ApplesauceBandit

My baby came in, and it's in really nice shape.  It looks unissued, though the bolt has certainly seen use.  The bolt's from Izhevsk, the knurling is worn down on the cocking nob and it's got some patina, but the serial numbers match and seems to work just fine from sliding it around.  The magazine has a slight patina to it as well.  The wood looks brand new, and I've only found two tiny dings in it from storage.  Bore looks well kept and the inside looks brand new.  Serial number is 66646 and it's a VKT with the receiver dated at 1944.  There's a whole bunch of random letters and markers on different parts too, but it's a Finnish Mosin.  It's SA marked like in this pic (not mine):

 
Really happy with what I got and I'll take it out shooting some tomorrow with some friends.  My birthday is on the 24th as well, so it's kind of a gift from me to me in a way as well.  I can take some better pictures tomorrow since my cell phone is refusing to take respectable pictures with the lighting this time of day.
 
The one downside of the M39 is you're never going to find a bayonet for the bastard.  Sad, but worth it.
 

Just wipe down everything really thoroughly, (mainly the bolt face, but really all the internal components) of any residue or foreign matter you see, and mainly moisture. Potassium Chloride is similar to table salt, only it obviously swaps the sodium for potassium which is an even "stronger" alkali, check all the nooks and crevices to make sure none builds up anywhere at all.

Also, outside of Surplus, the cheapest you'll see commonly is PPU or Herter's brand, Wolf used to be alot more common but that shit sells insanely fast now. there is one brand called Tulammo (named after the Tula ammunition plant in Russia, it used to just be named Tula) that sells 7.62x54mmR for less then 50 cents a round, but this is a problem because 1. it's fairly uncommon and 2. It's jacket is magnetic, which is something indoor ranges will bitch about usually, so you need to check where you use this.
 
Other cheap brands you may run across are Red Army Standard (imported by century arms, use at your own risk) and Brown Bear, both of which also use a bimetal jacket that will usually stick to most magnets.

Appropriately for me getting a Finnish Mosin, I've got 8 of the Finnish "Tikkakoski" clips, but I've also got 4 with a different mark stamped on the back.  It's a triangle in a circle at the center of the clip, and I'm not seeing it listed there.  Pictures below.  I'll also note that these seem to be the real deal, but a few are a little bent from their previous owners. 
 
The Finn ones look somewhere between their examples of a reproduction and real one with the mystery proofmark ones having nice and crisp edges.

itshappening.gif
 

 
A friend of mine was also kind enough yesterday to give me 12 clips, 22 rounds, and a handy little pouch for it yesterday.  I can already tell why people dislike stripper clips.

 
 
 
 
 
Also found this funny while I was filling out the order form:
 

"Do you want it shipped for twenty dollars or would you rather just own it remotely from our warehouse?"

I got linked this thread earlier today, and it has a lot of interesting photos in it.  A lot of them have shown up in this thread before, but I think it's got some new ones too.
 
http://www.steelbeasts.com/topic/10104-merkava-armor-layout-and-protection-estimates/

I think what I'll end up doing is getting one of those VKT M39 Mosins with the $20 hand select, still unsure on if I should get a sling too while it's easy.  The m/39 looks like both a fine gun and a nice investment, especially since they're probably about to start being more expensive.
 
 
 
While a carry gun has more utility, I also live in the nicer part of town so for the most part I don't really ever find myself feeling sketched out without one.  A Glock 19, while it may still be able to be concealed fine and be more fun to shoot, it's still twice as big as the MDE.  The ability to put it in my pocket almost like a phone is the important part, something the Glock 19 won't really be able to do near as well.  A lot of what I would wear wouldn't conceal something at my waist as well as I'd like.  If I've got it in a wallet holster, for all anyone knows, it's a wallet. 
 
I've still not really been able to find many negative reviews at all about the MDE, though I could certainly look deeper as well.  The thing about "boring guns" is a good point though, and I would imagine myself ending up with a Glock (or CZ-75 or other good handgun) and MDE in the future anyway.  The MDE is also a relatively new gun for the most part, so I don't think it would have had time to achieve boring status yet. 
 
The MDE just doesn't sound like the best first gun I could get.  Combine that with how now is a good time to get the Model 39 Mosin, and I think I've made my decision.
 
