Difference between revisions of "L21 heavy armoured vehicle series"

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{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:85%; line-height:1.5; "
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MBT - Main battle tank
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|- style="background:#f0f0f0; text-align:center; width=250px;"
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AEV - Armoured engineering vehicle
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| align=center colspan=2 |http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/kiribati--53.jpg
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ABLV - Armoured bridge-laying vehicle
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|-style="background:#f0f0f0;"
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ARV - Armoured recovery vehicle
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| align=center colspan=2 | '''Profile (n/a)'''
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CT - Command tank
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|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
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| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff;" |
 +
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:140%;"
 +
! colspan=2 | L21 HAV series
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddb;" | Design details
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right"| '''Constructor'''
 +
|[[Isselmere Motor Works]]
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right"| '''Design No.'''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddb;" | General characteristics ( L21BT Kodiak)
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right"| '''Crew'''
 +
| 4 ''[[#Characteristics|(See below)]]''
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Length'''
 +
| 11.52m
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Width'''
 +
| 3.76m
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Height'''
 +
| 3m
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Weight '''
 +
| 72.4t
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddb;" |Armour and armament
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''[[Wikipedia:Vehicle_armour|Armour (RHAe)]]'''
 +
|1160mm (KE), 2430mm (CE)
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Main armament'''
 +
| 140mm L52
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Secondary armament'''
 +
| 7.62mm coax.<br>7.62mm OWS (loader)<br>12.7mm OWS (commander)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddb;" | Mobility
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Powerplant'''
 +
|1250kW [[Isselmere Motor Works|IMW]] LMM-52T MFE 4-stroke V12
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Suspension'''
 +
| Hydropneumatic-torsion bar
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Road speed'''
 +
| 72 km/h
 +
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;"
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Power/weight'''
 +
| 17.86 kW/t
 +
|-
 +
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right;"|'''Range'''
 +
| 525 km
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddb;" | Operators
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 style="vertical-align:top; text-align:center;"|[[Russkya]], [[Isselmere-Nieland|UKIN]]
 +
|}
  
−
The L21 heavy armoured vehicle family comprises all the vehicles your armoured forces require to conduct rapid, powerful blows against your enemies.  The L21 ''Kodiak'' main battle and command tanks (MBT and CT) are fast, well-armoured vehicles able to volley an extensive range of munitions at your enemies with their smoothbore 140mm, 52 calibre guns.  The L21B ''Buffalo'' armoured bridge-laying vehicle (ABLV) carries three ten-metre (actually 10.2m) bridging segments into the battle area for your tanks to ford across the small rivers and other treacherous terrain.  The L21E ''Elephant'' armoured engineering vehicle (AEV) possesses the tools needed to clear and prepare the way for your armoured forces and artillery batteries.  The L21R ''Auroch'' armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) can recover and repair vehicles in the field, using its crane to replace engine blocks or even to perform limited turret maintenance.  Whatever your requirements might be, this five member family is up to the task.
+
The '''L21''' series of heavy armoured vehicles is manufactured by [[Isselmere Motor Works]] of Thistlemoor, [[Isselmere (Region)|Isselmere]].  Comprising a range of multi-fuel-electric powered automobiles from the '''L21BT Kodiak''' main battle tank and '''L21CT''' command tank (MBT and CT) armed with a 140mm, 52 calibre guns; the '''L21BV Buffalo''' armoured bridge-laying vehicle (AVLB) with three ten-metre (actually 10.2m) bridging segments; the '''L21CE Elephant''' armoured engineering vehicle (AEV) possessing engineering equipment to clear obstacles; the '''L21AR Auroch''' armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) can recover and repair vehicles in the field; and, a number of self-propelled artillery pieces, such as the '''L27 Obelisk''' 155mm '''self-propelled howitzer''' (SPH).
  
