Country of
Origin: United States
Notes: The US
Army began phasing out the M551 Sheridan in 1978; by 1990, only the 82nd
Airborne had fully combat-capable Sheridans (though a small number of Sheridans
are still in use for training VISMOD purposes), though the 82nd had already been
notified that their Sheridans were going to be phased out too, and by 1996, even
the 82nd Airborne had no Sheridans.
This left the 82nd Airborne and light infantry divisions with no support
vehicles that had any heavy firepower or even halfway-decent armor protection.
The Army started the High-Survivability Test Vehicle (Lightweight)
(HSTV-L) initiative in the early 1980s to find a vehicle to replace the
Sheridan, but ultimately the program came to naught.
This is despite the fact that several promising and excellent vehicles
resulted from HSTV-L. The HSTV-L
program had become a tug-of-war toy for the Pentagon, Congress, and the
President, as well as for budget-cutters and those who felt that the 82nd
Airborne needed no such vehicle. By
1996, the HSTV-L program had become a very low-priority program, and though it
is still funded at a low level (little more than enough to keep it alive), it is
acknowledged that no vehicle will result from the program.
AAI RDF/LT Round One –
the “LAV-75”
The AAI RDF/LT
(Rapid Deployment Forces Light Tank) was one of the earliest vehicles to result
from the HSTV-L program, with the first prototypes appearing in 1980. The first
version (called by the designers of
Twilight 2000 the “LAV-75,” though the vehicle had no actual military
designation) was based on a modified M113A3 APC chassis.
The greatest changes were to the suspension, engine, and drive train, as
well as having a lower profile and the modifications necessary for a
small-turreted vehicle. The hull of
the LAV-75 became unrecognizable as something based on the M113A3.
The LAV-75 has
armor of welded aluminum. Though
armor thickness was increased dramatically, it is still rather thin.
Because of this, the LAV-75 is able to take several add-on armor
packages, which would be added on later, and could be added quickly and easily
enough that it could be done by crews in a combat zone.
One of these packages is a set of simple appliqué aluminum plates for the
hull and turret roof, and a set of track skirts. (The turret is too small to
take appliqué armor, except on the roof.)
Another set is an appliqué armor kit similar to the first kit, but the
plates and side skirts are made of ceramic/aluminum sandwich armor; this armor
is actually lighter than the aluminum appliqué, but costs more.
A third method of added protection is a set of lugs for ERA for the
glacis, hull sides, and turret roof.
The ERA lugs can be attached to either one of the appliqué armor kits.
Though offering much better protection, the appliqué armor kits also add
a lot of weight, slowing the LAV-75 down.
The LAV-75 also cannot be airdropped with those plates in place.
The engine of
the LAV-75 is an Avro-Lycoming M650 gas-turbine with an output of 650 horsepower
and rapid acceleration. The
driver’s position used the steering wheel of the M113A3, with pivot steer levers
above and in front of the steering wheel.
Standard and parking brakes are provided, and the standard brakes and gas
pedal are standard pedals. The
power pack mounting is innovative; it is accessed from the rear, and can be slid
out on rails for service and maintenance.
Although the suspension is a modified version of the M113A3’s suspension,
the tracks are a modified form of those of the M551s.
The turret of
the LAV-75 is very low-profile, being less than a meter tall.
During development, a bustle rack was added at the rear of the turret for
crew equipment and any additional gear and ammunition.
The most remarkable part of the turret is the main armament – an ARES
75mm autocannon. This gun uses a
revolving breech to speed reloading as well as new case-telescoped ammunition
with a combustible case. Recoil is largely taken up by a recoil piston, and the
rest by a recoiling breech. The LAV-75 has a two-man crew; the commander doubles
as a gunner. The commander has a
hatch on the turret roof, with a pintle-mounted M240 machinegun on a
contra-rotating cupola. The ARES
autocannon has another M240 as a coaxial machinegun.
In an unusual twist, the driver can fire the coaxial machinegun in an
emergency, though he cannot fire the autocannon.
The commander’s sights are located in an armored head atop the turret,
and consist of an advanced FLIR imager, an image intensifier (primarily for day
use), and a standard telescopic coincidence sight as a backup.
A ballistic computer and a laser rangefinder are located in the turret,
with the laser firing from a coaxial position opposite the coaxial machinegun.
The commander/gunner can access these sights from the cupola if needed,
though he cannot aim or fire his machinegun from under armor.
In another unusual twist, the driver has his own sight head with a FLIR
and image intensifier; he can therefore assist the commander/gunner in finding
targets in a sort of hunter/killer setup.
The driver also has direct vision blocks for normal driving.
Both the driver and the commander/gunner can use direct binocular or
monocular sight interfaces to access the information from their sight heads, or
may view them on an LCD screen.
In 1982, AAI
tested a different, enlarged turret on the LAV-75, which I have called here the
LAV-75A1. The new turret is a
two-man turret, with a gunner and commander; it is not as low-profile as on the
LAV-75, but is still fairly small, with the gunner being more in the hull than
in the turret. The LAV-75A1 has a
separate sight head for the gunner, allowing for a true hunter/killer
capability; as a result, the driver has no ability to fire the coaxial
machinegun, and does not have the sight head of the LAV-75.
The commander and gunner use the same sight interfaces as on the LAV-75,
though the driver has a simple day/night vision block. The new turret is large
enough to allow the use of appliqué armor on the turret sides and rear (but not
on the front). The LAV-75A1 can
also take lugs for ERA on the turret sides and front. Other than the increased
weight of the new turret, the LAV-75A1 is basically the same as the LAV-75 in
detail.
At the same
time, AAI introduced another version of the LAV-75A1 – this one with a box on
either side of the turret. This
version was designed for antiaircraft use, and the boxes on either side of the
turret could hold four Stinger or three RBS-70 SAMs.
The SAM boxes can be elevated or depressed (both together) independent of
or in synch with the main gun and coaxial.
The sights for the main gun are also be used to fire the SAMs, and all
weapons can be fired together; in this case, the commander fires the SAMs and
the gunner fires the main gun and coaxial machinegun.
Due to the SAM boxes on the sides of the turret, this version cannot take
lugs for ERA on the turret sides, and appliqué armor has to be modified to
accommodate the mounts for the SAM launchers.
For game purposes, I have dubbed this version the LAV-75A2.
Another version,
which I have dubbed the LAV-75A1E1. It essentially the same vehicle as the
LAV-75A1, but uses only a two-man crew. Both crewmembers sit up front with all
around vision blocks with night channels. The driver is also sort of a vehicle
engineer; while the commander is also the gunner and an auxiliary vehicle
engineer; he can also drive the vehicle if necessary.
He aims and fires the gun through a downlinked panel.
The actual sensors are on the roof of the turret.
The idea is that the crew would prove less vulnerable due to both
crewmembers being in the low-profile hull, and the turret could also be lower
profile. A worry is that the
two-man crew would be simply overwhelmed by their tasks.
Round Two – The LAV-75A3
The 13.2-Ton
Rapid Deployment Forces Light Tank was designed primarily for export.
I have dubbed it the “LAV-75A3” here; it was designed with a different
gun, as the ARES 75mm autocannon was deemed too advanced at the time of
inception to be exported, and because many potential export customers were still
using the old 76mm high-velocity gun or had easy access to its ammunition.
The LAV-75A3 was developed in parallel with the LAV-75A1 and A2, with
production-level prototypes being available for export in 1982.
The LAV-75A3 is
for the most part identical to the LAV-75A1, but the 75mm ARES autocannon is
replaced with the 76mm M32 high-velocity gun, which was first used on M41 Walker
Bulldog light tank. This gun was
also used by the Dutch on their version of the M41, and they had developed an
APDSFS-T round for the gun to give it a chance against targets with heavier
armor. The LAV-75A3 remained
air-droppable and was also able to use the appliqué armor and ERA lugs of the
LAV-75A1 and A2. The gas turbine of
the first three members of the LAV-75 series is not used; instead, a rather
low-power 350-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an appropriate
transmission and smaller fuel tanks.
The GM 6V-53T engine used was almost identical to that of the M113A3.
This was primarily due to US government request; AAI would have preferred to
have put a more powerful engine in the LAV-75A3 and standard fuel tanks to make
it more attractive to export buyers.
As it was, they had none, and Venezuela was the only country to even test
the LAV-75A3.
The LAV-75A4 – A
Fictional Twilight 2000 Variant
Fast forward
about a decade. The US was looking
for a light tank to use as a support vehicle for the 82nd Airborne
division as well as a vehicle to supply to other allied countries in a sort of
Lend-Lease program – and they needed a vehicle that could be easily put into
production, quickly built, and with production farmed out to other companies a
la World War 2 production of weapons.
AAI stepped up to the plate again; as it was, they still had the
production equipment for the earlier LAV-75 variants in storage, and pulled them
out in short order and picked up production within 90 days.
Meanwhile, in
the intervening time, weapons technology marched on.
The new version of the LAV-75, dubbed “LAV-75A4” in its export version
and “M20 Ridgway” in US Army parlance, incorporated a number of new features.
The armor suite received an upgrade – most of the armor, except for the
rear of the vehicle and turret rear – used a new aluminum/ceramic sandwich armor
that is light in weight, yet stronger than the LAV-75s original armor.
