Iliad Medium Multipurpose Tracked Vehicle
| Iliad Medium Multipurpose Tracked Vehicle | |
|---|---|
 GIC-24 Agenor armored personnel carrier variant of the MMTV chassis. | |
| Type | Armored fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Carthage |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008-present |
| Used by | Carthage Gensokyo Republic |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Carthage Steel Works Cooperative Defense Industries |
| Designed | 2002-2008 |
| Manufacturer | Carthage Steel Works Cooperative Defense Industries Kawashiro Dynamics |
| Unit cost | $5 million (FY2014) |
| Produced | 2006-present |
| No. built | 47,545 |
| Specifications (GIV-21 Andromache IFV) | |
| Weight | 36.5 tonnes (40.2 short tons) |
| Length | 6.92 m (22.7 ft) |
| Width | 3.61 m (11.8 ft) |
| Height | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) |
| Crew | 2 + 9 passengers |
| Armor | Spaced laminate armor 30 mm frontal protection 14.5 mm protection all-around Resistant to 155 mm shell fragments Modular applique armor |
Main armament | 40 mm CDA-330 L/70 autocannon (260 rounds) |
Secondary armament | 7 mm CRA-331 chain gun (coaxial) (3,800 rounds) |
| Engine | Elissa-Arishat Motors DV8-700 V-8 turbocharged multi-fuel diesel engine IDOS WX2M permanent magnet electric motor 750 kW (1,005 hp) |
| Power/weight | 20.5 kW/tonne (27.5 hp/tonne) |
| Transmission | Magonid Motors RM45 series hybrid |
| Suspension | Active in-arm hydropneumatic |
| Ground clearance | Variable 0.1-0.6 m (3.9-23.6 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 500 l (132 US gal) |
Operational range | 510 km (320 mi) |
| Speed | Road: 85 km/h (53 mph) Off road: 64 km/h (40 mph) |
Steering system | Double-differential hydrostatic |
The Iliad Medium Multipurpose Tracked Vehicle family is a series of fighting vehicles in service with the Carthage Defense Forces and produced by Carthage Steel Works and Cooperative Defense Industries. The Iliad MMTV family is designed to provide a universal family of medium-weight tracked vehicles to equip light cavalry brigades and fill the gap between heavier armored brigades equipped with main battle tanks such as the HTA-02 Jaguar II and light infantry units carried by tactical trucks.
Protection
Armor
The Iliad MMTV adopts a new design in armored vehicle development, focusing protection around a number of key systems rather than the entire vehicle hull itself. All variants include an armored two or three-man crew pod in the front of the vehicle ahead of the mission section, which may also accommodate additional armor in the case of personnel carrier variants. Baseline armor for the outer vehicle hull includes protection against 14.5 mm machine gun fire from all sides and 30 mm APDS rounds from the front. Crew pod armor includes protection from 30 mm fire from all sides with limited protection from 35-40 mm weapons. Modules for infantry seating used in infantry fighting vehicle variants include similar armor to the crew pod, but standard combat modules rely entirely on external applique armor for protection levels exceeding the baseline standard.
The base layer of armor is composed of an array with an outer layer of weather-resistant fiberglass over a ceramic tile matrix backed by a layer of energy-absorbing rubber and a final fiberglass backing layer for support. The armor is designed to provide similar ballistic protection to aluminum and steel armor with reduced weight and susceptibility to spalling effects. As a result of the fiberglass backing layer, the MMTV series eliminates the use of a traditional spall liner and instead uses a coat of phenolic resin in the interior. The top of the vehicle is protected against 155 mm shell splinters from distances as close as 10 meters (30 feet) and the floor is protected against mine blasts of up to 10 kg (22 lb). The basic armor scheme is modular and all panels are mounted to the vehicle's aluminum frame, designed for rapid replacement in the field in the event of damage and allowing easier upgrades with newer armor types in the future.