−
The L21 ''Kodiak'' MBT and CT are the products of many years of battlefield research.  Survivability and operability were considered foremost in its design.  Like the Israeli ''Merkava'' MBT, the engine was placed in front behind heavy armour to protect the tank crews from enemy fire.  Placing the engine at the front also enabled the designers to place a large, long-barrelled gun on the ''Kodiak'' without greatly lengthening the overall length of the vehicle, thereby facilitating the storage of L21s on amphibious assault ships.  The composite armour of the L21 family makes the best possible use of information stemming from research at the Royal Shipyards in low-weight armours.  Layers of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, and laminates protect the vehicle from kinetic energy (such as armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS)) and chemical energy (high explosive anti-tank) munitions.  Additional layers of lightweight titanium alloys protect the turret, hull front, and underside (engine block, driver, ammunition), greatly increasing the survivability of the vehicles.  Ballistic nylon fabrics provide spall protection for the crew, minimising the damage from those hits the enemy is able to land.
+
==Optronics==
−
 
+
===''Arachne'' sensor blocks===
−
Survivability doesn’t end with armour, however.  Six armoured optronic sensor blocks (OSB) provide the commander and crew 360-degree visual information about their vehicle’s immediate surroundings day or night in many weather conditions obtained by high resolution low-light television (LLTV) and imaging infra-red (IIR) arrays.  The OSB ports are cleverly engineered to provide undistorted images despite the thickness of the protective lenses covering the sensors.  The driver, gunner, and commander may access the OSB ports for single block or panoramic viewing and may highlight potential threats, targets, or other items of interest for the others to examine.  Such information may be entered into the targeting system by the gunner or commander for immediate prosecution.
+
Six armoured optronic sensor blocks (OSB) provide the commander and crew 360-degree visual information about their vehicle’s immediate surroundings day or night in many weather conditions obtained by high resolution low-light television (LLTV) and imaging infra-red (IIR) arrays.  The OSB ports are engineered to provide undistorted images despite the thickness of the protective lenses covering the sensors.  The driver, gunner, and commander may access the OSB ports for single block or panoramic viewing and may highlight potential threats, targets, or other items of interest for the others to examine.  Such information may be entered into the targeting system by the gunner or commander for immediate prosecution.
  
 +
===Tank commander's independent sight===
 
The commander has his own systems to provide him operational awareness.  His station is equipped with its own four OSB ports, in addition to the optronic scope on the commander's machine gun.  The 1.5-6 power machine gun scope permits high resolution video, low-light, or passive infra-red video feed to aim and fire the weapon remotely. In addition to those systems, the commander also may use the tank commander's independent sight (TCIS).  The TCIS is not a single system, but a host of optronic sensors from a panoramic IIR array to a laser rangefinder/illuminator.  The TCIS swivels throughout a 360-degree axis and may designate targets for the gunner to attack.  The commander may also switch control of the TCIS over to the gunner should the loader need to lock the gun to reload.
 
The commander has his own systems to provide him operational awareness.  His station is equipped with its own four OSB ports, in addition to the optronic scope on the commander's machine gun.  The 1.5-6 power machine gun scope permits high resolution video, low-light, or passive infra-red video feed to aim and fire the weapon remotely. In addition to those systems, the commander also may use the tank commander's independent sight (TCIS).  The TCIS is not a single system, but a host of optronic sensors from a panoramic IIR array to a laser rangefinder/illuminator.  The TCIS swivels throughout a 360-degree axis and may designate targets for the gunner to attack.  The commander may also switch control of the TCIS over to the gunner should the loader need to lock the gun to reload.
  
−
Targets and threats designated by the tanks various sensors and crew are noted and classified by the ''Hedgehog'' threat management system (TMS).  These objects as well as friendly forces are presented to the commander on a two-dimensional digital moving map display, the Tactical Awareness Display System (TADS).  The commander may forward commands to the driver and gunner through the TADS to the other crews' own displays.  Remarkable as the system already is, efforts are being made to improve it.  The scientists at Lyme and Martens Industries (LMI) are working on adapting the TADS to display a limited three-dimensional display generated by the combined operation of three or more ''Hedgehog'' systems communicating with each other via a secure tactical datalink.  LMI is also working on providing tank crews with helmet mounted sights to stream in threat and targeting information to them as swiftly as possible.
+
==Threat Management==
 +
Targets and threats designated by the tanks various sensors and crew are noted and classified by the '''Hedgehog''' threat management system (TMS).  Friends and foes are presented to the commander on a two-dimensional digital map display, the '''Tactical Awareness Display System''' (TADS).  The commander may forward commands to the driver and gunner through the TADS to the other crews' own displays.  Remarkable as the system already is, efforts are being made to improve it.  The scientists at [[Lyme and Martens Industries]] (LMI) are working on adapting the TADS to display a limited three-dimensional display generated by the combined operation of three or more ''Hedgehog'' systems communicating with each other via a secure tactical datalink.  LMI is also working on providing tank crews with helmet mounted sights to stream in threat and targeting information to them as swiftly as possible.
  
