Let's have a tank thread that's not about outdated designs, but about vehicles so fresh they only exists in our heads. So not outright sci-fi tonks, but something that could be built in the coming decades.
For example, how about a tank that, instead of a traditional engine, uses electric motors integrated to the running gear, and the energy is provided by free-piston linear generators distributed in the hull of the tank. You could place some of them in the bottom of the hull, while some more could be in the sides, over the tracks. This way it would be practically impossible to take out the engine, because you'd have to destroy all the pistons for that. And they have a better fuel economy, and are easier to repair or replace. Best of all, if you made a free-piston linear generator that develops around 100 horsepower, then you could use that in nearly all of your ground vehicles. You'd just need 4-5 in a truck and about 15 in a tank.
The future is actually from the past. Diesel-Electrics would be a far more efficient way of tapping into the power, giving you not only fucktons more power but also range.
Zachary Bailey
About a tank that has heavy auto-guns, plenty of ammo, some additional MG/GL and ATGM in case it runs into another tank (or possibly thermobaric ATGM to be used as assault gun). It would serve to curb stomp entrenched infantry. That's exactly what would be needed in Syria…
Best way to fight such a vehicle is through swarm tactics. 20 light vehicles with ATGMs aboard could seriously fuck up a few better armed, and more expensive, armored vehicles.
Southfront published an article speculating on the SAA using the Terminators they received in the advance near Palmyra/DeZ.
Charles Flores
I hate to be the one to point this out, but actually the Terminator 2 is pretty damn cheap and can be used on the T-55 or T-62 chassis if they wanted to
Ryan Nelson
Fine by me. Say, the turret is unmanned, right? Because then it will be a great field test for that concept. And how are the grenade launchers operated?
Related to the BMPT is that the Russkies themselves want to use the T-15 for the same role. Now, if you want to go with a heavy IFV instead of a tank, then with the free-piston system described in the OP you don't have to worry about the placement of the engine compartment, because you don't even need to have a traditional engine compartment.
Aren't electric engines shit for dragging things? And wouldn't it be more efficient to use directly?
Ayden Bailey
Trains are all about dragging things, and modern trains are either electric or use diesel-electric systems. You'd need a crankshaft and a transmission system for that. One of the goals here is to replace all those things with a few cables that go to the electric motor, because that means less parts to manufacture and maintain. And the engine itself is a lot simpler. Actually, I think you could even made the pistons out of polymer.
