MBT-143 "Abir" Main Battle Tank

by **Nachmere** » Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:14 pm

Specifications

General:
Type: Main Battle Tank
Country of Origin: The Armed Republic of Nachmere
Manufacturer: Schwerpunkt | AFV Division
Production Status: In Production
Unit Cost: 12,750,000 USD

Dimensions:
Crew: 4
Weight: 86 metric tons combat ready
Length: 11.54 meters gun forward
Width: 4.1 meters
Height: 2.95 meters (turret roof)
Ground Clearance: 0.3-0.5 meters

Armament:
Main Gun: 140mm/L50 smooth bore ETC-Liquid Propellant gun
Main Gun ammunition storage: 18 ready to fire, 24 more in hull storage
Primary Coaxial: 30mm/L80 autocannon
Primary Coaxial ammunition storage: 300 ready to fire
Secondary Coaxial:2X 7.62mm machine guns
Secondary Coaxial ammunition storage: 2,200 ready to fire
Commanders Armament: 7.62mm machine gun
Commanders Armament ammunition storage: 270 ready to fire
Loaders Armament: 7.62mm machine gun
Loaders Armament ammunition storage: 270 ready to fire
7.62mm ammo storage: 8,100
Close Range Armament: 2 6-tube 80mm close range grenade launchers
Close Range ammunition storage: 12 ready to fire, 12 more in storage

Protection:
Passive Protection: “Rhinoskin” titanium/DU based composite armor
Reactive Protection: “Umbrella” HERA and “Raincoat” SLERA
Active Protection: “Iron Tide” Hard/Soft Kill APS

Power:
Engine: NMC AVM2300 Horizontally Opposed, Twin Turbocharged V10
Power Output: 2,300HP (~1680kN) at 3,000 RPM
Power to weight ratio: ~26.7hp/ton
Auxiliary Power: 2 under armor 20kW APUs
Batteries: 20 LFP Li-Ion Batteries

Maneuverability:
Suspension: InArm Fluidic Springs
Maximum Road Speed (governed): 70km/h
Trench Crossing: 2.6 meters
Vertical Obstacle Crossing: 1.1 meters
Fording: 2.5 meters
Fuel Capacity: 1700 liters
Operational range: ~500 kilometers

OOC: this is no longer offered by me in canon. however i am keeping this page available for those who wish to use it.

Background

The MBT-143 "Abir" (Knight), is a main battle tank designed by Schwerpunkt to fit the Royal Army's armored doctrine. The tank is designed first and foremost for breakthrough and anti-armor operations. As a result the Abir is heavily protected, and armed to engage and destroy enemy armor. It is also specifically meant to co-operate with forces supporting tank units, such as infantry and fire support assets.
General Design

Armament

Main armament for the MBT-143 is a 140mm L50 smooth bore liquid propellant gun. The gun is fed projectiles by a human loader and propellant fed automatically from tanks in the lower rear parts of the hull. The gun can fire APFSDS-DU, FS-HEAT, FS-HEP, FS-WP, and FS-APAM projectiles, as well as GLATGMs. It is capable of destroying practically any opponent at contact ranges(2000 meters) The human loader was retained due to Nachmerian concerns about maintenance load and replacement of injured crew members during combat.

A) A 700 centimeters long smooth barrel. A bore gas evacuator is located 3/4 of the way from the muzzle to the chamber. A tritium nighttime rough sight is built into the tip of the barrel. To handle the extremely high pressure of the mighty 140mm LP-ETC, the gun also has a muzzle break. The bore is covered with a combined thermal sleeve/vibration absorber. This device works by changing the way the thermal sleeve is installed on the gun. Rather than being fixed to the barrel as in standard guns, the forward part of the thermal sleeve is fixed to the gas evacuator conventionally and to the end of the barrel using a system of springs. This allows the thermal sleeve to pivot slightly. Energy from the vibration of the gun when traveling over rough terrain is transferred to the springs, and is partly dissipated in friction and partly re-transferred to the gun in a way that significantly lowers its effect. The vibration absorber improves accuracy and the life-span of the gun barrel. The average life expectancy for the barrel is 300 rounds.