The glacis used a new version of armor based upon the Chobham principle.
Side skirts are standard on the LAV-75A4, and the ammunition is contained
in explosion and fire-resistant armored bins, as are the fuel tanks.
The LAV-75A4 can use appliqué armor similar to that of the other LAV-75s;
however, the turret front is not large enough to take appliqué or ERA.
The small straight parts of the turret sides can take appliqué, but the
turret roof cannot.
The turret used
is a remote “casemate” turret, a modified form of that of the Stryker MGS.
This turret is armed with an M68A1E4 105mm main gun – a modified form of
the gun mounted on many earlier NATO tanks and the first generation of M1 Abrams
tanks. This version of the M68A1
uses a low-pressure firing principle, as well as a shorter 45-caliber gun, with
no muzzle brake. It has a fume
extractor and a muzzle reference system.
The main gun is fed by an autoloader, with a capacity of 20 rounds; the
rest is carried in the aforementioned armored bins. To the right is a coaxial
machinegun. On either side of the
main gun are a two clusters of four smoke grenade launchers.
The driver is in the usual place, but the gunner’s hatch is to the right
of the casemate turret. The
commander’s position is on a sponson on the left side of the casemate; while he
does not have a commander’s machinegun, he is able to fire the limited-traverse
coaxial machinegun, which is directly in front of him. The commander and gunner
have their own vision heads, allowing them to act in a hunter/killer
arrangement. The driver has
standard passive IR, with a TV camera at the rear to assist when backing up.
This led to an
increase in weight, and a more powerful engine was installed -- derived from an
engine used for a heavy tractor/bulldozer, and coupled to an appropriate
transmission. This engine is a Caterpillar D-11T DB multifuel engine; the
smaller size of the engine allowed larger fuel tanks to be installed.
These fuel tanks are self-sealing and use fire and explosion-dampening
technology, and the entire vehicle has fire detection and automatic fire
extinguishers.
The LAV-75A5 -- Another
Fictional Twilight 2000 Variant
When ARES
designed the XM274 75mm autocannon, it also designed a 90mm version of this gun.
Only two working versions were developed, and though they performed very
well (with far better penetration than the 75mm gun), a lack of onboard
ammunition as well as a much smaller elevation ability, as well as the size (the
resulting vehicle would be too big to airdrop from a C-130 or C-141), the Army
decided to forgo a LAV with the 90mm gun.
ARES worked up a version on paper that allowed for more ammunition, but
it was too big again for airdrop to work for the 82nd Airborne.
Now to the
fictional part. In 1990, increased production of the C-5A and the C-17 made
bringing bigger loads to a drop zone tenable, and the Airborne again began to
show interest in the LAV-75A5. (The name denoted its kinship with earlier
members of the RDF/LT family, and because there was already a LAV-90 in
service). Dubbing it the M27
MacArthur, the vehicles were sent primarily to Light Infantry Divisions, and
were also used by the US Marines.
Export customers included Taiwan, China (after the Twilight War started),
Thailand, Turkey, and Oman. The
90mm ARES M275 autocannon was capable of blasting out a rapid-fire stream of
heavy-caliber fire, and could penetrate even a T-62's or early T-64's frontal
armor, and virtually any tank from the side and rear.
Light armored vehicles, APCs and IFVs, and unarmored vehicles were
fodder. Fire from the 90mm gun could also bring down the wall of a four-storey
building in quick order, and three or four flechette rounds could decimate an
infantry formation. Unfortunately,
the LAV-75A5 did not fare well in fights with better-armored tanks, even with
its standard composite armor suite.
Unlike the
LAV-75, the LAV-75A5 was based on the M113A4 (MTVL) chassis instead of the
M113A3, up armored and partially fixing its own shortcomings in its earlier
iterations. It was widened and the
suspension beefed up. The extra length gave more room for a larger ammunition
carousel as well as reloads and special ammunition. The turret was also
enlarged, not only to make room for the larger autocannon, but to allow for a
small turret bustle to store more ammunition.
This unfortunately changes the configuration of the MacArthur, in total
makes it a bigger target; however, the turret could be more armored than earlier
LAV-75s. It barely slips out the
rear door of a C-5 or even a C-17; the long gun also takes up a lot of room
inside the bird, but some drop loads carried in addition to LAV-75A5 could be
put under the gun. This meant that
is saw only limited use by the 82nd Airborne. It did not use most of the
appliqué armor packages of the LAV-75 and LAV-75A4; due to the standard
composite armor suite of the LAV-75A4, not many appliqué armor types were
designed for the MacArthur. Though modifications were often made in the field,
the only standard appliqué package was a set of bolt-on aluminum plates bolted
on to pre-drilled holes.
Despite the
MacArthur's shortcomings, it acquitted itself well in the Twilight War, many
surviving to serve into the 2040s.
Experience in the
Twilight War
While the 82nd
Airborne and some of the light infantry divisions were partially equipped with
the original LAV-75 variants (they had a hodgepodge of armor), the LAV-75
variants were primarily supplied to China.
The Chinese were only too happy to have more armor, even light armor, and
the XVIII Airborne Corps was happy to have a guinea pig for the new, untried
vehicles.
By 1995, the
picture had become ugly; the ARES 75mm autocannon and the M32 75mm gun were
simply unable to penetrate most enemy frontal armor, and caused
less-than-expected damage when hitting enemy armor from the sides.
The LAV-75 series had proven to be mechanically reliable with maintenance
being quite easy, and the LAV-75 series was decently survivable, particularly if
used properly and equipped with appliqué armor packages.
The high speed of the LAV-75 series proved to be an important tactical
asset; they could practically run circles around enemy armor.
The problem was
those guns, and the 82nd Airborne, US light infantry divisions, and
the Chinese demanded a better gun.
This led to the LAV-75A4 version, using the 105mm low-pressure gun. These
vehicles, though still deficient in armor, served with distinction in the
Twilight War.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
LAV-75 |
$448,548 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.13 tons |
2 |
9 |
FLIR (D, C), Image Intensification (D,
C) |
Shielded |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué 1 |
$449,900 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.82 tons |
2 |
9 |
FLIR (D, C), Image Intensification (D,
C) |
Shielded |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué 2 |
$454,187 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.1 tons |
2 |
9 |
FLIR (D, C), Image Intensification (D,
C) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A1 |
$455,355 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.43 tons |
3 |
10 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A1 w/Appliqué 1 |
$457,045 |
D, A |
500 kg |
15.15 tons |
3 |
10 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A1 w/Appliqué 2 |
$461,234 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.41 tons |
3 |
10 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A2 |
$538,336 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.66 tons |
3 |
11 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A2 w/Appliqué 1 |
$540,404 |
D, A |
500 kg |
15.38 tons |
3 |
11 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A2 w/Appliqué 2 |
$544,593 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.64 tons |
3 |
11 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A3 |
$295,074 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.2 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A3 w/Appliqué 1 |
$296,765 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.92 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A3 w/Appliqué 2 |
$299,351 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.18 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A4 |
$388,323 |
D, A |
500 kg |
13.03 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A4 w/Appliqué 1 |
$390,014 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.16 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A4 w/Appliqué 2 |
$392,600 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.01 tons |
3 |
9 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75A5 |
$446,722 |
D, A |
500 kg |
15 tons |
3 |
12 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué |
$446,992 |
D, A |
500 kg |
15.97 tons |
3 |
12 |
FLIR (G, C), Image Intensification (G,
C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
LAV-75 |
159/111 |
40/28 |
409 |
264 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué 1 |
145/102 |
37/26 |
409 |
282 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF17 HS9
HR4 |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué 2 |
152/106 |
38/27 |
409 |
274 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF16Sp HS8Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A1 |
156/109 |
40/28 |
409 |
268 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
LAV-75A1 w/Appliqué 1 |
143/100 |
36/25 |
409 |
286 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF21
TS9 TR4
HF17 HS9
HR4 |
LAV-75A1 w/Appliqué 2 |
148/103 |
37/26 |
409 |
278 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF20Sp
TS8Sp TR4
HF16Sp HS8Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A2 |
153/106 |
38/27 |
409 |
274 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
LAV-75A2 w/Appliqué 1 |
142/99 |
36/25 |
409 |
296 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF21
TS9 TR4
HF17 HS9
HR4 |
LAV-75A2 w/Appliqué 2 |
143/100 |
36/25 |
409 |
296 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF20Sp
TS8Sp TR4
HF16Sp HS8Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A3 |
119/85 |
31/22 |
164 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF16
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
|
LAV-75A3 w/Appliqué 1 |
108/77 |
28/20 |
378 |
185 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF21
TS9 TR4
HF17 HS9
HR4 |
LAV-75A3 w/Appliqué 2 |
113/81 |
29/21 |
378 |
176 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF20Sp
TS8Sp TR4
HF16Sp HS8Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A4 |
183/128 |
46/32 |
409 |
187 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF10
TS6 TR4
HF15Cp HS6Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A4 w/Appliqué 1 |
168/118 |
42/29 |
409 |
204 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF10
TS8 TR4
HF20Cp HS11Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A4 w/Appliqué 2 |
170/119 |
43/30 |
409 |
202 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF10
TS8Sp TR4
HF19Cp HS10Sp
HR4 |
LAV-75A5 |
140/104 |
37/26 |
409 |
302 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF19Cp
TS12Cp TR7Sp
HF24Cp HS15Sp
HR6 |
LAV-75 w/Appliqué |
132/98 |
35/24 |
409 |
320 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF23Cp
TS17Cp TR7Sp
HF29Sp HS20Sp
HR6 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
LAV-75 |
+4 |
Good |
75mm ARES autocannon, M240D, M240D (C) |
60x75mm CTA, 2500x7.62mm |
LAV-75A1 |
+4 |
Good |
75mm ARES autocannon, M240D, M240D (C) |
70x75mm CTA, 3500x7.62mm |
LAV-75A2 |
+4 |
Good |
75mm ARES autocannon, M240D, M240D (C),
8xStinger launchers or 6xRBS-70 launchers |
60x75mm CTA, 2500x7.62mm, 8xStinger SAM
or 6xRBS-70 SAM |
LAV-75A3 |
+4 |
Good |
76mm M32 Gun, M240D, M240D (C) |
50x76mm, 2600x7.62mm |
LAV-75A4 |
+4 |
Good |
105mm M68A1E4 gun, M240D |
36x105mm, 3500x7.62mm |
LAV-74A5 |
+4 |
Good |
90mm ARES autocannon, M240D, M240D (C) |
50x90mm CTA, 5000x7.62mm |
*Turret roof AV for the
LAV-75, A1, A2, and A3 variants is 3.
