NEXT GENERATION MAIN BATTLE TANK. PART I: UPGRADING THE “PAN” TANKS

Modern MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) last more than 30 years. During this period, they will be periodically upgraded in any aspect except the basic structure. Even the main armor is becoming an upgraded accessory that depends on the nature of the threat. The main armament may be also changed or upgraded. The huge electronic equipment is the most upgraded part. The crew compartment may be upgraded in internal armor (for example for spalling), interfaces (optics, displays, commands), safety and protection devices (fire detection and suppression, ejection seats..). This continuous upgrade process should be included in the design of new vehicle, than can be modular for these mid-life upgrades. The vehicle is designed by adding items to the crew compartment and to the mobilization system. As an example, this first part introduces a few options to retrofit the ARIETE MBT. The retrofit cannot be reduced to engine and armor upgrade. A reasoned step approach is outlined in this paper. The first minimal step is based on an active armor and an HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) visual system. The weight increase is compensated by reducing road wheels weight. A second step increases firepower by installing on the main turret an automated turret with an automatic small cannon and a machinegun. The weight increase is compensated by limiting the internal ammunition storage of the main cannon to the anti-tank ones. A third step converts the turret internal ammunition storage into an automatic reloading system. In this way, the crew is reduced from 4 to 3. A fourth step increases crew safety by relocating the driver in the turret and by installing ejection seats. Solutions to reduce ground pressure and to increase the effective “power” available by replacing the final-drives and adding two electric motors on the front sprockets are also briefly examined. It is also highly advisable to add an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to reduce IR (infrared) signature, improve main engine life and reduce maintenance. © 2006–2020. Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved