T2009A3/4 ‘San Silvacian’ Main Battle Tank

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 11:12 pm

Figure 1: Domestic version T2009A4 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun belonging to Wehrmacht Sergeant (First Class) Hermann Fegelein of the Fifth Panzer Company.

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Figure 2: Domestic version T2009A4 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun belonging to Wehrmacht Sergeant (First Class) Franz Bäke of the SK (Schutz Körper) Panzer Battlegroup for the Protection of Yohannesian Realm Representation in the World Assembly.

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Figure 3: Domestic version T2009A4 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun belonging to Wehrmacht Sergeant (First Class) Georg Keppler of the First SK (Schutz Körper) Panzer Company.

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Figure 4: Domestic version T2009A4 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun belonging to Wehrmacht Sergeant (First Class) Josef Dietrich of the Third SK (Schutz Körper) Panzer Company.

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Figure 5: Design blueprint of the T2009A3/4 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun, without added features to the A4.

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Figure 6: Rexzich City and its successor the Khaos Konfederacy have at various points considered forming international brigades (courtesy of the Rexzich City government), entering defence agreements with nations with no military or inadequate defence, and participating in partisan organisations. [ read more here ]

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Figure 7: Domestic version T2009A3 armed with the Halstenmetall 120/L55 gun belonging to San-Silvacian Brigadier Anton Yakovich of the Eleventh Tank Company.

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Figure 8: Rexzich World Assembly Guard version T2009A4 (courtesy of the Rexzich City government). During the Rexzich City period, forest camo was only ever seen on the uniforms of infantry units due to the inability of vehicles to travel through the Forest Zone of Rexzich City. [ read more here ]

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Figure 9: Domestic version T2009A4 equipped with a locally confiscated mine plow belonging to Wehrmacht Sergeant (First Class) Michael Wittmann of the First SK (Schutz Körper) Panzer Company.

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Table of Contents

1. Specifications
2. Previous Variant
3. Introduction
4. Primary Armament
5. Additional Armaments
6. Fire Guidance and Integrated Lethality
7. Engine and Transmission
8. Active Protection
9. Passive Protection
10. Crew Facilities
11. Case Study No 7
12. Export Policy

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:05 am

1. Specifications

Name: T2009A3/4 ‘San Silvacian’
Type: Main Battle Tank
Nation: San-Silvacian and Yohannes
In Service: 2012—present
Production History
- Contractors: Vickers Heavy Industries (San-Silvacian) and VMK Defence & Steel Works (Yohannes)
- Subcontractors: Halstenmetall (main gun), Ignatz-Ewald (armaments and electronics), Forza Automotive (engine and transmission), Maschinenfabrik Halsten (engine support), Motoren und Turbinen-Union Ardenfontein (suspension), Alexandros Babcock und Dampfkessel Werke (NBC and crew compartment), Dietrich-Thordvaldsonn Farbenindustrie (propellant and ammunition), Parsifal-Guido (electronics and armaments), Vickers Heavy Industries (active protection), and other subcontractors (including from outside nations)
- Parent Manufacturers: Vickers Heavy Industries, VMK Defence & Steel Works
- Designed: 2007, A3 designed in 2012, A4 designed in 2013
- Number Built: 10,000+ since 2007 (exported)
- Used by: San-Silvacian (A1/2/3), Yohannes (A4), and other nations
- Variants: X2009, T2009 Marksman, T2009A1, T2009A1E, XT2009, T2009A2, T2009A1V, T2009A1R, T2009A1CP, T2009A3, T2009A4, T2009LUP, Unknown Foreign Variants
Export & Maintenance Cost
- Price per unit: 9.75 million NationStates Dollars/Universal Standard Dollars
- Domestic Production Right: Sign this statement: We, the government or manufacturer represented, agree to give 9.7% commission per tank produced domestically in our nation plus initial transfer [ sign here ]
- Operating cost: 875,188 NationStates Dollars or Universal Standard Dollars (yearly standard intensity, with electronics constant upgrade etc)
- Repair and spare parts (inc. fuel) cost: 572.37 NSD/USD per kilometre
- Ammunition maintenance & replenishment cost: 3,527.68 NSD/USD (standard technology KE), 2,974.26 NSD/USD (standard technology HE) (average per ammo)
Length
- With gun straight: 9.14 m
- With gun back: 8.09 m
- Without gun: 7.31 m
- Track: 4.97 m
Height
- With turret: 2.43 m
- No turret: 1.75 m
- Main gun operation: 1.99 m
Width
- No track armour: 3.48 m
- With track armour: 3.69 m
- Track: 0.63 m
Track against ground
- Total: 9.94 m
- Area: 6.26 m²
Weight
- Non-combat: 61.8 tonnes
- Combat: 65.3 tonnes
Ground clearance: 0.505 m (average)
Ground pressure: 9.87 t/m² (average)
Crew members: Commander (and Earl Grey teamaker), gunner, driver (3)
Armaments
- Primary:
  - Model: Halstenmetall 120/L55 conventional propellant smoothbore gun
  - Autoloader: 7-12 (rate of fire); updated bustle system
  - Ammunition: 39 rounds; 20 APFSDS, 12 HEAT, 5 Shrapnel, 2 GLATGMs or similar standard technology (otherwise must comply with real life NATO standard 4385)
  - Range: 9.5 km (FCS tracking), 4 km @1.5 km/s (Orbital ATK M829A3 APFSDS-T or equal real life standard technology NationStates design), 2.5 km @1.1 km/s (M830 HEAT-MP-T or equal NS design), 0.5 km (M1028 fragmentary anti personnel or equal NS design), 8 km (LAHAT or equal real life standard technology NS design), 12 km (XM1111 MRM-CE or equal NS design), 11 km (M829A4 APFSDS-T or equal NS design), 2 km (XM1147 AMP or equal NS design)
  - Movement: 20^O to -9^O (power elevating) at 10^O per second, full circle at 30^O per second
  - Serviceability: 300-500 rounds (estimated)
- Secondary:
  - Coaxial: Ignatz-Ewald 12.7 mm AY14 HMG (2,800 rounds; 2.8 km), or
    United States of America General Dynamics 12.7 mm M2HB HMG (or equal NS design)
  - RWS: San-Silvacian Vickers Heavy Industries MG3 or MG4 on 360 degree swivel mount on gunner’s hatch (2,000 rounds; 1.2 km effective @70 to -10)
- Tertiary:
  - Internal: Dietrich-Thordvaldsonn Farbenindustrie 60 mm internal spring breech-loaded mortar (2chlorobenzalmalononitrile @10 m or fragmentary & anti personnel)
  - Auxiliary: Parsifal-Guido aerosol/conventional fragmentary smoke grenades (16)
- Fire Control: Questaria IFGS
  - System: AYD0B active ballistic primary digital backup analogue
  - Components: Commander, gunner, distant optical and targeting; Spanish, Willete, Bretonia, Bravan
  - Forward Field: X1A-AY RatNav; X10-A BCIS identification
  - Thermal imager and laser rangefinder: Commander and gunner operated (Bretonia)
  - Tracking: 9-10 km (upper limit)
General Performance
- Engine: Forza FB-12TSD Flat-12-cylinder boxer twincharged (1,200 kW/1,609 hp)
- Transmission: Forza 8GDCT Automated Double Clutch Transmission, (8 forward 4 reverse)
- Power/Weight: 18.4 kW/t, 24.7 hp/t
- Suspension: Hydropneumatic suspension
- Operational range: 530 km
- Speed: 68 km/h (on-road), 52 (off-road), 29 (backward)
- Acceleration: 5.9 seconds from 0 to 32 km/h
- Trench crossing: 2.97 m
- Vertical obstacle: 1.09 m
- Fording: 0.97 m (without preparation), 2.09 m (with preparation), 3.80 m (wading support)
Protection
- Passive Protection:
  - Frontal Armour (Hull) ~800mm central middle, 470 side, 380 bottom: R56400 3.8 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, compressed alumina ceramic mass, high-modulus polyethylene, R56400 3.6 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, plainweave undirectional polyester resin fiberglass reinforced plastic, conventional spaced sandwich plate RHA pattern;
  - Side Armour (Hull) ~300mm front half, 160 mm turret circle area, 150 mm rear half; interlaced and RHA
  - Rear Armour (Hull) ~90mm; interlaced and RHA
  - Frontal Armour (Turret) ~790mm middle, 875mm side, 325mm uppermost; R56400 3.8 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, compressed alumina ceramic mass, high-modulus polyethylene, R56400 3.6 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, plainweave undirectional polyester resin fiberglass reinforced plastic, conventional spaced sandwich plate RHA pattern
  - Side Armour (Turret) ~200mm; interlaced and RHA
  - Rear and Top Armour (Turret) ~90mm and 70; interlaced and RHA
  - Chevakria composite add-on, [] Mine protection, Rear cage armour
- Active Protection:
  - Model: Vickers Heavy Industries APS-2011 Package/APS-V
  - Components: M283 Multi-Purpose Radar/Radar Warning Receiver, M284 Missile Tracking System, M285 Laser Dazzler Device, M286 Frontal Grenade Discharge System, M287 Side Grenade Discharge System, Ares Software VHI APS-2011 Processor linked into fire control
  - Framework: Hit avoidance command, electro-optical or infrared sensor, passive detection, laser warning receiver, multi-fuction countermeasure, passive detection, Questaria-linked fire control analyser to turret armaments, APS-V fire control analyser to counter-munitions fire and destroy stage
  - Discharge: aerosol fragmentary grenades, blast or fragmentary high explosive
  - Reaction time: 350-450 milliseconds, 3 to 5 seconds (extended framework), 1 second (500^O traverse)
  - Range: 60-75 m (upper limit soft-kill disruption), 20-25 m (upper limit interception)
- Environmental: 200 SCFM – CleanCooled Air NBC
Also holds: 2 Carbines w/ 3 magazines each, 1 Pistol w/ 2 magazine each, 3 M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenades, 3 M50 Gas Masks w/ 2 Spare filters per mask and a medium sized emergency combat medical kit.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:05 am