The MMTV series is designed for use with modular armor kits to improve protection in operations where the additional weight is of less concern than air mobility. Armoring kits include add-on composite armor panels as well as explosive reactive armor to improve protection against HEAT munitions and provide a defense against infantry-carried rocket propelled grenades and light anti-tank guided missiles. The total weight of the heaviest armor kits adds between 10-15 tonnes to the vehicle depending on options used as well as the variant protected.
Damage control
The Iliad MMTV is designed to significantly improve crew and vehicle survivability. The crew are seated in an armored pod to concentrate protection on the most valuable assets, with sufficient additional armor to provide limited survivability against weapons up to the 40 mm caliber. The electric drive is also more resistant to damage as the system can be powered by either the battery pack or the diesel generator, allowing for greater redundancy. Further compartmentalization of important components such as the armament systems and fire control systems also reduce the chances of damage to any one section resulting in the loss of the entire vehicle.
Most components are designed to be rapidly repaired or replaced in the event of damage, and can be easily removed with a standard set of tools. Damaged armor plating can be quickly removed and replaced, and applique armor kits quickly installed. Even turret replacements are possible with the assistance of a crane and the sponson-mounted powertrain can be easily accessed for diagnostics and repair.
Armament
Primary
The primary armament of the Iliad MMTV family varies based on variant, with vehicles armed for specific roles. Combat variants mount their armaments in or above the flexible mission space at the rear of the vehicle, in place of the troop compartment in infantry carrier, command, or medical evacuation compartments. While each primary armament module is designed to fit within the same dimensions, they are not designed to be interchangeable with anything less than a full factory rebuild and are permanently integrated into the vehicle. The individual combat variants are armed with:
- GCV-20 Diomedes: 120 mm L/50 CBS-320 smoothbore gun. The CBS-320 armored gun module is a self-contained unit containing the turret and carousel autoloader holding 36 rounds of cased telescoped ammunition. The gun is reloaded via a rotating chamber to support a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute and has sufficient elevation to be used for indirect fire purposes. The turret also includes a coaxial 7 mm CRA-331 chain gun for anti-infantry use.
- GIV-21 Andromache: 40 mm L/70 CDA-330 CTA autocannon. The CDA-330 is designed to fire cased telescoped ammunition at a rate of up to 200 rounds per minute. Ammunition types include APFSDS and smart-fuzed high-explosive rounds, as well as training rounds with reduced power and wear. While the turret is self-contained and unmanned to maximize space in the infantry compartment, spare ammunition is stowed in the fighting compartment and can be manually loaded into the cannon's feed system. 260 rounds are carried in the infantry fighting vehicle installation. The turret also includes a coaxial 7 mm CRA-331 chain gun for anti-infantry use. A box mount for the SMM-760 Chihaya anti-tank guided missile is also available.
- GRC-22 Patroclus: 40 mm L/70 CDA-330 CTA autocannon. Identical to the IFV installation except for several additional sensors and increased ammunition capacity within the vehicle, carrying 360 rounds. The ATGM box mount made optional on the IFV variant is normally standard on the GRC-22.
- GRF-23 Dolon: 40 mm L/70 CDA-330 CTA autocannon. Identical to the CFV installation with optional ATGM mount.
- GHM-25 Teucer: 155 mm L/52 CDS-352 gun-howitzer. The CDS-352 is a shortened and lightened version of the CDS-351 used in the HHM-09 Bowman self-propelled howitzer. It is a self-contained module including autoloader that allows the vehicle to be operated and crewed by two men, with all weapons functions automated. The module stores a total of 32 rounds including charges and can sustain a rate of fire of up to four rounds per minute.
- GMM-26 Pandarus: 120 mm L/24 G/LMM-172 automatic mortar. The self-contained G/LMM-172 mortar can be operated from within the vehicle or dismounted and used independently provided a power source is available. It is capable of firing up to four rounds per minute sustained and up to 16 in a rapid burst.
- GAV-32 Cassandra: 76 mm L/64 CDA-327 autocannon. The CDA-327 is mounted in a fast-tracking turret equipped with onboard radar and infrared sensors to detect and engage helicopters and low-flying aircraft. 80 rounds are stored onboard and the cannon has a maximum rate of fire of 80 rounds per minute. The autoloader is normally loaded with a mixture of MP-HE and guided airbursting shells. In addition to the autocannon, the GAV-32 carries a four-tube box launcher for the SML-751 Yukiho dual-role anti-air/anti-tank guided missile.
