T13125 Atlos

T13125 Atlos
T13125M1
Type	Main Battle Tank
Place of origin	Aegion
Service history
In service	2013 to present
Used by	Imperial Legion
Production history
Manufacturer	Anacom Industries Alderia Defense Technologies
No. built	421
Variants	T13125M1, T13125M2, T13125M3
Specifications
Weight	55 tons
Length	8.8 meters
Width	4.27 meters
Height	3.23 meters
Crew	3
Main armament	125mm G05T L/61 LightPack smoothbore gun
Secondary armament	2 x 7.54mm GMG3 machine guns
Engine	Pantra S32 V12 Turbodiesel engine 870 hp
Transmission	hydrostatic transmission
Suspension	hydropneumatic suspension
Operational range	490 km, 650 with external tanks
Speed	60km/ph

The T13125 is a new Fourth Generation Main Battle Tank developed in Tarsas. It was designed by Anacom Industries in cooperation with Alderia Defense Corporation to eventually replace the remaining T80125 tanks in service with the Imperial Legion. The tank entered production at the Anacom-Alderia Armor Plant in 2013. Many of the concepts employed on the vehicle are new developments and as such, the tank remains technologically complex and expensive to produce. This has resulted in many older T80125 tanks remaining in service. Its complexity and cost has resulted in far less export success than previous models. It is slated to fully replace all older vehicles in service by 2030.

Development

The T13125 was conceived in early 2003 as the Legion began to seek a replacement for the T80125, which was rapidly becoming obsolete despite continued upgrades. Legionary High Command put out a contract for the development in 2004. Alderia Armaments and Anacom Industries each took up the contract. Alderia introduced the T80125M8 and presented it in 2005. It applied significant upgrades to the tank and updated the chassis and engine package and offered it as a viable, cheaper solution to a new tank. Despite this, it was rejected due to its reliance on the T80125 base platform. Anacom presented its tank in 2010 after multiple years of development. The prototype tests revealed it was an entirely new platform that borrowed elements from the older T80125 but did not utilize its base platform. Initial testing was done with a 130mm main gun. Many other nations utilized the 130mm as their main caliber and the Legion had been investigating the viability and cost of upgrading. The XF0T5 130mm gun performed admirably but once the costs of producing a new stock of ammunition were calculated along with the vast stocks of 125mm shells that were already available, it was opted that 125mm would be the ideal caliber for the new tank. After three years of initial testing, the Anacom tank was accepted and produced as the T13125 Atlos MBT.

Continued development with the 130mm platform resumed even as the Legion made the decision not to make the switch. Continued testing of the gun resumed under the 21st Century Armor Directive, which had first released the 15.5 cm T155c L/45 Decimator assault gun. While this variant was considered a deadly enemy, the massively heavy gun and the complexity of the vehicle made maintenance a hassle. The advantage of the gun was its ability to fire massive stocks of 155mm ammunition and be utilized as an assault gun. While this was considered a boon, it was determined that a third option would be more efficient to utilize. The T30155 was simply too heavy to properly utilize in fast moving assaults. A 1500 horsepower diesel engine was developed and employed on 155 variants but this further added to the complexity of maintaining what was effectively two different main battle tanks. The 155 platform was slated to be discontinued by 2017. With Alderia's 130mm gun being replaced by an improved 135mm gun, it was seen as an attractive option for replacement of 155 models in production and possibly replacing 125mm models. With tanks like the Arthuristan Boudicca Main Battle Tank, High Command determined that Tarsas required an answer. Early testing of the 135mm gun in 2016 proved to be successful and painted it as an attractive option.

In mid 2016, a prototype featuring the 135mm gun was tested against a 155mm model. it was determined that the new 135mm weapon performed admirably compared to the 155mm. Despite ammunition stocks not existing for the weapon, it was determined that the complexity and expense associated with maintaining the T13155 in actual formations would balance out the costs of assembling new ammunition types for the new gun. The T13135 was greenlighted for production in 2017. 155 models would be maintained in reserve and only deployed in specific instances while 125 and 135 models would make up mainline divisions. It was determined that 135mm models would eventually replace 125 models in service, marking the end of the G0 series as the main armor weapon of Tarsas.

Design

The Atlos was designed on a chassis that was developed with components from the T80125 for logistics similarity. The vast majority of the drivetrain configuration was redesigned significantly. With the application of modern technology, the Atlos shaped up to be a force to be reckoned with. As a base for the tank, a variant of one of the most popular engines from Pantra Automotive for military applications was to be utilized. The power was considered more than adequate for the weight and gave the vehicle a good top speed. A hydrostatic transmission module effectively transfers engine power to the wheels. Newly developed hydropneumatic suspension makes the ride smoother as well as increased ease for firing on the move. Interior space was rearranged by placing the driver to the right of the turret in the hull behind the protective arc of the frontal non-explosive reactive armor. The gunner resides in the turret and the commander may choose to use the turret periscope or a dedicated commander's station next to the driver.