2. Previous Variant

Development

In 1987, the People’s Republic of San-Silvacian gradually disassemble its vast arms manufacturing industry following the aftermath of the Usean Military Stand Off which lasted from 1957 to 1985. Billions of NSD/USD were cut from defence spending and the large, mainly conscript San-Silvacian army was scaled down to a comparatively smaller personnel size of six million. One of the issues that was brought up during this time was the need for a domestically-designed new battle tank to replace the M55 series of tanks, which, much to the dismay of the San-Silvacian General Staff, was effectively an obsolete option if compared to other standard technology main battle tanks, such as the Abrams, Leopard, and the Challenger. In 1989, the M55A5 EBMS was unveiled and production began. It was a stop gap tank inspired by the American M60A3 Tank Thermal Sight variant; however, it was only supposed to enter service for three to six years before being replaced by a new fourth generation tank.

Budgeting and design issues would plague the project, and a self-designed tank was put on the shelf, instead being partially replaced by the German Leopard II series of tanks. However, in 2007, the project was revamped when negotiations for new Leopard 2A4s and A5s proved to be expensive. The project was named Future Tank Project 20XX. A deadline was set for 2009 and a number of demands were made.

The basic outline was: (i) combat weight under seventy tonnes, (ii) maximum four crew members, (iii) minimum 120mm smoothbore gun, and (iv) minimum kinetic energy armour protection of 850 mm. A single tank design stood out from the crowd, which was the X2009. It meet or exceeded every set of requirements with its Yohannesian Halstenmetall 140 mm smoothbore gun; a weight of 62 tonnes, and so on. It was, seemingly overnight, set into production with the T2009A1.

Kandabad Uprising, 2010

The first combat the T2009A1 faced was in the deserts of Kandabad. During this time, the T2009A1 saw extensive battle time and performed as expected. It was well-liked by the crews for its good stabilised gun, ample armour, and engine reliability. However, it was harped that the T2009A1 had extensive issues with its armaments. The 25mm autocannon was seen as unneeded, as even basic infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers were able to withstand frontal hits. The recoil compensator on the 25mm gun also caused cracking in the mounts and was typically taken out and replaced by another gunner’s sight or simply bolted over. The locally produced Yohannesian Halstenmetall 140 mm gun had issues due to shortcuts taken in the production. These issues however did not impede on the 5:1 ratio the tanks would gain in losses against the tanks used by the Kandabad rebels, which ranged from the T-55 to the T-90A.

War of the Rising Sun, 2011

On the Japanese controlled island of Guam, the T2009A1s and A2s saw limited direct action, but provided excellent fire support for infantry forces using 140mm high explosive rounds. Some tanks quit using armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot rounds, and loaded only canisters and high explosives. In the few tank-tank engagements, the T2009A1 had some issues with the newer Japanese Type 10 tanks, but still maintained a 3:1 ratio against them. The T2009A2, which was supposed to replace the A1, had constant electronic failures and a 1:2 ratio against Japanese tanks. The single year it was in service it saw a forty per cent combat ready rate.

Third Usean Continental War, 2012

By 2012, the T2009A1 was being replaced by the T2009A3/4 and T2012. All three types of tanks saw large amounts of combat; the T2009A1 especially seeing service with both the Communist and Fascist forces. The T2009 models were used much more than the T2012, which suffered a large amount of issues due to its ‘state-of-the-art Nation States’ technology being too unrefined.

Camouflage

The T2009A1/3/4 when it rolls off the production line is an olive-drab base. Once in service with a unit, they are painted a camouflage scheme similar to that of the M81 Woodland and used in cohesion with vegetation. In desert or arid regions, a medium tan is used. Camouflage is done in a way of personalising a tank, as camo does little to help hide from infrared and forward looking infrared targeting.

Armour

Utilising fourth generation armour schemes, the armour on a T2009 series is made of up ceramic, composite, and titanium. It was inspired by Combination K, which is the armour composition found in all Soviet and Russian tanks since the T-64. Two layers of titanium have plates of ceramics and composite materials sandwiched between them. The mixture shares materials from the British Challenger II and Russian T-90MS tanks, which are arguably some of the most well protected standard technology realistically proven tanks in the international community. The design allows effective protection against threats whilst maintaining good mobility and cost efficiency.

Damage Control

The T2009 series has an automatic halon discharge system and a fall-back manually operated system in case the automatic system does not engage. There are also smaller, personal fire extinguishers that can be used.

Armament

VMK Halstenmetall 140/L50 Tank Gun

A locally designed variant of the Yohannesian Halstenmetall 140/L50 smoothbore tank gun was selected to be used over the M256 120 mm gun due to the obvious superiority it held over the M256, armed with locally designed and fielded ammunition. From the start the gun was automatically loaded by a successive two-stage electric system; however, it was a cumbersome design. The guns on the T2009A3 are automatically reloaded with a much more refined and less complex system. The estimated penetration value of the M734A2 APFSDS round from the 140/L50 is around 1000 mm in rolled homogeneous armour equivalency, which can penetrate a M1A2’s frontal armour.

The tank also sports an identification, friend or foe system integrator. If the targeted vehicle in question responds successively, the targeting system labels it as ‘Friendly’; if the vehicle fails to respond, it is labeled as ‘Hostile’. The IFF beam emitter is located just above the main gun.

Rheinmetall AG 120/L55 Tank Gun

Used only on the T2009A4, the Rheinmetall 120/L55 was used for nations that did not require a 140 mm gun for anti-tank duties. Using the M829A3, and eventually the A4 round, can allow the L55 to battle with any current medium battle tanks found in Usea and much of the international community.

Like the 140/L50, it has the same IFF Integrator system, simply calibrated for use with a 120/L55.

Model 50T Heavy Machine Gun

Replacing the M2HB and M242 on the T2009A1, the Model 50T HMG is used in both the Protector RWS and as the coaxial weapon on the T2009A3/4. They are loaded with ball ammunition for use against infantry and low flying helicopters.

MG3/MG4 Squad Support Weapon

The MG3 is carried over from the A1 to the A3/4 on the same ring mount as well. The MG3 is for use of the gunner, who can, if need be suppress enemy infantry when the main gun cannon me used in time. It has a frontal and side armour shield made from RHAe and is rated to stop most small arms fire under 7.62x51 NATO. Typically, it is fitted with night vision optics to help the gunner engage in low visibility engagements. On the T2009A3/4, the MG4 is more commonplace to find.

Aiming

The T2009A1/3/4 uses a ballistic fire-control computer that uses different types of information that are both user and system supplied to accurately fire the main gun. Both the gunner and commander can utilise the computer and it comes with thermal and night vision capabilities. The commander has a personal commander thermal targeting and viewing sight which is a completely independent 360 degree turning sight. It can queue targets for the gunner whilst the gunner engages other ones. There is a gunner’s auxiliary sight that is boresighted to the main gun. It has only two reticules, one for HE and another for APFSDS.

The fire-control also controls turret traverse; however, in case of a failure, manual hand-cracks are useable.

Mobility

Tactical

Using its 1,400 horsepower engine, the T2009 series is capable of hitting speeds upwards of sixty kilometers an hour, making it one of the fastest tanks in San-Silvacian service. It has a range of six hundred kilometers, allowing it to move good distances before having to refuel. It is not advised that the tank go past speeds over fifty-five kilometers, since there is an elevated risk of injuries and wear of parts.

