Sten

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

FROM THE FILES OF LFS ORDNANCE DEPT.
 - Lone Free State proprietary information -
9.18.2247 
To: LFS central command
CC: relevant industrial concerns
 
@Sturgeon
@Toxn
@Fareastmenace
@delete013
@Sten
@Dominus Dolorem
SUBJ: RE: candidate heavy armored truck designs

Kind sirs,
we apologize for the delay in responding to the technical request in your last communication on this topic. As you are no doubt aware, the LFS Ordnance dept. was set up only recently, and administrative affairs have delayed the trials and testing of the proposed vehicle designs.

With the above said, enclosed are our recommendations for the selection of a new heavy armored truck for the newly formed 1st Heavy Ranger Brigade.

FIRST PLACE: 
Brownsville Armour Engineering Systems FV601 “Cossack”

LFS Ordnance was very impressed with this design, featuring a very good blend of features both for the current threat environment and for future threat environments.
Congratulations, @Fareastmenace!

 
SECOND PLACE:
Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"


Another very impressive beast, again featuring a design focused not only on the current threat environment but on the future as well.
@Sten, very well done.

THIRD PLACE:
East Oil Company MBT-1 Monolith


An extremely large, extremely powerful beast, which while perhaps somewhat poorly tailored to the requirements of the LFS nevertheless would offer substantial performance in service.
@Dominus Dolorem, good show.

Detailed opinions on all designs to follow shortly.
 

The fault of failing to read, or ignoring, the requirements for the submissions.
 
Which is LMAO, but would be fine and everyone has days of retardation, but no... you had to whine like the little bitch you are, had to blame on the evil Russians.

It's always someone else's fault isn't it? The Russians... the Jews...

It's always someone else's fault isn't it? The Russians... the Jews...

He *did* organize his thoughts first, you retarded little bitch.

The fault of failing to read, or ignoring, the requirements for the submissions.
 
Which is LMAO, but would be fine and everyone has days of retardation, but no... you had to whine like the little bitch you are, had to blame on the evil Russians.

The fault of failing to read, or ignoring, the requirements for the submissions.
 
Which is LMAO, but would be fine and everyone has days of retardation, but no... you had to whine like the little bitch you are, had to blame on the evil Russians.

The fault of failing to read, or ignoring, the requirements for the submissions.
 
Which is LMAO, but would be fine and everyone has days of retardation, but no... you had to whine like the little bitch you are, had to blame on the evil Russians.

FINAL SUBMISSION:
XG-48E3 Comanche Battle-cruiser
 

 




 
 
 
 
Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat (armor)
124,450 lbs (59,950 lbs armor)
Length, combat (transport)
31.7 ft (25.6 ft)
Width, combat (transport)
12.1 ft (12.0 ft)
Height, combat (transport)
8.8 ft (8.3 ft)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1,795 psf
Estimated Speed
50 mph
Estimated range
500 mi
Crew, number (roles)
4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
40 rds 5in/24 (33 in turret bustle rack, 7 in ready rack)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
1,200 rds .50 caliber, 10,000 rds .30 caliber, 3,000 rds .40 cal ammunition

Vehicle designer's notes:

The XG-48E3 Comanche is a Battle-cruiser-class heavy tracked truck ("tank") with powerful armament, resilient armor, and a high degree of mobility and range. Comanche was designed around a "fightability philosophy" in which tanks are seen as an extension of the fighting man and must permit as much as possible the operators to conduct their mission without interference. Comanche sports a powerful 5in-24 XG-47E5 cannon firing armor-piercing flechette (APF), high explosive anti-truck (HEAT), and high explosive (HE) rounds. Comanche's armor is resistant to next-generation flechette rounds likely under development by near-peer adversary states like California and Cascadia. Comanche is provided with a generous 1,200 horsepower motor which gives it a power to weight ratio of 19.4 hp/t, well in excess of requirements. Comanche is built to be upgraded, and can be augmented with a variety of improved armor, gun, engine, and fire control packages as needed.
 