With Appliqué 1 armor, the turret roof becomes 5, and the hull floor
becomes 4. With Appliqué 2, the
turret roof and hull roof become 4Sp and the hull floor is 4.
The LAV-75A4, due to the
nature of its casemated turret and more advanced armor, takes appliqué a bit
differently. Standard hull roof and
turret roof armor (what there is of it) is 3; standard floor armor is 5. With
Appliqué 1, the hull floor armor is 6Sp, but the turret roof armor cannot take
appliqué. With Appliqué 2, the hull
roof armor becomes 6Sp and the floor armor becomes 7Sp; again, the turret roof
cannot take this appliqué armor.
Origin: Germany
Notes: The
Begleitpanzer 57mm (Support Tank 57mm) is a light tank based on the Marder
chassis. It features a 57mm cannon
based on a Bofors naval gun and a TOW or HOT ATGM launcher.
The main gun is fed by an autoloader, and married to a comprehensive fire
control suite and night vision gear.
The main gun’s autoloader has four feed chutes that each hold 3 rounds,
allowing for quick changes in ammunition type fired.
Further rounds are carried in the hull.
The missile launcher is likewise loaded by an automatic loader, and there
is no need for the crew to expose itself outside the armor envelope.
The Begleitpanzer carries a small scout group of 3 troops; these troops
can also double as impromptu crew members (usually to replenish the main gun’s
magazine). The driver has a hatch
on the front left hull top. The
gunner and commander have hatches in the hull roof.
The three troops have a ramp in the rear of the vehicle, and there are
two firing ports in each side of the hull and one in the rear.
The Beglitpanser
57mm was never developed beyond advanced prototypes.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$412,580 |
D, A |
500 kg |
30 tons |
3+3 |
12 |
Image
Intensification, Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
167/117 |
39/27 |
650 |
248 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF22
TS14 TR11
HF27 HS12
HR8 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
57mm Bofors
Gun, TOW II or HOT Launcher, MG-3 |
148x57mm, 6x
TOW II or HOT ATGMs, 5000x7.62mm |
Origin: Russia
(Soviet Union)
Notes: Though a version of the BRDM like
this was the subject of speculation in the West, it does not seem to actually
exist.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This upgrade of the BRDM-2 was only a rumor until shortly before the
Twilight War, when a chance encounter by Saudi patrols of the border between
Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 1995 resulted in two of them being captured and two
destroyed by the LAV-600s the Saudis were using.
The BRDM--3 is basically a BRDM2 fitted with a larger turret housing a
30mm 2A42 autocannon and a PKT coaxial machinegun.
The combination of speed, small size, and good firepower that the BRDM-3
afforded proved to be a thorn in the side of Allied, Chinese, NATO forces, and a
few were even encountered in North Korea.
The basic layout is otherwise unchanged from the BRDM-2 model, though
there are improvements in stabilization and night vision equipment, as well as
the addition of a video camera with a radio uplink to higher headquarters.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$43,892 |
G, AvG, A |
600 kg |
7 tons |
2+2 |
2 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
152/60 |
38/15/4 |
290 |
81 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF5
TS4 TR3
HF6 HS3
HR2 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A42 Autocannon, PKT |
210x30mm, 2000x7.62mm |
Cadillac Gage LAV-350
Origin: United
States
Notes: I
personally don’t know where this vehicle came from; I can find no mention of it
on the Internet or any of my books.
It may have been an invention of GDW.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Unlike most Cadillac Gage armored cars, the LAV-350 was type standardized
in the US Army and Air Force as the M750.
It was primarily used for airfield security, to patrol perimeters of
large compounds in hostile areas.
The M750 is a variant of the company’s LAV-300 series; in this variant, the
vehicle has a small turret mounted on the front deck armed with two machineguns.
A heavier weapon is mounted on the rear deck behind a set of hatches.
There is a hatch on the sloping part of the front deck for the driver,
and another hatch on the turret deck.
The M750 has a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 9.07 tons, and
optionally, air conditioning.
The LAV-300 is
powered by a 270-horsepower Cummins VT-504 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled
to an automatic transmission. The
suspension is 6x6 and of an off-road type, with puncture-resistant tires (though
they are not run-flat). Ground clearance is decent and the floor armor is
strengthened as a measure against mines. Armor is of Cadillac Gage’s proprietary
Cadloy (a cadmium/stainless steel/aluminum alloy). The LAV-300 can have added
appliqué armor. The LAV-300CS uses
a sort of low observable technology, and has the equivalent of IR Suppression,
Stealth 0, and half the normal audio signature. The LAV-300 is amphibious after
turning on bilge pumps and erecting a trim vane (5 minutes), but speed is quite
slow. The driver’s position has three vision blocks to the front and one to each
side. The center front vision block
can be replaced with a night vision block.
The vehicle has one small side door on its left side and a rear exit
ramp. On each side of the turret are clusters of four smoke grenade launchers.
The turret has two hand fire extinguishers, and the driver has another inside
his compartment.
Standard
equipment sold with the LAV-300CS includes pioneer tools, basic/vehicle tools, a
19-liter water can, a 19-liter fuel can, a first aid kit, a slave cable, a tow
cable, and an engine-driven air compressor.
In the front hull is a winch with a 9-ton capacity and 46 meters of
cable. A snatch block is also
provided.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
LAV-350 |
$74,109 |
D, A |
968 kg |
10 tons |
4 |
6 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Enclosed |
w/Applique |
$75,110 |
D, A |
964 kg |
10.7 tons |
4 |
8 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
LAV-350 |
214/108 |
60/30/4 |
265 |
88 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF3
TS3 TR3
HF8 HS5
HR4* |
w/Applique |
203/102 |
57/29/4 |
265 |
88 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF4Sp
TS4 TR3
HF10Sp HS6Sp
HR4** |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
2xMAG, M2HB (R) |
2400x7.62mm, 525x.50 |
*Floor AV is 4.
**Roof AV is 3; Floor AV is
5Sp.
Cadillac Gage LAV-600
Origin: United States
Notes: The
LAV-600 was begun by Cadillac Gage as a private venture.
It was also known for a short time as the V-600 and was also known during
development as the LAV-300A1. The LAV-600 features better armor and vision
devices than the LAV-300 and LAV-300CS, as well as heavier armament, and has the
complete turret of a Stingray tank mounted on it.
This vehicle is also in the service of the Thai Army; it was tested in
Egypt, though the Egyptians eventually passed on the LAV-600. The LAV-600 was
also tested for use with the US Army as the Armored Gun System, but eventually a
variant of the Stryker was chosen instead. With no production customers,
marketing was discontinued in 2000.
The driver sits
on the front left, and at the rear of the hull are two large doors, each of
which has a firing port. The
LAV-600 has a very efficient Halon automatic fire suppression system and CARC
(Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) paint; chemical agents are only 50% likely to
stick to the LAV-600 (or any vehicle painted with CARC – CARC is the standard
paint for NATO vehicles), and radiological agents are only 60% likely to stick.
In addition to the automatic fire suppression system, there is a portable
fire extinguishing bottle in the driver’s compartment and one in the turret.
Run-flat tires are standard. The
armor is the standard Cadillac Gage Cadloy alloy; the shape of the hull is
similar to the LAV-300CS, but the LAV-600 has heavier armor. The suspension of
the LAV-600 can be lowered so that it is transportable in a C-130 Hercules
aircraft. The fire control system is that of the Stingray light tank, as is the
vision gear. On each side of the turret are eight smoke grenade launchers. The
crew is protected by a collective NBC system. The LAV-600 is powered by a
Cummins 6CTA 8.3 turbocharged diesel engine with an output of 275 horsepower.
The LAV-600 uses a sort of low observable technology, and has the equivalent of
IR Suppression, Stealth 0, and half the normal audio signature. Transmission is
automatic. Suspension is 6x6, and on the front axle is by coil springs while the
rear axles have torsion bars. The two rear axles also have locking, no-spin
differentials. Steering is by the front wheels only and is power assisted. In
the front hull is a winch with a 9-ton capacity and 46 meters of cable.