Though diesel engines are typically louder and is of lower torque compared to gas turbine engines like those mounted on the American M1 Abrams tanks, it has much better fuel efficiency, easier maintenance, and lower cost. There is also an electric auxiliary power unit that starts the engine and can operate basic tank functions — such as targeting, turret controls, and defence systems — without exposing itself to a raised heat signature with the engine on.

Strategic

The T2009 series are considered medium weight compared to other modern day main battle tanks. This allows for easier logistical mobility in transports. The American C-5M aircraft can easily carry two T2009A1/3/4s along with a small amount of troops or supplies. Certain heavy load trucks can carry a single T2009A1/3/4 along with crew members, though this is normally reserved for damaged tanks that can be repaired.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:05 am

VMK Modernisation Programme: T2009A4 ‘San Silvacian’ Main Battle Tank

3. Introduction

The T2009 series of armoured fighting vehicles have transcended three different governments and wars in San-Silvacian. With its good mobility, reliably proven armament, and good armour, the T2009 series was considered at one time as the pinnacle of San-Silvacian tank designing, based on existing, proven standard technology which have already been used extensively by such nations as the modern United States of America, Federal Republic of Germany, State of Israel, Empire of Maxtopia, and the Republic of Bigtopia. The T2009 had shifted the ideology of San-Silvacian tank designing away from the latest - but relatively unproven - collection of ‘forward looking’ designs used by such nations as Allanea, Lamoni, Lyras, The Macabees, or Yohannes, towards a more pragmatic, realistically proven standard technology. One could therefore describe the impact the T2009 series of armoured fighting vehicles had on both San-Silvacian (and later the more conservative factions in Yohannes) as not dissimilar as to how the Centurion impacted British tank designing in general.

The T2009A1 improved on the original T2009. It fully replaced the initial batch of three hundred T2009 tanks, which had run into serious engine malfunctions and issues caused by the complex recoil system of the locally produced VMK 140mm Smoothbore cannon. The introduction of the T2009A1 did not just resolved these problems, but also saw a number of technological and safety upgrades like the utilisation of Erbium in the gunner’s fire control interface to help reduce stress on the gunner’s eyes during tactical operations. By the time that it was set aside for the Wehrmacht’s reserve service, the original 25 mm autocannon - which added extra weight on the tank, unnecessarily wasteful for its role - of the A1 variant had been removed to free up space and reduce weight.

The A2 variant of the T2009 series of tanks was supposed to be an anti-tank gun, able to follow infantry and mechanised forces to provide deadly anti-tank support. But, the programme had too many issues with the unmanned turret’s electrical system and cumbersome autoloader. During subsequent modernisation programme by VMK AG, this was later phased out in favour of a bustle autoloader, which was seen as far more simple and far less cumbersome for the A2 variant, especially when compared with the latest successive two-stage autoloader system used by the King Tiger.

However, after its brief participation in the Greater Tedzrian-Lyran War, the A2 variant was sadly phased out of front line service, just like the previous A1 variant. In its place would be designated the first variant of the new T2012 series of tanks. Design teams across the nation eagerly submitted their blueprints. It was such an attractive prospect that, in fact, even Vickers Heavy Industries have had different teams designing different alternative tank blueprints. One of these was a new, state-of-the-art realistically proven standard technology variant of the original T2009 series of reliable tanks, the T2009A3. In the end, both blueprints were selected, with emphasis on the T2012 in funding and production; with the T2009A3 seen as merely an upgrade programme for the T2009A1, though beside the fact that specially modified sub-variants of the T2009A3 were in fact also built.

The Reich, however, fell. And with a change of regime the T2009A3 programme was selected to fully replace the T2012 to become the standard main battle tank of the nation. The goal was to have it be brought back into service to replace the T2012 programme that had failed horribly. One of the upgrades to the original T2009 series of tanks that the upgraded A3 variant brought with it was the use of a new recoil brake system. This was chosen in place of the more complex (and less proven on the field of battle) recoil brake system which supports the successive two-stage autoloader system used by the King Tiger.

After its successful participation in the Invasion of Osthia crisis, in August 2012 a new variant of the T2009 series of tanks, the A4, was released for both export and domestic use. The A4 variant was specially reserved for nations that did not want to use the 140 mm tank gun seen on every T2009 series of tanks since its inception, and VMK AG was tasked by the San-silvacian government with developing the new variant. Now, using a standard technology Yohannesian variant of the realistically proven German Rheinmetall 120 mm conventional smoothbore tank gun, the T2009A4 should hopefully appeal to many of the more conservative members of the Wehrmacht, and those of the more conservative or reactionary nations outside the nineteen countries. In comparison to the King Tiger, the T2009A3/4 has (i) the capacity to hold more ammunition, (ii) more crew and internal space, (iii) less structural stress, (iv) cheaper maintenance price tag, and (v) a more reliably proven standard technology gun loading system.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:06 am

4. Primary Armament

Model: Halstenmetall 120/L55 conventional propellant smoothbore gun
Autoloader: 7-12 (rate of fire); updated bustle system
Ammunition: 39 rounds; 20 APFSDS, 12 HEAT, 5 Shrapnel, 2 GLATGMs or similar standard technology (otherwise must comply with real life NATO standard 4385)
Range: 9.5 km (FCS tracking), 4 km @1.5 km/s (Orbital ATK M829A3 APFSDS-T or equal real life standard technology NationStates design), 2.5 km @1.1 km/s (M830 HEAT-MP-T or equal NS design), 0.5 km (M1028 fragmentary anti personnel or equal NS design), 8 km (LAHAT or equal real life standard technology NS design), 12 km (XM1111 MRM-CE or equal NS design), 11 km (M829A4 APFSDS-T or equal NS design), 2 km (XM1147 AMP or equal NS design)
Movement: 20^O to -9^O (power elevating) at 10^O per second, full circle at 30^O per second
Serviceability: 300-500 rounds (estimated)

The Halstenmetall AY7M-1B 120 mm 55 calibre gun is the primary armament on the San-Silvacian T2009 and Yohannesian AY1 series of main battle tanks. Its main purpose is to counter enemy tanks and hard targets. The AY7M-1B is a domestic variant of the Federal Republic of Germany’s Rheinmetall 120/L55 smothbore gun. It incorporates elements — scaled down to comply with standard technology requirement — from the latest AY7M gun design used by the King Tiger. However, unlike the King Tiger’s gun, it uses an updated bustle style two-piece autoloading system. Further, the AY7M-1B is designed to only use rounds which comply with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s standardisation (4385) for standard technology ammunition fired from 120 mm smoothbore guns. Finally, the original gun had no muzzle brake nor blast deflector. The gun has a bore evacuator, thermal shroud, and a static muzzle reference sensor.

In 2011, to increase hit accuracy rate against hostile mobile target for the original AY7M 140/L50 gun design, members of the VMK Research and Development Division opted to lengthen the gun from the previous AY4M’s 125/L55 calibre to 140. However, for this design, the new VMK R&D Division members in 2018 have opted instead to increase the gun’s accuracy by designing it around the need to minimise vibrations and bending movement whenever it fires its load. This minimises differentials in jump angle whenever the gun fires its load at their target. Two other advantages of this approach are obvious: it minimises space within the combustion chamber for propellant and occupies less space in the tank, whilst hit accuracy rate can still be increased, though by not as much as the original AY7M gun design.

The mantle and gun mount had to be redesigned to accommodate the new system. The original AY7M’s complex autoloader — comparatively unproven on the field of battle — was substituted with an updated bustle style two-piece autoloading system, the XA1Y-E1, which is similar to those found in some standard technology occidental tanks. There are two magazines in the tank. To fire the gun’s load, the XA1Y-E1 transfers to-be-expended rounds between the first magazine, which is located in the tank’s turret bustle, and the second magazine which is located in the tank’s hull. The first magazine contains thirteen ready loaded rounds, whilst the tank’s hull contains twenty-six rounds. The rounds are transported vertically through a tube from the second magazine and are then extracted horizontally via panto-graphic cable linked trolley. Microprocessors are used for the system to identify the types of ammunition that are used.

Figure 10: Rough drawing of the Halstenmetall 120/L55 conventional propellant smoothbore gun. Since the Age of the Lyras Stratocratic Model (2008-2013) and the end of the military rivalry of old (2004-2014), the nineteen countries has slowly moved away from the 140/L50 inter-regional standard used by its closest allies, resulting in the adoption of the Halstenmetall 120/L55 conventional propellant smoothbore gun for its latest tank designs and variants.