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine- Carrolton AER V-12 diesel, 2,850 cu in, 1,200 hp, liquid cooled. (Comparable to MB MTU 873)
3.     Transmission - Hydromechanical power shift, reversing and steering fully and semiautomatic transmission with four forward and four reverse gears, mounted directly to the engine via integral torque converter. (Comparable to HSWL 354)
4.     Fuel - Diesel, 482 gallons in two tanks alongside driver in front, 145 gallons in two tanks below engine in rear; 683 miles range.
5.     Sand scrubbers, filters, cleaners, blowers, etc. Powerpack can be removed from rear with crane.
6.     Suspension - Independent externally dual-coil sprung single-wheel bogies, 7 per side, 14 inches wheel travel from neutral, 8 inches extension (22 inches total travel), 18.2 inches ground clearance.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Protection for Comanche is rated for 13 inches (3BM6+) throughout the +20/-20 degree frontal arc with very minimal weakspots (slits, etc) only. At any place on the tank 90 degrees to the side, it will repel the Mormon 6" HEAT weapon. Coincidentally, as a byproduct of a weight-saving and turret-balancing measure, the turret will also repel the 6" HEAT weapon from the rear. Roof is rated for plunging fire. Bottom armor is rated at 1.25" RHAe vs mines and blast. As qualified tankers are in short supply in the Lone Free State, great consideration was given to crew safety, and the ability for crew to swiftly evacuate a damaged tank if necessary. Ammunition is stored in a separate compartment in the turret, and if hit, two large blowoff panels will vent the pressure from that compartment before that pressure can damage the firewall to the crew compartment. Two large hatches are provided for the commander, gunner, and loader (the commander and gunner share a hatch), both of which are fully spring-assisted and easy to open. The driver is provided with a generous hatch which is heavily armored, and is also considerably spring assisted. It tilts, and then rotates away for easy egress. The driver can egress the vehicle with the turret in any position. The driver is also protected by two large tanks of diesel fuel with a capacity of 241 gallons each. These tanks cover the entirety of the driver to each side, giving him considerable additional protection.

Image of the XG-48E3 Comanche with the outer armor panels made transparent, showing the sophisticated NERA arrays.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon-
a.      XG-47E5 autofrettaged smoothbore load-assisted cannon with horizontally-sliding breech
b.     5in/24 L/45
c.      XG-147J 15:1 L:D Armor Piercing Flechette, 530mm+ RHA penetration at 2,000 yd, XG-147H High Explosive Anti-Truck, 
d.     40 rds (33 in turret bustle rack, 7 in ready rack)
e.      FCS - relevant systems, relevant sights for operating the weapon and so on.
f.      Neat features.
3.     Coaxial armament consists of 1x .30 caliber G-17A5T machine gun and 1x .50 caliber G-19A2T machine gun, which are slaved to the main gun. Independent armament consists of 1 additional G-17A5 and 1 additional G-19A2 machine gun, and 2 dual close-in .40 caliber G-346E1 machine guns. Ammunition stowage is 1,200 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition, 10,000 rounds of .30 caliber ammunition, and 6,000 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.
4.     Link to Appendix 3
B.    Optics:
1.     The gunner is provided with a fully stabilized 2.5-21x disturbed reticle main gunsight equipped with a laser range-finder and engageable night vision system. A simple lens with a stadia reticle is provided, which can be engaged if other systems fail. The reticle on the primary optic automatically adjusts for the selected ammunition type, and for expected wind drift and drop at range. No further sight adjustment is required once the gunner has lased the target, he simply puts the dot on the target and fires.
2.     Due to the advanced nature of the laser range-finding system, a backup optical range-finder system is provided mounted to the roof of the XG-47E3's turret. This system triangulates the distance from the target in a manner similar to human depth perception, but many times more precise. It is also fully stabilized.

C.    FCS:
1.     The commander is provided with a 360-degree vision cupola with eight all around periscopes which allow him to detect targets at any angle from the vehicle. These periscopes are also night-vision compatible. He is also provided with his Commander's Independent Gun Sight (CIGS) which is a 360-degree rotatable gun-sight that allows him to lase and engage targets at any distance. He is provided with the capability to automatically slave the rest of the turret to the target lased with the CIGSs, which gives the Comanche the ability to rapidly engage targets even in different locations requiring considerable rotation of the turret.
2.     Link to Appendix 3
Fightability:
1.     According to the "fightability philosophy", Comanche's fighting space was developed first, before any armor arrays were laid out or any turret weldment drawings created. Instead, the Ordnance Authority's 5in-24 gun, ammunition, ammo rack, and all the internal systems, controls, and all other things in the turret were mocked up out of cardboard, toilet paper tubes, and paper mache, and placed around a working test crew of G-12 drivers from Albuquerque. Special care was taken to listen to this crew and to incorporate this feedback into the layout and design of the tank. For instance, although Comanche is designed to operate normally with a loader, the loader's job is so reduced (at their request!) that it is entirely possible for the tank commander to perform all loading functions with minimal distraction and reduction in rate of fire. This is possible because all ammunition selection and ramming functions are automated, and because all of the loader's controls are placed within easy reach of both him and the commander. More details on this arrangement are given in Appendix 3. This arrangement was used to perform fightability experiments and once these were complete and conclusions about control and equipment placement were drawn, a cardboard shell was constructed around the compartment and fightability validation tests carried out. This resulted in an internal "shell" onto which outer armor arrays were built up.
 