B) Liquid Propellant based chamber: The chamber of the gun works by using a rather standard loading system for the projectiles coupled to an uncommon loading method for the propellant and an Electro-thermal Chemical ignition. The projectiles are loaded into the combustion chamber using a standard breech. The liquid propellant, a mixture of Hydroxyl ammonium nitrate (HAN) and water, is pumped into a separate chamber connected to the chamber in which the projectile is loaded. The propellant chamber has a perforated piston. Before around is loaded propellant is pumped into the propellant chamber behind the piston head, while a small amount is pumped into the combustion chamber. This is ignited by an ETC igniter. The force of combustion pushes back the piston and it moves backwards, causing the propellant behind the piston head to flow at through the perforations in the piston head. The liquid propellant is pressurized and atomized by this process and then ignited when reaching the combustion chamber. If there is a need to change ammo type or simply unload the gun, the pumps pump the HAN out of the chambers and use it for the next loading. This process while complex gives a regulated and even pressure curve in the chamber, and contributes to accuracy and muzzle velocity, allowing for high first round lethality.

C) A recoil mechanism comprising of a concentric retarder and a pneumatic recuperator. The system allows the gun to recoil 41 centimeters.

Ammunition for the gun is stored in 3 storages. The first is located in the turret bustle and holds 18 rounds; the other 2 are located to the left and right of the rear corridor and hold 12 rounds each.
The ability to carry 42 rounds was achieved by the use of liquid propellant. This allows storage of propellant in tanks similar to the ones holding diesel fuel. These tanks partly use areas of the hull not used for any purpose in other tanks, as well as making better use of the room available.

In addition the non KE projectiles are shorter in length than conventional 140mm rounds, allowing stocking them in 2 rows in the storage units. Each round is located in a cylindrical canister made of fire resistant polymers. The canisters are placed on a close loop chain which is motorized. The entire chain system is located outside the fighting compartment with blow off panels to direct a possible ammunition explosion away from the crew.
When an ammo type is selected by the gunner or loader the chain moves a canister holding the correct projectile to a port. The port opens and a rammer pushes the projectile out. The loader grabs the round and loads the gun. The HAN is than pumped into the chamber. The breech automatically opens after each shot to allow quick reloading.

The primary coaxial weapon of the MBT-143 is a 30mm 80 calibers long automatic cannon. The cannon is mounted externally, on the right side of the turret, with its own ammo supply. In addition to being used as a coaxial, it can be unslaved from the main gun controls and used to fire at high elevation against low flying aircraft and targets in higher floors of buildings. The 30mm cannon helps conserve valuable 140mm rounds for well-armored targets.

The secondary coaxial is a pair of 7.62mm medium machineguns(FN-MAG in Nachmerian service), mounted inside the turret to the left of the main gun. Loaded from two separate 1,2000 round belts, the two machineguns offer a theoretical rate of fire of over 1700 rounds per minute. Spare barrels for the machineguns are stored in a rack above the gun mount.

The commander of the MBT-143 has full control over the main and coaxial armaments of the tank. In addition, he has two other weapon systems operated solely by him.

A 7.62mm machinegun in a pintle mount near the commander's hatch allows for engagement of infantry at close ranges. The mount is simple and allows for a 270 degree fire arc as well as high elevation for AA fire.

In addition to the machinegun, the commander also controls the 12 tube close range grenade system.
The 80mm grenades launched by this system can engage infantry in close ranges (60 meters) and more importantly screen the tank against threats. The grenades are fired from a control panel in the commander’s compartment. Types of ammunition available for this system are White Phosphorus, HE-Fragmentation, IR-screening smoke, IR-Decoy, Less than lethal tear gas and less than lethal “flash-bang”.