The system should allow the AY7M-1B gun to fire up to twelve rounds per minute, as originally advertised on paper. Unfortunately, on the field of battle it has been reported that the system occasionally fire less than, and it can rarely go above, ten rounds per minute, due to mechanical limitation during practical battle condition and lack of current standard technology to optimise its performance. This means that potentially the gun has a slower rate of fire than a four-manned manual loading main battle tank. Further, due to the removal of the fourth crew member, in cases of emergency there would not be any extra person to attend to the tank’s (or the crew’s) need on the ground. This means less operational flexibility under certain serious situations.

To accomodate the autoloader and other changes, the A3 and A4 variants sport a different turret design than those found in the AY1 series of tanks and previous variants of the T2009 series of tanks. The removeable design of the front armour of the A4’s turret means that during firing operation unreasonable amount of energy is prevented from reaching the turret bearing because recoil energy moving along the vertical direction are also absorbed by the recoil brake of the gun, alongside recoil moving along the horizontal direction. Recoil paths are also further shortened. Rubber plating and separate attachments are used to cushion the turret from shock during firing.

One of the upgrades to the original T2009 series of tanks and Rheinmetall gun that the upgraded A3/4 variant brought with it was the use of a sabot adapted Yohannesian recoil brake system. It uses an electrically powered supporting device mounted onto the gun’s traditional recoil device to force the gun back after recoil force has been generated. A second supporting device is installed at that recoil device to fix the gun barrel when it has returned to its pre-firing position. A third counter firing device is attached to the recoil device and the breech ring of the gun, which pushes the gun forward as it fires its load, thus partially counteracting the recoil force generated from that firing operation. It has the capacity to counteract the estimated ninety tonnes’ worth of recoil — which is generated when the Halstenmetall AY7M-1B, or German Rheinmetall, 120/L55 gun fires its load — and to shorten the original system’s recoil distance at the same time.

Other than those changes, fundamentally the Yohannesian Halstenmetall AY7M-1B gun operates in the same way as the German Rheinmetall gun. It comprises a high-strength steel breech at the back to provide electrical power and circuity which are needed for the gun to fire its load. A cradle supports this breech, the gun tube, and piston, and allows the recoil mechanism to work when the gun fires its load. As the Halstenmetall AY7M-1B gun complies with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s standardisation (4385) for standard technology ammunition fired from 120 mm smoothbore guns, it can fire the following standard technology ammunition: click me.

Thanks to its fire control system, as discussed in the next section, the A4 variant can obtain and track its target from a distance of over nine kilometres. Using the latest standard technology (i.e. not Nation States technology) armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot rounds (refer to Orbital M829A4 official page) or customised rounds of the same type with equal (i.e. sensible) performance designed by other nations will allow the tank to attack the enemy from a distance of over ten kilometres. For a full list of rounds, refer to specifications (Armaments Range and Ammunition sections). Optimum serviceability of the gun has been estimated at three hundred to five hundred rounds.

When taking into account space for electronics, engine and transmission systems, supporting firepower, and armour and protection system, the tank can comfortably hold only thirty to forty rounds. Therefore it is advised that rounds of the main gun be saved for its intended purpose; that is, to counter enemy tanks and hard [threatening] targets only. Previous International Incidents and Nation States crises have seen certain nations firing the main gun for things that are not included within the scope of that purpose, for instance, buildings to soften up enemy infantry inside. The internal spring breech loaded 60 mm mortar can and should deal with that, not the Rheinmetall 120/L55 gun.

“The ammunition is... like a laser beam”, one well-trained tank commander said during the American Gulf War in 1991.

“Jesus. There’s more force in that penetration than your older sister’s boyfriend”, one politically incorrect tank commander said during the Hippostania-Yohannes War in 2013.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:06 am

5. Additional Armaments

Ignatz-Ewald 12.7 mm AY14 HMG co-axial (2,800 rounds; 2.8 km), or
United States of America General Dynamics 12.7 mm M2HB HMG (or equal NS design)
San-Silvacian Vickers Heavy Industries MG3 or MG4 on 360 degree swivel mount on Gunner's hatch (2,000 rounds; 1.2 km effective @70 to -10)
Dietrich-Thordvaldsonn Farbenindustrie 60 mm internal spring breech-loaded mortar (2chlorobenzalmalononitrile @10 m or fragmentary & anti personnel)
Parsifal-Guido aerosol/conventional fragmentary smoke grenades (16)

The A4 variant replaced the San-Silvacian Model 50T heavy machine gun with a Yohannesian design, the Ignatz-Ewald 12.7 mm AY14 HMG, with the added load of two thousand and eight hundred rounds. It is mounted to the right of the Halstenmetall AY7M-1B gun, and is located directly at the front of the gunner space. Sixteen laser detection aerosol-capable smoke grenades were integrated to partially cover the tank with smoke screen envelopment, expelled and burst-charged at the same time to extend its duration of three minutes and thirty seconds after firing. The A4 kept the original MG3/4 squad support weapon and the remote weapon station design. However, the coaxial M242 25mm autocannon was removed as it was considered superfluous.

It was instead replaced with a 60 mm breech loaded mortar, mounted on the turret, which is used to discourage possible threats (e.g. rebels, infantry) around the tank. The original box launched anti tank guided missile system from the first variant was also removed. All these done for practical reasons. For one, the A4 variant is meant to counter enemy tanks and hard targets by using its main gun, not by using a co-axial 25 mm autocannon or box launched anti tank guided missile system. Secondly, for the Wehrmacht, the King Tiger (AY2-1L) is the ideal choice in a situation where extraordinary heavy fire support and armoured presence are required to combat “state-of-the-art enemy tanks using the latest forward thinking Nation States technology”.

That is not the job of the T2009 A4, which is meant to be a “lighter” design. Further, since 2015, many government clients of VMK AG from the new world regions have preferred a more reliable alternative tank, opting for operational workability and modularity over overloaded capabilities to fit their doctrines. For the newly elected Thirty-sixth Christian Democratic Executive Council in the continent of Yohannes, the T2009A4 fits that role perfectly.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:06 am

6. Fire Guidance and Integrated Lethality

Fire Control: Questaria IFGS
System: AYD0B active ballistic primary digital backup analogue
Components: Commander, gunner, distant optical and targeting; Spanish, Willete, Bretonia, Bravan
Forward Field: X1A-AY RatNav; X10-A BCIS identification
Thermal imager and laser rangefinder: Commander and gunner operated (Bretonia)
Tracking: 9-10 km (max)

With many of its previous superfluous armaments (e.g. 25 mm autocannon; box launched anti tank guided missiles and their supporting sub systems) from the A3 variant removed, there is now more than enough space in the tank to afford additional luxuries in the field of electronic warfare. On-board the A4 variant, Yohannesian policy-makers opt for the provision of improved electronics and computer technology, because they believe those are the future of ground warfare, not bigger guns, more armaments, or thicker layers of armour.

One of the upgrades to the original T2009 series of tanks that the A4 variant brought with it was the inclusion of an array of electronics and combat support systems inspired by those found in the Republic of South Korea’s K2 ‘Black Panther’. These fibre-optic based systems are collective components of the Questaria Integrated Fire Guidance System. Fundamentally, the mission of Questaria is to help the gunner and commander eliminate any threats and to hit their target. It performs the same task as a gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more accurately with the aid of its thermographic camera, optronics, and optical sensors, from a distance of almost ten kilometres from the target.

One fundamental component of Questaria is its array of target tracking and designation optoelectronics, collectively called the Spanish, which comprises a laser designator, laser ranger, control and television system operated optics, stabilised mirror, and a thermographic camera, grouped under sight assembly, and aided by a control panel, which includes a manual control, range-and-two-axis-horizontal-and-vertical visual records of output from the computer instruments, and electro-mechanical control circuits for low intensity field of view. These sub components compile data which are then processed and displayed by a television tracker and video circuits, located in the commander section, for the commander and gunner of the tank. Gyroscope gun stabilisation features are also provided to further enhance the main system’s ability to control the line of sight of the tank’s gun

Another fundamental component of Questaria is its array of optical sensors, collectively called the Willete, which is also used to track targets. It comprises two sensors to assist its infrared sensor, high magnification and low intensity camera systems, and a distance meter. Willete further helps Questaria to provide information for crew members of the tank, who can then move the tank closer to the target so they can find, observe, and engage that target. The platform for Willette is mounted on top of the turret in the middle, far away from the main gun of the tank. Willete’s internally operated target acquisition networking and management systems and infrared and laser ranging controlled operation can be done through the stabilised networking, gunner-operated device to automatically aim the tank’s main gun towards any visible mobile or stationary target, with twenty-four hours day and night coverage to give accurate ballistic vertical and two-axis horizontal offset field position. It maximises the efficiency of Questaria.