Additional Features:
Automatic fire suppression system, individual wet ammunition storage, a water cooler, ramen boiler, it slices, it dices, it pulverizes! Other buzzwords!
 
Free expression zone: 
 
 
In loving memory of former Head Designer Juan Taylor:



He's not dead, he's just really unhappy.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

Persson Engineering Solutions and Brewing, Main Battle Tank, MBT-01, "Gigan"
FINAL





Table of basic statistics:
Parameter
Value
Mass, combat
82 tonnes/180779 lbs
Length, combat (transport)
Hull 26.25 ft. Total 37.15 ft (to gun crown at 0°)
Width, combat (transport)
13.091 ft
Height, combat (transport)
Turret Roof 7.111 ft. Maximum permanent height 7.718 ft (to highest permanently fixed feature.) Total height 10.281 ft (to top removable feature)
Ground Pressure, zero penetration
1967 psf
Estimated Speed
40-43 mph
Estimated range
470 miles (38 mph on road)
Crew, number (roles)
3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Main armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5" L50 rifled gun. 42 rounds total (18 in autoloader, 24 in 4x6 hull storage bins)
Secondary armament, caliber (ammo count ready/stowed)
5 machine-guns, 4 being independently moved: 2X.50" HMG (1 coaxial, 1 for commander.) 3X.30" GPMG (1 on commander's periscope, 1 for gunner, 1 on the bustle for dismount troops.) 1000 rounds for each HMG, 2000 rounds for each GPMG
Vehicle designer’s notes: explain the thought process behind the design of the vehicle, ideas, and the development process from the designer’s point of view.
Vehicle feature list:
Mobility:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Engine: Turbo Diesel V12, 2904 cu in, similar to the old MB 873 found in the archives of the pre-happening world. Rated for 1500 to 1800 HP. Longitudinally mounted on the rear. Liquid cooled, heat exchangers located under the engine bay cover.
3.     Transmission: Double differential, 10 speeds (5 forward, 5 in reverse), neutral steering capable. Similar to the RENK HSWL 295TM found on the archives of the pre-happening world. Transversely mounted on the rear.
4.     Fuel: Diesel, or kerosene, jet-fuel or bio sourced analogue, or any high cetane number fuel given correct tuning and adequate lubrication properties. 680.50721 US and A imperial Gallons, in 4 internal tanks. Provision for extra fuel tanks inside the bottom double hull at the user's discretion (normally no installed.)
5.     Other neat features in the engine bay.
6.     Suspension: "Dumb" hydro-pneumatic suspension, suspension elements located on housing units bolted externally to the sides of the hulls and connected to the suspension arms via a gearing system, this is done in order to reduce the unsprung mass of the suspension as well as to reduce the size of the arms, keep the hydro-pneumatic elements further away from obstacles while still keeping replacement and field service easy. 14 sprung road wheels, 2 idler/track tensioner wheels on the front, 2 driving sprockets on the rear, 14 return rollers.
Survivability:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Link to Appendix 2 - armor array details.
3.     Non-specified survivability:
                  a. The rear hull ammo stowage units are located in water tanks, containing 56.5 gallons of water each, those can double as energy replenishment for the heat exchanger of the engine, or for emergency drinking water for the crew.
                  b. The backup shared optical range finder allows for the commander to fire the gun in case the gunner is unable to do so
                  c. Turret features a large cargo rack that allows for more than enough capacity for pioneering equipment, camping equipment, crew belonging, extra equipment like smoke grenade launchers, add-on/ad-hoc spaced armor, spare parts, or a place for dismounted troops to do things.
                  d. Tank is equipped with two long range radios and two large antennas, guaranteeing redundancy and simultaneous communication with other tanks and a base for example.
                  e. The crew compartment in the turret is set up as low as possible in the hull, with the commander and gunner siting in a semi-reclined position.
                  f. Turret crew compartment is separated on the middle by the gun compartment, with armored bulkheads on both side, with a interconnected part on the front of the compartment. This allows for redundancy of the crew and the change that a side penetration will not kill/incapacitate the whole turret crew.
                  g. The diver is surrounded by large fuel tanks on both sides, adding an extra layer of protection.
                  h. The turret is a combination of the "cleft" and "wedge" concepts, it offer a very low silhouette in normal conditions and the angled roof further reduces the silhouette in a hull down position with the front raised. Due to the aforementioned separated gun compartment a dead-on penetration of the mantle, while obviously a mission-kill event, will probably not affect the crew.
                  I. The turret can be rotated electrically or manually by all 3 crew members. This is to extend the fighting endurance in case of the loss of crew and systems, and to allow the possibility of the driver to escape from his main hatch.
Firepower:
A.    Weapons:
1.     Link to Appendix 1 - RFP spreadsheet, colored to reflect achieved performance.
2.     Main Weapon: 1X Modified Co-Developed G46 gun
a.      Type: Rifled, L51 automatic loading.
b.      Caliber: 5"x33" Texan (127x840mm), unitary, steel non combustible case. Provision for future semi combustible unitary cases.
c.      ammunition types and performance: APDS (24" of RHA penetration at muzzle), HE (175.45 oz of composition B explosive), HEAT (15.75" of RHA penetration), experimental APFSDS.
 

