The Leviathan 1-Series was a series of main battle tanks which shared a common chassis. Introduced in June 2015, the 1-Series tanks were the first ACF tanks designed and operated by the LERA. The 1-Series was the mainstay of LERA forces and participated in every ground campaign undertaken during the summer of 2015, and it underwent several revisions before being replaced by newer tanks, and later retired in early 2016.
MBT-1A[]
The first ACF-Powered tank fielded by the LERA, the MBT-1A was a diesel-powered main battle tank designed for firepower and survivability, compromising its speed and maneuverability. Debuting in June 2015, the A model was equipped with a long-barrel 100mm cannon and a .50 caliber machine gun. It saw initial success, but suffered from early teething troubles.
Due to its immense weight, the A model was not able to travel faster than 23 MPH on level ground. Compounding the problems with the MBT-1's design, the 100mm cannon was not very effective. With only 20 rounds of ammunition, missing even a single shot meant the death of the tank due to its long reload. Once the poor maneuverability and ineffective gun were exploited by enemy forces, the MBT-1A became a deathtrap for the crew.
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MBT-1B[]
Spurred on by combat losses of the A-Model MBT-1, secret development began on the MBT-1B in mid July. Two experimental B models were built, the first being the PT-716 built in mid July. It was equipped with armor blocks and a CVT transmission. This model only added to the problems of the A model -- the gun was unchanged and the extra weight and new transmission slowed the tank to a crawl. The second attempt, the PT-85, built in early August, changed the gun to a smaller 75mm autoloading cannon, but retained the thick armor and transmission of the PT-716.
Neither tanks saw combat and neither were developed further. The two prototypes are quietly and secretly stored as mementos.
MBT-1C[]
The MBT-1C was the third model the MBT-1 to be made, following the failure of the MBT-B project. Carried over from the failed PT-85 was the 75mm autoloading cannon, which offered better performance than the 100mm used by previous models. The armor of the C model was also thinned noticeably in order to improve the tank's speed and turning. The reduced armor weight and smaller gun improved the ground speed and maneuverability of the MBT-1 dramatically.
The C model saw moderate success, although its still-slow top speed was still a liability even after armor compromises. It was undergunned compared to other tanks in its weight class.
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MBT-1D[]
The final model of the MBT-1 series, the MBT-1D was built in Septermber 2015 as a further development in improving the 1-series speed and maneuverability. Externally, few differences can be spotted aside from the addition of a commander-controlled .50 Cal turret and an extended ammo bunker. Internally, the manual transmission was replaced with an automatic, increasing top speed slightly and allowing the driver to focus on combat rather than shifting gears. Overall, minor changes since room for upgrades was dwindling.
The D model proved to be an excellent performer in combat, although the chassis was nearing the end of its useful lifespan. After becoming the longest-serving tank in LERA history, the MBT-1D was sidelined in November 2015 after the introduction of the 2-Series, and formally retired in February 2016 with the introduction of modified Leopard 1 tanks.
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LT-1A[]
The LT-1A was an experimental, lighter version of the 1-series chassis. Intended to support infantry, it is equipped with a short-barrel 100mm cannon and very lightly armored. Its top speed of 29 MPH, while better than the early MBT-1 tanks, was mired by its poor design and interior layout. An additional anti-aircraft version was built but abandoned.
It saw very little combat use.
Design Information[]
The design of the MBT-1 tanks is inspired by various American Cold War tanks, such as the M60 Patton, although its design unintentionally resembles the M41 Walker Bulldog. The turret is based off of the Porsche-Turreted Tiger II.
The design of the LT-1 is based off of the M551 Sheridan.