 
The microcomputers running the ''Hedgehog'' TMS also coordinate information streaming through from the L21's various threat sensors. Laser warning and radar warning receivers enable the L21 to detect threatening enemy helicopters and land vehicles and to respond to anti-tank missile launches by deploying countermeasures from its host of 70mm grenade launchers or for the L21 to launch a pre-emptive strike of its own. The L21 possesses sensors to detect hazardous NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) environments as well. While not nearly as extensive as those within a specialised NBC reconnaissance vehicle, the systems do provide L21 crews with the necessary knowledge of their immediate environment to stay safe. An overpressure air conditioning system, which also makes the insides of the L21 series much more comfortable than it otherwise might be, protects the crew against extended exposure to such environments while EMP resistant electronics minimise the loss of capability caused by such environs.
 
The microcomputers running the ''Hedgehog'' TMS also coordinate information streaming through from the L21's various threat sensors. Laser warning and radar warning receivers enable the L21 to detect threatening enemy helicopters and land vehicles and to respond to anti-tank missile launches by deploying countermeasures from its host of 70mm grenade launchers or for the L21 to launch a pre-emptive strike of its own. The L21 possesses sensors to detect hazardous NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) environments as well. While not nearly as extensive as those within a specialised NBC reconnaissance vehicle, the systems do provide L21 crews with the necessary knowledge of their immediate environment to stay safe. An overpressure air conditioning system, which also makes the insides of the L21 series much more comfortable than it otherwise might be, protects the crew against extended exposure to such environments while EMP resistant electronics minimise the loss of capability caused by such environs.
−
 
−
==Smoothbore 140mm, 52 calibre gun==
 
−
The gun is fed by a semi-automatic loading process from an eight-round, fire-proof armoured rotary magazine that permits the gunner to select the appropriate munitions to load into the breech. The 140mm L52 gun accepts a wide range of munitions, from anti-tank guided missiles such as the GWS.76L Kiwi as well as armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) loads and standard APHE (armour piercing high explosive), HEAT (high explosive anti-tank), HESH (high explosive squash head) munitions, and many others. The gun is fully stabilised and loading from the magazine simplifies firing while moving. The loader may temporarily lock the gun in place while the gunner and/or commander searches for targets with the TCIS. The gun will set to the gunner's target once the reloading process is completed. The semi-automatic loading process obviates the sometime troublesome (and occasionally dangerous) characteristics of autoloaders while speeding the loading process. The loading process is controlled by software run by a series of ruggedised microcomputers.
 
  
 
==Other sensors==
 
==Other sensors==
 
As noted above, the commander and gunner's sights are not the only sensors the L21 family of vehicles has. The driver is provided with low-light television and imaging infra-red sensors to make driving at night and in poor weather conditions much easier. The gunner is provided with similar tools to select and prosecute targets as well as a laser rangefinder that may be used to guide gun-launched ERGM or ATGW. The wealth of optronic information is collated and presented to the gunner via a high resolution LCD display. In later models, the gunner will have the information presented to him or her via a helmet mounted display.
 