Yet another fundamental component of Questaria is its gun sight system, the Bretonia, which is located on a two-axis horizontal mount on top of the gun towards the front turret. It is used as optical sighting for the gun, and comprises a telescope slaved to a component of Questaria’s central processing unit, laser range finder, two-axis horizontal range data compiler, and two types of circuitry: electrical and delay, which are used respectively for automatically controlling and manually aligning the gun. Bretonia can also give predetermined vertical position of the gun for the crew by directing a light beam from the sight to a mirror mounted on the other end of the gun. This ensures constant barrel axis and sight line to improve hit accuracy. Borrowing features from King Tiger’s AYTRACK, Bretonia allows the tank’s gunner to increase the gun’s first-strike hit chance by providing automatic error input and replace these values with post-entered correctio of two-axis horizontal and vertical signals.

The fourth fundamental component of Questaria is its forward observation and reconnaissance system, the Bravan, which comprises a small telescopic mast located on the rear top of the turret, and an image capturing device which is mounted on that mast. The image signals are processed and transmitted to the device, which then display these images in the commander section of the crew compartment. The main purpose of Bravan is not to scan the surroundings of the tank to its left, right, front and rear sides, but to provide an accurate sweeping view of the sky above the tank for the commander to observe. The commander can then select either a low-resolution imagery to identify minor threats or an infra-red, high resolution imagery which provides very accurate analysis of the target’s position and its distance from the tank, so long as it is within range. Armaments of the tank or supporting vehicles around the tank can then be directed to engage the air target.

Figure 11: Mock trial 2017: Commander periscope ni-ET-modeadjusted.

Just like AYTRACK, crew members can pre-programme the computer to change the exact type of ammunition required for their mission. Once correct input has been made and parameter of the barrel and the gun’s atmosphere are set to the right value, Questaria can then automatically provide accurate target hit value. For either the commander or gunner, field of view includes kinetic energy stadiametric ranging scale, fragmentary high explosive and chemical energy ammunition information, and statistics of previously input data to ensure effective secondary range finding method in case of unexpected emergency. These features allow the commander or gunner to very accurately track and simultaneously verify the target from known or pre-programmed tactical information so long as it is within range, in essence, queuing their targets.

Under certain situations, the X1A-AY satellite-based radio navigation system (or other similar systems) can be used to further aid Questaria. X1A-AY RatNav is used to calculate and determine such things as gun barrel position whilst it records and processes data input and analyses surrounding visible surface and statistics in a separate light modulating liquid crystal display screen from the main screen in the commander section. This increases Questaria’s ability to observe and present a rough summary of the area surrounding the tank. Vehicular radio data also links the tank to its immediate fire control command, which allows the tank to initiate independent fire-strike operation rapidly once the system has delivered all the necessary forward field information about the target (e.g. catch them offguard from the other side of a slope). Another added advantage is the fact that this reduces friendly casualty rates, which is further ensured by the addition of the X10-A BCIS battlefield combat identification system. If the targeted vehicle in question responds successively, the targeting system labels it as ‘Friendly’; if the vehicle fails to respond, it is labeled as ‘Hostile’.

Equipped with the latest AYD0B active ballistic computer, Questaria can automatically verify angular crosswind and input the speed of the target. It can also to a lesser extent analyse the course angle and range of the target. AYD0B allows the input of information to such things as firing statistics to be stored in the system. Its main intended purpose, members of the VMK Research and Development Bureau believe, is to determine and trail ballistic information and to provide additional data to already existing stored information (i.e. the main data collected in Questaria from other sub-systems).

AYD0B allows crew members to manually adjust the system’s programme — though this must be done very carefully and specialised training provided beforehand — so that it can take into account personalised and localised data, for instance ambient air pressure, or the effect of local air temperature on gun barrel wear, or the time that it would take for a high explosive, controlled detonation fragmentary projectile to reach an identified and verified target. Multiple types of previously detected ballistic amunition and projectiles can also be taken into account for its calculation, whilst other things such as drift signals and flight time are provided albeit in a limited manner.

AYD0B computer system operates by making practical and effective use of its large collection of sub-channels and wires with a modifiable amplifier to instantly transmit collected operational data and in the process accurately showing the information and range of the target. The computer system and its related electronics can be used to support the use of gun launched anti-tank guided missile that may be fired from the main gun of the tank, should that option be chosen by any future users of the tank. An assembly of conventional telescope cluster — which consists of a mirror to detect and direct possible erorr signals affecting the telescope’s line of sight, a processor to control signal and input to remove the effects of angular noise, and a motor to control it — is used to allow the tank to more easily produce target position signals on the field of battle.

Error detection and correction in case of unreliable communication channels are also taken into account thanks to the use of a digital error detection subsystem, which is used to take into account the position of the target and comparable signals from the assembly. Important software information and instructions (e.g. boresight alignment, offset correction) for the crew are stored inside the digital memory. The system, thanks to its modularity, allows the crew to repeat previous important data for mirror and boresight data adjustment. This contributes to the crew members’ ability to compute two-axis and vertical error signals.

Gun sight is locked with Questaria’s Bretonia sight, which allows parallel gunning combined with azimuthal direct two-axis horizontal drives and elevation vertical sets, azimuthal direct sensors and elevation vertical rates, and gyroscope gun stabilisation to allow improved line of sight aiming control. A gunner’s operated thermal imaging sight and commander's active control and monitor panel are also provided as said before, allowing both gunner and commander to detect, verify and engage the target at longer range.

Although lacking in the field of secondary armaments, it was hoped that the effective use of Questaria by carefully trained crew members of one’s army would make the A4 variant an effective tank on the field of Nation States battles and International Incidents.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:07 am

7. Engine and Transmission

Engine: Forza FB-12TSD Flat-12 Cylinder Boxer Twincharged (Supercharger + Twin Turbocharger), Boxer 12 type
Transmission: Forza 8GDCT Automated Double Clutch Transmission, (8 forward 4 reverse)
Fuel consumption: 2.2L/km @1,200 kW/1,609 hp and 32.2 litres displacement
Fuel: Diesel with multifuel capability

The primary propulsion system of the T2009A4 is a much older downgraded variant of the original Forza FB-12TSD design of allied contractor Vitaphone Racing Company. It is a twelve cylinder water-cooled powerplant which can use different fuels. It is being boosted by a forced induction mechanism. The engine has a total displacement of 32,240 cubic centimetres or 32.2 litres, which equates to 2.687 litres per cylinder, and a total power output of 1,200 kilowatts, which equates to 37 kw per litre. The weight of the whole system, including transmission, is 5,200 kg.

The pistons are arranged in a boxer layout. Boxer engines are known for having superb balance and are unique in that a boxer engine does not require counter balances at all on the crank shaft as the engine has superb natural balance. This is further enhanced by the use of twelve cylinders. The induction system is a variant of Forza’s TwinCharger system; a single Roots-type Superchager is used to aspirate the engine at low revolutions per minute with two turbochargers, one for each bank of cylinders, aspirating the engine further down the rev-range. Unlike turbocharged engines, twincharged engines do not experience turbo-lag, where the turbochargers are ineffective because they are not at operating speeds. Unlike supercharged engines, twincharged engines can decouple the supercharger from the engine so that it won’t drain power to operate whilst still maintaining boost from the turbochargers. The two forms of forced induction do not operate in parallel in a bid to avoid the extremely high manifold temperatures which would be produced by the supercharger blowing into the turbocharger. As such, the supercharger is decoupled as soon as the turbocharger activates on the FB-12TSD.

In addition to the primary powerplant, an auxiliary power unit is also provided. It is a four-litre Inline four multi-fuel engine which provides 100 kW of power. It can be used to slowly move the tank out of danger and power any high-priority electric systems should the primary powerplant fail, but is also used to provide power to move the main turret, reducing some of the strain on the primary powerplant. Exhaust fumes and gases are passed out the rear of the tank, through a double muffler and particle filter. Exhaust gases are diluted with outside air to reduce their heat signature. This is done by sucking air through a small inlet flush against the tank and mixing the cool outside air with the exhaust gases. Exhausted and outside air meet in a special Y tube, with a radiator being mounted on the stem of the Y, sucking air from both stems through to the exhaust. Sound-deadening engine covers are also fitted to the engine to reduce the noise both inside and outside the cabin. Double-insulated sound covers are placed in a box to cover the engine, which is itself mounted on springs to quell vibrations. The top of this box can be easily removed to lift the whole engine out.