The loaders armament is a 7.62X51 M240 machinegun mounted to the left of the loader’s hatch. The mount is simple, manually operated and can traverse 230 degrees. The machinegun is fed from a 270 rounds box with 9000 more rounds stored in the tank (shared with the 2 coaxial MGs). A spare barrel, a bipod, and an infantry type buttstock are stored in a compartment near the loader’s hatch. This allows the loader to convert the M240 to infantry configuration and use it in case the team must abandon the tank. The loaders MG can be used to replace a critically jammed coaxial.

Fire control and Observation

The MBT-143 has a solid states ballistic fire control system based on ones previously installed in Nahchmerean tanks. It features an advanced processing unit and utilizes both IIR and day time optics. The system has both pixel-lock and hunter-killer capabilities.

The turret has full electric stabilization and electric-powered controls. The gun is stabilized by digital gyroscopes in both axes. A manual traverse system is installed as a backup. The fire control computer automatically calculates the fire solution based on: lead angle measurement; bend of the gun measured by the muzzle reference system; velocity measurement from a wind sensor on the roof of the turret; data from a pendulum static cant sensor located at the center of the turret roof; temperature, and barometric pressure. Solutions to moving targets or for fire-on-the-move are given by measuring the traverse speed of the turret while tracking the target. The system is capable of “pixel-locking”, a mode in which a moving target is “locked” on to by the system and the gun automatically tracks it and adds a lead.

The gunner’s sight is a TV type observation system, with day and night capabilities. The sight is digitally connected to the main gun, and stabilized in 2 axes. The system has X1, X3 and X10 magnification in both day and night modes. The sight itself is raised to minimize the exposure of the tank in fire positions. The image from the sight is displayed on a 10” LCD screen making targeting and scanning easier and less strenuous. When in X1 magnification the reticule changes from a standard cross to a circle similar to some small arms reflex sights, allowing easier aiming at close range targets.
A secondary emergency system enables for firing using a mechanical ballistic computer. This system allows for firing with the FCS computer down and with the laser range finder down. It is connected to the backup sight. The backup optical sight has X2 or X8 magnification, and has a reticule marked for firing APFSDS-DU and HEAT rounds to different ranges.
The CITV (Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer) acts as a separate, fully stabilized day and night sight for the main and coaxial weapons, allowing the commander to “slave” the gunner controls to identify targets or fire. In this mode the CITV allows the commander to identify, select, and range targets before even the top of the turret is exposed, and while remaining buttoned. The CITV has X1.5 and X8 magnification as options.

The loader has a thermal viewer with X1.5 magnification that is electrically operated. The viewer can traverse through 360 degrees and adds another “pair of eyes” to the tank crew when needed.

The driver has either three observation periscopes or two periscopes on both sides and a Driver’s Thermal Viewer. The periscopes provide 120°field of view. The driver also has a rear view camera with thermal imaging for night operations.

A secondary emergency system enables for firing using a mechanical ballistic computer. This system allows for firing with the FCS computer down and with the laser range finder down. It is connected to the backup sight. The backup optical sight has X2 or X8 magnification, and has a reticule marked for firing APFSDS-DU and HEAT rounds to different ranges.

Protection

The MBT-143 has a very sharply angled glacis plate and V shaped hull bottom. The turret is a trapezoid shape with rather mild sloping, but has a rounded exterior protection suit around it. The tank is protected by passive, reactive and active systems.

The basic armor protection of the MBT-143 is a composite armor called “Rhinoskin”.

To compliment the passive protection given by “Rhinoskin” the MBT-143 is also protected by Heavy Reactive Armor (HERA).

Some areas of the tank cannot be protected by the “Umbrella” HERA. This is due to the explosive nature of HERA, which may at some instances cause fragmentation that may harm personnel and sensors. For areas like the rear hull, side skirts, turret top and rear, a less dangerous protection method was selected.

In addition to the passive and reactive protection suites, the MBT-143 is also protected by the “Iron Tide” APS. “Iron Tide” is modular soft and hard kill system designed to operate with the BASTION battle management system and take full advantage of the systems of each specific vehicle it is mounted on.