 
 
 
There was a lot of big posts, and while I didn't address everything in this reply, I had read it all and appreciate the advice.  The CMP is something I've been meaning to look into as well, so I've got those pages bookmarked.

My internet detective skills have paid off, and yes, it's the turret I thought it was.
 

My internet detective skills have paid off, and yes, it's the turret I thought it was.
 

I could be wrong here, but I think I found what might be the turret from that AMX 13 with a 105mm howitzer in a turret I posted a few pages back.  Picture is at Saumur museum, the turret in question being in the upper right.
 

I've always liked these little Finnish vismod deals
 

I'm linking the actual video that's from, since it's about 50 times better than the gif that showed up on imgur
 

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

3ds Max isn't very nice for telling you how much something will weigh and all that jazz, so I'm probably just going submit eye candy with backstory tacked on.  That was pretty much my original goal anyway, but with less effort in mind on the eye candy part.
 
Some parts still need to be worked on, but I'm fiddling with an extra armor variant as as well.  Edit shows current head-on coverage
 
I also added fenders/stowage space, rearranged wheel positions AGAIN, added a cap for filling up for fuel and other engine goodies, rear doors (subject to change), and a bunch of little tweaks here and there.
 

 

 

LCARV (Light Combat Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle)
Final submission
 
 


 
 
 
 
Specifications
---------------------------------
 
General
    • 2 crew (driver, commander/gunner)
    • Target designation system to help fill role of gunner
    • Aluminum alloy armor supplemented with composite armor and conventional steel
 
Mobility
    • Approx. 20 tons combat loaded (without armor packages)
    • 600 bhp diesel or 660 bhp diesel
    • 0.45m ground clearance
    • 0.45 kg/cm2 ground pressure, zero penetration
    • 4.4 cm2 total ground contact area
 
Protection (without armor package)
    • STANAG IV protection from sides and rear
    • STANAG VI protection frontally
    • Hull floor and crew seats optimized for protection against mines and IEDs
    • Bulkheads, fuel, and engine provide additional protection to crew.
    • Turret design fully protects crew while hull down
 
Firepower
    • 60mm smoothbore autocannon
    • 1 coaxial MG
    • -9°/+30° gun elevation
    • 99 cannon rounds on board.  75 in automated carousel system, 24 ready
    • Programmable (single or 3 round burst, 230 maximum burst RPM, shot placement, ammo)
    • HE with airburst capability, APFSDS
 
Minimum size (tracks on)
    • 2.4m height, 6.2m length, 3m width
   
Size with armor package, fenders, and cameras
    • 2.8m height, 6.4m length, 3.3m width
    • Armor package not available for air transit
 
Other systems
    • 8 smoke dischargers mounted on turret
    • Modular panoramic camera system for commander
    • Target designation and tracking abilities, greatly decreasing workload of commander during gunnery
    • Automatic fire suppression systems
    • Mounting area over barrel for a variety of equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Designed by Little Caesar's Enterprises, Inc. the LCARV is a novel design for rapidly delivering formidable firepower wherever it's needed.  
 
 
Mobility:
 
With its small size and weighing just under 20 tons, the LCARV is able to be deployed from an AC-130 in a combat ready state.  Its relatively low weight and ground pressure allow superb mobility over unfavorable terrain, and its powerful engine provides it with greater speed than most other tracked vehicles.  In many ways, this LCARV is a spiritual successor of the RDF/LT, taking advantages of the latest improvements in technology and the changing face of war.
 
The LCARV shares many parts with the M3 Bradely IFV, most notably the tracks, wheels, and various automotive components.  
 

 
 
Protection:
 
In order to keep the weight low enough for air transport, armor-grade aluminum was chosen for protection, supplemented in vital areas with highly effective composite armors.  In certain areas, conventional steel armor was used as well.  The frontal placement of the engine, transmission, and fuel also improve the crew's visibility with little to no increase in weight.  Beyond creating more material to protect the crew, land mines and IEDs are also more likely to direct most of the blow in the unoccupied portion of the vehicle.  The low profile turret, reminiscent of prior projects, allows the LCARV to fire from a hull-down position while keeping the screw fully concealed.  The ribbed armor on the front hull acts very similarly to the legendary S Tank, but with an even better 83° slope to counter more modern ammunition.
 