The transmission system (8GDCT) has eight forward gears and four reverse gears in a double clutch system. In double clutch transmissions the two clutches are arranged concentrically with the larger outer clutch drives the odd numbered gears (1,3,5,7) whilst the smaller inner clutch drives the even numbered gears (2,4,6,8). Shifts can be accomplished without interrupting torque distribution to the driveshaft, by applying the engine’s torque to one clutch at the same time as it is being disconnected from the other clutch. Since alternate gear ratios can pre-select an odd gear on one gear shaft whilst the vehicle is being driven in an even gear. This means the double clutch gearbox can change gears much faster than any single clutch transmission and much more smoothly. The transmission is also responsible for splitting some of the engine power from the demand for mobility to power the multitude of electronics of the tank. The transmission shifts gears automatically and is programmed to keep the tank in the optimum gear for the conditions being experienced. The 8GDCT also has an overtorque function which liberates an extra 400 Newton metres from the engine, which allows the tank to act as a tug, pulling or pushing other vehicles out of dangerous situations. The tank also fields a good suspension system, the Van Luxemburger VLT HPVS-MBT suspension system, which — just like the South Korean K2 Black Panther tank — allows its driver to make the tank kneel or tilt to one side, reducing the tank’s silhouette by being lower, or having more ground clearance in a higher suspension setting.

The A4 variant has an operational range of 530 km. The tank can travel at speeds of up to 68 km per hour on road surfaces and 52 km per hour off-road, though it is not advised to go over 50 km/h due to elevated risk of injuries and wear of parts.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:46 am

8. Active Protection

Model: Vickers Heavy Industries APS-2011 Package/APS-V
Components: M283 Multi-Purpose Radar/Radar Warning Receiver, M284 Missile Tracking System, M285 Laser Dazzler Device, M286 Frontal Grenade Discharge System, M287 Side Grenade Discharge System, Ares Software VHI APS-2011 Processor linked into fire control
Framework: Hit avoidance command, electro-optical or infrared sensor, passive detection, laser warning receiver, multi-fuction countermeasure, passive detection, Questaria-linked fire control analyser to turret armaments, APS-V fire control analyser to counter-munitions fire and destroy stage
Discharge: aerosol fragmentary grenades, blast or fragmentary high explosive
Reaction time: 350-450 milliseconds, 3 to 5 seconds (extended framework), 1 second (500^O traverse)
Range: 60-75 m (upper limit soft-kill disruption), 20-25 m (upper limit interception)

VMK AG was tasked by the San-silvacian government with updating its active protection system, the Vickers Heavy Industries APS-2011 Package, on San-Silvacian and ISAF T2009A1/3/4s. It is made up of six different systems:

Made for an upgrade package which was fitted onto many T2009A1s, the APS-2011, or APS-V, has the same capabilities as any other systems of its kind mounted on any tank today. With multi-target, jamming, and laser dazzling capabilities, the APS-V can take on a number of ground and aerial-based threats. A fairly basic system, the first line of defence is the radar and radar warning receiver systems. The four units mounted onto the tank encompass a full 360 degrees and upwards of 60 degrees. The systems do nothing against incoming targets or laser designations. The M284 Missile Tracking System consists of two devices mounted onto the sides of the tank. These systems are used along side the radar warning receiver. When a missile is launched at the target, the trackers follow the missile, helping the APS-V calculate when to launch a grenade to intercept the target for both maximum damage to target without potentially endangering infantry. The frontal and side discharge systems are made up of two systems each.

The frontal discharge systems have five grenades similar to 40 mm grenades used by infantry filled with small, roughly twelve gauge, tungsten balls which are projected out in a narrow stream, making for a higher hit-kill ratio. The side systems have three such grenades. With this, all four sides have a single four-tube smoke grenade launch with visual and infrared screening smoke that can be activated along with the grenades. Double based propellants are used for the aerosol smoke grenades to try to frustrate enemy ultraviolet and infrared or millimetre band radar sensors. Upon detection by the system, the smokes are launched, and then the splinters which contain copper and zinc will minimise enemy infrared tracking efficiency whilst the carbon fibre payloads occludes energy within the electromagnetic spectrum’s millimetre reach.

The smoke dispersal method was developed with improvement from previous weaknesses in mind, such as (i) danger to surrounding infantry created by high explosive countermeasures and grenades used as dispersal method; (ii) delays from when grenades were fired until they explode and aerosol are released; and the (iii) lack of pneumatic equipment technology to spread the aerosols. The new method used in the updated APS-2011 first aimed to overstep these weaknesses by operating without needing chemical deposition as source of gases. This means it has longer reach that can go beyond the previous design, which restricted it to only visible and near infrared regions round the vehicle’s electromagnetic spectrum. The systems are easily reloaded. The units are launched out entirely when fired, allowing for a full unit to be set back into the launcher, secured it, and they can be used again. The software designed for APS-V allows for both the commander and gunner to regulate the system; count how many readied grenades are left; and judge the status of any radar warnings. A feature fairly unique to the APS-V is that the system allows — if a ground-based missile is detected — for the crew to opt for the system to slew the turret to the area where the missile came from, allowing a quick counter-fire.

Borrowing from the AYHK10 system, APS-V is also equipped with a suite which use sensors around the vehicle to further detect threats and to manipulate spectral characteristic through laser dazzling and the previously mentioned grenades. The three sensors for this suite detect threats at much longer ranges than the other sensors described already which are employed by the vehicle, and are more passive to reduce chance of detection. Two of these search and track sensors are mid infrared focal-plane array to complement the hemispherical coverage provided by the parent protection system. They work at fifty cycles per second and cover both the left and right side of the tank turret. A third covering the other near field of view is mid infrared scanning array with laser illuminator and range-gated camera based on a near infrared scanning array. It works at the same rates and is located on the bottom left side of the turret. These features allow the suite to identify either fast high intensity outbursts or lower intensity threats.

Figure 12: Vickers Heavy Industries APS-2011 Package framework.

As summarised before, the purpose of APS-V is to try to identify any dangers that may hit the tank, for instance, an anti tank guided missile coming from far away, kinetic shot fired from another tank, or a rocket propelled grenade fired by nearby rebels on foot. APS-V starts at its central component, the Ares HAC AY APS-2011 Command. Both the M286 Frontal Grenade and M287 Side Grenade Discharge Systems are slaved to this central command, which also works in tandem with Questaria IFGS’s analyser (i.e. attached to the turret mounted Bravan) to allow the automatic use of either the main gun (only use as last resort) or any available secondary armaments (e.g. remotely controlled airburst capable grenade launchers) to intercept incoming attack (e.g. kinetic energy, high explosive) alongside the APS-V itself.

This slightly reduces operating cost if the rounds used by the main gun happen to be of a standard variety: hard kill munitions and system repair or replacement can be costly. It also extends operation time for the tank because by reserving hard kill munitions the tank can stay longer on the field before having to go back to friendly territory (e.g. logistics camp, supply centre, etc.). However, it can also be said that this extra feature is useless in a tank such as the A4 variant; because the tank has not much in additional armaments (e.g. 20 mm autocannon or above). Therefore if the rounds used by the main gun happen to be of specialised variety (e.g. GLATGM, smart munitions, etc.), or the grenades have been spent or launchers broken, then this extra feature won’t help much. For purpose of commonality with other mobile platforms of the Wehrmacht (e.g. AY2-1L, which has matching additional armaments requirement, airburst armed Flakpanzer 2E, standard 20 mm+ autocannon armed armoured fighting vehicles, etc.), however, this additional feature has been kept for the APS-V in the A4 variant.

APS-V, just like the AYHK-10, can detect incoming threats by using internal soft-kill emitter sensors which are processed into the system. Several important sensors to fully initiate the full hemispherical coverage are located on the tank; for instance the collection of flat panel radars which are placed at strategic locations in a rectangular zoned shape, with two electro-optic sensors located just below the hull and the other set located just below the turret in front alongside Bravan. Infrared and millimetre band detectors are used and inter-connected into a transmitter in the system; with this being attached outside the tank’s quadrant points together with another device used for encrypted early warning transmission to transmit collected data and input these as information into the interfaces for the crew members to see. Once transmitted, information are immediately passed on by the associated receiver to the commander of the vehicle. This information is then processed after the commander activate APS-V’s control and tracking subsystems. Small interconnected systems which can be accessed through the commander’s screen onboard the tank are used to encrypt the information, allowing the commander to choose whether to manually countermeasure the identified threat or let the system eliminate the identified threat.

Once the incoming threat has been detected, the countermeasure stage will be activated and positioned to intercept the incoming threat. At this stage the commander can activate an interface with options which allow her or him to compute the origin of the threat (e.g. direction) and alter the position of the turret to that direction. Countermeasure launch then commence in a ballistic trajectory to intercept the threat with more than two kilogrammes’ worth of blast or fragmentary high explosive warhead. All this fully computerised process takes just three to five seconds, with reaction time estimated to range from three hundred and fifty to four hundred and fifty milliseconds, thus limited only by the decision-making skill of the commander. Specialised training of crew members must thus be given thoroughly to maximise APS-V's potential. The broad hemispherical coverage of its internally built laser threat identifiers allows the system to provide a full three hundred and sixty degree active operational protection and barrier for the tank.