The tank features a cast-steel turret, which is nearly as strong as rolled homogeneous steel, but measurably cheaper. A three-layer composite passive-armour protects the turret front and the upper glacis. This features, from the front, a rubber/steel laminate designed to act as a 'reflecting' layer, under which is a ceramic layer, which in turn rests on a layer of tungsten alloy. Passive armor is complemented by heavy explosive reactive armor ('ERA'), which features a layer of plastic explosives sandwiched between heavy steel plates, akin to the Rietumish Kontakt-5 or Relikt. Unlike traditional explosive reactive armour, which is only effective against HEAT rounds, HERA is capable of snapping long-rod penetrators in half. The tank is equipped with a spall liner for additional support. With its heavy modern armor scheme, it was determined the Atlos would be able to compete with heavier Belisarian tanks.

In addition to armor, the vehicle utilizes the BroadShield Active Protection System, which consists of several softkill methods of defending the vehicle. Two active jamming field emitters are designed as the first line of defense, emitting different frequencies in rapid succession around the tank in an attempt to confuse an incoming guided weapon. For IR guided missiles, an IR strobe combined with a medium output laser device allows the vehicle to have an effective shot at confusing the incoming missile. The tank is equipped with a smoke grenade and chaff launcher as well for another line of defense.

The tank represents the most advanced bundle of technology available in Tarsas placed together in one package. An automated VN44 Rapier Fire Control Computer combines full main gun stabilization, targeting, sight adjustment, and target identification. It has an integrated Laser Range Finder and a Friend/Foe identification system that can identify a friendly vehicle in milliseconds. The computer also integrates several cameras that together can be utilized for 360 degree visibility. IT also allows the crew to use various filters, such as FLIR, UV, low visibility vision, and conventional. The periscope consists of high definition digital cameras that are capable of a very close zoom and can rotate 360 degrees. The fire control computer is also capable of firing on low flying helicopters with a high accuracy rating. Important readings such as pressure in the gun and autoloader status are also shown. A revolving autoloader that holds seven ready rounds allows the tank to fire off rounds in extremely quick succession before the loader must reload the system. A radar unit with a range of roughly thirty kilometers, utilizing micro antenna, allow the fire control system to be fully aware of enemies and send the information to the navigation screen, providing up to date info on enemy vehicle locations. The system also integrates an advanced ballistics computer, which is capable of, in milliseconds, detecting an incoming enemy shell utilizing short wave radar bands and plot where it will hit exactly and what sort of damage it could cause based on what it might be.

One of the most advanced features of the tank is the Damage Management System, which consists of various electronic sensors running throughout the tank back into a central computer. The computer is capable of being fully aware of the condition of the armor, gun, engine, tracks, drivetrain, and turret. When a hit is taken, the computer quickly assesses the damage that was caused, whether it be to the tank or to the armor that blocked the shot. Real time data is sent to the driver and commander on vehicle integrity. When the vehicle sustains major damage, the computer will give a list of options that the crew can use. It also is responsible for engine status. Pressure within the turbochargers, temperature, oil pressure, fluid levels, and other important information can be quickly accessed. A separate computer module controls the Environmental Protection System. This combines NBC protection as well as automated fire suppression and ammunition stowage protection. Small rubber hoses running throughout the tank can discharge firefighting chemicals in key areas, such as the ammunition stowage and engine compartments. The system keeps chemical sprays away from the crew with redirection nozzles. Internal air filers and drop down gas masks allow the crew to survive the cab being sprayed full of chemical fire fighting agents. The NBC system is also automated, with an advanced Geiger counter built in, as well as full air testing capabilities. When an NBC agent is detected, the system will activate automatically. It can be activated manually, however. A water filter, air filter, and complete internal sealing against air and radiation can be employed.

The navigation portion is also handled separately by a computer unit. The tank uses satellite navigation along with updated radar information to build an accurate, real time map on the screen for the crew to utilize. The navigation system ties directly into the Battle Management System, which links the vehicle with all other vehicles and ships operated by the Legion. Coordination can quickly be established with other allied vehicles to build missions and give instructions and aid allied vehicles without having to wait for input from an officer. The system links over an encrypted satellite to one of the Oracle Super Computers, which are based in the capital and can calculate scenarios and strategies based on trillions of gigabytes of information from sources all around the world.

Armament

The main armament of the Atlos is a LG125 Light Pack cannon. The cannon was named Light Pack due to its design being crafted of lighter materials where possible top reduce weight and the ergonomically arranged installation plan. Crew space was to be maximized while still retaining the maximum amount of firepower and chamber pressure possible. The cannon is fully integrated with the fire control computer, which also acts as the weapons management computer. The seven round revolver style autoloader can be quickly emptied with the hydraulic powered rammer behind the mechanism. The presence of a hydraulic component poses some risk to the crew, but the risk was minimized via a computer sensor that can detect if someone is close enough to the hydraulic rammer to be injured and warn them.