Above, ballistic data for the APDS round.

Above: Detail of the APDS, it's a capped DU penetrator with a ballistic cap and wobble cap (also DU), in an aluminum sabot.

Above: Penetration data for the APDS

Above: Detail of the HEAT, high pressure.

Above, detail of the HE munition.
 
d.     Ammo stowage arrangement: 42 rounds total. Primary/ready stowage, 18 rounds in belt type auto-loader on bustle, selectable ammo and capable of changing/unloading rounds, capable of being internally re-stocked from both the commander and gunner postions. Secondary stowage, 24 rounds in 4X6 sealed bins, two in front and to the sides of the turret basket inside the fuel tanks, two on the sides and rear of the turret basket inside water tanks. Primary stowage has blow-off panels on the roof and blast door separation it from the crew compartment. Secondary stowage is in individualized sealed bins surrounded by fluid.
e.      FCS: Primary FCS: Ballistic computer connected to active 2 axis stabilizer, laser range finder, day gunner sight and IR gunner sight, automatically adjust elevation and point of impact after a range measure is "locked". Secondary FCS: Gun Slaved to backup optical range finder
f.      Neat features: Muzzle Brake, provision for extra coaxial MG, or optic sight, insulation thermal sleeve, growth potential.
3.     Secondary weapon: 3x GPMG, .30 caliber, one on the gunner's cupola track, one in a the rear bustle for dismounted troops, one remote controlled on commander's periscope/panoramic sight. 2x HMG, .50 caliber, one coaxial on the main gun mantled, one on the commander's cupola track. Exact gun type and total number installed varies and is up to the user. This is more to exemplify the total installation points.
            a. Type: HMG DShk or M2 or similar. GPMG M240 or similar type.
            b. Caliber: HMG .50 BMG or similar. GPMG .308/7.62x51mm NATO or similar.
            c. AP, API, tracer, etc...
            d. Ammo is stored internally from a single stowage of 1000 rounds belt for the coaxial gun and 2000 rounds belt for the panoramic sight gun. Other guns are fed from externally mounted boxes/pouches contained belts of 100 to 200 rounds. Other boxes/pouches stored internally on the crew compartment on the turret next to the blast wall.
            e. Coaxial gun is slaved to the main gun and its FCS. Commander's periscope/panoramic-sight gun is remote controlled and stabilized on 2 axis. Other guns are manually controlled and non stabilized. Possible provisions for remote control weapon stations are possible in the future.
            f. Dismounted troops have access to their own gun on the bustle. Commander has two gun options, one allowing him to fire from a closed hatch. HMG coaxial offers better anti material capability than the usual .30 coaxial on most tanks. Has grow potential for more remote controlled weapon stations an extra coaxial if so desired.
4.     Link to Appendix 3 - Weapon system magic. This is where you explain how all the special tricks related to the armament that aren’t obviously available using 1960s tech work, and expand to your heart’s content on estimated performance and how these estimates were reached.
B.    Optics:
1.     Primary gunsight: Gunner has access to a daytime stabilized optic with a 0-10 magnification, a stabilized IR night sight with IR floodlight (located on top of the mantled) with a 0-10 magnification, a laser range finder and a back-up optical rangefinder located on the rear of the turret and shared with the commander. Commander has access to it's own panoramic sight/periscope with day time and IR modes, 0-8 magnification, and the shared backup range finder.
2.     Other optics: Gunner and Commander have access to an array of fixed periscopes on their hatches giving a 360° field of view (not counting obstacles.) Driver has access to 3 periscopes giving a wide field of view.
C.    FCS:
1.     List of component systems, their purpose and the basic system architecture.
            a. Gunner primary sight, located on the left side of the turret rooftop, enters the crew compartment via a hole behind the armor modules. Daytime optic, connected to ballistic computer, laser range finder and backup optic rangefinder. Stabilized on 1 axis
            b. Gunner secondary sight, located on the same housing as "a", IR, same functions.
            c. Commander panoramic sight. Optic and IR combo on same rotating and extensible housing, on the same location as the gunner's sights, but on the right side. Not connected to the FCS per-se, but it's able to "lock" a direction and then command the turret to rotate to that position. Stabilized 2 axis
