BMS Orestes MPAV-W

BMS Orestes MPAV-W
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Type	Modular armoured vehicle
Place of origin	Belfras
Service history
In service	2002 - present
Used by	Belfrasian Armed Forces Commonwealth Army See others
Production history
Designer	Belfrasian Motor Industries
Manufacturer	BAU Systems
Variants	See Versions
Specifications (Basic model)
Weight	Up to 27,000 kg (60,000 lb)
Length	8.3 m (27 ft)
Width	2.95 m (9.7 ft)
Height	2.45 m (8.0 ft) 2.75 m (9.0 ft) with high-roof version
Crew	2-3 (Commander, Driver, Variant-dependant gunner)
Passengers	8-12 dismounts in full combat gear
Main armament	Version dependent
Engine	Dual-power V-12 diesel 7+1 360kw / 1,974tq
Suspension	Independent 8x8
Operational range	800 km (500 mi)
Speed	110 km/h (68 mph) Road 15 km/h (9.3 mph) Water

The BMS Orestes MPAV-W (Multi-purpose Armoured Vehicle - Wheeled) is an 8x8 multi-role military vehicle produced by BAU Systems for service with the Belfrasian Army and Republic Marines.

The main attraction of the MPAV for the Belfrasian Armed Forces is it's incredibly modular design, which allows the installation of different weapon systems, electrical systems, communications arrays or armour packages onto the same hull with minimal refitting or redesign needed. Versions include APC (Armoured personnel carrier) variants, IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) varaints, communications, ambulances and fire support versions armed with weapons such as mortars, anti-tank turrets or missile launchers. The design is rated for survivability versus directed explosions of up to 10 kg of TNT, although extra armour packages can increase this dependant on the armour used. A slanted forward design of the vehicle and natural on-the-shelf armour allows it protection against 30 mm AP attacks from the front.

Since entering service, the Orestes has become a highly versatile vehicle, all of which are built upon a three common platforms - A standard plaform, a raised-roof platform for medical vehicles, command vehicles and the like and a third platform meant for heavy weapons. Set-ups on these platforms can be interchanged following delivery to suit requirements so long as it's within set guidelines. Under this design an APC could have IFV equipment attached to it similar to an armor extension kit, with the turret itself and electrical components being installed at specifically tailored facilities. The MPAV-W entered service first with the Army in 2002 after a year of tests on a number of prototypes and has become the primary wheeled non-Armoured APC for the Army, with the Harma retaining it's role as the troop carrier for armoured units. The Republic Marines adoped the platform two years later in 2004 as an amphibious transport and IFV.

History

MPAV APC's on maneuvers.

The design of the Orestes came from an investigation from the Belfrasian Army into the continued feasibility of the Harma armoured vehicle. The heavily armoured, tracked vehicle was significantly less portable than a wheeled vehicle but worked perfectly with the Army's armoured infantry that would follow tank units in a battlefield. The usage of such vehicles in infantry units not following tanks into battle, but instead branching off for separate objectives, for smaller deployments or for non-high intensity warfare was deemed financially and strategically unwise, therefore a request was put in with the government-owned Belfrasian Military System's for a wheeled combatant vehicle that was modular to the requirements of the service and could hold an average squad.

The resulting MPAV was far more portable than the Harma thanks being lighter, although tests revealed that the Harma still had a significantly greater survivability in impacts of mines or IEDs if encountered. The MPAV survived all tests with the interior intact, but was unable to continue with it's theoretical scenarios (wheel loss, engine loss, etc). The MPAV is also, by default, less heavily armed than the Harma by default, it's APC version only wielding a 50 calibre machine gun for instance. Despite these downfalls, the MPAV is significantly more agile, quieter, more fuel efficient and more mobile in most environments that a tracked vehicle would suffer in.

The vehicle is powered by a Dual-Power V-12 Diesel-driven engine developing 540 horsepower and is mated to an automatic fail-secure transmission with 7-forwad and 1-reverse speeds. The suspension is hydropneumatic and independently adjusted for each wheel to allow for greater agility in rough terrain. The drive train of the vehicle is 8x8 with all wheels gaining power and steering is two-switch with the front two axles of the vehicle providing steering in normal mode and all wheels in the second mode for greater steering at the cost of stability. Each axle is powered independently and an on-board stability computer is capable of engaging different power levels to tyres when negotiating uneven terrain to maintain direction and balance. The tyres are run-flat devices with high-performance brake discs and a central tyre inflation system that provides reduced ground pressure. The suspension of the vehicle is also capable of adjusting the ride height.