The turret
provides low-recoil forces, and the gun is a standard M68 105mm gun.
Eight rounds of the 105mm ammunition are stored in the turret, along with
500 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 100 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition (the
latter is usually the belt loaded into the M2HB).
The rest of the ammunition is stored in the hull.
Twilight 2000
Notes: When the Twilight War began in earnest, the LAV-600 was picked up for
service by the US Marines as a tank destroyer.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$341,146 |
D, A |
700 kg |
18.5 tons |
4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, C, G), Image
Intensification (C, G) |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
139/70 |
39/19 |
460 |
90 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF32
TS11 TR10
HF12 HS6
HR5 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
105mm M68 gun, M240, M2HB (C) |
36x105mm, 2400x7.62mm, 400x.50 |
*Roof AV is 4; Floor AV is
6Sp
Ferrari Lizard F333E
Country of
Origin: Italy
Notes: The
Lizard is a very light and basic armored car that was meant primarily as a
liaison and reconnaissance vehicle.
The vehicle is little more than an armored jeep, but has some extra utility,
able to mount machineguns, recoilless rifles, or light ATGM.
The vehicle has extra mine protection, and the floor is treated as having
the same armor protection as the hull front.
Only 15 prototypes were built; I have been unable to determine what
happened to them. The driver is in the front, behind bullet resistant windows.
The commander and gunner are in the center front of the vehicle, with one hatch
on the roof. On each side of the
vehicle are large armored doors. The commander may man a light machinegun in the
front right of the vehicle, in a ball mount. The Lizard has all-wheel drive, and
is powered by a Fiat 113-horsepower engine with a five-speed gearbox and locking
differentials. The tires are bullet resistant and run-flat. The two 50-liter gas
tanks are self-sealing.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Heavy MG |
$45,557 |
G, A |
230 kg |
2.6 tons |
3 |
3 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Light MG |
$37,734 |
G, A |
230 kg |
2.47 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Auto Rifle |
$39,024 |
G, A |
230 kg |
2.35 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Recoilless Rifle |
$45,358 |
G, A |
311 kg |
3.33 tons |
3 |
4 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
ATGM |
$48,984 |
G, A |
291 kg |
2.6 tons |
3 |
4 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Heavy MG |
273/48 |
76/13 |
100 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3
HS3 HR2 |
Light MG |
286/50 |
79/14 |
100 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3
HS3 HR2 |
Auto Rifle |
299/52 |
83/15 |
100 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3
HS3 HR2 |
Recoilless Rifle |
220/39 |
61/11 |
100 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3
HS3 HR2 |
ATGM |
273/48 |
76/13 |
100 |
44 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3
HS3 HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Heavy MG |
None |
None |
M2HB (C), Minimi (Bow) |
2000x.50, 2000x5.56mm |
Light MG |
None |
None |
MG42/59 (C), Minimi (Bow) |
2000x7.62mm, 2000x5.56mm |
Auto Rifles |
None |
None |
Minimi (C), Minimi (Bow) |
6000x5.56mm |
Recoilless Rifle |
None |
None |
Folgore w/Optronic Sight (C), Minimi
(Bow) |
8x80mm Rockets, 2000x5.56mm |
ATGM |
None |
None |
Milan Launcher, Minimi (Bow) |
6xMilan ATGM, 2000x5.56mm |
General Dynamics
Expeditionary Tank
Country of
Origin: United States
Notes: The
Expeditionary Tank was designed for use by light and airborne forces as a fire
support vehicle and light tank destroyer.
It was developed in the 1980s using as many existing components as
possible to save money. The vehicle
is a very low profile design, with ammunition stored in the hull and the gun
contained in a remote casemate. The
gun is well stabilized with accuracy rivaling the M1 series of tanks.
The Expeditionary Tank has very light armor, but an appliqué armor
package is available which can be installed in the field in 15 minutes by the
crew, and dramatically increases the protection (and nearly doubles the
vehicle’s weight). Though tested as a
possible replacement for the M551 Sheridan in the airborne armor role and for
use in light divisions, it was ultimately rejected for US service (along with
every other design meant to replace the Sheridan...)
Twilight 2000
Notes: This was one of the many emergency solutions to the needs of airborne,
air assault, and light infantry divisions for lightweight firepower.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Base |
$305,803 |
D, A |
500 kg |
19.05 tons |
3 |
7 |
Thermal Imaging, Image Intensification |
Shielded |
Appliqué Armor |
$334,307 |
D, A |
500 kg |
30 tons |
3 |
9 |
Thermal Imaging, Image Intensification |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Base |
203/142 |
47/33 |
643 |
202 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF29
TS13 TR11
HF36Cp HS11Sp
HR8 |
Appliqué Armor |
144/101 |
34/24 |
643 |
202 |
CiH |
T3 |
TF46Sp
TS23Sp TR18
HS114Cp HS38Sp
HR26 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
(Both) |
+4 |
Good |
105mm M68 Gun, MAG, M60D (C) |
42x105mm, 5000x7.62mm |
Country of
Origin: Great Britain
Notes: This
British vehicle was built with experience gained in the building of the Warrior
and Desert Warrior. The vehicle was
taken into limited service in Britain, but the primary customers were Middle
Eastern, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, and Yemen.
These vehicles are primarily demonstrators.
The armor, though light, is very advanced, and the fire control is
likewise advanced. The driver is
seated on the front left. The
turret is nearly the same as that fitted to the Desert Warrior, but has a more
advanced armor package and electronics.
The turret also has an optical chemical sniffer installed.
The vehicle is fitted with a computerized navigation system with inertial
navigation and GPS. Computers also
compile information from reconnaissance and relay that information to higher
headquarters. Additional sensors
are on a mast that can be elevated at the rear of the vehicle.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Production of these vehicles started shortly before the Twilight War, and
was quickly stepped up to an accelerated rate.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$375,207 |
D, A |
500 kg |
27 tons |
3+1 |
10 |
Thermal Imaging, Image Intensification,
Passive IR |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
136/95 |
32/22/3 |
770 |
194 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF24Sp
TS18Sp TR18
HF30Cp HS15Sp
HR15 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
25mm ChainGun, MAG, 2xTOW II ATGM
Launchers |
630x25mm, 2000x7.62mm, 5xTOW II ATGM |
LMT-105
Country of
Origin: Great Britain
Notes: This is a
light tank based on modified chassis of the Warrior armored personnel carrier.
In this role, armor is improved, and the vehicle is topped with a turret
mounting a 105mm NATO-compatible gun.
The turret was also fitted as a test to the South African Rooikat armored
car. The vehicle may be fitted with
appliqué armor, for an increase in HF and TF armor of 8, HS and TS armor of 6,
and HR and TR armor of 4. This
increases weight by 4 tons, and decreases combat movement by 5.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Several prototypes of this vehicle were built before the war, but volume
production did not begin until 1998, and it is a rare vehicle, most often
employed in British scout units.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$309,229 |
D, A |
600 kg |
29 tons |
4 |
11 |
Thermal Imaging, Active/Passive IR |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
124/87 |
29/20 |
770 |
185 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF18Sp
TS10Sp TR8
HF22Sp HS8Sp
HR6 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
105mm NATO Gun, EX-34 |
32x105mm, 3200x7.62mm |
LOHR RPX 6000
Country of
Origin: France
Notes: This is
another one of those vehicles that the French have offered for export. It can be
fitted with a variety of turrets, and several different types were devised.
It is light enough to be air dropped, and is fast due to a good
power-to-weight ratio.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This French-made vehicle was originally designed for export, but when the
Foreign Legion deployed to the Middle East, quantities of this scout car were
deployed with them, and used for reconnaissance.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Milan Turret |
$56,716 |
G, AvG, A |
775 kg |
6.8 tons |
3 |
4 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification, WL
Spotlight |
Enclosed |
BTM208 Turret |
$54,109 |
G, AvG, A |
775 kg |
7 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification, WL
Spotlight |
Enclosed |
20mm Turret |
$151,606 |
G, AvG, A |
775 kg |
7.26 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification, WL
Spotlight |
Enclosed |
Mortar Turret |
$87,718 |
G, AvG, A |
775 kg |
7.83 tons |
3 |
3 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification, WL
Spotlight |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Milan Turret |
204/82 |
51/21/5 |
250 |
132 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5 HS3
HR3 |
BTM208 Turret |
200/80 |
50/20/5 |
250 |
132 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF3
TS3 TR3
HF5 HS3
HR3 |
20mm Turret |
150/60 |
38/15/4 |
250 |
135 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5 HS3
HR3 |
Mortar Turret |
188/74 |
47/18/5 |
250 |
132 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5 HS3
HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Milan Turret |
+2 |
None |
2xMilan II Launchers, AAT-F1 (C) |
10xMilan II ATGM, 1200x7.62mm |
BTM208 Turret |
+1 |
Basic |
M2HB, AAT-F1 |
1675x.50, 2700x7.62mm |
20mm Turret |
+2 |
Fair |
20mm M621 Autocannon, AAT-F1 |
500x20mm, 2000x7.62mm |
Mortar Turret |
+2 |
Basic |
60mm Gun/Mortar, AAT-F1 |
45x60mm, 2700x7.62mm |
M2A0 Walker AMTV
(Armored Medical Treatment Vehicle)
Country of
Origin: United States
Notes: This
vehicle, based on a modified Bradley chassis, allows doctors, nurses, and medics
to provide advanced medical care in combat situations.