            d. Laser range finder and IR illumination unit, located above the mantle, parallel to the gun bore. IR and Visible laser receptors/emitters, 2 IR floodlight on the sides. Permanently fixed to mantle and passively stabilized vs the gun stabilization.
            e. Backup optical rangefinder. Mounted on the back of the crew compartment, above the blast door and extending to the sides of the turret, outside. Slaved to the gun and its stabilizer.
            f. Ballistic computer. Based on the electronics of the flight computer of the new crop of guided missiles. Provides adjustment and coordination of the above components, depending on vehicle speed, distance, ballistic behavior of ammo type, vehicle inclination, activelly tries to compensate or dampen vehicle movement, updates reticle for adequate POI and adjust gun and turret position for a "point and shoot". Can be manually overridden. Currently the R&D department is investigating the feasibility of accounting wind and thermal mirages.  Computer is located under the gun compartment in the front of the turret basket.
2.     Link to Appendix 3 - weapon system magic, if you have long explanations about the workings of the system.
Fightability:
1.   Very low profile, smaller target, less change of not only hitting the vehicle but also hitting a vital component.
2. Even lower profile in a hull-down, inclined position with basically no vital components exposed.
3. Great ride quality, guarantees crew comfort, less stress on sensible equipment, less work of the stabilizers and better control of the vehicle in rough terrain.
4. Hunter-Killer capability allows for more efficiency of the crew, better situational awareness and quicker reaction times.
5. Good crew survivability, guarantees the safety of investment in terms of money and money spent on training a professional crew as well as safeguarding the data they collected even in the case of a defeat.
6. Good offensive capability and flexibility when dealing with multiple unarmored targets.
7. Good serviceability/repairability on the shop or on the field. Even complex to repair or single-use systems can be replaced on the field as a "Plug and play" affair.
8. Great endurance in terms of crew livability and ammo/fuel/supplies. Guarantees longer top-performance period for the crew as well as increased survival changes in case of being removed from the logistical supply chain.
9. Multi fuel capability in a known and well understood engine format, features that facilitate logistics and possibly foraging.
10. While not a currently widespread threat, laser guided ATM are a possibility and the design team considered prudent to not just rely on passive defenses but take a more pro-active aproach and include a IR dazzle feature in the two IR flood lights.
11. The auto-loader design allows for the replenishment of the ammo supply from an external source without the need for the crew to leave the interior of the vehicle. While not ideal, and somewhat cumbersome it offers the possibility to do so while the crew remains in a near-ready condition.
Additional Features:
      1. As previously mentioned the modular nature of the composite armor modules allow not only for easier repairs and potentially avoiding the need to refurbish a whole macro component (turret and hull), but also allows to tailor the protection to the needs faced on the theater of operation. For example the arrays can be changed from light NERA to heavy NERA, a combination of both, or a combination with ERA. This also means that long range transport can be facilitated as the tank can be broken down into the tank proper and some armor modules in case there is a weight limitation.
      2. The vehicle has growth potential as one of its mission goals. The modular armor, the multi-fuel system, the large caliber gun, etc. There have been some interesting researches into smooth bores and APFSDS, semi combustible cases, higher operating pressures and exotic materials, and while the design team felt those new technologies aren't mature enough to be incorporated into the current entry, nothing stops the user to request a upgrade of the weapon's system's in the future, without major changes to the rest of the vehicle. The same goes for the
Free expression zone:
This project is dedicated to one of our best engineers that passed away recently due to "circumstances".

