Key Data
Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver) + 8 passengers.
Cost: 8 million NSD.
DPR: $110 Billion NSD.
Dimensions
Length: 7 m (Hull).
Height: 3.8 m (Turret Roof).
Width: 3.52 m.
Weight: 36 t maximum.
Performance
Maximum Speed: 70 km/h road speed.
Cross country speed: 52 km/h.
Operational Range: 610 km.
Armament
Main Armament: 30 mm WA Mk-103 Automatic Cannon (400 rounds).
Secondary (coaxial): SMJ-AP 14.5 mm Heavy Machine Gun (3,500 rounds, interchangeable with other systems).
Additional: 'Speer'-VLATGM ATGM system, mounted on turret (two missiles per pod, four reloads - interchangeable).
Commander weapon station, HMG/GPM/AGL etc. (2,400 round machine gun or 600 grenades).
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 composite ARMOX ADVANCE alloy tiles; 3rd lvl: Ceramic SiC armor layer; 4th lvl: fibreglass/rubber internal liner.
Active: 'Shield' Active Protection system. CERA tiles and 4 'shotgun' pellet dispensers.
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.
Frauns FCS.
Power
Propulsion: CVW V10 164 diesel engine, 900 kilowatts (1,200 hp).
Transmission: Automatic (8 forward, 3 reverse).
Suspension: Hydropneumatic.
Power/Weight: 29.6 kW/tonne.
Background and Design
The Höllenhund Infantry Fighting Vehicle is a heavily armored fighting vehicle designed by Wolf Armaments that made its debut in early 2000. It takes its name from the TECT mythical dog monster that bears the same name - a representation of its ferocity on the battlefield. Seeking a new modern design, the TECT Armed Forces put in a request for a new infantry fighting vehicle that was heavily armed and well protected against a wide variety of threats. This new tracked vehicle had to be able to carry a full squad of soldiers into battle and support them in combat; fighting against other armored vehicles, infantry, and fortified positions alongside its infantry squad. As part of a heavily armed mechanized force, Höllenhund would provide transportation and direct fire-support to said infantry - as part of armored formations, they would transport support infantry and protect heavier assets like main battle tanks. Since its introduction in 2000, the Höllenhund IFV would be mainstay in the Imperial Army, Royal Guard Marines, and Home Guard heavy mechanized units; although Höllenhund has received upgrades and is still in service, it is gradually being replaced with the Bär Heavy APC/IFV in the TECT Armed Forces.
The earliest prototype to be developed is dated to have been made in 1995. Seeking a heavier ulterior to the Puma APC for heavy mechanized infantry, Höllenhund designers wanted an infantry fighting vehicle with thicker armor and bigger gun. Not impressed, however, by this earliest prototype, commanders demanded overhauls after negative performance tests pointed out major flaws in the Höllenhund's many designs; many of these flaws included the disastrous interior design layout, a flawed suspension and track design, and poor armor performance against rival enemy weapon systems. Following its terrible start, a new hull design was conceived, a new turret was installed with low-visibility as well as protection being emphasized, and the interior was totally overhauled with a sense of future warfare put into its design; additionally, the suspension was replaced with a new reliable design and the tracks replaced with a more modern, sturdy design. Over the next few years many improvements were made based on tests and user feedback by test crews from the Imperial Army and Royal Guard Marines. The Armed Forces were impressed with the new prototype delivered to them in 1999 - after their series of tests, the Höllenhund was approved for production with the first ordered batch arriving in early 2000.
Starting from the tracks on up; the tracks are refined with a wide platform, offsetting and spreading out the weight of the vehicle better. A single yet strong center pin keeps the tracks together while improving the material used, reducing weight where possible while improving strength; special padding on the bottom improves traction and durability while the unique hydropneumatic suspension ensures smooth traversing. The seven wheels are made from similar materials that stress lightweight durability and tensile strength. Höllenhund's hull features a number of strong glacis surfaces that add angled depth to already thick armor - a glacis design increases the thickness of the armor to any force attempting to penetrate it. A thick V-shape bottom hull is designed to counter IEDs and anti-tank mines. Standard now is an armored skirt upgrade that protects the sides of the vehicle; this skirt is made from the same armor material that the vehicle's is made from and adds another layer to its protection against flank attacks. Meanwhile the turret is vertically short and densely armored, giving it a lower height platform (for both turret and vehicle) without sacrificing protection. Internally, the crew compartment is made up of a commander, a gunner, and driver; the driver sits in the front right of the vehicle, the gunner behind them in a rotating turret system, and the commander to their left. The engine is to the left of the driver and the exhaust exits up and to the left rear-end of the vehicle. Behind the crew compartment is the troop compartment. Eight fully equipped soldiers sit on both sides of the vehicle using folding seats, ready to dismount from the folding automatic rear-end door.