The typical AMTV carries a full range of medical supplies (including a
full set of surgical tools, the equivalent of 5 Doctor Medical Bags, enough
refills for the personal medical kits of an entire platoon, a full range of
drugs, at least 10 units of each blood type, plasma, and IV fluids, and advanced
first aid kits). A large
refrigerator is carried, as well as a freezer, a 10kW generator for running
equipment with the engine off, a defibrillator, Oxygen equipment, medical
monitors, and radios to communicate with air as well as ground elements.
The crew of the AMTV normally consists of a driver, commander, medic, and
nurse, doctor, or physician's assistant.
The M2A0 AMTV is
just one of the many projected possible variants of the Bradley chassis, but so
far there is no sign of when or even it will ever enter service.
Twilight 2000
Notes: These vehicles were just reaching the US Army's inventory at the start of
the Twilight War, and are thus rather rare.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
||||||
$104,064 |
D, A |
5.5 tons |
25.5 tons |
4+6 (or 3 stretcher cases) |
13 |
Passive IR |
Shielded |
||||||
r Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
|||||||
137/96 |
32/22 |
662 |
185 |
Stnd |
T3 |
HF3
HS3 HR3 |
|||||||
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
M2HB (C) |
400x.50 |
Country of
Origin: United States
Notes: This
vehicle falls somewhere between a light tank and a light armored vehicle.
It was designed for use by airborne units, able to be airdropped or
LAPSEd, and its modular construction allows it to be carried in aircraft.
It is based on the chassis of the M2 Bradley, and carries a turret armed
with a low-pressure version of the standard 105mm NATO gun.
The turret has ammunition storage bins equipped with blowout panels; if a
turret (but not a hull) hit results in an ammunition explosion, the Buford is
not destroyed and the crew killed.
Instead, all the ammunition in the turret (up to 15 rounds) is destroyed, all
armament takes minor damage; all sensors take major damage, and each member of
the crew takes 50 points of concussion damage.
There are three levels of modular armor protection available; these are
indicated by slashes for Level 1/2/3 armor.
Each configuration has lugs for reactive armor on the HF, HS, TF, and TS.
It takes about an hour to take the Buford from Level 1 to Level 2 armor
using 4 people, and another hour and a half to go from Level 2 to 3.
There has been talk lately of resurrecting the Buford program, but there
are no firm plans.
Twilight 2000
Notes: In the Twilight 2000 world, this vehicle program was never killed; it
replaced about half of the Sheridans in the 82nd Airborne Division,
and also was used by the 101st Air Assault Division, some Light
Divisions, and even some heavier formations.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Level 1 Armor |
$272,737 |
D, A |
450 kg |
18.05 tons |
3 |
8 |
Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Level 2 Armor |
$275,053 |
D, A |
450 kg |
20.82 tons |
3 |
8 |
Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Level 3 Armor |
$279,102 |
D, A |
450 kg |
23.59 tons |
3 |
9 |
Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Level 1 Armor |
190/133 |
44/31 |
568 |
195 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF6
TS6Sp TR4Sp
HF4 HS3
HR4Sp |
Level 2 Armor |
169/118 |
39/28 |
568 |
195 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF6
TS6Sp TR4Sp
HF8Sp HS6Sp
HR4Sp |
Level 3 Armor |
152/106 |
35/25 |
568 |
195 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF16Sp
TS16Sp TR4Sp
HF20Sp HS14Sp
HR4Sp |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
(All) |
+2 |
Good |
105mm LP Gun, MAG, M2HB (C) |
30x105mm, 4500x7.62mm, 600x.50BMG |
M10A2 Abrams Battle
Command Vehicle (BCV)
Notes: This is
an M1A2SEP Abrams tank extensively modified for use by battlefield commanders.
In this role, the main gun, coaxial machinegun, and ammunition are
removed to make room for extensive battle management electronics.
A dummy cannon barrel and machinegun barrel are fitted in their place,
and the only difference externally between the BCV and a genuine tank are the
large amount of antennas the BCV sports.
Inside, the turret and hull carry extensive vision gear, including 2nd
thermal Imaging and image intensification.
The vehicle has a complete suite of three networked Pentium III-class
computers built to tougher military specifications to take the vibrations of
travel; these computers have a wireless LAN and battle management and land
navigation software, including complete maps of the world (by 2000, these are
based on 1997 satellite photos. The
system has a large LCD touch-screen for input, with a trackball and keyboard as
backups. The BCV has a set of at
least five radios, from tactical radios to long-range, and for communicating
with aircraft and directly with computers on aircraft such as JSTARS.
A laser designator is provided, along with software to produce firing
solutions for any sort of fire support from mortars to heavy bombers.
A secondary function of these vehicles is signal intelligence, with a
crew position and computer for an intelligence officer who has a secondary role
of intercepting and analyzing enemy broadcasts.
Twilight 2000
Notes: These vehicles, due to their rarity, were initially issued only to US
Division and Brigade commanders or Armored and Mechanized Infantry Divisions,
and rarely found their way to lower headquarters.
They were never encountered in Reserve or National Guard divisions, with
the notable exception of the 49th Armored Division's commanding
general's vehicle (TX ARNG).
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$627,976 |
D, G, AvG, A |
900 kg |
61.5 tons |
5 |
19 |
2nd
Generation Thermal Imaging, Image Intensification, Passive IR |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
148/104 |
34/24 |
1907 |
516 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TF161Cp
TS36Sp TR30
HF201Cp HS26Sp
HR19 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
M2HB (C), MAG
(2nd) |
2000x.50,
5000x7.62mm |
M41 Walker Bulldog Experimental Variants
Country of Origin: (M41CG) United States; (M41GTI) Germany
Notes: These two versions of the M41 were designed Cadillac Gage (in the
case of the M41CG) and Rheinmetall (in the case of the M41GTI) with idea of
selling them as kit-type upgrades to countries already using the M41 and
desiring to keep them in service for whatever reason. Several countries
apparently considered and possibly even tested these upgrades, but ultimately
none actually bought the upgrades.
The M41CG is an upgrade package designed by Cadillac Gage. This
upgrade basically places the turret of Cadillac Gage's Stingray light tank on
the chassis of the M41. To cope with the increased weight, Cadillac Gage
also installs a more powerful engine. In addition, radios, electronics,
transmission, and electrical components are also upgraded, a fire control
computer is installed, and lugs are added to the turret front and sides for ERA.
The result is a Walker Bulldog which, while slightly slower, also has firepower
far superior to the original M41 series, as well as improved fire control and
gun stabilization.
The M41GTI is a German-designed upgrade package using the same sort of
idea as the M41CG; however, the replacement turret is taken from the Leopard
1A1. As with the M41CG, Rheinmetall also installs a more powerful engine
and fire control computer, as well as upgrading the radios, electronics,
electrical systems, and transmission. The gun stabilization is not quite
as good as that of the M41CG, but the result is basically the same: a much more
powerful version of the Walker Bulldog.
Twilight 2000 Notes: While the M41GTI found a few scattered buyers in
various places in the world, the M41CG upgrade found many more -- especially in
Taiwan, where almost all of their M41 fleet was upgraded to the M41CG standard.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M41CG |
$261,349 |
G, A |
700 kg |
30.5 tons |
4 |
11 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
M41GTI |
$251,349 |
G, A |
700 kg |
30.5 tons |
4 |
11 |
WL/IR Searchlight, Active/Passive IR |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
M41CG |
107/75 |
25/18 |
530 |
268 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF32 TS11 TR10 HF12 HS6 HR6 |
M41GTI |
107/75 |
25/18 |
530 |
268 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF30 TS14 TR10 HF12 HS6 HR6 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M41CG |
+4 |
Good |
105mm Gun, MAG, M2HB (C) |
40x105mm, 5500x7.62mm, 2250x.50 |
M41GTI |
+4 |
Fair |
105mm Gun, MG3, MG3 (C) |
40x105mm, 5500x7.62mm |
M551 Sheridan/Stingray
Country of
Origin: United States
Notes: This was
initially a test program by Cadillac Gage for a proposed upgrade to the M551
Sheridan. A few prototypes were
built to demonstrate the viability of the concept, but the Army passed on the
idea.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The US Army in 1994 began phasing out their M551 Sheridan light tanks
from the inventories of all but the 82nd Airborne and 101st Air Assault
Divisions. With the development of
the M8 Buford in 1995, the M551 seemed to be facing extinction.
However, the production rate of the M8 was initially only 300 per year;
this left the US military in a terrible bind, because they had promised 100 of
the M8s to Taiwan, leaving only 200 Bufords dispersed over the whole of the
Army, including the Airborne divisions.
A stopgap measure was suggested by fitting Cadillac Gage Stingray turrets
to the smaller CG Commando chassis to produce what were nicknamed “Stingray
Juniors.” These caught the eye of
some but the Army never adopted any; however, the Anniston Army Depot began
experiments of retrofitting the Stingray turret to a modified M551 body.
The result was a vehicle which was hurried into production in late 1996,
with an initial rate of conversion of estimated to be 75-150 per year.
