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Description
K'than Collective - "Phalanx" Mk11 Main Battle Tank

Overview:

The Phalanx MBT series is a long-running line of tanks dating back to the invention of the tank itself, with the original iteration proving to be rather effective in its designated role; the lack of armies to fight and civilizations to vanquish on their homeworld led to the Phalanx Mk1 being more of a predator deterrent than anything, but in time as the Collective reached the stars and found out about its galactic neighbors, the Phalanx was remade and reborn into what it is today. News of interstellar warfare here and there across the stars is what woke the Collective up, and as they became more knowledgeable on the subject they modernized their machinery and vehicles. The Phalanx Mk5 was the result of that modernization, sporting improved armor, a primary weapon suitable for engaging similarly-armored targets, and basic systems to assist the crew in running the vehicle. Bigger, better weapons and bulkier, more effective defensive systems led to various offshoots, ranging from the continuation of the Mk5 line all the way to the Mk11 line currently in service. The Mk11, being the newest, sleekest, and most deadly variant produced so far, is the Collective's foremost defender down on the ground, right alongside the actual infantry themselves. With new threats popping up occasionally the Phalanx will surely evolve to meet and overcome them, and as it does so, it will remain as it always has been; a speedy defender, a stalwart palisade, and a symbol of the Collective.

Offensive Capabilities:

The primary armament of the Phalanx Mk11 consists of a 100mm coilgun mounted in the turret. The magnetic coils of the gun, powered by the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor located in the rear, propel the projectiles it fires to hypersonic speeds. The actual ammunition of the gun varies depending on the scenario and environment in question, with nano-fabricators in the turret allowing for the customization of munitions mid-operation, as well as the production of munitions if given enough time. Typical ammo fired by the gun includes APDSFS, Canister shot, and HE for most situations, but specialized ammunition is sometimes required and, when necessary, is brought to the frontlines for use in combat. Onboard targeting systems in the Canister shot control when it detonates, as well as give it a limited amount of flexibility, due to the fact that the systems can alter the arc of the blast, as well as alter where the individual spheres end up; a shot could be fired over a low hill and programmed so that its contents surge out downwards, to hit the opposing infantry using the hill as cover. HE rounds are similarly programmable, albeit to a lesser extent, as the onboard computer can control when the round detonates or set pre-determined conditions for detonation. Additional weaponry utilized by the Mk11 includes a coaxial 20mm coilgun autocannon, as well as an additional autocannon in a secondary turret atop the primary. Both guns fire relatively simple munitions, such as API, but as with the primary armament, this can be changed if the situation calls for it. The same nano-fabricators that supply munitions for the primary armament are also capable of resupplying the autocannons. Rounding off the Phalanx's offensive armament is an ATGM launcher attached to the right side of the secondary turret. Two barrels allow for two missiles, both of which can be refilled in a matter of minutes thanks to the nano-fabricators. The ATGMs are by far the most versatile part of the Phalanx's armament, as they can be customized to fit whatever scenario they face; for starters, IR and visual sensors on the front of the missile and/or on extendable parts of its sides can be exchanged for LIDAR sensors. The thruster, fueled by the plasma reactor powering the missile, can be angled a certain amount to assist the fins in guiding the missile towards its intended target. The warhead, ranging from standard HEAT to tachyonic scattershot and more, is controlled by the onboard AI, which chooses when and how the warhead will detonate, with customization available for warheads with adjustable arcs. All of this is complemented by the speed of the missile, which reaches hypersonic speeds rather quickly.

Defensive Capabilities:

A good place to start is the Phalanx's armor plating; 2 feet-thick Muonized Pernum Lattice. Nanocomposites composed of Pernum alloy, muonized Permium-carbide nanoceramics, and carbon nanotubes. Permium, the main ingredient in the lattice and in the Pernum alloy that makes up the Phalanx's overall structure, is a lightweight metal with similar properties to Nightstone, in that it can absorb and diffuse energy with astounding efficiency. However this is where the similarities end; Permium lacks Nightstone's superb durability, and is in fact rather structurally weak on its own, so it must be combined with other materials to be even remotely effective. The Pernum alloy utilized throughout the Phalanx provides sound structual integrity, as well as a high level of resistance to kinetic projectiles of low and mid calibers. This, in combination with the muonized ceramics, makes the armored sections of the Phalanx excellent at dealing with kinetic projectiles. In addition to this the alloys and armor of the Phalanx are inlaid with nanites for regenerative purposes, allowing for the repair of damaged armor sections and internal systems. Moving on, the Phalanx is also equipped with a plasma shield system, utilizing the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor to generate a plasma shield for protection against weaponry such as lasers. The shield lingers only as long as it needs to, and is rather ineffective when kinetics are brought into play, so its use is purely regulated to energy and particle weapons, and the onboard AI makes sure to differentiate between kinetic and energy-based projectiles before activating the shield; every bit of power counts, after all. In terms of ADS, the Phalanx is equipped with a total of 19 miniature laser nodes, said nodes scattered around the vehicle. When incoming projectiles are detected, or if enemy infantry or light vehicles happen to get extremely close, the nodes generate laser beams to deal with the threat, destroying or damaging incoming projectiles and ripping into infantry if the opportunity arises. Additionally, the cylindrical protrusions located on the turret, front, and rear of the Phalanx can also fire small flechettes for additional projectile deterrent, as well as eject small clouds of particulates from the Phalanx's internal storage to disrupt projectiles or detonate them prematurely.

