Tarantula is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer weapon system developed by M.Corp for export and domestic uses. It is mounted on an M.Corp 8x8 multi-purpose wheeled platform.

Design:

Components:

Chassis

M.Corp Tarantula is mounted on the M.Corp Conqueror 8x8 off-road chassis, allowing it to move across rough terrain and to reach the speed of around 90km/h on the road. Engine is mounted behind the cabin, and power is transferred to the drivetrains via drive shafts. Front two axles are steerable

Stabilizers

Tarantula got its name from its four hydraulic stabilizers, which resemble thick spider legs when deployed. They give the system ability to fire in any direction. Only other system featuring this is Nora B-52 howitzer. Stabilizers are connected to the chassis, and completely absorb the force of recoil, sparing the suspension.

Gun system

155mm gun system is mounted far back on the chassis, between fore and aft supports. It is encased in an armored turret whose rear section is occupied by autoloader holding fifteen shells and fifteen propellant cartridges. It can be operated manually from cabin on the right side of the gun, remotely from up to 500m away, or from the battery command post. Gun system also features a radar for tracking muzzle velocity and trajectory of the shell, allowing for more accurate corrections to be made to firing solution.

RCWS

For self-defence, Tarantula is equipped with a remote controlled weapon station on the roof of the turret. It consists of a 12.7mm machine gun with 1000 rounds of ammunition and aiming devices. It is controlled by the commander of the unit from inside or outside of the vehicle cabin via detachable control station.

Crew

Tarantula carries a crew of three: commander, gunned, and driver. All three are carried in the cabin of the vehicle while in march mode, and do not have to leave the cabin to operate the weapon, as remote control device of the weapon system can be used from within the vehicle. Alternately, gunner may occupy the position in the turret and communicate with other crew members via intercom. When the system is remotely operated, all three crew members are away from it, driver providing protection to the system with a light machine gun and commander operating defensive remotely operated weapon station on the turret roof.

Battery:

Battery of Tarantula gun system consists of six to eight howitzers, two to four ammunition resupply vehicles, two scout vehicles, and a command post. All weapons can be controlled by command post without input from their crews.

Features:

• Realistic design;
• High mobility;
• Slow acceleration with ability to climb at around 20° (courtesy of Leehopard);
• Reduced wheel turning angle at high speed (courtesy of Leehopard);
• Wheels lock up when supports are lowered (again, courtesy of Leehopard. I swear, the guy is a genius);
• 360° turret traverse;
• Two sensitivity option for traverse, rough and fine;
• Rough and fine adjustment of elevation;
• Fairly low part count;
• Fairly realistic gun range;
• Realistic chassis handling;
• Three-pronged muzzle flash (also invented by Leehopard);
• Winch turret stabilization (guess who invented that);
• Gun barrel locking via magnet (finally something not invented by Leehopard)
• Realistic supports;

Controls:

Gunnery mode:

• LandingGear => Lower the supports, turn off the lights;
• Activate1 => Activate the turret;
• VTOL => Rough elevation adjustment;
• Trim => Fine elevation adjustment;
• Yaw => Rough traverse;
• Roll => Fine traverse (wheels are locked up in gunnery mode);
• Activate8 => Turn off magnet gun lock;
• Camera1 => Track the shot.

Driving mode:

• Pitch => Drive;
• Roll => Turn.

RCWS:

• Activate2 => Activates RCWS;
• VTOL + Trim => Aim RCWS, use Camera2;
• Be sure you are in not in gunnery mode, so turret doesn't move while you are aiming the RCWS.

Credit:

Big thanks to Leehopard for writing statements for advanced options used on this system.