System components:
1)Main Processing Unit: a high speed compact processing unit with a 3 GHz clock rate. The processor uses a stripped down fast version of a common commercial operating system. The other software installed on it is the “Iron Tide” system. This allows the tracking, classification and engagement of threats detected by the system sensors. The software can use the data from the radar to identify threats and choose which threats to engage and which threats not to engage. It also chooses what counter measure to use against a threat. The processing unit is linked to the BASTION system, allowing one “Iron Tide” unit to network with others. This allows the systems to “warn” each other of threats, protect vehicles that have no loaded countermeasures, and use group smoke screening to protect the entire unit.
2)F/G band radar. Consisting of up to 5 flat panel antennas around the AFV (one directed upwards to identify top-attack threats), the radar is used to identify incoming threats and classify them. Threats are identified and classified in a 360 degrees arc around the protected vehicle, and the information is sent to the APS computer.
3)4 IR sensors located on sensor mast. This sensor identifies incoming projectiles by the thermal signature of their propulsion systems or the projectile itself. The IR data is sent to the APS computer where it is compared to the radar data. The use of IR sensors lowers the chance of the APS being defeated by jammers and low cross section projectiles.
4) A 360 degrees laser warning system. This comprises of 4-8 laser/active IR sensors, which identify laser designators and range finders targeting the AFV. The data is used to alert the team and give the system a “heads up” on what type of threats are about to engage it.
5) 2 twin-barreled automatically reloading, fully stabilized, 360 rotating launchers. The launchers fire fin stabilized 80mm projectiles. The projectiles are combustible and create almost no shrapnel. Exploding less than 1 meter from the threat, the projectile causes it to destabilize and either fall apart in the air or go off target. This method is effective against both CE threats and KE threats. 12 projectiles are carried in the auto-reload magazines of the system.
6) In turreted vehicles- the “Iron Tide” system is connected to the turret traverse system and can traverse the turret to fire smoke grenades if needed (requiring only a confirmation from the commander).
7) Jammers- the system includes both a radio frequency jammer and a laser/IR jammer. The R/F jammer is a high output unit which is programmed to work on frequencies used by radio guided munitions. As the missile nears the protected vehicle, the jammer out powers the guidance signal severing the tie between the missile and its launcher .The Laser and Infra Red jammer is similar to the similar to the RF jammer, and works either by directing false guidance data at the incoming threat or by blinding it completely. The jammers are located in the sensor mast of the system.

Commanders control panel- the entire system is controlled through a LCD panel in the commander’s compartment. This panel allows him to select modes of operation, turn different subsystems on and off, confirm turret rotation and decoy launch etc.

Operation: The fire control radar, located on top of the turret, identifies incoming rockets and missiles. The radar data is transmitted to the processing unit. The processing unit ignores birds, small weapons fire and threats that are not bound for the protected vehicle. When a threat is identified, the possessing unit selects the optimal method of engaging it. The system makes this decision based on the threat itself (guidance type, size, speed, etc.), the vehicles status (amount and type of remaining countermeasures, vehicles motion, etc), and the units status (other vehicles being more vulnerable, infantry being near the vehicle, etc). The system than engages the threat with the chosen countermeasure. The system prefers soft-kill options, but if the threat presists the system automatically uses the hard kill choice.

NBC protection for the MBT-143 is provided by an overpressure system and individual NBC protection for each crew member. The individual protection is in the form of 4 air filtering systems running directly to the masks and NBC overalls of the crew. The air is not only filtered but also cooled. If this system fails the tank can use the over pressure system along with standard gas masks. The tank is buttoned and an overpressure is created by pumping air into the tank through filters. This keeps contaminated air out and when combined with the use of personal masks allows continued operations in contaminated areas.

Crew and vehicle survivability

The MBT-143 has a Kevlar lining in the crew compartments to minimize spalling. The front mounted engine layout of the tank allows for a rear exit hatch with a corridor leading to it from the turret. The rear exit hatch is a clamshell design and can be opened electrically or manually. The crew can use it to dismount while protected by the tanks mass. It also allows them to mount the tank without climbing to the turret and exposing themselves.

