IBV-05

IBV-05 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
IBV-05
Place of origin	Elatia
Service history
In service	2006-present
Used by	Elatian Army, Elatian Naval Infantry, Ecclesia Forces
Production history
Designed	2007-2011
Produced	2012-present
Specifications
Weight	Around 28 tonnes (depending on armour module)
Length	8.4m
Width	3m
Height	2.3 m
Crew	3
Passengers	8-9
Armor	Modular welded steel and composite
Main armament	100mm rifledgun/launcher
Secondary armament	30x165mm co-axial autocannon, 7.65x53mm co-axial machine gun
Engine	Diesel 710 bhp
Operational range	1,000km on roads
Speed	120 kph on roads

The IBV-05 is the newest of the light armoured vehicles in Elatian Army service. It was intended to replace not only the IBV-75 & IBV-81 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, but also older wheeled APC's in Elatian service. Commentators expressed some surprise that a wheeled vehicle is being procured to replace both wheeled and tracked vehicles serving in Elatia's armoured and mechanised units. However, the savings which could be brought about through the simplification of logistics is thought to be substantial.

Previous Elatian infantry carriers were notorious for their inadequate protection, whether against direct fire, mines or IED's, an issue which was brought into sharp relief during the desultory fighting which occurred in the wake of the Great Freeze of 1984 and subsequent chaos. However, it was only relatively recently that the Elatian military was in a position to procure their replacement in the form of the IBV-05.

Armament

The IBV-05 is notable for its heavy armament, featuring a 100mm rifled gun, 30mm autocannon and 7.65mm machine gun all mounted co-axially on its welded turret. The 100mm weapon is not only effective against soft targets with HE-frag rounds, but also main battle tanks and low-flying helicopters using the laser-guided Bastion gun-launched anti-tank missile. The vehicle features a computerised fire control system, linked with a laser range-finder as well as thermal imaging devices for both the gunner and commander. The commander's sight is panoramic and can be used to designate targets for the gunner.

Survivability

Defensively, the IBV-05 features greater survivability compared to previous Elatian light armoured vehicles. Its passive armour is modular. In its native form, it is resistant to 14.5mm HMG rounds. With the installation of applique armour modules, the vehicle can be protected against 30mm autocannon rounds from the front, as well as certain types of RPG's, although these armour modules also prevents the vehicle from utilising its amphibious capability. Its wheels and floor are designed to mitigate the effects of IED's or anti-tank mines of up to 10kg of TNT. The vehicle remains mobile even if multiple wheels are disabled. It possesses run-flat tyres, as well as a centralised tyre-inflation control system. Active defences include not only smoke grenades, but also an electro-optical jammer and possibly a hard-kill system. The vehicle possesses an over-pressure NBC protection system.

The IBV-12 is currently in service with the Elatian military, starting with the Prophet's Guard and Naval Infantry and percolating its way to other units of the standing army. It is also in service with the Ecclesia Forces.

Variants

The IBV-05 chassis was used to create numerous variants. These include the following:

• IBV-05F: A version with increased open-water capability. Intended for service with the Elatian Naval Infantry.
• IBV-05C: HQ vehicle with raised roof, large LCD displays and enlarged communications suite.
• IBV-05R: Reconnaissnace vehicle with a compartment in the turret for a retractable ground-surveillance radar. Armament is reduced to a 30mm autocannon, a co-axial medium machine gun and a pair of box-mounted ATGM.
• IBV-05M: 120mm turret mortar
• IBV-05T: A tank destroyer variant with launch rails for two heavy beam-riding missiles, plus a magazine with twelve reloads.
• IBV-05E: Engineer variant with a dozer blade.
• IBV-05EW: Electronic intelligence/warfare vehicle
• IBV-05ME: Medical vehicle
• IBV-05N: CRBN reconnaissance vehicle