Armaments
Classified as an infantry fighting vehicle, the Höllenhund is a heavily armored and armed fighting vehicle capable of combating a wide variety of threats. The primary armament of the Höllenhund is the thirty millimeter WA Mk-30 Automatic Cannon; this weapon system is effective against both infantry and armored fighting vehicles with a wide variety of ammunition to choose from. As the TECT Armed Forces migrate to forty millimeters for its weapons platforms, a variant armed with the Mk-103 Automatic Cannon was created - more information about said variant further down. The Mk-30 can fire two hundred rounds per minute and has an effective range of three thousand meters; its two hundred ready rounds are fed through a linkless strip into the weapon system from an armored storage box in the turret, giving the Mk-30 a fast rate of fire. A coaxial weapon system adds additional firepower for the Höllenhund - the SMJ-AP is standard but most machine guns and automatic grenade launchers can easily replace the SMJ-AP as the coaxial weapon. The Höllenhund also allows for a mounted weapon system at the commander's hatch (the commander's weapon); this system is interchangeable with most weapon systems, such as machines and grenade launchers that can be operated with remote controlled weapon systems.
Additionally. The Höllenhund offers dual turret mounts for anti-tank guided missiles that are interchangeable, allowing for multiple types of ATGMs to be used. The 'Speer'-VLATGM is the standard used ATGM system, which is capable of unique trajectory angles as well as defeating a wide variety of threats; the slots can fill two missiles per pod on each side with four reloads stored inside.
The updated Frauns Fire Control System uses user and system-supplied data from a variety of sources, to compute, display, and incorporate the three components of a ballistic solution - lead angle, ammunition type, and range to the target - to accurately fire the main weapon systems and defeat hostile forces. The Frauns FCS determines these three components by using a laser rangefinder, crosswind sensor, a pendulum static cant sensor, data concerning performance and flight characteristics of each specific type of round, specific boresight alignment data, ammunition temperature, air temperature, barometric pressure, a muzzle reference system that determines and compensates for barrel drop at the muzzle due to gravitational pull and barrel heating due to firing or sunlight, and target speed determined by tracking rate tachometers in the gunner's or commander's controls handles. This information is gathered by equipment around the vehicle and inside its internal computers. All this information is computed in the ballistic solution and displayed to crew members inside, updating over twenty-eight times a second. The gunner then manipulates the turret with the guidance and assistance of the ballistic computer; essentially making the job a point and shoot fire system, greatly simplifying the job of the gunner.
The Höllenhund utilizes both thermal, night, and reflective mirror viewpoints to spot targets; targets are usually spotted immediately and targets are arranged from the most imminent threat to the lowest by the ballistic computer. These sights are the tank's frontal roof on a 360 degree swivel unit; this unit contains a HD camera feed, thermal camera, night vision camera, and a rangefinder among other visual targeting components. In the event that systems fail or are damaged, the turret and gun can be manually moved by crew inside; aiming is then conducted by using a telescoping sight and quick calculations as with normal operation. Its other systems can use similar methods or have munitions that can find their targets.
Propulsion and Mobility
The Höllenhund was designed to keep up with other fast moving armored vehicles and propel itself at high speeds. Designers chose the CVW V10 164 diesel engine as the Höllenhund's engine, which has nine-hundred kilowatts (1,200 hp) of force - giving the Höllenhund a powerful propulsion and very reliable powerplant. The Höllenhund can easily keep up with main battle tanks and faster wheeled APCs on or off the combat. Its automatic transmission and Hydropneumatic suspension allows for a smooth ride at fast speed that ensure comfort and accurate weapon fire. The firepower and mobility of this vehicle is what makes it a heavyweight with armored and mechanized forces on during combat.
engine is linked to the Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking system on-board, which keeps track of the temperatures of each individual segment of the engine, and both monitors and records engine stresses. The system then notifies both the operators and higher command when replacement or repair is required for components, as well as when the engine or parts of it are coming due for routine maintenance. This contributes to greatly reduced attrition, and total combat readiness is markedly improved as a result, while lowering maintenance workloads. The Eisen-Schloss Combat Networking is also responsible for monitoring the active cooling of the vehicle's exhaust, as a means of reducing the vehicle's already low thermal signature, further enhancing the vehicle's low observability characteristics.
