VK104 Templar
| VK104 Templar | |
|---|---|
 A Templar in northern Shalum, 2015 | |
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Shalum |
| Service history | |
| Used by |  Imperial Shalumite Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Askvig Defense Services AG |
| Designed | 1975 - 1981 |
| Manufacturer | Concordia Vehicle Assembly Plant |
| Produced | 1981 - 1986 |
| No. built | 4,789 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 34.5 tons |
| Length | 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) |
| Width | 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) |
| Height | 1.95 meters (6.4 feet) |
| Crew | (Driver, Gunner, Commander) |
| Passengers | Up to 12 |
| Armor | Welded Steel Armor Reactive Block Armor |
Main armament | 40mm Mk.IV Askvig Autocannon Maverick Mk.III VLATGM Launcher |
Secondary armament | 1 x 12.7mm HMG |
| Engine | BX570 V10 (13.6l) Diesel 750 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed Thoroughbred Gearbox |
| Suspension | Torsion bar suspension |
| Ground clearance | 0.425 m |
Operational range | 600 km (373 miles) |
| Speed | 60 km/h (37 m/ph) |
The VK104 Templar is a Shalumite tracked infantry fighting vehicle that was designed by Askvig Defense Services AG in the summer of 1981. The platform, based on refurbished and surplus main battle tank hulls, was designed to act as a heavy support unit for infantry forces deployed in urban environments. In an attempt to emphasize crew survivability, the Templar received numerous armor upgrades not featured on the original hulls, a redesigned CBRN system that allowed it to deploy in contaminated environments, as well as upgraded electronics to increase its combat abilities. After a series of intensive trials, it entered limited service with the Imperial military, primarily in high-risk zones along the border and in Maldoria.
Overview
Design
Protection
Armament
The Templar's primary weapon system is an Mk.IV Askvig 40mm autocannon which is operated through the use of a remote weapons station inside the vehicle. The turret was improved to increase its overall elevation and engage targets in multiple-story buildings, an issue that occurred in older prototype models. Standard models are also outfitted with the Mk. III Maverick vehicle launched anti-tank guided missile (VLATGM) box launchers, each of which can carry up to four warheads. The standard secondary weapon is a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, but these can be substituted for other options. Six grenade launchers are also positioned around the hull and are designed to deploy smoke grenades to provide the vehicle and infantry with concealment.
Mobilitly
Prototypes of the Templar were originally outfitted with the same V12 water-cooled (38.88L) engines featured in M20 Dobermann main battle tanks. Although powerful, these models were considerably unreliable and difficult to maintain when compared to more modern variants. This led to them instead being retrofitted with a forward mounted Askvig BX570 V10 (13.6l) diesel engine that can provide up to 750 horsepower (HP) while reaching a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Additionally, the suspension systems were redesigned to increase offroad performance, reduce crew fatigue, and increase weapon stability for on-the-move engagements.