Anniston Army Depot went further with its conversions by producing spare
parts for the M551 Sheridan body; Cadillac Gage provided spare parts for the
Stingray turret. Rudimentary
changes made to the design included an upgraded armor plate on the underside of
the vehicle to protect it from antitank mines.
Many of the problems were fixed with the removal of the 152mm Gum/Missile
Launcher, especially the rangefinder problem, which was solved by using the CG
turret. Experiments were done with
adding ERA by the 82nd Airborne while on maneuvers at Fort Irwin.
In the end, the
development and adoption of the LAV-75 and continued production of the M8 doomed
the would-be adoption of the modified M551 Sheridan/Stingray, and the 50-75
production models which had been converted are spread out across Alabama
(Anniston Army Depot), Kentucky (Fort Campbell and Knox), and California (Fort
Irwin). Unmodified versions of the
M551 with 152mm Gun/Missile Launchers can be found in large numbers at Fort
Irwin (some 330 at last count), providing a large amount of spare parts.
It is believed that many of these vehicles in California have been
deployed to counter Soviet/Mexican-backed attacks into California and Texas.
Stock models of the M551 had been converted prior to the war to resemble
many Soviet vehicles for use in training at Fort Irwin.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$310,888 |
D, A |
2.26 tons |
15.25 tons |
4 |
7 |
Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
112/78 |
26/18/3 |
598 |
92 |
Trtd |
T2 |
TF32
TS11 TR10 HF16
HS3 HR3 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
105mm gun, MAG, M2HB (C) |
30x105mm, 2400x7.62mm, 1100x.50 |
M1072 Clark Fighting
Vehicle
Country of
Origin: GDLS Multinational Project
(primarily developed in the US)
Seen In: Entry
on Deviant Art website for the “Warmonger AFV” by Daniel Van In.
However, the story has been greatly changed.
Fictional Notes:
The Clark (named for the WW II general, Mark Clark) was a revolutionary new
fighting vehicle just coming into service with several NATO countries, as well
as Israel (who was actually the first country to use it in combat).
Though most do-it-all designs do not have much success, the Clark,
nicknamed the “Warmonger” by its crews, was quite good at bringing down most
fighting vehicles and even many aircraft.
Design work began at Dugway Proving ground as sort of a “black project”
in the late 1980s, but by 1992, they were in final field testing before being
released to the general public notice and military units.
By Mid 1993, the Clark was put into a sort of high-rate LRIP production
cycle, and issued to several US Army and National Guard divisions and two or
three of them began to accompany MAUs subordinate units onshore.
Britain and Germany were believed to have received about twenty of them
each, and the Dutch and Belgians also had a number of them on hand.
The Canadians had a large force of nearly 50 Warmongers in service at the
beginning of the Twilight War. The
US, between the Army and Marines, may have had as many as 200 in service for the
start of the Twilight War. The
Israelis, the first to use the Clark in combat on the Golan Heights in 1993, had
some 60 of them, as they got on the bandwagon early and took part in much of the
development and testing program.
The Clark was
envisioned to be a quick, agile, lightweight vehicle which could be called upon
to take on all comers if necessary.
Though the base chassis was that of the M2A3 Bradley, the engine was a vastly
improved version of the Bradley’s engine developing 902 horsepower, and the
chassis was highly-modified and much more heavily-armored.
The primary armament was a pair of M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannons; though
the turret looked like it may be large and roomy from the outside, the interior
was in facts packed with ammunition for the Vulcans and reloads for the
missiles, and the crew positions were actually quite tight. The autocannons
could usually be counted upon to take on most unarmored vehicles and light
armored vehicles, as well as low-flying helicopters, aircraft and UAVs; the
quartet of Hellfire and Scorpion missiles on each side allowed the Clark to take
on more meaty targets if the conditions were right. Just to round out, a
semi-RWS M2HB mounting on the commander’s hatch could take on close infantry;
the mounting allowed the commander to aim, fire, and reload the M2JB from under
armor.
Sensorwise, the
Clark is also well endowed, ranging from an IFF interrogator to an AESA
identification and targeting radar in the front of the turret which is useful
against at air and ground targets, and FLIR and 2nd-Generation Image
Intensification as backups for the radar.
The AESA radar is also used to guide the Hellfire ATGM if armed with
radar-guided Hellfires, and the Clark also has a laser rangefinder/designator
for use with laser-guided Hellfires. Of course, the laser can also be used for
general rangefinding duties, as well as to guide other laser-guided munitions
fired from other vehicles, helicopters, and aircraft.
The Clark uses a pair of FLIR/Image Intensifier heads, allowing the Clark
crew to operate in a hunter/killer mode or to fire the autocannons at one target
while firing the missiles of the commander’s machinegun at separate targets.
In addition, the
Clark has a comprehensive computer suite, ranging from three separate fire
control computers (for the guns, missiles, and commander’s machinegun) to a full
BMS with vehicle state computer.
The driver is on
the front right side, and he uses controls more like those of an M1 Abrams
rather than those of a Bradley.
This allows for a faster maneuvering response.
The transmission is automatic with a manual backup and is related to the
Bradley’s, but more advanced with faster gearshifting possible. The position on
the turret deck where one might find another hatch is instead occupied with a
Soft-kill APS system. The turret is
occupied by the gunner, an assistant gunner, and the commander, with all
crewmembers exiting and entering the vehicle through the commander’s or driver’s
hatches. Nice touches are the
ration heater built in (enough to heat four entrees or two canned beverages),
and a 40-liter chilled water tank to the right rear of the driver’s compartment.
The vehicle is NBC sealed, as well as being air conditioned and heated.
On each forward side of the turret are four smoke grenade launchers, and
of course the APS has a magazine of smoke grenades for its use.
An unusual
feature of the Clark is a polyvinyl strip round the turret ring; this was to
predetonate HE-type rounds in what would be a sensitive area to be hit, but in
practice, it quickly got torn and broken and gave the danger of jamming the
turret, so most crews removed it almost as soon as they arrived in the
marshalling area of the combat zone they were assigned to or soon after their
first battle was over.
Enemy troops
detested the Clark, with its fast-elevating guns and missile launchers,
quick-rotating turret, and general accuracy of fire.
There were even some enemy tankers who didn’t want to tangle with a
Warmonger, especially in open terrain – the Hellfire missiles were often in
range of enemy tanks before the enemy tanks were in range for even an ATGM shot.
M1072A1 Clark
When this
limited-issue variant of the Clark began being built, crews and commanders
immediately started to finagle as many of them as possible to replace their
M1072 Clarks. It was quickly dubbed
the Warmonger 2 by the crews that were assigned to them, but in practice were
generally also called Warmongers.
In short, the Warmonger 2 is armed with 30mm M1980 (GAU-13/A) four-barrel
gatling guns instead of the Vulcans of the Warmonger 1.
The M1980 is a highly-modified version of the A-10’s GAU-8A gun – with
heavy-duty recoil buffers and barrels one-half the length of the GAU-8/A.
Nonetheless, the M1980 can fire all of the ammo selection of the GAU-8/A.
Internal fittings inside the turret had to be drastically modified to
accommodate the M1980s ammunition, and not only the recoil buffers, but the
mountings had to be basically replaced with new systems, and the fire control
computers for the gun also had to be modified.
Despite the redesign, the Warmonger 2 is not able to carry anywhere near
the ammo load of the Warmonger 1, something Warmonger 1 crews felt was a deficit
compared to their vehicles. The
AESA radar on the M1072A1 also had to be modified to accommodate the additional
range of the M1980 autocannons, Some say that the louder, more vibratory
hammering of the autocannons led to greater crew fatigue, and the louder sound
of the guns firing also caused hearing loss.
Warmonger 2 crews said “it’s something you get used to.”
The mounts for the electronics also had to be modified to take up the
strain of the greater vibrations caused by the M1980 autocannons.
Whatever its problems, the Warmonger 2 was much harder-hitting than the
Warmonger 1, and the addition of the capability to fire “silver bullet”
ammunition was definitely a plus against armored vehicles, and the larger
filling of the HE round easily produced greater casualties against infantry and
unarmored vehicles. Unfortunately,
the GDLS production facilities in both the US and Canada were nuked in the TDM,
after only about 10% Warmonger 2s were built as opposed to the Warmonger 1’s
total, and most went to NATO forces in Europe and Army and National Guard units
operating inside the US, and Canadian Land Forces units.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
M1072 |
$2,089,660 |
D, A |
600 kg |
46.92 tons |
4 |
42 |
Image Intensification (D), Day/Night
Backup Camera (D), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (G, C), FLIR
(G, C), AESA Radar (40 km Detection, 13 km Targeting (G) |
Shielded |
M1072A1 |
$2,257,416 |
D, A |
526 kg |
47.89 tons |
4 |
44 |
Image Intensification (D), Day/Night
Backup Camera (D), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (G, C), 2nd
Gen FLIR (G, C), AESA Radar (45 km Detection, 20 km Targeting) (G) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor* |
M1072 |
157/110 |
44/31 |
662 |
147 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF48Sp
TS13Sp TR6
HF40Sp HS16Sp
HR8 |
M1072A1 |
155/109 |
44/31 |
662 |
149 |
Trtd |
T4 |
TF48Sp
TS13Sp TR6
HF40Sp HS16Sp
HR8 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
M1072 |
+5 |
Good |
2x20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling Guns,
8xHellfire Missiles, 8xFIM99 Scorpion SHORADs, M2HB (C) |
4000x20mm, 12xHellfire Missiles,
8xScorpion SAMs, 2000x.50 |
M1072A1 |
+5 |
Good |
2x30mm M1980 Avenger II Gatling Guns,
8xHellfire Missiles, 8xFIM99 Scorpion SHORADs, M2HB (C) |
2500x30mm, 12xHellfire Missiles,
8xScorpion SAMs, 2000x.50 |
OTO Melara R3 Capraia
Country of
Origin: Italy
Notes: This
vehicle looks like something out a science fiction movie, with its long, low,
slender silhouette. The chassis is
based on that of the Gorgona, while the body is long and wedge shaped, with
armor sloped on all sides. The
driver is at the front with windows directly in front and to the sides; he has a
hatch on top of his compartment.