As a recent standard for vehicles, the Höllenhund is fitted with rear-vision cameras for maneuvering in close country or urban environments, a factor which, in other vehicles, has prevented a tremendous number of accidents and eased the psychological load on personnel responsible for moving the vehicles in less-than-optimal conditions. The engine, for safety reasons, is reinforced with armor, like the gas tank, and fitted with automatic fire fighting systems.
Networking/Electronics
As with all TECT designed vehicles, the Höllenhund 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 Höllenhund 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.
Protection and Armor
The Höllenhund 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 the 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 sections in question are attachments for compact plates that, in Commoner use, are made from the same ARMOX ADVANCE composite material. The rest of the body can attach these plates or utilize the unique slope design of the vehicle; this slope design adds depth to armor, making it thicker to penetrating projectiles. ERA and/or NERA (or even NxRA) plates can also be placed above the aforementioned areas to combat shaped charge attacks that the vehicle may encounter, or as additional armoring against various threats. The turret and top portions of the vehicle also feature many attachments for these plates as well - including anti-munition explosives that are explained later on. Höllenhund's turret is designed to bring additional protection for crew with its shorter 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; under that matrix are tiles of the earlier mentioned ARMOX ADVANCE armor. The thick armoring tiles 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 crews. This armor design is very similar to other Commoner vehicle designs with the exception of added depth similar to other heavily armored combat vehicles. An anti-shaped charge cage around the body and turret can also be fitted if requested. 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 Puma 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 Höllenhund'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 Puma, 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 Höllenhund 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 Höllenhund's multilaunchers, 'shotguns', and RMS are the primary vehicles for the 'Shield' system on the Höllenhund 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.
The Höllenhund, since it is close to infantry use for long periods of times, fields the commonplace hot and cold water drink point that can be mounted or removed as requested; the water point provides hot water, cold water, and a third option of a cold or warm drink chosen by the crew or occupants. 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.
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 Puma, 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
Höllenhund-40mm: The Höllenhund-40mm is a modified Höllenhund that features a forty millimeter Mk-103 Automatic Cannon as its main armament rather then the standard thirty millimeter. The turret, ammo storage, and ammo intake system (now a cartridge system) are the primary differences. This variant is intended for adding heavier armament to combat heavier armor on some armored personnel carriers and other combat vehicles. There is little affect otherwise on the vehicle.
Höllenhund-TMV: The Höllenhund Turreted Mortar Vehicle is a mobile artillery support variant of the original vehicle. Modifications include a HMS-15 Armbrust one-hundred and fifty-five millimeter Heavy Mortar as the main armament, a modified firing computer, a new fast acting automatic reloading system, and modifications to ammunition storage. The new breach-loaded mortar brings fast rate of fire with highly mobile artillery support. Twenty ready mortar bombs sit on a loading mechanism that uses pressure lifts to lift and ram the bomb into the tube; once loaded, the gunner must close and lock the rear to fire - this ensures mistakes are less likely. This system of loading allows the gunner to remove rounds before locking or to swap out rounds on the loading system at any time; in the event of failure of the autoloader, the mortar can be hand loaded normally and fired. The crew of three includes a commander, driver, and gunner. The TMV can store at least one-hundred and thirty rounds.
Boar SPH: The Boar Self-Propelled Howitzer is a separate mobile howitzer vehicle that originated from the Höllenhund infantry fighting vehicle. Changed include turret and gun modifications, ammo storage alterations, and firing computer changes. The one-hundred and twenty-five millimeter Mk. 125 Howitzer brings longer range and equally heavy firepower to mobile units. The crew of three includes a commander, driver, and gunner. The Boar can store at least sixty rounds.
Export
The Höllenhund IFV and Boar SPH can be purchased on the Wolf Armaments storefront for $8 Million NSD per unit (both); all variants cost $10 Million NSD each. Domestic Production Rights can be acquired for $110 Billion NSD.