 
The project is also dedicated to our chief engineers Dr. Eneas

 
PS: If necessary the blueprints for the vehicle or any component can be provided to the competition judges.

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

MUH NERA

 
Birgus, (or Lynx, don't know yet the name) the Fulda Gap fever dream:
 

It's rarely pointed out because it is an absolute load of bullshit, and most self respecting people have enough of a brain to not embarrass themselves in public by making such inherently absurd claims. Clearly you either have no brain or no sense of self worth if you are willing to put your name behind such an incredibly stupid line of thought.

Let us take, as a starting date, the year 1943, as that is nicely mid-war.
At that point in the war, the Western Allies were largely engaged in the Tunisian campaign, where other than defensive actions the entire battle of the Mareth line was decided via tactical maneuver, outflanking the defenses and thus rendering the line untenable and forcing an Axis retreat.

The final battle of Tunis, in May, featured a classic tactical breakthrough on a narrow front followed by exploitation by armored and infantry forces. Following the taking of the city, roughly 240,000 Axis troops, who had been defeated by maneuver, surrendered to the Allied forces there. They had been quite firmly defeated by being outmaneuvered, cut off, rendered irrelevant to the Allies achieving their objectives, and left with the choice of either dying pointlessly or surrendering. In fact, more surrendered than were killed fighting.
 


Following the Allied victory in North Africa, the invasion of Sicily was a 6 week affair, in which the Allies continuously advanced and took critical key objectives, forcing the Axis forces there to retire or be cut off, you know, as one does in maneuver warfare. Many times tougher than expected resistance was met, and rather than turn the battles into a slogfest, effort was shifted to where it could give the best results, and the results speak for themselves. The Axis were systematically and quickly evicted from the island.


In Italy, the landscape precluded maneuver warfare to an extent, but even there, after concentrated attacks on defensive positions (which did also feature maneuver on the allied side, but on a generally smaller scale) what happened? yep, exploitation maneuver by infantry and armored units forcing the enemy to retreat or surrender. One would notice that despite being on the offensive throughout all these campaigns, the Allies suffered lower casualties on the whole than the Axis did. How did they achieve such low losses? By utilizing their combat abilities better than the Axis did, and by exploiting successes to force axis retreats and surrenders at all levels.
By mid 1944, Italy had surrendered and was in allied hands, and it wasn't a result of sitting around with thumbs in uncomfortable places.


What else happened in mid '44? The largest amphibious invasion of history. And how was this invasion used to further the Allied goal of cleansing the Continent of the Nazi menace? Though maneuver warfare, primarily. The whole reason we hear so much about the Bocage and the attempts to break out of it was that the Allies didn't  want to fight that kind of fight at all. Yes, they were better at it than the Nazis were, and yes their armored vehicles were better for such close range fighting as many big cat apologists like to point out to cover for the really sad showing the Nazi metal boxes gave in Normandy, but as far as the Allies were concerned it was a bad way of conducting war. And what happened when they broke out of the Bocage? again, again, maneuver warfare. The Falaise pocket was a result of highly effective maneuver warfare, and decisively kicked the ass of the Nazis at what they considered their own game. Even the Nazi troops who escaped the pocket did so without their heavy equipment, which was irreplaceable as Nazi production was entirely incapable of keeping up with war losses.


The following high speed chase to the German border was, again, brought about by maneuver warfare of the highest order, capturing several more Nazi units in various pockets, such as the Mons pocket and the Colmar pocket.


In addition to the maneuver battles, there were also some battles, such as Hurtgen, which were not battles of maneuver, but those were A. not as common, B. not preferred, and C. Occasionally unavoidable, as previously discussed. They were, however, followed by an exploitation, as a rule, where at this point in the war the main limits on the Allies rate of advance wasn't the German resistance, as much as it was the logistical hurdles of supplying fast armies across a country where most of the transportation infrastructure had been wrecked.

