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Finalized ST-47K1 ARAY Main Battle Tank

Introduction

The ST-47K1 ARAY Main Battle Tank serves as the primary main battle tank of the Army of the Armed Republic and will continue to do so well into the foreseeable future, phasing out the ST-37/39 series of tanks in domestic combat forces. As of yet, the design has remained enshrouded in secrecy with the government refusing to offer the vehicle for international export or viewing. In fact, all foreign-stationed elements of the Army are still authorized and, essentially forced, to still utilize the ST-39K7 main battle tank until the curtain of secrecy is lifted from the ST-47K1 Aray. Reasons for the intense secrecy devoted to the project were not disclosed and are not expected to be disclosed, although a potential explanation is protecting the design's technology. A certain explanation for the reason that the government is refusing to export any portion of the Aray development project is due to its current status as a Tier One project, meaning there is no upgraded variant or superior supplement available within the Army. Subsequently, with the introduction of the ST-47K1 Aray into active forces, the ST-39K7 has been degraded to Tier Two status allowing for limited export.

Rumored features of the vehicle include standard rear slat armor [visible], infrared suppressant paint + slits designed to give the vehicle a near-ambient thermal image [and, more specifically, to allow the tank's outer skin to rapidly match, or nearly match, the ambient surroundings and reduce the engagement range for an opposing tank], standard auxiliary power unit [rear of turret], optional advanced ERA and NxRA, advanced electronic countermeasures, active/passive defense systems, Commander's Remote Weapon Station [12.7mm HMG + 40mm Grenade Launcher; Independent Thermal Imager, Active/Passive Infrared Imager (Including 'Plug-In’ IR Search and Track w/ Main Fire Control System), Electro-Optical], Loader's 6.5mm LMG w/ Shield + Low-Light/Thermal Optics [Capable of being lowered to offer full RWS 360 degree rotation], Full Commander's Independent Imaging Suite [Fully Independent Thermal and Infrared Imaging + Electro-Optical + LIDAR/LADAR Array tie-in], Additional Armaments Interface [Allowing in-theater additions of ATGM pods, etc.], and several other features.

The ST-47K1 variant is likely fitted with a 120mm main gun, so far a standard in the Army of the Armed Republic.

Another variant of the tank is rumored to exist. The ST-47K2 Heavy Combat variant, designed specifically for field, armored warfare, offers several changes. Her coaxial is up-gunned to either a 20mm or 30mm weapon for engaging lighter targets on the battlefield [support, IFV/APC, etc.] as well as attack helicopters. The manual loader is scrapped and replaced with an autoloader. Armor would be upped including a full, and heavy, armor suite which would encompass a majority of the vehicle, including a heavy armor system going over the top of the turret. Standard ATGM pods [each side of turret, rear quarter] carry conventional ATGMs in addition to specifically designed systems able to exploit the ST-47K2's situational awareness and advanced data transmission/communications systems to attack from BTR [Beyond Traditional Range].

Unfortunately, as disclosed above, the vehicle is yet to be authorized for informational release or international sale.