Secondary
In addition to the primary armament for combat vehicles, all variants are compatible with the FRC-354 remote weapon station, which serves as the primary armament for non-combat variants. All combat and non-combat variants of the Iliad series mount the FRC-354, armed with the 7 mm CRA-331 or 15.5 mm CRA-334 chain guns or the 40 mm IAG-127 automatic grenade launcher. This remote weapon station is optionally carried on the GAV-29 Penelope to comply with rules of war and international treaties restricting the armament of recognized ambulances. In such conflicts the station is removed to comply with treaty stipulations, but may be re-added in the event of treaty violations or for the engagement of non-compliant forces.
Mobility
Tactical
Off road tactical mobility and strategic air mobility were high priorities for the Iliad MMTV program. Vehicles in the series use segmented rubber band tracks and a series hybrid diesel powerplant, a first for a Carthaginian armored vehicle in active service. Combined with an active hydropneumatic suspension, the medium vehicle series is capable of greater sustained off road speeds than its predecessor Swordsman and Swordsmith series vehicles despite a higher baseline weight.
Initial requirements for fording capability and integrated river-crossing capability were removed during testing, when it became clear that these requirements interfered with other design parameters. Fording capability was deleted from the vehicle on the basis that bridging support would be more readily available, obviating the major advantages of independent fording ability. Amphibious capability requirements were changed from a baseline vehicle requirement to an optional requirement added through the installation of inflatable side skirts and a forward trim vane. The amphibious crossing kit was developed and can be installed on any baseline Iliad series vehicle, although most uparmoring kits render the vehicle too heavy to be buoyant even with the kit installed.
Engine
The Iliad series is powered by a series hybrid powertrain composed of the Elissa-Arishat DV8-700 V-8 diesel engine and a pair of IDOS WX2M permanent magnet motors. The selection of the hybrid powerplant was motivated by increased power demands for onboard electronics as well as fuel efficiency concerns. While the DV8-700 engine is of similar design to the VTX-12-1000 engine used in the HTA-02 Jaguar II main battle tank and includes the same multi-fuel capability, the Iliad MMTV eliminates the mechanical transmission entirely. Vehicles of the Iliad series are capable of moving over short distances through battery power alone.
Unlike the conventional front-engined GIV-90 Swordsmith, the Iliad MMTV moves the powerplant to the sponsons to maximize central chassis space for crew and other equipment. This arrangement allows for significant flexibility in the arrangement of equipment throughout various models. To maintain space and weight balance, the diesel engine is mounted to the right side of the vehicle and the accompanying battery pack on the left, with fuel storage provided in both front and rear tanks. As with other modern fighting vehicles, the onboard tanks are self-sealing. A total of 500 liters (130 U.S. gal) of fuel can be carried providing a range of 510 kilometers (320 mi), with provisions for additional external tanks adding 300 liters (79 U.S. gal).
Supplementing onboard power generation is the use of an automotive thermoelectric generator as part of the vehicle's emissions masking suite. Electricity from the ATG is either consumed directly or stored in the batteries for further use. Due to the onboard battery system, the Iliad MMTV does not incorporate a traditional APU. The basic includes sufficient room for growth to support both additional electronics as well as additional weight while maintaining mobility requirements. On an improved surface, the MMTV can reach 85 km/h (53 mph) while in baseline off-road conditions, the series can reach 64 km/h (40 mi). This matches the mobility of the HTA-02 Jaguar II. In peacetime, to reduce track wear vehicles are normally limited to 72 km/h (45 mph).
