea of this formation of a 'super plate' creates layers of hard plates that resist penetration and spall, the bare pockets working to stop spall and shaped charges from achieving their mission, and each plate stopping or slowing penetrating projectiles. Rather then hardening and absorbing, T4 armor aims to achieve a system of multiple hardening and maximum resistance to projectiles/spall/shaped charges. 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 for additional support.
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 add additional comfort to the crew inside. 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 Panther uses a Pentafluoroethane crew compartment to combat fire threats and have present fire extinguishing capabilities on board to counteract fires. The tank's engine and gas compartment are located to the rear of the tank behind additional armoring; there is also a thick shield between the crew and the self sealed fuel tank/engine. In the case of a direct hit that damages or destroys the fuel tank/engine, the flames and explosion are directed up and away from the crew through reactive escape points.
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 Panther'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 Panther, as with its main battle tank ancestors, utilizes active cooling of its own exhaust - a further means of suppressing thermal and infrared signature to enemy forces.
The Panther uses the 'Shield' Active Protection system to protect the vehicle from active ground, aircraft, and other threats, utilizing its sixteen multipurpose grenade launchers, 'shotgun' pellet dispensers, and Remote Missile Systems to maximum use; more notably missile, incoming AT rounds, 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, and RMS included) 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. 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 tracking the threat; this system uses either a munitions launchers to launch munitions to explode before hitting the vehicle or a short range missile launcher to intercept incoming threats - a pellet 'shotgun' like dispenser also acts as an integral part of the system. 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 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 Panther's multilaunchers, 'shotguns', and RMS are the primary vehicles for the 'Shield' system on the Panther and erect an invisible shield around the vehicle against incoming threats. 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.
Crew Amenities
It has been a well-known fact in most militaries that well-rested and alert soldiers with a high morale and a high degree of confidence in themselves and their equipment will perform faster, more effectively and with fewer avoidable errors than those who fall short in any of the above categories. This is why TECT designed vehicles have always put a strong emphasis on designing and manufacturing hardware that can effectively cater for the comfort needs of personnel that fight from that hardware.
To assist its operators in the field, the Panther has dedicated ration and liquid storage in order to provide some comfort. This comfort also allows for longer extended deployment time and personal upkeep as Panthers often operate as point defenses against enemy air threats. A secure and dedicated Wifi network is also built into the vehicle for downtime periods - allowing crew to check email, contact home, and various other activities.
The Panther fields the commonplace hot and cold water drink point, which provides hot water, cold water, and with two further compartments that can be filled with hot or cold drinks of the crew's choice. As well as being morale boosting, hot water in particular can be of direct military value, with it being used to brew beverages, and most importantly, it is used for dehydrated ration packs common to many armies and armed services. Situated immediately below the drink point is a small fridge, which can either carry spare rations or approximately two cases of soft-drinks or equivalent. These compartments typically carry more MRE or other snacks/meal rations.
The NBC system follows Commoner standards, and features quite adequately as a climate control system, making for working temperatures easily adjustable to every national or personal need (operating temperature range -40C to 55C). The NBC system on the Panther, however, can be removed and/or replaced with alternate systems, should the operating entity so desire. Seat warmers/coolers are also fitted, to ensure greater comfort and optimize combat endurance and dependability of both crew and personnel being transported. The seats can also be adjusted, manually or electronically, to ensure optimum comfort and control access for any shape or size.
Variants
Panther 2 Flakpanzer: Introduced in 2018, the Panther 2 is both a significant upgrade of and deviation from the original Panther 1 design. Featuring an entirely new turret and modernized chassis, the Panther 2 is also outfitted with new modernized equipment and electrical devices. Including new 3rd generation radar and optical sensors, the turret comes installed with newer APS-based detection sensors and ground targeting sensors. Most recognized, however, is the change in main armament. Replacing the two side-mounted 35mm automatic cannons is a center mounted 60mm Mk. 60B gun system. New to the lineup of armaments for Wolf Armaments, the Mk. 60 comes in three models currently: (A) IFV/ground combat model, (B) self-propelled air defense model, and (C) a naval turret model. Although still present, the arms formerly mounting the Panther's guns now have two mounting positions for applicable missile systems, namely pods or box launchers for MANPAD systems. Although few differences exist between the models themselves, the Mk. 60 has a significant ammunition type and power upgrade when compared to the 35mm Mk. 9B with a drastically improved engagement range of up to fifteen kilometers. Mk. 60B specifically includes a slightly longer barrel, a secondary recoil loop system for added stabilization, and tailor made gun sensors designed for air defense ammunition; when all paired together, the B model (as well as C) can target aircraft and munitions with higher precision at significantly faster fire-rates. Panther 2 is currently unavailable for export. Wolf Armaments notes this status will change in the near future once domestic government contracts meet a certain delivery quota. Until that point, Wolf Armaments is only permitted to export the Panther 2 on special conditions or within special sales packages.
Export
The Panther SPAAG is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page. The Panther can be acquired for $17 Million NSD per unit; there are currently no plans to offer a DPR license for the Panther.