The commander’s position is to the rear and right of the driver’s position.
To the rear is a hatchway that can be fitted with a variety of weapons
stations or light turrets. On each
side of the hull is another door, and to the front of those doors is a firing
port with vision block.
The T 12.7 FA
has an externally mounted M2HB machinegun that may be aimed and fired from
within the vehicle. The T 7.62 FA
is the same, but has a lighter machinegun.
The T 20 FA-HS is also similar, but uses a 20mm autocannon.
The Folgore x2 FA has two Folgore recoilless rifles and a light
machinegun; these cannot be aimed or fired from within the vehicle.
(The Folgores are treated as being mounted on a tripod with optronic
sight.) The T 106 x2 FA is similar
to the Folgore vehicle, but uses two M40A2 106mm recoilless rifles and has no
machinegun. As might be guessed,
the TOW FA has a TOW II system.
The R3 was never
actually put into production. The prototypes were written off on OTO Melara’s
taxes, becoming worn out.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
T12.7 FA |
$30,122 |
D, A |
269 kg |
3.5 tons |
3+2 |
3 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
T7.62 FA |
$25,349 |
D, A |
269 kg |
3.47 tons |
3+2 |
3 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
T20 FA-HS |
$71,448 |
D, A |
285 kg |
3.7 tons |
3+2 |
3 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Shielded |
Folgore x2 FA |
$67,148 |
D, A |
294 kg |
3.5 tons |
3+2 |
3 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
T106 x2 FA |
$81,246 |
D, A |
324 kg |
3.9 tons |
3+2 |
3 |
Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
TOW FA |
$86,061 |
D, A |
273 kg |
3.9 tons |
3+2 |
4 |
Passive IR (D, G) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
T12.7 FA |
195/34 |
54/10/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
T7.62 FA |
196/34 |
54/10/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
T20 FA-HS |
186/33 |
52/9/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
Folgore x2 FA |
195/34 |
54/10/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
T106 x2 FA |
179/31 |
50/9/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
TOW FA |
179/31 |
50/9/4 |
80 |
28 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF4 HS3
HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
T12.7 FA |
+1 |
Basic |
M2HB |
500x.50 |
T7.62 FA |
+1 |
Basic |
MG42/59 |
500x7.62mm |
T20 FA-HS |
+2 |
Fair |
20mm Oerlikon KAA Autocannon |
300x20mm |
Folgore x2 FA |
+1 |
None |
2xFolgore Recoilless Rifles, MG42/59 |
10x80mm Rockets, 400x7.62mm |
T106 x2 FA |
+1 |
None |
2xM40A2 106mm Recoilless Rifles |
10x106mm Rockets |
TOW FA |
+2 |
None |
TOW II Launcher |
8xTOW II ATGM |
PT-57
Origin: Russia
(Soviet Union)
Notes:
This vehicle appears to have existed only on the
drawing board, and no working examples were actually produced.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This variant of the PT-76 light tank is so rare that it has almost never
been seen in the hands of normal troops.
If it is encountered, it is almost certain that one has encountered
airborne or Spetsnaz troops. In
this version, the normal turret of the PT-76 has been replaced with one mounting
a 57mm S-40 autocannon. The PT-57
is meant for heavy, rapid-fire support of infantry and antiaircraft use.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$75,000 (-/-) |
D, A |
800 kg |
13.5 tons |
3 |
7 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
94/66 |
22/15/2 |
250+180 |
80 |
Trtd |
T3 |
TF12
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+3 |
Fair |
57mm S-40
Autocannon, PKT |
60x57mm,
1000x7.62mm |
PT-90
Country of Origin: Israel
Notes: This is an Israeli modification of the PT-76. Original
modifications were made for Indonesia, which has a number of old PT-76s. In the
PT-90, the 76mm main gun is replaced by a Cockerill 90mm NATO gun, the coaxial
machinegun is replaced by a MAG, a commander's machinegun has been added, and
the engine is replaced with a version of the one used in the M113 series of
armored personnel carriers. The gun has been stabilized and new fire control
equipment is added. As the new engine is smaller and lighter, more fuel has been
added. Primarily designed as an upgrade package for countries already using the
PT-76, the PT-90 has not as yet (officially) received any interest.
Twilight 2000 Notes: During the Twilight War, captured PT-76s were
modified to this standard and used by the Israeli military, and some
modifications were done for the Egyptians.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$179,509 |
D, A |
325 kg |
15.35 tons |
3 |
8 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
126/88 |
32/22/3 |
250+180 |
88 |
Trtd |
T3 |
TF10 TS6 TR6 HF12 HS4 HR4 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+3 |
Good |
90mm Cockerill Gun, MAG, MAG (C) |
40x90mm, 2000x7.62mm |
PT-100
Country of
Origin: Russia (Soviet Union)
Notes: This
vehicle does not exist in real life; it is the idea of a friend of mine,
Antti Henttu. I have provided a small back story, however.
It should be noted that Rafael of Israel has come up with a PT-76 upgrade turret
kit that uses an updated version of the 100mm gun of the T-55 along with a
greatly-enhanced fire control and night vision suite as well as improved armor
protection, but the PT-100 presented there is not the vehicle presented here.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This vehicle is the answer to US light tanks such as the M8 Ridgeway and
Stingray. It entered service in
about 1994, but was not seen in the hands of normal troops.
If one encounters this vehicle, one has almost certainly encountered
airborne, Spetsnaz, or Naval Infantry troops.
The PT-100 is basically a PT-76 chassis with the turret of a BMP-3 IFV
mounted in place of the normal turret.
The vehicle is meant to protect armored personnel carriers of those types
of troops. The BMP-3 turret may use
BMP-3 appliqué armor.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$377,602 |
D, A |
500 kg |
14.3 tons |
3 |
8 |
Passive IR,
Image Intensification |
Enclosed |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
104/73 |
24/17/3 |
250+100 |
58 |
Trtd |
T3 |
TF11
TS4 TR4
HF12 HS4
HR4 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+1 |
Good |
100mm rifled
gun, 30mm 2A24 autocannon, PKT |
40x100mm,
6xAT-10 ATGM, 500x30mm, 2000x7.62mm |
RPX 90
Country of
Origin: France
Notes: This is
another one of those interesting vehicles that never made it past the prototype
stage. The RPX 90 is a 4x4 light
wheeled chassis mounting a MARS casemate turret with a 90mm gun.
It was intended to be a reconnaissance vehicle with a low silhouette and
excellent mobility. The driver is
in the center front of the vehicle with bulletproof windows to the sides and
front. The commander and gunner sit
to either side of the casemate, and they have a hatch on the left side of the
hull.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$214,892 |
D, A |
400 kg |
10 tons |
3 |
6 |
Passive IR, Image Intensification |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
186/74 |
47/19 |
200 |
84 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF6
HS6 TR6
HF8 HS4
HR4 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+3 |
Fair |
90mm Giat Super 90, AAT-F1 |
60x90mm, 2000x7.62mm |
RPX 3000
Country of
Origin: France
Notes: The
French are aggressively shopping around this vehicle, with no official orders
yet.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This is a light scout car that was ordered into production by the French
during the Twilight War for internal security work and patrolling of the "Dead
Zone" along the Rhine River. It was
known to be a quick and maneuverable vehicle that was a thorn in the side of
many a refugee.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$27,996 |
D, A |
300 kg |
3.5 tons |
2+2 |
5 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
252/100 |
63/25/7 |
120 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3
HS2 HR2 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
AAT-F1 (C); M2HB, Mk-19, or Milan II
Launcher |
1600x7.62mm; 950x.50, or 300x40mm, or
6xMilan II |
Thyssen-Henschel TH-200/400/800
Notes: The TH-200/400/800 series are German scout cars designed for
battlefield reconnaissance. They are loosely based on the Spahpanzer Luchs and
are a private venture instead of being developed to any Army standard. The TH200
has a 4x4 suspension, the TH400 6x6, and the TH800 8x8. The suspension uses a
double trailing arm independent suspension for each wheel. These vehicles have
power steering and power brakes, The kinetic properties of the suspension grant
the TH series a gentle ride over all but the roughest of terrain. In addition,
the TH series does not use rigid axles, further smoothing out the ride. The TH
series is equipped with wide, low-pressure tires and run-flat tires, increasing
traction in soft terrain.