Following the Nazi winter offensive, which failed to achieve any of its primary goals, the Allies proceeded to, you guessed it, maneuver their way into the low countries and the Rhine. Including taking cutting off pockets of Axis troops at many locations.

 
To conclude, the idea that the Western Allies didn't use tactical maneuver as a tool is not only wrong, it is farcical, and paints you, personally, the person bringing this up as an idea, as an absolute idiot without a shred of common sense nor the brainpower to think before you open your mouth.
 
 

The hilarious thing here is that the Cletrac controlled differential on the Sherman, or the Merrit-Brown gearbox on what really is a wide range of British tanks, were hands down superior to what the Nazis were using in the vast majority of armored vehicles (Pz 3 and 4 and variants) they produced. And they had the reliability to go halfway across the continent on their own power, not break down after a measly few hundred km and need rail transport for any real movement.
Likewise, your other point is wrong on not one but two counts.
The first is that the idea of cruiser tanks and infantry tanks was confined to the British, not all or even most of the Western Allies.
The second is that by the mid war even the British were mostly out of that line of thinking, what with them operating very large numbers of American medium tanks (M3s and M4s in various variants) and effectively abandoning the development of infantry tanks in favor of ever better protected and armed cruiser tanks - with the introduction of the Cromwell, they had a tank which was a medium in all but name, with sufficient armor and firepower to go up against the common Nazi vehicles and win, while also being much more mobile.
 
dividing up the weight of the vehicle by adding roadwheel stations reduces MMP at the cost of more weight, which is an issue all Nazi vehicles suffered from extensively. As for taking bumps, the greater unsprung mass resulting from having more mass of wheels is a net detriment, and beyond 4 or so roadwheel stations per side there's damn near no extra ride smoothness to be achieved by adding roadwheel stations, the springs, whether torsion or something else, do that work.
Also, as has been previously noted in this thread, words have meanings and you are misusing them.
 
Faster off road speeds which never seemed to materialize owing to drivetrain unreliability, maneuverability which was forbidden in the manuals for fear of breaking the transmission, a general failure to use these theoretical abilities to do anything much, a repeated set of losses to allied maneuver operations, losing more vehicles than they could afford despite being on the defensive, all the way back to the Rhine. AKA, a piss poor combat record.
 
There are several good reasons to believe the solution was not the best, for example the entire rest of the world examining it and deciding it wasn't a good idea. The French even went the extra step of building a few of them, before discarding the idea into the dustbin of history, where it rightly belongs.
Everyone else was clearly capable of making tanks which weren't absurdly heavy for their combat ability and which could actually get to the battlefields and do their jobs. The extreme weight of the big cats is a detriment, not a positive. Also, by dint of not being excessively heavy, most Allied tanks had a much better power to weight ratio and could go faster, in addition to being much more reliable.
As did literally everyone else, yes. Shitty German steel would be a reasonable excuse for accepting reduced performance, not for creating horrible monsters which were entirely unsuited for fighting the war they were in the middle of. That anyone can make excuses for a """medium tank""" with the size and weight of a heavy but none of the performance thereof is absurd.
 
Usually, when one is guessing blindly, one shouldn't brag about being an absolute idiot who doesn't know what he's talking about, and listen to those who do.
This statement is entirely false. The overlapping wheels offer reduced ground pressure, at the cost of a whole host of other deficiencies, which are the reason nobody uses them any more.
 
Various napkin drawings of for the most part imaginary tanks do not imply they would ever have seen production. Especially not when such a change would require refitting entire factories to produce tanks which are only slightly different to ones already in production, and the need for said vehicles is acute.
 
In general, the square cube law favors larger tanks, but that doesn't apply when your tanks are made needlessly huge and heavy for no good reason. The overlapped suspensions, especially that of the Panther, came at a net weight penalty compared to other simpler suspension types, which means they come at a detriment to payload capacity, not an improvement.
 
lol. None of the operational analysis we have from WW2 supports this claim of yours. This is just pure fantasy on your part, which appears to be aimed at convincing yourself the Nazi tanks were superior... for some reason? One does wonder why you'd have such a fanatical devotion to the creations of the regime whose sole truly groundbreaking invention was the industrialization of mass murder.
 
you really have no clue how torsion bars work, do you?
Here's a hint: double length torsion bars and overlapping roadwheels are entirely independent design choices. Both of them are bad choices.
 