As noted above, the commander and gunner's sights are not the only sensors the L21 family of vehicles has. The driver is provided with low-light television and imaging infra-red sensors to make driving at night and in poor weather conditions much easier. The gunner is provided with similar tools to select and prosecute targets as well as a laser rangefinder that may be used to guide gun-launched ERGM or ATGW. The wealth of optronic information is collated and presented to the gunner via a high resolution LCD display. In later models, the gunner will have the information presented to him or her via a helmet mounted display.
 +
 +
==''Kodiak'' tanks==
 +
The L21 Kodiak MBT and CT were designed with survivability and operability in mind.  Like the Israeli '''Merkava''' MBT, the engine was placed in front behind heavy armour to protect the tank crews from enemy fire.  Placing the engine at the front enabled the designers to place a large, long-barrelled gun on the ''Kodiak'' without greatly lengthening the overall length of the vehicle, thereby facilitating the storage of L21s on amphibious assault ships.  The composite armour of the L21 family was built with the assistance of engineers from the [[Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland]] experienced with low-weight armours.  Layers of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, and laminates protect the vehicle from kinetic energy (such as '''armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot''' (APFSDS)) and chemical energy ('''high explosive anti-tank''' (HEAT)) munitions.  Additional layers of lightweight titanium alloys protect the turret, hull front, and underside (engine block, driver, ammunition), greatly increasing the survivability of the vehicles.  Ballistic nylon fabrics provide spall protection for the crew.
 +
 +
===Smoothbore 140mm, 52 calibre gun===
 +
The gun is fed by a semi-automatic loading process from an eight-round, fire-proof armoured rotary magazine that permits the gunner to select the appropriate munitions to load into the breech. The 140mm L52 gun accepts a wide range of munitions, from anti-tank guided missiles such as the GWS.76L Kiwi as well as armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) loads and standard APHE (armour piercing high explosive), HEAT (high explosive anti-tank), HESH (high explosive squash head) munitions, and many others. The gun is fully stabilised and loading from the magazine simplifies firing while moving. The loader may temporarily lock the gun in place while the gunner and/or commander searches for targets with the TCIS. The gun will set to the gunner's target once the reloading process is completed. The semi-automatic loading process obviates the sometime troublesome (and occasionally dangerous) characteristics of autoloaders while speeding the loading process. The loading process is controlled by software run by a series of ruggedised microcomputers.
  
 
==Characteristics (''Kodiak'' MBT/MBT-C)==
 
==Characteristics (''Kodiak'' MBT/MBT-C)==
−
'''Crew:''' 4 (MBT and MBT-C: driver, gunner, loader, commander)
+
'''Crew:'''<br>
−
'''Dimensions:''' Length: 8.48m (hull only), 11.52m (gun forward); Width: 3.76m; Height: 2.54m (turret roof), 3m (overall); Ground clearance: 0.50m
+
MBT and CT: 4 (driver, gunner, loader, commander)<br>
−
'''Ground pressure:''' 0.9 kg/cm^2
+
ADV: 4 (driver, gunner, commander, radar operator)<br>
−
'''Power-to-weight ratio:''' 17.86 kW/t (24.35 hp/t)
+
AEV: 4 (driver, commander, 2 systems operators)<br>
−
'''Mass:''' 72,400 kg (combat loading)
+
ARV: 4 (driver, commander, 2 systems operators)<br>
−
'''Propulsion:''' 1250kW (1,705 shp) IMW LMM-52T multi-fuel-electric (MFE) four-stroke 12-cylinder 90-degree inline-V (i.e. liquid cooled)
+
AVLB: 2 (driver, commander)<br>
−
'''Transmission:''' 6-speed automatic, 1 reverse.
+
'''Dimensions:''' Length: 8.48m (hull only), 11.52m (gun forward); Width: 3.76m; Height: 2.54m (turret roof), 3m (overall); Ground clearance: 0.50m<br>
−
'''Reservoirs:''' Fuel: 2,048 litres; Oil: 172 litres; Coolant: 208 litres.
+
'''Ground pressure:''' 0.9 kg/cm<small><sup>2</sup></small><br>
−
'''Speed:''' Land: burst: 72 km/h (road); standard maximum: 65 km/h; cruise: 50 km/h; cross-country (maximum): 55 km/h.
+
'''Power-to-weight ratio:''' 17.86 kW/t (24.35 hp/t)<br>
−
'''Range (at cruise speed):''' 525 km.
+
'''Mass:''' 72400 kg (combat loading)<br>
−
'''Protection (values in RHA vs KE/CE):'''
+
'''Propulsion:''' 1250kW (1,705 shp) IMW LMM-52T multi-fuel-electric (MFE) four-stroke 12-cylinder 90-degree inline-V (i.e. liquid cooled)<br>
 +
'''Transmission:''' 6-speed automatic, 1 reverse.<br>
 +
'''Reservoirs:''' Fuel: 2048 litres; Oil: 172 litres; Coolant: 208 litres.<br>
 +
'''Speed:''' Land: burst: 72 km/h (road); standard maximum: 65 km/h; cruise: 50 km/h; cross-country (maximum): 55 km/h.<br>
 +
'''Range (at cruise speed):''' 525 km.<br>
 +
'''Protection (values in RHA vs KE/CE)'''<br>
 