Various packages are available, utilizing NERA, composites, ceramics, and modern APS systems.  The goal of these is to greatly improve protection against various autocannons, ATGMs, and conventional shaped charge warheads for higher intensity conflicts.
 

 

 
(Frontal coverage of armor pack shown)
 

 
 
 
Firepower:
 
The main gun is a modified version of the 60mm HMVS by Oto Melera.  The gun is dual feed, allowing the commander to select between firing APFSDS or HE.  The autoloading system pulls the ammunition from the automated carousel at the floor of the turret basket, up into the feeding system to be ready to fire.  The main gun ammunition uses combustible cartridges, with experiments currently taking place with telescoping ammunition as well.  The current projectiles are identical to what is used in the Italian HMVS.  A machine gun is mounted coaxially to the main gun.
 
The 60mm round was chosen for its versatility.  Not only is it able to defeat certain older MBTs frontally in some situations, it is also able to effectively use programmable fuzes that would not be possible with smaller calibers.  The 60mm HVMS from Israel and Italy also provide us with a more tried and tested design. 
 

 
 
Miscellaneous:
 
A modular panoramic sight for the commander is located at the highest point on the vehicle, removing any potential blindspots.  The LCARV uses target tracking and designation system similar to what may be found on other modern AFVs, allowing the commander to be much more efficient.  After a target is designated, the systems is able to track up to four targets at once, firing on them automatically when ready.
 
 
Additionally, doors at the rear of the vehicle serve both as emergency exits for the crew, and to dramatically ease the process of reloading the carousel.  The turret is slightly sunken into the hull of the vehicle, decreasing the chances of a stray round or fragment jamming the turret.  The turret ring diameter is shared with the M551 Sheridan as well.
 
 
In terms of function, the LCARV outperforms the Bradley in mobility, protection, and firepower in exchange for its ability to carry troops.  The superb mobility and small profile make the LCARV ideal for scouting roles.  With armor packages, the LCARV is able to fill a more direct combat role.  Very few vehicles on the battle field outside of an MBT would be able to beat it in firepower and make its protection irrelevant, while still performing recon roles as well the next day.  In short, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile combat vehicle.
 
 
 
Some numbers:
 
Just like my tank crush, the HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"

Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"

Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 126"
Width (outer track edges) is 119"
Width (track center-center) is 102"

Track contact length: 164"
Track width is 21"
Total contact area: 6888"sq
Track ratio wizardry: 1.61
 
15mm front "roof", 44mm UFP, 51mm "turret guard," and 63mm LFP in RHA provide ~110mm RHAe.  63mm turret face also provides that.  Sides and rear at 38mm RHAe I think should stop 14.5mm API.  With some of the new fancy 7xxx series alloys that have been showing up, I think that's possible under 20 tons.
 
 
 
 
Unofficial side notes:
 
 
Edit for hull down picture and armor coverage picture, forgot to mention steel.  Typos, format issues, and incorrect numbers were corrected.
 
Edit 2:o fuk I only had a drive wheel on one side.  Thankfully, that's only visible in two of those pictures, one where it's a meaningful mistake.  Too lazy to remake the multiview, but the first render is fixed.  Typo in side notes corrected

I better shuffalo the buffalo
 
If I don't make a new post, I'll edit this one into the real deal.  This will be more a place for me to horde the pieces of the final submission.  Where my submission lacks in technical details, it makes up for it in eye candy.
 
This design actually ended up being a lot smaller than originally planned, now that I'm measuring it compared to the people inside.  In fact, I'd call it tiny.  I might be able to fit the sucker in a plane, but I've have to check the weight and numbers.
 
