AMV40 Hornisse

AMV40 Hornisse
Type	Armoured fighting vehicle
Place of origin	Shalum
Service history
Used by	Imperial Shalumite Army
Wars	Arzell Crisis
Production history
Designer	Askvig Defense Services AG
Designed	2009 - 2019
Manufacturer	Concordia Vehicle Assembly Plant
Unit cost	$1.89 million ISD
Produced	2019 - Present
Specifications
Weight	28 tonnes
Length	9.23 m (30 ft 3 in)
Width	2.98 m (9 ft 9 in)
Height	2.9 m (9 ft 5 in)
Crew	4
Main armament	120mm L44 Rifled Gun
Secondary armament	12.7mm AA Gun 7.62×51mm coaxial machine gun 8 x Mk.I Caesar ATGM
Engine	10-cylinder water-cooled diesel (573 hp)
Suspension	Wheeled 8 x 8
Operational range	804 km (500 mi)
Speed	120 km/h (75 mph)

The AMV40 Hornisse is a Shalumite armoured fighting vehicle designed by Askvig Defense Services AG to replace the aging M13 Sentinel for the Imperial Shalumite Army. Outfitted with a 120mm main gun and an improved powertrain system, it is capable of performing numerous roles including anti-tank, direct fire support, territorial patrols, and armored reconnaissance. Due to vulnerabilities displayed by its predecessor in urban environments, a greater emphasis was also placed on mine protection and remote weapons systems. It was first introduced into service in 2019.

Overview

Armament

The main armament is an Askvig made 120mm/44 caliber gyro-stabilized high pressure, low recoil gun outfitted with a thermal sleeve and an upgraded bore evacuator which was designed to improve the system's lifespan and increase reliability while in combat. The turret, crewed by the commander and gunner, can hold up to 18 rounds in ready positions while the remaining 30 are stored lower in the hull near the loader station. The Hornisse is equipped with a Steiger Defense GmbH Artemis fire control system which gathers data from numerous sensors located at numerous points across the vehicle. Firing solution data is determined by the system through the collation of multiple data points such as the distance to target determined by the laser rangefinder, the type of ammunition loaded, wind speed, the temperature outside of the vehicle, lead angle, and barrel integrity. The Steiger Basilisk Combat Optic suite, which feeds into the onboard crew terminals, is fitted with high definition thermal and night vision cameras that provide a continuous panoramic view of the vehicle during operation. These systems all work in unison to provide the crew with as much information as possible during combat, regardless of the time of day, while the vehicle is either stationary or mobile.

Mounted to the left of the Hornisse's main gun is the coaxial 7.62×51mm machine gun which can be loaded with up to 2,000 rounds of ammunition. The remote weapon station, mounted at the top of the turret near the hatch, comes standard with a 12.7mm HMG. Due to its modular nature, it can also be equipped with grenade launchers or other machine guns. Mounted on either side of the turret are Mk.I Caesar vehicle launched anti-tank guided missiles fitted into box launchers.

Protection

The armor fitted on the Hornisse's hull is based on that of the Shalumite Honigdachs infantry fighting vehicle. The primary layer, a 4th generation composite mesh, is constructed over an ATI 425® titanium alloy base which is resilient against weapons systems as strong as 30mm in strength. The armor is multiple layers thick, with the final one featuring a compound spall lining to protect the crew against shaped charges meant to incapacitate the crew with fragmentation. The vehicle can also be outfitted with explosive reactive armor plates or cage armor if the need arises. The underside of the hull is v-shaped and armored to protect it from anti-vehicle mines or improvised explosive blasts. The AMV40 is also outfitted with an NBC system, integrated into the air conditioner, that keeps the occupants safe from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.

The Hornisse is equipped with a Steiger Aegis Active Protection System, which provides the vehicle with an additional level of protection against anti-armor threats. The Aegis APS creates a protected hemispheric zone around the vehicle and is capable of effectively detecting and intercepting incoming threats. It is made up of three elements: threat detection, tracking, and interception. Threat detection is conducted with the assistance of several sensors, as well as a couple of flat-panel radars, placed at strategic points all around the vehicle, to provide full coverage. When an incoming threat is identified, and the system computer chooses to intercept it, the countermeasure systems open up, and the armed system is pointed in a position where it can effectively intercept the oncoming threat. The threat is then neutralized by one of two rotating launchers installed on the sides of the vehicle's turret which fire neutralizing agents, usually small metal pellets like buckshot.

Powertrain

The Hornisse is powered by a 10-cylinder water-cooled diesel capable of producing 410 kilowatts (573 hp). The engine is coupled with aThoroughbred automatic transmission which features six forward gears and two reverse gears. The vehicle is fitted with an eight-wheel drive system, where each wheel is outfitted with an independent suspension system, and each run-flat tire has an insert that is fed by a central inflation system. Steering is provided by the first and second axles during high speeds, while the fourth axel also engages at lower speeds to assist the vehicle in traversing more difficult terrains. and navigate more easily in urban environments. The Hornisse can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) while on the road.

The Hornisse's engine monitoring system, designed by Steiger Defense GmbH, is connected to the vehicle's central computer and its data can be accessed from any of the onboard terminals. The engine compartment itself is equipped with numerous monitors to continuously track the temperature and stresses during combat and cross country operations, as well as record pertinent information for mechanics during maintenance. It can also be used to cool the exhaust while stationary and reduce the vehicle's thermal signature. If the compartment is breached during combat, it is outfitted with an automatic firefighting system.