Chobham-style composite of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, ballistic polymers (nylon, etc.), with Kevlar spall-lining, bottom with titanium alloy plating covering key components (driver, engine, turret, ammunition)
 
Chobham-style composite of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, ballistic polymers (nylon, etc.), with Kevlar spall-lining, bottom with titanium alloy plating covering key components (driver, engine, turret, ammunition)
−
Turret: 1080-1160 (KE)/2100-2430 (CE)
+
*Turret: 1080-1160 (KE)/2100-2430 (CE)
−
Turret top (with blow-out panels for stored ammunition): ''tbd''
+
*Turret top (with blow-out panels for stored ammunition): ''tbd''
−
Glacis: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
+
*Glacis: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
−
Lower front hull: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
+
*Lower front hull: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
−
Sides (w/o skirts, applique armour, etc.): 465 (KE)/570 (CE)
+
*Sides (w/o skirts, applique armour, etc.): 465 (KE)/570 (CE)
−
Rear: 465 (KE)/600 (CE)
+
*Rear: 465 (KE)/600 (CE)
−
Bottom: 320-440 (KE)/400-550 (CE)
+
*Bottom: 320-440 (KE)/400-550 (CE)
−
'''Restrictions:'''
+
'''Restrictions'''<br>
−
Obstacles: Trenches: 3m wide; Walls: 1m
+
Obstacles: Trenches: 3m wide; Walls: 1m<br>
−
Grades (combat equipped): Forward: 65%; Side Slope: 38%
+
Grades (combat equipped): Forward: 65%; Side Slope: 38%<br>
−
'''Weapons:'''
+
'''Weapons'''
−
MBT and CT: 140mm 52-calibre smoothbore conventional gun (48 shells/ERGM/ATGW, 8 in selectable ready-to-fire, armoured, fire-resistant magazine), 7.62mm coax. MG, 12.7mm commander's MG (remote-capable)
+
*MBT and CT: 140mm 52-calibre smoothbore conventional gun (48 shells/ERGM/ATGW, 8 in selectable ready-to-fire, armoured, fire-resistant magazine), 7.62mm coax. MG, 12.7mm commander's MG (remote-capable)
−
AEV: tbd
+
*ADV: 2 &times; 4-cell GWLS.85V Vulture SAM, 2 &times; 35mm VCA.42 autocannons
−
ARV: tbd
+
*AEV: 12.7mm commander's MG, 7.62mm hull MG
−
AVLB: tbd
+
*ARV: 12.7mm commander's MG, 7.62mm hull MG
−
'''Electronics:'''
+
*AVLB: 7.62mm hull MG
−
tbd
+
'''Electronics:''' tbd<br>
−
'''Countermeasures:'''
+
'''Countermeasures:''' 4 &times; 4 (turret) and 2 &times; 8 (hull) VLE.141 70mm grenade dispensers (smoke, fragmentation, other), rotating 4-cell VLE.200 70mm anti-missile grenade dispenser (on turret), VLQ.291 electromagnetic armour (electro-static discharge system)
−
4 x 4 (turret) and 2 x 8 (hull) GLE.141 70mm grenade dispensers (smoke, fragmentation, other), rotating 4-cell GLE.200 70mm anti-missile grenade dispenser (on turret), GLQ.291 electro-static discharge system (turret)
+
 