Internals/Electronic Capabilities:

The crew of the Phalanx Mk11 consists of 3 K'than, one fulfilling the role of a driver, the second being the armament handler, and the third being the vehicle commander. All three are assisted by the miniature quantum AI of the tank, mostly with ADS control, target identification and tracking, etc. The AI can also take over the Phalanx's systems if need be, such as when the crew has been neutralized or is otherwise in no condition to operate the vehicle, and is kept in constant contact with Collective forces up in orbit via several transmitters and receivers on the exterior of the tank. ECM and jamming capabilities help make the Phalanx harder to hit, reducing the accuracy of guided munitions and generally extending the time that the vehicle is alive. Full-spectrum sensors, assisted by both active radar and passive radar, as well as LIDAR, provide information for the commander and AI to process. Stealth systems for the Phalanx include IR and thermal dampeners, as well as heat sinks for dispersing the heat generated by the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor. This is further enhanced by several holographic projectors situated around the vehicle, altering the Phalanx's appearance to match the surrounding environment. However due to the energy requirements and heat generated by this, the commander of the Phalanx will often have to choose between holograms or IR safety, as the heat sinks, after a short period of time, won't be able to keep up with the steadily increasing heat buildup.

Miscellaneous:

Speed is a priority for the K'than, and it sure shows here with the Phalanx's top road speed of approximately 120kph. Off-road speeds can reach up to 100kph if conditions and terrain are favorable. On an unrelated note, the Phalanx Mk11 is also able to be operated by a smaller crew of 2 K'than, or even a singular K'than, with help from the tank's AI. Situations where this happens are rare, but with each crew member being trained in the roles of the others in addition to their own, this allows them to pick up the slack if need be; a gunner can fulfill the job of a driver, a commander can drive and shoot, etc.

Small Edit: Changed the background so the details are a bit clearer.

Edit 2: Forgot a short bit about the HE rounds; added it.

Description
K'than Collective - "Phalanx" Mk11 Main Battle Tank

Overview:

The Phalanx MBT series is a long-running line of tanks dating back to the invention of the tank itself, with the original iteration proving to be rather effective in its designated role; the lack of armies to fight and civilizations to vanquish on their homeworld led to the Phalanx Mk1 being more of a predator deterrent than anything, but in time as the Collective reached the stars and found out about its galactic neighbors, the Phalanx was remade and reborn into what it is today. News of interstellar warfare here and there across the stars is what woke the Collective up, and as they became more knowledgeable on the subject they modernized their machinery and vehicles. The Phalanx Mk5 was the result of that modernization, sporting improved armor, a primary weapon suitable for engaging similarly-armored targets, and basic systems to assist the crew in running the vehicle. Bigger, better weapons and bulkier, more effective defensive systems led to various offshoots, ranging from the continuation of the Mk5 line all the way to the Mk11 line currently in service. The Mk11, being the newest, sleekest, and most deadly variant produced so far, is the Collective's foremost defender down on the ground, right alongside the actual infantry themselves. With new threats popping up occasionally the Phalanx will surely evolve to meet and overcome them, and as it does so, it will remain as it always has been; a speedy defender, a stalwart palisade, and a symbol of the Collective.

Offensive Capabilities:

The primary armament of the Phalanx Mk11 consists of a 100mm coilgun mounted in the turret. The magnetic coils of the gun, powered by the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor located in the rear, propel the projectiles it fires to hypersonic speeds. The actual ammunition of the gun varies depending on the scenario and environment in question, with nano-fabricators in the turret allowing for the customization of munitions mid-operation, as well as the production of munitions if given enough time. Typical ammo fired by the gun includes APDSFS, Canister shot, and HE for most situations, but specialized ammunition is sometimes required and, when necessary, is brought to the frontlines for use in combat. Onboard targeting systems in the Canister shot control when it detonates, as well as give it a limited amount of flexibility, due to the fact that the systems can alter the arc of the blast, as well as alter where the individual spheres end up; a shot could be fired over a low hill and programmed so that its contents surge out downwards, to hit the opposing infantry using the hill as cover. HE rounds are similarly programmable, albeit to a lesser extent, as the onboard computer can control when the round detonates or set pre-determined conditions for detonation. Additional weaponry utilized by the Mk11 includes a coaxial 20mm coilgun autocannon, as well as an additional autocannon in a secondary turret atop the primary. Both guns fire relatively simple munitions, such as API, but as with the primary armament, this can be changed if the situation calls for it. The same nano-fabricators that supply munitions for the primary armament are also capable of resupplying the autocannons. Rounding off the Phalanx's offensive armament is an ATGM launcher attached to the right side of the secondary turret. Two barrels allow for two missiles, both of which can be refilled in a matter of minutes thanks to the nano-fabricators. The ATGMs are by far the most versatile part of the Phalanx's armament, as they can be customized to fit whatever scenario they face; for starters, IR and visual sensors on the front of the missile and/or on extendable parts of its sides can be exchanged for LIDAR sensors. The thruster, fueled by the plasma reactor powering the missile, can be angled a certain amount to assist the fins in guiding the missile towards its intended target. The warhead, ranging from standard HEAT to tachyonic scattershot and more, is controlled by the onboard AI, which chooses when and how the warhead will detonate, with customization available for warheads with adjustable arcs. All of this is complemented by the speed of the missile, which reaches hypersonic speeds rather quickly.