The 8.8 was quite a good gun as ww2 tank guns go, 100mm vertical is approximately equivalent to the armor of most medium tanks of the time, nothing to write home about when your tank weighs twice as much as a medium and that's all you get for your troubles.
Freezing mud and the like led to many big cats being flat out abandoned and not seeing combat, which means the combat effectiveness of those vehicles was a net negative. Again, hardly anything worth white knighting over.

The Allies, I would remind you, won the war. And they did so, on the whole, with lower casualties than the Axis suffered (in the West at least), and the general consensus among all of them was that there was very little to be learned from the Nazis about tanks. Before you go crying "victors", remember that the Allies were not above Operation Paperclip'ing any and all scientists they thought would be useful, and the Nazi tank designers didn't make the cut. The Allies didn't think they were worth stealing.
 
With overlapping wheels, you either get horrible track torsion loads or the maintenance nightmare of interleaving wheels. The only alternative is this:

The above also applies, in general, to the entire Nazi war effort.
For a Panther aficionado, you are extremely poorly informed about it. All Panthers had that 4 row interleaved roadwheel setup, with the outer wheels and inner wheels on opposing swing arms. While this layout is slightly better than that of the Tiger, it still requires the removal of an awful lot of roadwheels to get to any inner one, and still allows freezing mud to immobilize the vehicle.
 
 
wrong again. Even today, interleaved roadwheels would help reduce ground pressure, which for MBTs is reaching rather extreme values. But unlike then, nowadays everyone has the good sense to not mess around with unworkable ideas like that. Single torsion bars with dampers and bump stops gave a very good accounting for themselves in WW2, so your second point is also wrong.
 
Or, in other words: The Nazis correctly identified that vertical travel is important for high cross country speed, but instead of being sensible about how much vertical travel they needed they went with a value far in excess of what was actually useful at the time, and paid a horrendous price in design terms in order to achieve it.
There is a reason that even the postwar fast MBTs didn't have a vertical travel as large as that of the Panther, which was only done on the later NATO box tanks with much more powerful engines - below that point, it's just not very relevant.
 
Improvising by creating the most overcomplicated and resource intensive solution is not a very sensible answer when your problem is lack of resources.

Funny how even with very heavy tanks being used nowadays, many of which exceed 60 tons by a wide margin and have since they were designed, and in a wide range of extremely heavy engineering equipment, not only does nobody use overlapped or interleaved wheels, but literally nobody is even considering it as an option. perhaps, just perhaps, it is because the whole world knows it is a terrible idea?
 
Fortunately, this forum has an abundance of mechanical engineers, at least some of whom have experience with automotive systems.
Perhaps you should cease being so aggressively wrong when you yourself admit you have no clue what you're talking about.
 
If you made any, sure. For a start, you must first read the relevant literature, because as of now your arguments from ignorance only serve to accentuate your stupidity.
 
The T30 heavy tank features the CD-850 crossdrive transmission, which is a triple differential unit capable of both pivot turns and neutral turns. It also features a fuckoff huge torque converter, which allows a much easier driving experience as one only needs 2 gears forwards and one reverse to cover the entire range, and is in fact still in service today on a variety of vehicles. Which is more than I can say for any Nazi WW2 equipment.
I would like my million bucks, along with a punitive extra 1 mil for you shifting the goalposts from suspensions to transmissions yet still being horribly wrong.
and yes longer vehicles are harder to steer, but the magic number for tread-to-length is 1.5-1.8, and all Allied tanks of the late war period were perfectly fine in that regard. As Beer rightly notes.
 
You've gone straight into denialism. Tell me, do you also not believe the Allied reports on what they found in certain camps in Poland?
Regardless of what you choose or do not choose to believe, the Allies pretty much plowed through the Nazis in Europe, with the Nazis not achieving any great successes for all the divisions of brand spanking new tanks they threw into the grinder.

In conclusion, you are a total idiot blindly "defending" the products of a tyrannical regime despite lacking some very basic knowledge on the subject in general and of your specific favorites in particular. I diagnose you with a extremely bad case of Dunning-Kruger, the only known cure to which is this:



Your SNR is a net negative and the only reason you haven't yet been kicked off the forum for being a waste of electrons is that some people here still find your brand of idiocy amusing.

Why can't you wehraboos fucks simp for actually decent G*rm stuff like the FW-190 and the FG-42? Instead you always put the hot trash in the pedestal instead as if you drinking ze-propaganda-b koolaid laced with pervitin about the wunderwaffe.