The gun is capable of firing all of the most common tank munitions including HEAT, HESH, AP, HE, APDS, APFSDS, and much more. Development of a thermobaric round for use in urban combat is rumored to be under way. The barrel is designed with a built in cooling sleeve that cycles water through the system via a small on board supply and discharges heat at the same location as the engine does. The internal barrel is also lined with heat resistance composites and metals to reduce wear and tear. These two features in tandem allows the tank to fire rapidly for long periods of time and reduces the frequency in which the gun barrel needs to be replaced.

The vehicle also features two machine guns for use against infantry and lightly armored targets. One is static and is aimed by turning the turret. The second one can be controlled remotely from inside the vehicle by the commander and is built into an armored pod to protect the inner workings of the gun from the weather and from damage.

Variants

Prototypes

• XT13130A - Initial prototype equipped with a proposed 130mm main cannon. Tests revealed that it performed well, but rejected due to the uncommon ammunition compatibility.
• XT13125B - First vehicle equipped with a 125mm main gun, changing the designation to 125 from 130. The older gas turbine from the previous generation T80125 was to be the main engine but was rejected due to its age, forcing this prototype to be rejected.
• XT13125C - Test bed featuring a diesel engine instead of the gas turbine. The mechanical and drive components were tested in this standalone model and proved satisfactory.
• XT13125D - Fully equipped production model for testing purposes. Performance proved satisfactory after a battery of rigorous tests on all of the vehicle's systems.

Variants

• T13125M1 - Initial production model entering production in March of 2013. Forty were produced before an issue with barrel durability was discovered, causing barrels to have to be swapped far more quickly than standard. The firefighting system would also periodically spring leaks due to the excessive heat the hoses were exposed to.
  • T13125XC - Limited production model of the XT13125C prototype for technology test bed purposes. Fifteen vehicles were procured for fitting and testing future upgrades.
• T13125M2 - Produced with a barrel cooling sleeve and a carbon ceramic barrel lining to reduce wear and make each barrel last longer. Internal hosing for the fire suppression system was swapped out with higher grade treated rubber that could withstand even hotter temperatures to avoid leaks.
• T13125M3 - Production model set to enter production in November of 2014. Includes an upgraded engine with two turbos instead of one for greater fuel savings, which results in a slight range increase. Internal systems were rearranged slightly to increase available space for crewmen to move around the vehicle. The addition of a hardkill point defense system to the APS was successfully tested.
  • T13125M3D - (Abbreviated to M3D) Vehicle equipped specifically for the desert environments of Bahktar. Fine filters were added to the air intake system to filter sand from getting inside the turbochargers. An additional radiator and a larger cold air intake were included so the engine could cool better in the desert heat. Crew spaces were given additional climate control measures to aid crew in staying cool.
• T13125M4 - Large scale upgrade featuring the Aegis Core Master Processing Suite, which combines all of the vehicle's major processing systems into one streamlined computer brain. This brain sits in the turret, replacing the crew there and introducing a fully autonomous turret which can be controlled from the passenger compartment.

T13155

• T13155-M1X - Experimental model of the tank featuring a 15.5 cm T155c L/55 Decimator for the main armament. The chassis was elongated slightly along with the turret to accommodate the gun.
• T13155-M2X - Experimental variant introduced after certain flaws were found with the gun mounting system on the M1. The gun mounts would wear out after sustained use due to the massive recoil. Strengthened hydraulic recoil absorption systems and stronger mounts were added to rectify the issue and production was switched to M2 models. With the limited usefulness of such a heavy vehicle, the production program was halted in mid 2017 with only 17 prototypes produced.

T13135

• T12135-M1 - Limited production run variant of 4 vehicles designed to test the newly released 13.5cm T135a L/52 main gun. Designed in 2015 as a compromise between the massive weight of the 15.5 cm T155c L/55 Decimator and the lower performance numbers from the 12.5 cm G0 Series, the vehicle would better be able to meet the Arthuristan Boudicca Main Battle Tank should it ever be exported to Scipia in 140mm format to unfriendly nations. The 135 features the newly released Aegis Core Master Processing Suite designed to combine all of the vehicle's computing systems into one package and equip a fully automated turret. As of November of 2017, testing proved satisfactory and 135mm models were slated to replace 155mm models. Discussion of replacing a portion of the 125mm models in service is also ongoing.

Other

• XIFV1330 - IFV based off of the T13125 chassis. Tested in late 2013 and accepted for production
• IFV1330 - Production variant of the IFV. Entered production in mid 2013 and has been accepted for service.
  File:IFVVelc.png

  Production model IFV1330 equipped with a 30mm autocannon

Operators

• Orun Redisus
  • Holy Aegenic Army