It can intercept many types of projectiles, such as anti-tank guided missiles, grenades, and long rod and tandem charge projectiles, to name four of the most common ones, within twenty-five metres of the tank. The soft-kill emitter sensors can identify and disrupt an emerging threat (e.g. a projectile) the moment that that incoming threat has reached seventy metres distance from the tank. From here on, with the aid of either the Questaria-linked or APS-V linked fire control analyser the hard-kill system can compute and verify the inputted information of the incoming target. For every second on the field of battle the countermeasure fire and destroy launcher can potentially traverse by at least five hundred degrees.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Tue Apr 17, 2018 2:33 am

9. Passive Protection

Front Armour (Hull) ~800mm central middle, 470 side, 380 bottom: R56400 3.8 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, compressed alumina ceramic mass, high-modulus polyethylene, R56400 3.6 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, plainweave undirectional polyester resin fiberglass reinforced plastic, conventional spaced sandwich plate RHA pattern;
Side Armour (Hull) ~300mm front half, 160 mm turret circle area, 150 mm rear half; interlaced and RHA
Rear Armour (Hull) ~90mm; interlaced and RHA
Frontal Armour (Turret) ~790mm middle, 875mm side, 325mm uppermost; R56400 3.8 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, compressed alumina ceramic mass, high-modulus polyethylene, R56400 3.6 alpha-beta titanium alloy metal matrix composite, plainweave undirectional polyester resin fiberglass reinforced plastic, conventional spaced sandwich plate RHA pattern
Side Armour (Turret) ~200mm; interlaced and RHA
Rear and Top Armour (Turret) ~90mm and 70; interlaced and RHA
Chevakria composite add-on, [] Mine protection, Rear cage armour

Armour research and development for tanks since the Second World War has become increasingly focused on finding less heavier layered composites that offer better protection than basic steel plate, for instance the ‘Chobham’ composite armour of Great Britain which are used on its Challenger II main battle tank. Another form of localised protection is the addition of ‘explosive’, or reactive, protection comprising ‘shoe-boxes’ made of armour containing small, fast reactive explosive charges on the most vulnerable sections of a modern tank. These reactive attachments explode so they can break up the penetrating force of an enemy warhead. This type is used by, for example, the Israeli army, but the incorporation of explosive material on the outside of a tank has potential drawbacks for supporting infantry.

With that background in mind, when conceptualising the T2009A4, policy-makers in San-Silvacian and Yohannes wanted the tank to be a break from the past. They wanted the tank to be designed to not run marathon tracks like a sports car. They also did not want a tank that would fall apart on the field of battle because its chassis cracked and snapped like kindling caused by armour overloading; or its gun barrel snapped in two because it was geometrically unreliable; or worse, exploded because of unproven propellant design, thus killing all crew members before the battle had even started. They wanted a harmonious tank designed with weaknesses, and strengths to go with these weaknesses. After taking into account the total weight of the chassis and internal structure, engine and transmission systems, and armaments, electronics and sub systems of the tank, the A4 variant could not afford to claim as high an armour thickness or protection as most other state-of-the-art tanks without substantially (i) sacrificing its mobility and operational reliability on the ground and (ii) increasing its weight above the seventy, possibly even eighty, tonnes range; both considered as unacceptable by members of the 2018 VMK R&D Team.

Therefore Yohannesian policy-makers went as far as reducing side armour thickness on the hull and turret from the previous variant because they were considered as impossibly too high for a theoretical sixty-tonne something tank equipped with all the features that the A4 variant would have. San-Silvacian policy-makers vigorously opposed this move. They protested because they did not want the tank to be weaker or too lightly protected. But, in the end, common sense prevailed. The previous 400 mm side thickness claim was reduced to 250 mm, whilst the 1,000 mm and 1,250 mm front turret and glacias thickness claims were sharply reduced to 800 and 850 respectively. The T2009A4 would, thus, not break apart on the field of battle. The integral armour scheme from the previous A3 is kept for the tank, inspired as it is by the proven British Chobham armour. However, in the A4 variant, the ceramic tiles of the armour scheme are different from those of the original Chobham armour to ensure nation state creativity whilst still maintaining sensible (if not weaker) protection.

Figure 13: Ballistic testing in accordance with MIL-STD-662F, Military Standard: Ballistic Test for Armour (improvised). For distance 25 m was chosen. Sample of the composite armour was reinforced by rearward steel plate of high thickness. Normal velocity of ballistic tester was ~1 km/s

The armour scheme is called the Hamptonian, named after a long forgotten ancient state in an equally ancient region. Since the stunning Lyran legacy from late 2008 to early 2013, and the absolute, total end of the widespread cold war style arms race associated with that period, Material Engineering and Science Alliance scientists in the nineteen countries have worked hard to design a new composite armour combination which can harmonise the three main factors of armour thickness, ballistic attributes, and structural weight. Mark L. Wilkins, a scientist from the United States of America, pointed out more than thirty years ago that a realistic composite protection for a tank should prioritise exploration in any material type which has: (i) good compressive strength, (ii) good anti fracture properties, and (iii) higher hardness in conjunction with comparatively lower density, by that order of importance. Of course, his statement takes into account the fact that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the United States of America have long promoted for the adoption of hard ceramic materials and composite backplate-reinforced armour system. Their advantages are clear. During would be penetration to the tank, the use of ceramic materials would dull the projectile and dissipate incoming force. And then, the composite rear plates absorb the leftover kinetic force to finish the process.

But, scientists in the nineteen countries have not been idle. Encouraged by the millions after millions of NSD poured by the Material Engineering and Science Alliance, they slowly woke up to the fact that composite rear plates could be used effectively for a main battle tank. One, because they absorb leftover kinetic force from penetrating projectiles. And two, they mitigate or outright stop any secondary bang from the ceramic pieces caused by reason number one.

So, after negotiating heaps of loan from the Bank of Yohannes, they have finally designed a main battle tank composite armour scheme which comprises a (i) primary layering of R56400 3.8 alpha-beta titanium alloy, (ii) compressed alumina ceramic mass, (iii) high-modulus polyethylene, and a (iv) secondary layering of R56400 3.6 alpha-beta titanium alloy.

Fibre	Support	Commercialised	Density (kg/m³)	Young’s modulus (MPa)	Tensile stress before failure (MPa)
Silicon carbide; chemical vapour deposition, single (carbon)	Carbon + Titanium diboride	SM1240	3,400	400,000	3,750
Silicon carbide coated boron, single	Silicon carbide	BORSIC	2,600	400,000	3,000
Poly-crystalline alumina, tow	Aluminium oxide	Alumina fibre FP	3,900	380,000	1,500
Alumina single crystal	Aluminium oxide	Sapphire	4,000	414,000	~2,000-3,500

Figure 14: Comparison of some reinforcing fibres for metal matrix composite.

When calculated using the the measurement of the area density formula (i.e. google dtic), this combination gives an areal density of just eighty kilogrammes per square metre, which is just slightly better than some existing composite combinations. A scientist by the name Celal Evci of the Turkish Defence Sciences Institute discovered that combining plainweave undirectional polyester resin as rear plate of this alumina ceramic combination would result in good ballostic protection. Laser shock peening with ~400-600 nanometer wavelength was also performed on each individual ceramic combination to further increase its surface hardness and decrease its Vickers indentations.

According to Encyclopedia Maxtopia, it is rumoured that the classified combination of:

hyperlink

If that is true, then that would validate the material accuracy of the Yohannesian armour scheme, as it is also equipped with alumina tiles and titanium as described, and moreover has similar properties as the Chobham armour. However, because they are expensive they are only used to reinforce the most vulnerable sections on the A4 variant, with the rest being protected by traditional method (e.g. modified steel). The armour covering of the tank is configured in spaced sandwich plate pattern, with each made up of five different layers (taking into account the previously mentioned combination only on the turret left and right sides and glacis and hull front plates). The design is modular.

In Wehrmacht combined arms and electronic warfare ground doctrine, the King Tigers are meant to create an opening whilst the San Silvacians consolidate that panzer breakthrough. They are therefore designed to fight on a defensive hull-down position, with their suspension protected by terrain. The front turret of the tank is angled only where possible to maximise protection from its spaced armour configuration. Sloping is otherwise minimised to avoid situations where enemy high explosive anti tank penetration will shatter more ceramic tiles than is required. This also maximises the tank’s internal volume and surface area. The most vulnerable sections of the tank are thus its back areas round the engine, top surface of the turret, underbelly, and the turret circle area.

The latest subvariant of the T2009A4 in Yohannes are also equipped with the Armoured Vehicles and Tanks Modular Ceramic-Metal Armour.

