| Battle Tank, Medium IV | |
|---|---|
| |
| BTM IV Mk1. | |
Design
| |
| Designer | Unicide |
| Role | Multi-role tank |
Specifications
| |
| Weight | 27 t |
| Armor | 270 / 150 / 60 effective (mm) |
| Primary Armament | x 1 75mm Cannon |
| Secondary Armament | x 1 12.7mm Machine Gun |
| Powerplant | x 1 10.0 L Boxer 6 |
| Top Speed | 24 MPH |
The Battle Tank, Medium IV is a relatively-light battle tank designed mostly for tank-to-tank engagements.
Development
The BTM III/100, while a solid tank, pushed the weight limits of what could be considered a medium tank. A lighter vehicle, able to brawl pound-for-pound with the new crop of 25-ton tanks, was needed.
The new tank was to carry a 75mm cannon, be able to shrug off several rounds from similar-weight tanks, and have a top speed of at least 20 MPH. Above all, it was to remain below 30 tonnes.
Characteristics
The BTM IV was purpose-built to be the match or better of most known light-medium tanks. On paper, it fully lives up to this task. However, there has been very limited combat testing of the vehicle, and few have expressed more than cautious optimism.
Armor
Protection was a primary concern. The armor layout was designed to be able to defeat 75mm rounds from other similar tanks, which is accomplished in the front and side sector.The frontal sector is capable of shrugging off even 100mm rounds, though not for extended periods of time. Internal spaced armor also adds another layer of protection against HEAT and APHE rounds.
Armament
Armament was the secondary priority. The 75mm cannon is standard for a tank of this class, firing both APHE and HEAT rounds. Simulations have shown it capable of piercing the frontal sectors of most comparable tanks at normal combat ranges. It is capable of first-shot hits out to 600 yards thanks to the tank's adequate fire-control system (a refined version of the BTM III's). A coaxial machine-gun provides anti-infantry fire.
Mobility
Mobility was the least of the main three considerations. The tank's 24 MPH top speed is adequate, but not exceptional. The tank's turning radius is quite good, though it is not capable of neutral-steer.
Variants
TDM IV
Planned tank destroyer variant using the same robust chassis, mounting a heavier cannon in a fully-enclosed casement.