−
[b]Cost (Vehicle only):[/b]
+
−
MBT (L21): $6.2 million
+
−
MBT-C (L21C): $6.7 million
+
−
ADV (L21A):(in development; expected price: $7.2 million
+
−
AEV (L21E): $5.8 million
+
−
ARV (L21R): $5.8 million
+
−
AVLB (L21B): $5.8 million
+
  
−
[[Category:Isselmere-Nieland]]
 
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 +
{{Modern tanks}}
 +
{{Isselmere-Nieland Defence Industries}}
 +
{{Isselmere-Nieland}}

Latest revision as of 13:06, 13 August 2006

kiribati--53.jpg
Profile (n/a)
L21 HAV series
Design details
Constructor Isselmere Motor Works
Design No.
General characteristics ( L21BT Kodiak)
Crew 4 (See below)
Length 11.52m
Width 3.76m
Height 3m
Weight 72.4t
Armour and armament
Armour (RHAe) 1160mm (KE), 2430mm (CE)
Main armament 140mm L52
Secondary armament 7.62mm coax.
7.62mm OWS (loader)
12.7mm OWS (commander)
Mobility
Powerplant 1250kW IMW LMM-52T MFE 4-stroke V12
Suspension Hydropneumatic-torsion bar
Road speed 72 km/h
Power/weight 17.86 kW/t
Range 525 km
Operators
Russkya, UKIN

The L21 series of heavy armoured vehicles is manufactured by Isselmere Motor Works of Thistlemoor, Isselmere. Comprising a range of multi-fuel-electric powered automobiles from the L21BT Kodiak main battle tank and L21CT command tank (MBT and CT) armed with a 140mm, 52 calibre guns; the L21BV Buffalo armoured bridge-laying vehicle (AVLB) with three ten-metre (actually 10.2m) bridging segments; the L21CE Elephant armoured engineering vehicle (AEV) possessing engineering equipment to clear obstacles; the L21AR Auroch armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) can recover and repair vehicles in the field; and, a number of self-propelled artillery pieces, such as the L27 Obelisk 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH).

Optronics

Arachne sensor blocks

Six armoured optronic sensor blocks (OSB) provide the commander and crew 360-degree visual information about their vehicle’s immediate surroundings day or night in many weather conditions obtained by high resolution low-light television (LLTV) and imaging infra-red (IIR) arrays. The OSB ports are engineered to provide undistorted images despite the thickness of the protective lenses covering the sensors. The driver, gunner, and commander may access the OSB ports for single block or panoramic viewing and may highlight potential threats, targets, or other items of interest for the others to examine. Such information may be entered into the targeting system by the gunner or commander for immediate prosecution.

Tank commander's independent sight

The commander has his own systems to provide him operational awareness. His station is equipped with its own four OSB ports, in addition to the optronic scope on the commander's machine gun. The 1.5-6 power machine gun scope permits high resolution video, low-light, or passive infra-red video feed to aim and fire the weapon remotely. In addition to those systems, the commander also may use the tank commander's independent sight (TCIS). The TCIS is not a single system, but a host of optronic sensors from a panoramic IIR array to a laser rangefinder/illuminator. The TCIS swivels throughout a 360-degree axis and may designate targets for the gunner to attack. The commander may also switch control of the TCIS over to the gunner should the loader need to lock the gun to reload.

Threat Management

Targets and threats designated by the tanks various sensors and crew are noted and classified by the Hedgehog threat management system (TMS). Friends and foes are presented to the commander on a two-dimensional digital map display, the Tactical Awareness Display System (TADS). The commander may forward commands to the driver and gunner through the TADS to the other crews' own displays. Remarkable as the system already is, efforts are being made to improve it. The scientists at Lyme and Martens Industries (LMI) are working on adapting the TADS to display a limited three-dimensional display generated by the combined operation of three or more Hedgehog systems communicating with each other via a secure tactical datalink. LMI is also working on providing tank crews with helmet mounted sights to stream in threat and targeting information to them as swiftly as possible.