A fire suppression system is installed in the fighting compartment, engine compartment and ammo storage units. The system has 8 visual and thermal fire detectors and 8 BCF canisters.

The 3 mechanical ammunition storage units are separated from the turret by massive titanium barriers, with a port closing and opening to allow projectiles into the turret when loading. Each 140mm projectile is held in a flame resistant polymer cylinder. Storage of the 30mm ammunition, 80mm grenade ammunition and “Iron Tide” projectiles is also in flame resistant polymer compartments. Each of these compartments has blowout panels to direct possible explosion energy away from the crew.

A mine-protection plate made of titanium is available for the MBT-143. This plate weighs several tons and reduces the ground clearance to 28cm, but dramatically improves the survivability of the tank and crew in case of a large explosion under the hull. The crew seats are all of the suspended type, to protect the crew from explosions under the tank.

Mobility

The MBT-143 is a heavy vehicle at 86 metric tons, but it uses a powerful engine coupled to an advanced transmission to maintain good performance both on and off road.

Communications and Networking

The MBT-143 has a standard Schwerpunkt combined internal/external communications system. The system comprises of a main control panel and 5 personal control panels (each crewman and one in the rear corridor), as well as 5 headsets integrated into the ballistic helmets of the crew.

The MBT-143 can accommodate 2-3 transmitter-receivers and 2-3 receivers. The antenna bases are integral and allow lowering the antennas forwards and backwards from inside the tank. A storage compartment for a man portable radio is located near the rear exit hatch. A radio-silence communications system to replace flags, comprising of two IR and regular lights on each side of the turret, allows for minimum use of radio by lower level commanders. The MBT-143 is equipped with a tank/infantry telephone located at the rear of the vehicle and connected to the commander’s internal communications, as well as external communications to allow infantry to use the tank to communicate.

Networking for the MBT-143 is provided by the BASTION system. BASTION is a battlefield management system for units ranging in size from platoons to brigades.

BASTION mostly relies on the existing sensors a platform already has. This includes laser range finders, RADARs, observation systems, fire control components, meteorological sensors, and other sensors. It also uses GPS (either installed with BASTION or existing). Combining information from these sensors allows the system to display and network accurate real-time information not only of friendly forces, but also of hostile forces, terrain conditions and more.

BASTION can rely on several communication mediums. It can use standard military radio networks, military cellular networks, or satellite communications. It can also combine all three. According to the type of medium used, range varies from a few kilometers to thousands of kilometers.

Networking is done by an IP protocol. Each unit sends and receives information to and from all units within reception range and operating on the correct frequencies. This information is than sorted by the system, to prevent flooding the user with un-needed information. Both the sender does this sorting and recipient, meaning the user can choose who will see his sent data and who's sent data he receives.

The information gathered by the BASTION main processor is displayed on one or more LCD displays in the vehicle. The system has four windows used for work before, during, and after operations.

*Battle Planning and orders: Allows for creating, sharing and viewing complete operational plans, with attached maps, orders, and ORBATS. It allows for viewing the battle image over code-maps, satellite images, or 3D terrain visualizations. The user can also calculate point-to-point distances, lines-of-sight, and radio reception areas.
*Battle Management: This is the main window, which is used during operations. It allows for viewing the battle image over code-maps, satellite images, or 3D terrain visualizations. The user can see the location of friendly forces and known hostile forces. The user can also update known enemy forces. This is done by taking a range reading to the enemy, and then adding further information manually (or using the “Evil Eye” identification system). Artillery can be laid using a special artillery tab, which sends the artillery request to a predefined user. The user can also calculate point-to-point distances, and lines-of-sight. Information added here by the user is automatically shared with other units.
*Information Sharing: This window is used to send specific data that is not automatically sent by the system. This includes text massages, images and videos, and logistic reports. Videos and still images are captured by the AFVs existing systems. Text massaging allows free texting as well as predefined default massages. This system allows upper echelons to view the battle from the perspective of a specific AFV, and also reduces the use of radio by lower tactical levels.
*Internal Status: The window is used for updating the status of the specific unit carrying the BASTION. It allows updating ammunition and fuel shortages, mechanical problems, casualties, etc.