A request issued during the design phase by the Army for it to have 'moderate' amphibious capabilities for fording rivers was achieved with two shrouded propellers on each side of the rear hatch of the vehicle. When entering water, the propellers engage automatically and a wave-breaking shield emerges at the front to assist in manoeuvrability. The shield is, when un-needed, stowed along the upper slant of the front of the vehicle. The Republic Marines gained interested in this development and eventually adopted an order for the vehicle shortly after it's release.

Versions

Belfras

Orestes IFV-1A3, released in 2015.

Orestes APC-1A2

By default, the APC version of the Orestes was equipped with a single remote-operated 12.7mm heavy machine gun that was operated by the commander of the vehicle. This allowed the vehicle to maintain a passenger bay for ten to twelve dismounts. An upgrade within the first two years saw the system complimented by an add-on, single-use launcher system that allowed the fitting of man-portable launchers, such as anti-tank or anti-air weapons that allowed the APC to gear itself for a evolving combat environment.

Orestes IFV-1A3

Whereas the APC is equipped with only a 12.7mm HMG and an add-on, single-use launcher, the IFV is equipped by default with a pwoerful 30mm auto-cannon capable of firing 100/200 rounds per minute to ranges of 3,000 meters. It is also equipped with a coaxial 12.7mm HMG and two launcher pods for multi-purpose missiles. The 2015 A3 upgrade rose the weapon platform from the vehicle to allow for greater agility of the weapon to face targets. The weapon platform itself has an array of cameras, with the front-facing camera equipped with infra-red, thermal-vision and a laser designator. A secondary camera pod that is raised at the Commander's command allows for a 360° coverage of hi-res all-vision cameras and another laser designator if needed. The mast is also equipped with a communications antenna to extend communications range in bad conditions.

Orestes CV-1A8

The Command Vehicle is fitted out the same as an APC as far as offensive means go; A 12.7mm HMG with optional missile launcher package. It is also equipped with several pop-up/fold-away antenna and surveillance systems to allow for command personnel within the vehicle to communicate with other units. On the inside are an array of screens and facilities for command to operate from along with room for four non-command dismounts.

Orestes RV-1A1

The release of the Reconnaissance Vehicle came with hold-overs from previous models. It possessed the communications package of the Command Vehicle and the 360° coverage camera pod capable of allowing the commander to see over hill-tops or trees to gain intelligence or initiate a laser designator for air strikes. An improved NBC survival package was included to allow the RV-1A1 to be used as an NBC reconnaissance vehicle in the aftermath of any potential attack using chemicals, biological weapons, or nuclear ordnance. Because of the extensive weapons package, it is equipped with only one remote-operated 12.7mm HMG.

Orestes MGS-2A3

The Mobile Gun System mounted onto the Orestes is primarily a 120mm auto-loading cannon system complimented by a two-shot anti-tank guided missile launcher pod that is stowed beside it but raised when required. The cannon is an off-shoot of that seen on the BMS Parmenio MBT and is capable of firing the same types of ammunition.

Orestes MC-1A4 twin-mortar system.

Orestes MC-1A4

The MC-1A4 is equipped with a twin 120mm mortar system. The weapon, a breech-loaded 120mm mortar is designed for rapid fire at 24 rounds per minute and an automated ammunition handling system. An advanced computer system installed with the mortar allows for a multiple-round simultaneous impact bombardment system, allowing for the vehicle to fire a salvo of 14 rounds and move away from any returning fire before the rounds impact at the same time to the target area. The weapon also has a direct-fire capability for engaging nearby targets. The maximum range of direct-fire is 1,500 meters, with indirect mortar fire range depending on the round used, which includes the 5 km-ranged smart-guided round. The system is also found on the BMS Harma. A three man mortar crew joins the driver and commander on this version for a total of a five-man crew.

Orestes MRV-1A1

The Medical Recovery Vehicle of the design features a raised roof of 2.75 meters like the command vehicle allows for stretchers to fit into vertical racks with enough room for medics to work on patients as needed. Cold storage facilities for the preservation of severed limbs or blood-packs is featured.

