If, as in the words of Philip K. Dick “…. Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” then what do tank commanders dream of?
So, in this land of fantasy, let’s assume that a small and independent oil rich state has built all the hotels, golf courses and theme parks that tourism requires and that its citizens, wanting for nothing have the desired housing, schools, hospitals, and standard of living that they want, your air force is fitted out by the usual suspects, you have a small naval coastal defence force ad your small but effective army is wanting for nothing …… except one day someone says ‘let’s go into the tank building business!’. So the treasury finds that it can give a billion dollars towards research and development and if its good enough, you might be able to build it!
….. hmm, what will that give us? What will our tank look like? What can it do? …
With a billion-dollar budget at our disposal, the possibilities for designing the ultimate tank are virtually limitless. From state-of-the-art weaponry to cutting-edge defensive systems and advanced technologies, every aspect of the tank’s design can be optimized for maximum performance and survivability on the modern battlefield. Let’s explore the key features and capabilities of the tank that I would design with a billion-dollar budget.
Of cause, one is now faced with the age old armour question. You can have maximum speed. You can have maximum firepower. You can have the maximum armour required to protect the crew. But you can’t have all three maximums!
So you must start with a simple choice. Speed and firepower, or Firepower and survivability(armour). There is a third choice which is along the drone route, but for the sake of this exercise, we have a couple of regiments worth of ‘tankers’ who are too young to retire.
Advanced Armor and Protection:
At the core of the tank’s design would be a next-generation armour system, utilizing the latest materials and composite technologies to provide unparalleled protection against a wide range of threats, including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The armour would incorporate layers of reactive, composite, and modular protective armour, strategically positioned to minimize vulnerabilities and maximize survivability. Something like Dorchester, then!
Active Protection Systems (APS):
To further enhance the tank’s defensive capabilities, I would integrate multiple Active Protection Systems (APS) into its design. These systems would include advanced radar and sensor suites for threat detection, as well as rapid-response countermeasures such as hard-kill interceptors and soft-kill decoys to neutralize incoming threats before they can inflict damage. Call Rafael for their Trophy system!
State-of-the-Art Firepower:
In terms of firepower, the tank would be equipped with a cutting-edge main gun, featuring advanced ballistics and targeting systems for pinpoint accuracy and lethality. Additionally, the tank would be armed with a variety of secondary weapons, including coaxial machine guns, remote-controlled weapon stations, and anti-aircraft missiles, to engage a wide range of targets with precision and firepower. That’s a call to Reinmettal, then.
Next-Generation Propulsion:
To ensure mobility and manoeuvrability on the battlefield, the tank would be powered by a state-of-the-art propulsion system, utilizing advanced engines and transmission systems for optimal performance in diverse terrain and environmental conditions. Additionally, the tank would be equipped with hybrid-electric propulsion technology to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce logistical burdens during extended operations. Could that be the South Korean-made Doosan DV27K 4-cycle?
Integrated Command and Control:
The tank would feature an integrated command and control system, providing real-time situational awareness and communication capabilities for crew members and commanders. This system would incorporate advanced sensors, data fusion algorithms, and networking capabilities to gather and disseminate information from various sources, enabling rapid decision-making and coordination with other friendly units on the battlefield. In other words, the current hunter killer system of commander and gunner working in unison, would now enhanced with tank to tank linked targeting within the squadron as well as the collaboration with satellite and drone systems giving each vehicle the ability to be flexible within the battlefield space while acting as part of a coherent team, pre-empting the dangers from hidden adversaries especially in urban centres, which are traditionally no go areas for armour
Survivability Enhancements:
To protect crew members from the rigors of combat, the tank would be equipped with advanced crew accommodations and safety features, including blast-resistant seating, ergonomic controls, and enhanced crew survivability systems. Additionally, the tank would feature redundant systems and backup components to ensure operational resilience in the face of battle damage or mechanical failures.
In designing the ultimate tank with a billion-dollar budget, every aspect of the vehicle’s design would be optimized for maximum performance, survivability, and lethality on the modern battlefield. From advanced armor and protection systems to state-of-the-art firepower and propulsion technology, this tank would represent the pinnacle of armored warfare capabilities, ensuring dominance and superiority in any operational scenario. While such a project may remain a dream for now, the innovations and technologies developed in pursuit of this vision could pave the way for the future of armored warfare….
The only things left is to now get the funds to build it … oh, and decide the colour scheme ….. hmm, … green is so last season!