Defensive Capabilities:

A good place to start is the Phalanx's armor plating; 2 feet-thick Muonized Pernum Lattice. Nanocomposites composed of Pernum alloy, muonized Permium-carbide nanoceramics, and carbon nanotubes. Permium, the main ingredient in the lattice and in the Pernum alloy that makes up the Phalanx's overall structure, is a lightweight metal with similar properties to Nightstone, in that it can absorb and diffuse energy with astounding efficiency. However this is where the similarities end; Permium lacks Nightstone's superb durability, and is in fact rather structurally weak on its own, so it must be combined with other materials to be even remotely effective. The Pernum alloy utilized throughout the Phalanx provides sound structual integrity, as well as a high level of resistance to kinetic projectiles of low and mid calibers. This, in combination with the muonized ceramics, makes the armored sections of the Phalanx excellent at dealing with kinetic projectiles. In addition to this the alloys and armor of the Phalanx are inlaid with nanites for regenerative purposes, allowing for the repair of damaged armor sections and internal systems. Moving on, the Phalanx is also equipped with a plasma shield system, utilizing the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor to generate a plasma shield for protection against weaponry such as lasers. The shield lingers only as long as it needs to, and is rather ineffective when kinetics are brought into play, so its use is purely regulated to energy and particle weapons, and the onboard AI makes sure to differentiate between kinetic and energy-based projectiles before activating the shield; every bit of power counts, after all. In terms of ADS, the Phalanx is equipped with a total of 19 miniature laser nodes, said nodes scattered around the vehicle. When incoming projectiles are detected, or if enemy infantry or light vehicles happen to get extremely close, the nodes generate laser beams to deal with the threat, destroying or damaging incoming projectiles and ripping into infantry if the opportunity arises. Additionally, the cylindrical protrusions located on the turret, front, and rear of the Phalanx can also fire small flechettes for additional projectile deterrent, as well as eject small clouds of particulates from the Phalanx's internal storage to disrupt projectiles or detonate them prematurely.

Internals/Electronic Capabilities:

The crew of the Phalanx Mk11 consists of 3 K'than, one fulfilling the role of a driver, the second being the armament handler, and the third being the vehicle commander. All three are assisted by the miniature quantum AI of the tank, mostly with ADS control, target identification and tracking, etc. The AI can also take over the Phalanx's systems if need be, such as when the crew has been neutralized or is otherwise in no condition to operate the vehicle, and is kept in constant contact with Collective forces up in orbit via several transmitters and receivers on the exterior of the tank. ECM and jamming capabilities help make the Phalanx harder to hit, reducing the accuracy of guided munitions and generally extending the time that the vehicle is alive. Full-spectrum sensors, assisted by both active radar and passive radar, as well as LIDAR, provide information for the commander and AI to process. Stealth systems for the Phalanx include IR and thermal dampeners, as well as heat sinks for dispersing the heat generated by the Phalanx's cold fusion reactor. This is further enhanced by several holographic projectors situated around the vehicle, altering the Phalanx's appearance to match the surrounding environment. However due to the energy requirements and heat generated by this, the commander of the Phalanx will often have to choose between holograms or IR safety, as the heat sinks, after a short period of time, won't be able to keep up with the steadily increasing heat buildup.

Miscellaneous:

Speed is a priority for the K'than, and it sure shows here with the Phalanx's top road speed of approximately 120kph. Off-road speeds can reach up to 100kph if conditions and terrain are favorable. On an unrelated note, the Phalanx Mk11 is also able to be operated by a smaller crew of 2 K'than, or even a singular K'than, with help from the tank's AI. Situations where this happens are rare, but with each crew member being trained in the roles of the others in addition to their own, this allows them to pick up the slack if need be; a gunner can fulfill the job of a driver, a commander can drive and shoot, etc.

Small Edit: Changed the background so the details are a bit clearer.

Edit 2: Forgot a short bit about the HE rounds; added it.