I'm getting this down here because I'm really tired and you can't stop me
 
~~~~~~werdz~~~~~~~~~
 
THIS IS NOT THE FINAL THING.
 
 
 
Just like my bae HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"
 
Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"
 
Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 129"
Width (outer track edges) is 121.5"
Width (track center-center) is 104"
 
Track contact length is 164"
Track width is 17.5"
Total contact area is 5740"sq
Track ratio wizardry is 1.57

 
Has 99 CANNON BULLETS
75 rounds in automated carousel system, 24 ready rounds
Has MG ammo somewhere in there, I know it's got to be able to squeeze in somehow
 
Gun is 60mm, 3 round burst
Gun is feed by 2 separate belts
 
Ability to equip APS, ERA, and other fancy things
 
Can keep track of several designated targets at once and fire at them to ease workload on commander
 
I accidentally made this too small, but I'm wanting at least STANAG IV protection from sides and rear, STANAG VI at the front.  Dunno if I'll still get that now.
 
Other stuff tomorrow

I better shuffalo the buffalo
 
If I don't make a new post, I'll edit this one into the real deal.  This will be more a place for me to horde the pieces of the final submission.  Where my submission lacks in technical details, it makes up for it in eye candy.
 
This design actually ended up being a lot smaller than originally planned, now that I'm measuring it compared to the people inside.  In fact, I'd call it tiny.  I might be able to fit the sucker in a plane, but I've have to check the weight and numbers.
 
I'm getting this down here because I'm really tired and you can't stop me
 
~~~~~~werdz~~~~~~~~~
 
THIS IS NOT THE FINAL THING.
 
 
 
Just like my bae HSTV-L, the thing I made is 95" in height
Absolute height (tracks to panoramic sight) is 109"
 
Length (end of tracks on either side) is 244"
Length (end of rear tow to front applique) 254"
 
Width (hull edge to edge) is 81"
Width (armor skirts) is 129"
Width (outer track edges) is 121.5"
Width (track center-center) is 104"
 
Track contact length is 164"
Track width is 17.5"
Total contact area is 5740"sq
Track ratio wizardry is 1.57

 
Has 99 CANNON BULLETS
75 rounds in automated carousel system, 24 ready rounds
Has MG ammo somewhere in there, I know it's got to be able to squeeze in somehow
 
Gun is 60mm, 3 round burst
Gun is feed by 2 separate belts
 
Ability to equip APS, ERA, and other fancy things
 
Can keep track of several designated targets at once and fire at them to ease workload on commander
 
I accidentally made this too small, but I'm wanting at least STANAG IV protection from sides and rear, STANAG VI at the front.  Dunno if I'll still get that now.
 
Other stuff tomorrow

I suppose I could, but I've not exactly built this using real world measurements either.  If I have the motivation and time, I'll do it.
 
Trying to figure out the specifics on the internal layout and going from there.  I know close to nothing about the automotive side of tanks, so I'll not bother picking a layout for there.
 
 
Blocked out space inside to figure out ammo stowage and make sure there was room for things.  Holds 99 rounds of ammo, with 75 rounds in a fancy carousel and 24 ready rounds.  I guess it'll do a 3 round burst since I went for multiples of 3 and the ammo in the carousel is grouped in lines of 3.   There's plenty of empty room behind the turret I'll need to decide what to do with.
 

I suppose I could, but I've not exactly built this using real world measurements either.  If I have the motivation and time, I'll do it.
 
Trying to figure out the specifics on the internal layout and going from there.  I know close to nothing about the automotive side of tanks, so I'll not bother picking a layout for there.
 
 
Blocked out space inside to figure out ammo stowage and make sure there was room for things.  Holds 99 rounds of ammo, with 75 rounds in a fancy carousel and 24 ready rounds.  I guess it'll do a 3 round burst since I went for multiples of 3 and the ammo in the carousel is grouped in lines of 3.   There's plenty of empty room behind the turret I'll need to decide what to do with.
 

3ds Max isn't very nice for telling you how much something will weigh and all that jazz, so I'm probably just going submit eye candy with backstory tacked on.  That was pretty much my original goal anyway, but with less effort in mind on the eye candy part.
 
Some parts still need to be worked on, but I'm fiddling with an extra armor variant as as well.  Edit shows current head-on coverage
 
I also added fenders/stowage space, rearranged wheel positions AGAIN, added a cap for filling up for fuel and other engine goodies, rear doors (subject to change), and a bunch of little tweaks here and there.
 

 

 

3ds Max isn't very nice for telling you how much something will weigh and all that jazz, so I'm probably just going submit eye candy with backstory tacked on.  That was pretty much my original goal anyway, but with less effort in mind on the eye candy part.
 
Some parts still need to be worked on, but I'm fiddling with an extra armor variant as as well.  Edit shows current head-on coverage
 
I also added fenders/stowage space, rearranged wheel positions AGAIN, added a cap for filling up for fuel and other engine goodies, rear doors (subject to change), and a bunch of little tweaks here and there.