Crew Amenities

The MBT-143 is equipped to support its crew in long term operations. A specially designed sun and rain plastic canopy can be raised above the loader and commander hatches to ease waiting periods in harsh weather. An air-conditioning system is connected to the NBC protection system and can flow warm or cool air into the overalls and NBC masks of the crew. A 50 liter NBC protected water tank located in the rear hull is connected to a heating/cooling unit and supplies hot or cold water thorough a tap in the rear corridor. Rations are kept in water tight compartments in the fighting compartment itself as well as in the rear corridor. 7 days worth of rations can be carried in this way. The tank has a special storage compartment holding an electric cooking pen, an electric cigarette lighter, plates and utensils.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:55 pm

Kia Ora friends and allies in Nachmere!

“Blood and Iron” is the national motto of the nineteen countries. As a pragmatic nation operating in our rather less than ideal ‘high-threat, full spectrum overmatch ambience’ NS RP World, we must constantly expand - within limitation naturally speaking - our inventory of war machines. We place great importance upon the field, as well as law, of land warfare, and with that reason in mind have this letter of greetings and procurement order reached your desk this morning.

In the name of His Gracious und Heavenly Majestic Iron Cross Holder und Field Marshal as well as Sovereign Ruler of All the Above Yohannesische Sky Dear Honourable und Most Eminent Führer Paper von Towel und Bagel of the Yohannesischestaffel und Reichskommissariat Ostland [YOYO], I shall hereby put forward the following procurement order to your esteemed institution:

[4,800] Schwerpunkt MBT-143 ‘Abir’ main battle tank: 61.2 billion NSD/USD

The above-written fund shall be transferred via the Reichsführer Consolidated Fund in the Bank of Yohannes upon the confirmation of this order. I look forward to hearing from your representative, and receiving the delivery of the above written wonderful war machines.

Yours faithfully,

The Hon Kefka Palazzo PA
First Spokesperson of the Reichsführer Office

by **Nachmere** » Tue Dec 09, 2014 4:04 pm

To: The Honorable Kefka Palazzo

Honored Sir,

Your purchase of 4,800 MBT-143 is approved at the stated price. First deliveries by sea will arrive within 8 weeks, with final delivery expected within 6 months.

May our arms bring you victory,
Schwerpunkt - AFV Division

by **Rookanse** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:15 pm

Republiek van Rookanse

To:The Armed Republic of Nachmere's Schwerpunkt

Groete!
(Greetings)

The Republic of Rookanse, has long searched for a suitable tank to replace its tanks from the olden days. Long have our tanks worn out in the rough red clay and hills of Rookanse. And finally, long have our enemies known of this decline in ability. We feel it necessary to buy tanks from abroad to further our nation's goals in freedom and self-defense. Exhausted, after looking through the various AFV's in the world, your nation's MBT-143 Abir has interested us. Rookanse Military Board has signed off after looking through this tank's specifications, and we are going to gladly place an order if this tank is still available. We hope that our order can move along other buyers as well. Die Republiek van Rookanse is willing to order 230 MBT-143's. Thank you.

Sincerely, Defense Minister Tommen Sephaaros

by **Nachmere** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:45 pm

To: Defense Minister Tommen Sephaaros, The Republic of Rookanse

Honored Sir,
Schwerpunkt is delighted you find our MBT-143 suiteable for your needs. Your order of 230 tanks is approved, and the order is expected to be completed within 8-10 weeks.

We wish you victory and glory on the battlefield,
Schwerpunkt - AFV Division

by **Nachmere** » Tue Dec 16, 2014 4:32 pm

To whom it may concern,

All future purchases are to be made via the our main storefront.

Thank you for your time,
Schwerpunkt

MBT-143 "Abir" Main Battle Tank

MBT-143 "Abir" Main Battle Tank

Procurement Order

Who is online