Orestes SHORAD-1A2

The Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) version of the platform comes with a bulbous radar mounted on a rotating turret. The turret has the capacity to load eight short-range missiles or a variance of achine-guns for anti-helicopter purposes. The interior of the vehicle is refitted to fit appropriate suites for air defence duties. The missiles can be removed from the vehicle and paired with guidance units and tripods stored in the vehicle to create an air defence launcher capable of being moved away from the vehicle should it be disabled or the need otherwise arises.

Orestes ATGM-3A2

The Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) version of the Orestes comes with a turret armed by default with eight to twelve anti-tank missiles, an Hi-Res/IR camera with designator for guidance and extra reloads in an on-board magazine that reload when the turret is facing vertical with crew-members aid. An extra 'arm' of the turret is capable of holding a 12.7mm HMG for self defence means against enemy infantry if required.

Orestes MWS-1A1

The Mobile Work-shop is a highly modular raised-roof configuration, capable of being refitted to whatever requirements it faces, although it can only utilise pop-in/sealable extrusions from the hull vertically to maintain NBC protection/Amphibious capabilities.

Arthurista

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The Commonwealth Army procured the Orestes, locally designated as the 'FV 459 Ulysses', in the mid-2000's. They were chosen over the Nekorian Zavatsky Dravec in a competition.

Combat variants are fitted with ceramic applique armour as standard, enabling resistance towards 30mm munitions and non-tandem warhead RPG rounds from the frontal arc, as well as heavy machine gun fire from all aspects. No Arthuristan variant has any amphibious capability. Combat variants are also fitted with the Iron Fist active defence system, whilst slat armour can further increase resistance towards shaped-charge warheads. The basic vehicle weighs can exceed 30 tonnes in weight when fully loaded and up-armoured.

The following variants are in service:

Ulysses ICV

The Commonwealth Army's mistrust of unmanned turrets led to the procurement of this Infantry Combat Vehicle configuration. It has a crew of three and can carry a rifle section of eight. It is equipped with a Latin HITFIST two-men turret, equipped with a Antigel AD-25 25mm autocannon, two medium machine guns (one co-axial, one pintle mount), and two Vesper missiles. They are due to the upgraded with a new turret, armed with a dual-feed 40mm autocannon firing cased telescoped ammunition, a co-axial L6V medium machine gun, and a Sharpshooter Remote Weapon System with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun with two Vesper missiles. The missiles may be detached and carried along by the vehicle's dismounts contingent.

Ulysses AGV

The Assault Gun Vehicle is equipped with a L/39 low-recoil 120mm rifled gun, capable of utilising the same one-piece ammunition as the Boudicca Main Battle Tank.

Ulysses TDV

The Tank Destroyer Vehicle possesses a trainable launcher with two slots for anti-tank missiles, fed by a mechanical autoloader below. Its design is taken from that of the Liberator TDV. A high magnification thermal-imaging sight for the gunner, and a panoramic thermal sight for the commander, provide fire control. It was initially equipped with the BGM-71 TOW, which is gradually being replaced by the Vidette missile.

Ulysses ATDV

The Advanced Tank Destroyer Vehicle is equipped with two 4x3 vertical-launch pods for the Vantage missile.

Ulysses MOV

The Arthuristan mortar carrier is similar to the Belfrasian version. It is equipped with a duel-barrel AMOS 120mm automatic mortar system.

Ulysses AAV

The Anti-Air Vehicle is equipped with the turret from the Stormer HVM. It combines eight missiles with an Air Defence Alerting Device, which is a powerful passive thermal sensor capable of detecting aircraft at over 18 km.

Ulysses CEV

The Combat Engineer Vehicle is essentially a baseline APC, equipped with a dozer blade and a Sharpshooter Remote Weapon System.

Ulysses MPV

The Multi-purpose Vehicle is the baseline variant, minus the additional armour fitted to the combat versions, and equipped with various mission modules to allow the vehicle to serve in various roles. These include functions such as headquarters, ambulance, vehicle recovery, NBC reconnaissance, and a myriad of other tasks.

Operators

• Belfras

• Belfrasian Army
• Republic Marines

• Arthurista

• Commonwealth Army

See also

• Equipment of the Belfrasian Army
• BMS Harma - The tracked armoured vehicle of the Belfrasian Army that has a similar mission profile to the Orestes.