Their all-welded steel armor has protection against small arms, medium
machineguns, and shell fragments, but they are vulnerable, like most vehicles in
this class, against LAWs, ATGMs, and heavy machineguns and rifles. Appliqué
armor is available, as are lugs for ERA on the hull front, turret front and
turret sides. The crew is protected by an automatic fire detection and
extinguishing system in the power pack compartment, turret, and driver’s
compartment. The crew is further protected by an NBC Overpressure system, which
also cleans the air for the TH series’ air conditioning and heating. The series
is equipped with a video camera attached to the roof of the turret and
data-capable radios; the pictures from the video camera can be sent over radio
to higher headquarters. The vehicles have a Radiac meter and an optical chemical
sniffer. The vehicles are equipped with a ruggedized laptop computer. Stats
below are estimates and examples and TH has envisioned many possible variants.
The TH200 uses a 4x4 suspension and is similar to the Panhard AML in
concept, if not design. It mounts a
90mm gun in a roughly circular turret with a rear bustle for ammunition stowage.
The bustle is separated from the turret by armored blast doors and has external
blow-off panels. A hit on the bustle’s ammunition, if the ammunition explodes,
does not automatically destroy the vehicle, in a manner similar to the M1
Abrams’ protected turret ammunition supply. The bustle stores 22 rounds of the
TH200’s ammunition supply, with the rest stored in the hull. The TH200 is light
in weight and can be taken as a sling load by heavy lift helicopters or
airdropped. The TH200 is also fully amphibious. The TH200 prototype is equipped
with a 225-horsepower diesel engine. The TH200 is equipped with a laser
rangefinder on the roof of the turret.
The TH400 is 6x6 and is heavy enough that it sacrifices its ability to be
sling-loaded and conduct amphibious operations, though it can ford up to 1.2
meters. The TH400 features a dramatic increase of the armor suite, and also has
applique designed for it and also has lugs for reactive armor on the hull front,
turret front, turret sides, and hull sides. The TH400 also has a dramatic
increase in firepower, with a 105mm NATO-standard gun, coaxial machinegun, and a
machinegun on a skate mount at the commander’s hatch. The TH400 has a central
tire pressure regulation system in addition to having the standard wide and run
flat tires. The powerpack is at the
rear and is a modular installation; the TH400 is able to easily take a variety
of powerpacks, though the prototype uses a 435-horsepower diesel. Of the TH
series, the TH400 has the least ground pressure, and has the least problem in
soft ground or snow.
The TH800 is 8x8 and uses a powerful 650-horsepower engine, giving it
decent agility despite its high weight. The TH800 is envisioned as a fire
support vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, and tank destroyer, and it mounts a
heavier 120mm NATO-standard gun and even heavier armor than the TH400. Other
weapon mountings are being considered, but it should be known that no prototype
of the TH800 has yet been built and the weight and armament listed below is an
estimate and example,
Thyssen-Henschel is still shopping this series around, but there are no
takers as of yet. Criticisms include high weight and high cost; even the
Twilight 2000 cost is high for a vehicle in its class.
Twilight 2000 Notes: As this vehicle has just entered production in 1997,
quantities of them were never high.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
TH-200 |
$400,233 |
D, A |
472 kg |
9.25 tons |
4 |
8 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
w/Applique |
$403,929 |
D, A |
466 kg |
11.6 tons |
4 |
8 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
TH-400 |
$521,673 |
D, A |
601 kg |
24.5 tons |
4 |
16 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
w/Applique |
$525,833 |
D, A |
593 kg |
28.4 tons |
4 |
16 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
TH-800 |
$616,461 |
D, A |
778 kg |
35 tons |
4+2 |
20 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
w/Applique |
$622,285 |
D, A |
768 kg |
40.5 tons |
4+2 |
20 |
Thermal Imaging (G, C), Image
Intensification (G, C), Passive IR (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
TH-200 |
183/93 |
51/26/5 |
520 |
83 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF5
TS4 TR3
HF6 HS3
HR2 |
w/Applique |
154/78 |
43/22/4 |
520 |
83 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF13Sp
TS10Sp TR7
HF14Sp HS9Sp
HR6 |
TH-400 |
151/76 |
42/21 |
520 |
147 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF19
TS12 TR11
HF24 HS10
HR8 |
w/Applique |
135/69 |
38/19 |
520 |
147 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF27Sp
TS18Sp TR15
HS32Sp HS16Sp
HR12 |
TH-800 |
157/78 |
43/22 |
520 |
227 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF22
TS15 TR12
HF28 HS13
HR9 |
w/Applique |
140/70 |
38/20 |
520 |
227 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF30Sp
TS21Sp TR16
HF36Sp HS19Sp
HR13 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
TH-200 |
+4 |
Good |
90mm Cockerill Mk 3 Gun, MG3 |
30x90mm, 2000x7.62mm |
TH-400 |
+4 |
Good |
105mm M68 Gun, MG3 |
45x105mm, 4000x7.62mm |
TH-800 |
+4 |
Good |
120mm Rheinmetall Gun, MG3, MG3 (C) |
50x120mm, 5000x7.62mm |
Vextra 105
Country of Origin: France
Notes:
This is the scout car variant of the Vextra 25 armored personnel carrier,
designed to replace the AMX-10RC in French service and the Luchs in German
service. The turret is replaced
with a much larger one mounting a 105mm NATO gun.
Twilight 2000 Notes: Perhaps 25 of these vehicles had been produced for
each army before production stopped for Germany.
French vehicles were largely deployed to the Middle East.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$373,574 |
D, A |
400 kg |
34 tons |
4 |
10 |
Thermal Imaging, Passive IR, Image
Intensification |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
152/60 |
38/15 |
580 |
234 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF16Sp
TS10Sp TR10
HF20Sp HS7Sp
HR7 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
105mm M68 gun, AAT-F1 or MG-3 |
45x105mm, 2800x7.62mm |
LOHR VPX 5000
Country of Origin: France
Notes: This is another of those neat little vehicles that never quite
made it into production. The VPX 5000 is a small scout APC, similar in concept
to the US M114, but with a more versatile chassis able to mount several weapons
mixes. The MCT (MILAN Compact Turret) is a small mount for two MILAN ATGM
launchers. The version with a HOT Launcher has a simple external HOT ATGM. THE
MASCOT/MILAN has an externally-mounted remote machinegun and an external MILAN
launcher. The BTM208 turret has two machineguns. It is very light and has
reasonable performance, but nothing outstanding (other than speed), and that
probably led to its demise.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
MCT Turret |
$55,635 |
D, A |
300 kg |
5.5 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
HOT Launcher |
$36,521 |
D, A |
300 kg |
5.48 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
MASCOT/MILAN |
$38,886 |
D, A |
300 kg |
5.51 tons |
4 |
2 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
BTM208 Turret |
$18,392 |
D, A |
300 kg |
5.5 tons |
3 |
2 |
Passive IR |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
MCT Turret |
224/157 |
52/37 |
220 |
53 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF1 TS1 TR1 HF4 HS2 HR2 |
HOT Launcher |
225/158 |
52/37 |
220 |
53 |
Stnd |
T2 |
HF4 HS2 HR2 |
MASCOT/MILAN |
224/157 |
52/37 |
220 |
53 |
Stnd |
T2 |
HF4 HS2 HR2 |
BTM208 Turret |
224/157 |
52/37 |
220 |
53 |
CiH |
T2 |
TF2 TS2 TR2 HF4 HS2 HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
MCT Turret |
+1 |
None |
2xMILAN Launchers |
8xMILAN ATGM |
HOT Launcher |
None |
None |
HOT Launcher |
6xHOT ATGM |
MASCOT/MILAN |
None |
None |
MILAN Launcher, AAT-F1 |
6xMILAN ATGM, 500x7.62mm |
BTM208 Turret |
+1 |
Basic |
M2HB, AAT-F1 |
300x.50, 500x7.62mm |
Ze'ev Mobile Armored
Gun System (MAGS)
Notes: This vehicle does not exist in real life; it is the invention of
Frank Frey, designer of many of the
Twilight 2000
modules.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The Ze'ev was designed and built in Israel in the late 1980's as a
low-cost alternative to the Merkava Mk 1 MBT. It carries its main armament in a
remote-control turret with an autoloader system. The commander, driver, and
gunner ride in the chassis. They each have a separate hatch on the chassis deck.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$326,527 |
D, A |
400 kg |
21 tons |
3 |
9 |
Active/Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
156/109 |
36/26 |
650 |
179 |
CiH |
T4 |
TF13Cp
TS14 TR8
HF16Cp HS12Sp
HR6 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
105mm Gun, MAG, MAG (C) |
40x105mm, 2500x7.62mm |
Ze'ev MAGS-60
Notes: This
vehicle does not exist in real life; it is the invention of Frank Frey, designer
of many of the
Twilight 2000 modules.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This is a variant of the basic system mounting a 60mm hypervelocity
autocannon in a remote-controlled turret.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$325,615 |
D, A |
400 kg |
19.33 tons |
3 |
8 |
Active/Passive IR, Thermal Imaging |
Shielded |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
154/108 |
36/25 |
650 |
128 |
CiH |
T4 |
TF13
TS14 TR8
HF16 HS12Sp
HR6 |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
+4 |
Good |
60mm HVMS, MAG, MAG (C) |
180x60mm, 2500x7.62mm |