Suspension
The active hydropneumatic suspension allows vehicles in the series to adjust their ride height on a per-wheel basis. The shift from the GIV-90's torsion bar suspension to a hydropneumatic design with cylinders mounted in each suspension arm eliminates the need for internal torsion bars, making replacement simpler and freeing space within the vehicle. The suspension also allows for active vibration damping to improve crew comfort and reduce fatigue over the course of long road marches. For on-road driving, the vehicle can lower itself to 10 centimeters (3.9 in) while off-road operations allow the suspension to be raised to 60 centimeters (24 in), providing greater clearance over obstacles. The suspension is designed to support significantly greater weight than the baseline vehicle, allowing for extensive up-armoring and weight growth over time as additional capabilities are added.
The Iliad MMTV is supported by seven GWA-732 500-millimeter (20 in) composite road wheels, designed to keep unsprung mass to a minimum. In a significant departure from previous designs, the MMTV was designed from the start to use rubber band tracks rather than conventional rubber-padded steel tracks. Initial testing vehicles used endless band tracks, but this specification was changed to segmented band tracks before series production due to significant problems with track replacement. The use of band tracks was added to the MMTV program requirements following testing with converted GIV-90s demonstrating reduced noise, vibration, and weight, while having reached comparable levels of durability to steel tracks within the MMTV's projected weight class.
Strategic
The Iliad MMTV family was designed to be more easily airmobile than heavier vehicles based on the HTA-02 chassis, with a weight class allowing them to be transported in larger tactical airlifters. A single combat-ready Iliad MMTV can be transported in each RTS-223 Razorbill airlifter, while three can be carried in each RTS-224 Albatross and eight in an RTS-225 Cronus. This allows for significantly improved flexibility in terms of deployment options and was considered a baseline goal for the vehicle series to meet expected doctrinal requirements. However, up-armored MMTVs are considered too heavy for airlift via RTS-223, a source of ongoing contention as to whether the Iliad series has met its mobility requirements.
Variants
- GCV-20 Diomedes: Light tank armed with the 120 mm L/50 CBS-320 smoothbore gun. The GCV-20 is designed to provide the primary anti-tank capability for light cavalry brigades as well as support against bunkers and entrenched defenders. Unlike the infantry carrier variants, the GCV-20 has a crew of three in a conventional commander, gunner, driver arrangement.
- GIV-21 Andromache: Infantry fighting vehicle armed with 40 mm L/70 CDA-330 CTA autocannon and capable of carrying a nine-man infantry squad in addition to the two-man vehicle crew. The optional SMM-760 Chihaya box mount gives the vehicle a mounted weapon for use against tanks, but the primary role of the vehicle is to deliver and support its infantry squad on the battlefield.
- GRC-22 Patroclus: Reconnaissance vehicle armed similarly to the GIV-21 but with the SMM-760 mount as standard. The GRC-22 also has additional sensors to improve detection range and capabilities. While the sensor systems and additional ammunition take up space within the vehicle, space for six dismounted scouts is retained.
- GRF-23 Dolon: Fire support vehicle armed similarly to the reconnaissance variant but equipped with sensors to locate enemy positions and assess the damage of artillery and air strikes launched against designated positions.
- GIC-24 Agenor: Armored personnel carrier armed with a single remote weapon station and designed to move personnel and cargo around the battlefield. Used primarily by specialized teams such as combat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal teams.
- GHM-25 Teucer: Self-propelled howitzer armed with a 155 mm L/52 gun used by brigade and division-level batteries.
- GMM-26 Pandarus: Self-propelled mortar armed with a 120 mm automatic mortar used by company and battalion-level support units.
- GEV-27 Polydamas: Armored recovery vehicle armed with a remote weapon station and designed to recover other stricken vehicles in the Iliad MMTV weight class as well as assist with major repairs.
- GER-28 Antenor: Repair vehicle equipped with compressors, torches, and other tools for field repair and support of other vehicles.
- GAV-29 Penelope: Battlefield ambulance designed for casualty retrieval. Optionally armed with a remote weapon station.
- GVE-30 Nestor: Command vehicle equipped with additional radios and space for command and control functions.
- GDE-31 Sarpedon: Mobile battlefield radar attached to reconnaissance units for ground surveillance.
- GAV-32 Cassandra: SHORAD vehicle armed with a rapid-fire 76 mm gun and dual-role surface-to-air missiles designed for SHORAD roles.