The microcomputers running the Hedgehog TMS also coordinate information streaming through from the L21's various threat sensors. Laser warning and radar warning receivers enable the L21 to detect threatening enemy helicopters and land vehicles and to respond to anti-tank missile launches by deploying countermeasures from its host of 70mm grenade launchers or for the L21 to launch a pre-emptive strike of its own. The L21 possesses sensors to detect hazardous NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) environments as well. While not nearly as extensive as those within a specialised NBC reconnaissance vehicle, the systems do provide L21 crews with the necessary knowledge of their immediate environment to stay safe. An overpressure air conditioning system, which also makes the insides of the L21 series much more comfortable than it otherwise might be, protects the crew against extended exposure to such environments while EMP resistant electronics minimise the loss of capability caused by such environs.

Other sensors

As noted above, the commander and gunner's sights are not the only sensors the L21 family of vehicles has. The driver is provided with low-light television and imaging infra-red sensors to make driving at night and in poor weather conditions much easier. The gunner is provided with similar tools to select and prosecute targets as well as a laser rangefinder that may be used to guide gun-launched ERGM or ATGW. The wealth of optronic information is collated and presented to the gunner via a high resolution LCD display. In later models, the gunner will have the information presented to him or her via a helmet mounted display.

Kodiak tanks

The L21 Kodiak MBT and CT were designed with survivability and operability in mind. Like the Israeli Merkava MBT, the engine was placed in front behind heavy armour to protect the tank crews from enemy fire. Placing the engine at the front enabled the designers to place a large, long-barrelled gun on the Kodiak without greatly lengthening the overall length of the vehicle, thereby facilitating the storage of L21s on amphibious assault ships. The composite armour of the L21 family was built with the assistance of engineers from the Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland experienced with low-weight armours. Layers of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, and laminates protect the vehicle from kinetic energy (such as armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS)) and chemical energy (high explosive anti-tank (HEAT)) munitions. Additional layers of lightweight titanium alloys protect the turret, hull front, and underside (engine block, driver, ammunition), greatly increasing the survivability of the vehicles. Ballistic nylon fabrics provide spall protection for the crew.

Smoothbore 140mm, 52 calibre gun

The gun is fed by a semi-automatic loading process from an eight-round, fire-proof armoured rotary magazine that permits the gunner to select the appropriate munitions to load into the breech. The 140mm L52 gun accepts a wide range of munitions, from anti-tank guided missiles such as the GWS.76L Kiwi as well as armour piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) loads and standard APHE (armour piercing high explosive), HEAT (high explosive anti-tank), HESH (high explosive squash head) munitions, and many others. The gun is fully stabilised and loading from the magazine simplifies firing while moving. The loader may temporarily lock the gun in place while the gunner and/or commander searches for targets with the TCIS. The gun will set to the gunner's target once the reloading process is completed. The semi-automatic loading process obviates the sometime troublesome (and occasionally dangerous) characteristics of autoloaders while speeding the loading process. The loading process is controlled by software run by a series of ruggedised microcomputers.

Characteristics (Kodiak MBT/MBT-C)

Crew:
MBT and CT: 4 (driver, gunner, loader, commander)
ADV: 4 (driver, gunner, commander, radar operator)
AEV: 4 (driver, commander, 2 systems operators)
ARV: 4 (driver, commander, 2 systems operators)
AVLB: 2 (driver, commander)
Dimensions: Length: 8.48m (hull only), 11.52m (gun forward); Width: 3.76m; Height: 2.54m (turret roof), 3m (overall); Ground clearance: 0.50m
Ground pressure: 0.9 kg/cm2
Power-to-weight ratio: 17.86 kW/t (24.35 hp/t)
Mass: 72400 kg (combat loading)
Propulsion: 1250kW (1,705 shp) IMW LMM-52T multi-fuel-electric (MFE) four-stroke 12-cylinder 90-degree inline-V (i.e. liquid cooled)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 1 reverse.
Reservoirs: Fuel: 2048 litres; Oil: 172 litres; Coolant: 208 litres.
Speed: Land: burst: 72 km/h (road); standard maximum: 65 km/h; cruise: 50 km/h; cross-country (maximum): 55 km/h.
Range (at cruise speed): 525 km.
Protection (values in RHA vs KE/CE)
Chobham-style composite of steel alloys, ballistic ceramics, ballistic polymers (nylon, etc.), with Kevlar spall-lining, bottom with titanium alloy plating covering key components (driver, engine, turret, ammunition)

