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Description

My previous post featured a Next-Generation-variant of India’s Arjun-series MBTs (a fictional design of my own). The introduction of this advanced MBT however shocked its neighbour (and main rival) Pakistan. So in order to bring some balance in armor warfare capabilities on the Indian subcontinent, I have designed a Next-Generation MBT for the Pakistani Army dubbed “Al-Khalid IV”.

The challenge when designing a Next-Generation MBT for Pakistan, is mainly in three things: first, Pakistan doesn’t have the same access to foreign technology as India has. Second, the country’s defense industry is somewhat behind that of its neighbour India, and third, Pakistan has a smaller budget for defense projects such as an advanced domestically MBT-project.

Luckily for my project, China and Turkey were willing to share their MBT-expertise and technology with me for this Next-Generation MBT program, while Qatar offered to finance 75% of the development costs in return for a share in sales revenues of exports of this Next-Generation MBT to customers in Afrika and a number of unspecified clients in the Middle East.

ABOUT THE TANK

Though the name Al-Khaled IV suggests this Next-Generation MBT is based on earlier Al-Khaled models, the tank is actually a further development of the Chinese-made VT4 MBT. It uses the same 125mm smoothbore gun of the VT4, but the barrel is fitted with a newly developed thermal shroud to reduce the gun’s thermal footprint. The main gun system features a new, fully automatic ammunition handling system with 20 ready-to-fire ammunition. This results in a three-man crew consisting of the tank commander, gunner, and driver.

Another Next-Generation armament feature is the integration in the turret of a drone launcher, capable of launching two Chinese-made Rainbow CH-901loitering munitions. But the tank’s main NG-feature is its new digital architecture: the tank uses a new network-centric control system. This means that all information is collected in one place and instantly transmitted to the crew. I.e. location of the enemy, its situation, type of enemy weapon system, advice on what type of projectile to use to hit it, distance, time, radar clearance from an autonomous vehicle in the air, etc.

The Al-Khaled IV is also equipped with an advanced data exchange system. The new data exchange system combined with a network-centric tank management system is expected to increase the efficiency and productivity of the tank. The crew will receive data much faster, therefore they will be more precise in the attack. Its fire control system is linked to a central control hub and the data can be transmitted and received as needed, to coordinate combat activities with other military units.

Another feature is the use of a number of outward facing digital cameras giving the crew a near 360-degree visibility (in azimuth) around the tank.

In terms of protection, the tank features fourth-generation Explosive Reactive Armor, composite armor panels and a larger arrow-shaped turret, while the Chinese-made GL6 Active Protection System can be installed when needed.

In terms of mobility, the tank uses a 1,500-horsepower version of the Ukrainian-made 6TD diesel engine. The tank also has an advanced semi-active hydropneumatics suspension and a deep wading kit that enables the tank to cross rivers and other water obstacles up to 3.8 meter deep, enabling the Al-Khaled IV to effectively traverse terrain filled with natural and/or artificial obstacles, and areas criss-crossed with rivers and canals.

Description

My previous post featured a Next-Generation-variant of India’s Arjun-series MBTs (a fictional design of my own). The introduction of this advanced MBT however shocked its neighbour (and main rival) Pakistan. So in order to bring some balance in armor warfare capabilities on the Indian subcontinent, I have designed a Next-Generation MBT for the Pakistani Army dubbed “Al-Khalid IV”.

The challenge when designing a Next-Generation MBT for Pakistan, is mainly in three things: first, Pakistan doesn’t have the same access to foreign technology as India has. Second, the country’s defense industry is somewhat behind that of its neighbour India, and third, Pakistan has a smaller budget for defense projects such as an advanced domestically MBT-project.

Luckily for my project, China and Turkey were willing to share their MBT-expertise and technology with me for this Next-Generation MBT program, while Qatar offered to finance 75% of the development costs in return for a share in sales revenues of exports of this Next-Generation MBT to customers in Afrika and a number of unspecified clients in the Middle East.

ABOUT THE TANK

Though the name Al-Khaled IV suggests this Next-Generation MBT is based on earlier Al-Khaled models, the tank is actually a further development of the Chinese-made VT4 MBT. It uses the same 125mm smoothbore gun of the VT4, but the barrel is fitted with a newly developed thermal shroud to reduce the gun’s thermal footprint. The main gun system features a new, fully automatic ammunition handling system with 20 ready-to-fire ammunition. This results in a three-man crew consisting of the tank commander, gunner, and driver.

Another Next-Generation armament feature is the integration in the turret of a drone launcher, capable of launching two Chinese-made Rainbow CH-901loitering munitions. But the tank’s main NG-feature is its new digital architecture: the tank uses a new network-centric control system. This means that all information is collected in one place and instantly transmitted to the crew. I.e. location of the enemy, its situation, type of enemy weapon system, advice on what type of projectile to use to hit it, distance, time, radar clearance from an autonomous vehicle in the air, etc.

The Al-Khaled IV is also equipped with an advanced data exchange system. The new data exchange system combined with a network-centric tank management system is expected to increase the efficiency and productivity of the tank. The crew will receive data much faster, therefore they will be more precise in the attack. Its fire control system is linked to a central control hub and the data can be transmitted and received as needed, to coordinate combat activities with other military units.

Another feature is the use of a number of outward facing digital cameras giving the crew a near 360-degree visibility (in azimuth) around the tank.

In terms of protection, the tank features fourth-generation Explosive Reactive Armor, composite armor panels and a larger arrow-shaped turret, while the Chinese-made GL6 Active Protection System can be installed when needed.

In terms of mobility, the tank uses a 1,500-horsepower version of the Ukrainian-made 6TD diesel engine. The tank also has an advanced semi-active hydropneumatics suspension and a deep wading kit that enables the tank to cross rivers and other water obstacles up to 3.8 meter deep, enabling the Al-Khaled IV to effectively traverse terrain filled with natural and/or artificial obstacles, and areas criss-crossed with rivers and canals.