Figure 15: Rough drawing of target and condensed explosive charge, angle of impact, and the combined use of reactive and passive layers along Israeli line.

The explosive reactive armour scheme fitted (as necessary) on the A4 variant is Chevakria, which was inspired by a similar scheme developed in the State of Israel. Chevakria is a reactive armour scheme designed to fight against or minimise damage from condensed explosive charge and kinetic energy penetration. It can be divided into three layers: a layer of [material type] plate which acts as the “space” separating a reactive layer and an inner passive layer. This way, collateral and internal damage associated with typical reactive armour designs are reduced. The passive combination, which is the layer closest to the tank armour and shielded by the reactive combination, takes the form of a rubber composite comprising a middle rubber sub-layer with 4.7 mm thickness, which task is to consume incoming energy, sandwiched by an inner sub-layer of steel plate and outer sublayer of steel plate. The reactive layer, which shield that passive layer, comprises an explosive sublayer of [material] sandwiched by an inner sub-layer of [metal type] plate and an outer sub-layer of [metal type] plate.

The armour is designed in sixty degrees pattern so that the explosive stage will be activated when enemy projectile hit the reactive layer. When this happens, the two [metal type] plates of the reactive layer will be thrown opposite one another. The tip of the fast penetrating force, which has been “dulled” by the previously activated reactive stage, will then be intercepted by the inner passive layer. And then after this, the sandwiching metal plates of the passive layer are driven apart by the middle [material], which partially consumes the weight and energy of the penetrating force. This limits perforation to the armour of the tank, with both the main and trailing forces from the penetration also being reduced and weakened at the same time. When the innermost [metal type] plate of the reactive layer is being thrown towards the protected armour of the tank, the passive layer of Chevakria will intercept that force. Therefore structural deformation, internal shock, and spalling are mitigated. Chevakria is also designed to fight or minimise the effect of armour piercing kinetic energy penetration even when the reactive armour “explosion” stage is not activated.

[to be updated]

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 4:39 am

10. Crew Facilities

The tank’s compartment comes with the usual collection of digital interfaces and system electronics, most of which have been described already, which include limited internal data storage used as secondary emergency measure in case of malfunctioning of your nation (or our nation)’s C4I network-centric battlefield management system. Rudimentary but easily adjusted seats are available for the crew. Secondary optical sight and tools for the fire control system in front of the commander section can be accessed by the commander and gunner. Integrated twenty fours day and night sight and features are provided. Automatic and manual operation interfaces may also be accessed in this area. Accessible small armaments storage is provided in the turret in case crew members need to (or can) escape. AYX47-B1 fibreoptic connections are used for certain electronics to reduce exposure and pressure shock.

Low-quality air conditioning and heating is provided via liquid heater based on the engine for hot summer or cold winter season operations. This also has the added advantage of reducing engine heat signature. All the described provisions would hopefully improve operating environment for the crew even under AFEDSS NBC activate operation. An NBC protected water tank system is also connected to the central liquid heater, which can be used by crew members whenever they want hot or cold water. Electric boiling vessel for a cuppa Earl Grey tea or Arjuna Spiced Chai are also provided.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 6:37 pm

An excerpt from Case Study No 7
Leutnant Julius Schlüter

That T2009A4 San Silvacian, as a bigger version of myself which supports our platoon on the frontline, attacks the enemy by virtue of its combat ability, maneuverability, and protection potential. That thing can hold itself respectably against any other armoured target of its kind. It can support our assault of a well defended position. It has a big gun. It has a mortar. It has a machine gun. It can cause trouble for enemy light armoured support or infantry. But, most importantly, it can receive, process, and transmit real time information tactically and cooperate with other armed services on the field of battle.

Blitzkrieg of the Wehrmacht: to crush our enemy.

During my time serving with my platoon, I have been served well by that San Silvacian. The big beast dutifully travelled to its firing positions every single day without fail. Concentrating its firepower. Or fulfilling its forward field and reconnaissance support duty. Or ensuring the protection of our supply nearby enemy territory. However, sometimes I wonder if my time is up. To be honest with you I am a bit stressed out by the role the Emperor has given me. I have been the driver. I manoeuvre the beast to its intended post every single day without fail two years ago. And it could be very stressful at times. I was one of many of my kind who maintained the cooperation — both inside and out — of the San Silvacian. I contributed to formation maintenance. I ensured the beast’s arrival to its designated terrain when required. I maneuvered the beast through hidden objects, or minefields cleared by those obnoxious engineers. I did it all while facing enemy fire, through frankly terrible roads at times, and, more often than not, dodgy complex terrains.

I have, of course, also been the gunner of that big thing. I observed and searched for targets at the darkest of nights using the array of vision and electro-optical systems available to me. The easier times? Surely when all I had to do was to fulfill the typical gunner operation: stationary and covertly observing the enemy to bring in surveillance information. To discover main landmarks and targets. The harder times? When I had to search for a random, well designed state-of-the-art target and judge their properties while the beast moved at the same time.

As a gunner, I have destroyed many tanks. I do say I have probably destroyed at least thirty by now. I have used Questaria and played around with its interfaces to identify, track, and aim at those uncivilised motherfuckers. The son of a bitch at the central com told me which one to destroy but to be honest with you I did not give a hoot. I set the firing data regardless and see through the automatic loading of the ammo to shoot those uncivilised motherfuckers down. With or without central com telling me what to do. In fact, I have more respect for the boys, for when they give me their information in advance and in real time, I know those information are going to be good. And I am going to get an easy kill on those uncivilised motherfuckers.

As a gunner I had to constantly judge, decide, and then kill the enemy, while making sure that cooperation would still be present both inside the tank and outside.

And now, I am the commander. Well, at least since last month anyway.

I must make sure the boys communicate effectively. Tight lips mean lost victories. Aiming and tracking the uncivilised motherfuckers. Speed, and control of the course and the terrain. I am the designator. I say what to target and I direct where to go. I make sure of effective firing command while the beast moves. Outside, I make sure me and the boys receive the information we need to survive and strike at the enemy hard. Battlefield situation. Combat mission. Tactical foresight from the son of a bitch at the central com. Location of the enemy and their characteristics. I receive from my superior and deliver to them. I ask for support and cooperate with our neighbours: integrated fire support and maintenance in times of emergency. I make sure we contribute and realise our part in keeping the formation intact. Infantry. Fighting vehicles. Tanks. Helicopters. Electronic warfare. We cooperate to destroy the target.

Wehrmacht.

I make use of the electro-optical information warfare system of the beast to warn the boys. I suppress enemy surveillance with that nifty countermeasure interface. I destroy incoming threat. I block their range finding, their aiming, their interference, and their decoy. I put up smoke screen and ensure the beast manoeuvre evasively.

The central com keep on telling me that we should move quickly to advantageous terrain or safe zone while being covered by smoke screen. And keeping close cooperation and wage electro-optical information warfare at the same time? Fuck that. Too much. Three people’s not enough for that? So I told them: Fuck you. And then I told the boys to move the beast up the enemy’s ass.

Posts · by **Yohannes** » Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:55 am

12. Export Policy

It should be noted that all technology and equipment designs integrated within the A3 model are property of the San-Silvacian government and all technology and equipment designs integrated within the A4 model are property of the Yohannesian government. Unless permission has been goven, any industrial action to produce the T2009A3/4 or any of their components for export will be respinded in kind.

VMK Defence & Steel Works and Vickers Heavy Industries have been given the right to supply for foreign entities the export version of the T2009A3/4 by the San-Silvacian and Yohannesian government. No scaling down in specifications were done to the export version of both variants, though a few modifications were made. This product article is for the domestic version of both the A3 and A4. The A4 export version is completely identical to the domestic version, with the exception that:

World Assembly Patent Office

Spare parts production rights are available for all orders above 200 million NSD/USD.
.
VMK Defence & Steel Works, Vicker Heavy Industries, and the San-Silvacian or Yohannesian government or any of the subcontractors involved in the A4 programme cannot be held responsible for the quality of any modifications done to these designs. While we will try our best to cooperate with foreign industry in accordance with World Assembly technical standards and laws to the quality demanded by the our shareholders, we hold no responsibility in their independant modifications by overseas governments and bodies.

Limited production export, where overseas governments and bodies buy the right to build components of the vehicle (such as the armour, protection systems, armaments, and othr things), can be done by signing the following contract:

Code: Select all: We, the government or manufacturer represented, agree to give 9.7% commission per tank produced domestically in our nation plus initial transfer [ sign here ]

Please review the export and maintenance costs [ here ]

All orders must not be pasted here, but in the storefront site of VMK Defence & Steel Works [ here ]

We thank you for reviewing both the T2009 A3 and A4 designs. Heoi anō tāku mō nāianei; kia ora rawa atu. Nā māua noa, nā