  • Turret: 1080-1160 (KE)/2100-2430 (CE)
  • Turret top (with blow-out panels for stored ammunition): tbd
  • Glacis: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
  • Lower front hull: 770 (KE)/940 (CE)
  • Sides (w/o skirts, applique armour, etc.): 465 (KE)/570 (CE)
  • Rear: 465 (KE)/600 (CE)
  • Bottom: 320-440 (KE)/400-550 (CE)

Restrictions
Obstacles: Trenches: 3m wide; Walls: 1m
Grades (combat equipped): Forward: 65%; Side Slope: 38%
Weapons

  • MBT and CT: 140mm 52-calibre smoothbore conventional gun (48 shells/ERGM/ATGW, 8 in selectable ready-to-fire, armoured, fire-resistant magazine), 7.62mm coax. MG, 12.7mm commander's MG (remote-capable)
  • ADV: 2 × 4-cell GWLS.85V Vulture SAM, 2 × 35mm VCA.42 autocannons
  • AEV: 12.7mm commander's MG, 7.62mm hull MG
  • ARV: 12.7mm commander's MG, 7.62mm hull MG
  • AVLB: 7.62mm hull MG

Electronics: tbd
Countermeasures: 4 × 4 (turret) and 2 × 8 (hull) VLE.141 70mm grenade dispensers (smoke, fragmentation, other), rotating 4-cell VLE.200 70mm anti-missile grenade dispenser (on turret), VLQ.291 electromagnetic armour (electro-static discharge system)

Modern tanks
ARAY | Ashurbanipal | Caprelli | Carrion | Colonial Heavy Tank | Cougar | Dreyden | Galm | Grozynj | Guardian | Kodiak | Lion/Puma | Mekhev | Merkava VK | Phalanx | Sabre | Samson | Saracen | Scorpion MBT | T-1 Scorpion | T-2 Savage | T-3 Warrior | T-8 Sprite |T-10 | T-11 | T-12 | T-140 | TK-17 | Type 40 | Type 42 | Type 97 | Viper | W-IV | Z-34


Isselmere-Nieland Defence Industries
DAS | IMW | LMI | RINO | RSIN

Aircraft:
Angrboda | Cormorant | Gargantua | Garuda | Pantagruel | Scimitar | Sea Fury | Sparrow | Spectre | Swordfish | Tiger
Countermeasures and Decoys:
Flamingo
Ground Vehicles:
L15 LAV series | L21 HAV series | L25 Boar SPH | Lion | Mammoth OCV
Launchers:
GWLS.35 | GWLS.58 | GWLS.60
Missiles and Torpedoes:
Ahab | Barracuda | Erne | Hurricane | Loon | Mako | Pelican | Sailfish | Triton | Vidofnir
Small Arms and Crew-Served Weapons:
L117 | L118 | L119 | L120
Uncrewed Vehicles:
Albatross | Auk/Puffin | Canary | Clownfish | Cuttlefish | Dodo | Dolphin | Ferret | Horus | Hyena | Iguana | Jackal
Marmot | Mule | Parrot | Penguin | Pike | Porpoise | Rook | Seahorse | Squid | Tern | Thrush | Wyvern | Urchin
Vessels:
Bullfinch | City (2003) | City (2007) | County (2003) | Crocodile | Europa | Flower (2005) | Furtive | Grand Duchy | King Henry V | King Robert VI
Kingdom (2005) | Lethe | Lord | Marquess | Province (2003) | River (2003) | Royal Edmund | Síanach | Town (2007) | Union | Wallace
Other Equipment:
AOSAM | ISOMS | KERI foam | MITRE | MUSE | NAIADS | ODIN | SELKIE | SPINTOP


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Products: Isselmere-Nieland Defence Industries

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