Controls are the same as the previous machine, except for movement. VTOL for direction and Yaw for steering. A variant of the M3 Skysweeper II SPAAG, specifically tailored for infantry support. The blistering firepower of two 30mm Autocannon M14, combined with its high elevation angles, made it incredibly deadly in urban or mountain combat. Oftentimes, enemies would attack from heights where the main guns of tanks could not elevate to. However, this is not an issue with the M3 Skysweeper II, since it had very high elevation angles necessary for engaging aircraft. The major changes include using the M6A3 hull (which the M3 Skysweeper II will be upgraded to), replacing the antiaircraft targeting radar with rocket pods, and integrating Land Inferno to the missile stations. While the vehicle initially entered service without a name, troops often referred to it as the "Terminator" due to the machine's immense firepower. PDI, seeing the marketing and propaganda potential, promptly christened the machine "Terminator".
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Predecessor PDI M3 Skysweeper II
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 17.6ft (5.4m)
- Length 30.1ft (9.2m)
- Height 11.6ft (3.5m)
- Empty Weight 13,861lbs (6,287kg)
- Loaded Weight 20,331lbs (9,222kg)
Performance
- Wing Loading 1,511.1lbs/ft2 (7,377.9kg/m2)
- Wing Area 13.5ft2 (1.3m2)
- Drag Points 11686
Parts
- Number of Parts 342
- Control Surfaces 0
- Performance Cost 1,318
lol @Killjoy543
@Pilotmario I see.
The manual lead sights rely on visual rangefinders and simple electronic fire control system to hit anything flying in a straight line. This system is almost never retained due to the extra burden and the fact the periscopic sight is perfectly suitable against helicopters, the most common aerial opponent. @Gmanndo1000
@Pilotmario Yes!
It can, if necessary. The backup manual lead sights are still on, though I doubt its effectiveness against anything faster than helicopters.
The M3 Skysweeper II will murder Throths without sufficient support. @Gmanndo1000
@Pilotmario Ah, but it'll still shred one!
Actually, this is an infantry support vehicle aka assault gun based off the chassis of a flak tank (it's predecessor). @Gmanndo1000
I like this! No more throths!
Or a Panzer 61 . . . tough little Swiss bastard. @Pilotmario
@PINK Yes, an unfortunate tendency of tanks with aluminum hull armor.
I know Vietnam War veterans who basically said that if you're gonna build a tank, might as well give it armor, like an M48 Patton.
M48 hits a mine, you probably lost a road wheel and the track.
Sheridan hits a mine, you probably lost a tank.
Generally....however it can just be considered a jack of all trades.......including blowing up. @Pilotmario
@PINK Oh.
Well, the Sheridan was designed to blow up tanks. That's why they made M81 HEAT ammo and stuck a gun-missile system. In virtually every reference, they refer to is as a light tank, though technically it is an Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle, since the only things that are called tanks are M48 Patton and M60 Patton. But the general consensus among tank enthusiasts is that it's a light tank.
After all, it filled a role similar to the Tetrach and M22 Locust, and they aren't assault guns.
Assault guns don't attack generally attack armor; they attack soft targets and fortifications, and are extremely light weight and generally air-portable . . . Cold War meaning. @Pilotmario
I see. We make distinctions based on role than weaponry, to make things stupidly clear to commanders and their crews regarding their use. Because on a scale of complexity from 0 to 5, where 0 is idiot proof and 5 is German, soldier proof would be -1.
We do have vehicles whose classification you would seem to agree with, such as Assault Gun Scorpion M4A1 or Assault Gun Scorpion M17A3, as they, like this, are designed for supporting infantry units with direct fire.
This doesn't mean they can't perform the role of tank destroyer. Assault Gun Stallion M17A3 was incredibly effective against Teuton panzers due to their mobility and firepower that let them flank easily. And airborne units equipped with Scorpion M4A1 have defeated Panther III in a fashion similar to TDs. However, this is a secondary role, to be used only if defending against armor. @PINK
That is the role of an assault gun (Post WWII Definition)-first comment.
It isn't an assault gun, that is a self propelled howitzer. It isn't a IFV.
It isn't a MBT, SPG, or SPAA . . . it is an IST or Infanty Tank. -second comment @Pilotmario
How would you classify this, according to your system? @PINK
Virtually every source about the M551 calls it a light tank. It was designed to provide an airmobile tank with a weapon useful against tanks and soft targets. A large-caliber low-velocity gun was chosen since it can provide a large-caliber HEAT round for tanks (the M81), and an excellent HE round for softer targets. A high-velocity tank gun was not particularly suitable due to the recoil generated, and smaller weapons would simply be unsuitable in both roles. The gun offered both an effective weapon against armor and infantry that can be mounted in a machine lighter than a Walker Bulldog, at the cost of mid-long range accuracy. This was to be made up for with the M151 Shilleiagh missile, which can be fired from the gun. @PINK
It is an assault gun, basically. Its gun has no anti-armor capabilities, other than very light vehicles.
However, it can use anti-armor missiles. @Pilotmario
That's a light tank. @PINK
However, it is not an true assult gun. The last of which is the Sheridan . . . now being replaced by wheeled IFVs/TDs. @Pilotmario
It was classified as an assault gun due to its role. Assault guns are vehicles designed to support infantry with direct fire. Tank destroyers are vehicles designed to destroy tanks and other armored vehicles. Tanks are machines designed to do both. An APC is an armored vehicle designed to transport an infantry squad to the battlefield. An IFV is an APC with the ability to perform assault gun duties. Under this classification system, this is an assault gun. @PINK
@Pilotmario RIP Sandbag You will be missed
PS-This is not an assult gun. @Pilotmario
We may have some ideas for a new MBT-5/7 turret..... @Pilotmario
@PINK This vehicle was inspired by BMP-T Terminator in concept. We figured that two M14 autocannons in a quick-traverse, low-high elevation mount would be pretty awesome. The rockets were added for when you need something with a bigger punch, and the antitank missiles were added so this thing isn't hopeless against a tank.