M.60/23M "Centaur"

4th Gen Main Battle Tank
Designed by Marcus Illius
Manufactured By Myria Heavy Industry
Developed By Obelia Empire

Fictional History

This tank project was initiated to directly compete with the currently serving 4th generation Main Battle Tank, the Vindicator MBT. It was developed by Myria Heavy Industries and incorporates a different design compared to most MBTs in the Empire. The tank's designer, Marcus Illius, centered the design around a new 140mm Gun called the KAI T23/22 140mm ESG (Enhanced Smoothbore Gun). This powerful gun requires more space, so Marcus designed a larger turret for the tank. The turret is mostly flat but capable of mounting a massive array of modular armor and equipment, making it easily upgradeable and downgradeable. This design is considered unorthodox for the Obelian Royal Army, as their tanks typically have low and angled turrets and this tank stands in contrast to that.

On May 21, 2019, the initial Vindicator mockup was unveiled, while the Centaur MBT was still in the design phase. Fortunately for Myria Heavy Industries, KAI suspended production due to numerous technical issues with their tank, which gave Myria enough time to showcase their mockup a week later. While the Vindicator largely utilized components from previous tanks, the Centaur was built entirely from scratch. The design focused on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production, making it the first tank that could potentially be mass-produced for both domestic and international markets.

Description

The M.60/23M is a main battle tank, designed by the Obelia Empire and manufactured by Myria Heavy Industry. It features a deadly 140mm Smoothbore Cannon, capable of firing various rounds such as APFSDS, HEAT, and even scatter shells for deadlier effect against infantry targets. In order to excel in urban warfare or mountainous terrains that require high-elevation weaponry, this tank is equipped with a 20mm Autocannon with perfect elevation capabilities. Acting as a coaxial gun with a different gun elevator but mounted on the same turret, it provides versatility in such combat situations. Additionally, the M.60/23M is armed with a powerful coaxial 14.7mm Heavy Machine Gun, capable of mowing down an entire enemy infantry squads.
In addition to its impressive weaponry, the M60/23M tank is equipped with advanced armor, The new cutting edge Class-5 "Jupitor" Composite Armor, which surpasses the strength of Chobam armor. This heavily armored tank poses a significant threat to any enemy it encounters. The M-Variant is even more formidable with the ARES Upgrade Package, featuring Class-2 "Testudo" NERA, Type 98 ERA, a state-of-the-art Model-11 APS, and an enhanced gunnery system that offers a wide visibility range through its multi-panoramic camera.
The M.60/23M tank features an advanced autoloader system to accommodate its large 140mm gun, which cannot be loaded manually. This advanced two-piece autoloader includes an automated rack that feeds rounds to a loading arm. The loading arm can autonomously set a proximity fuse using data from the gunnery system. As a result, this tank has exceptional rate of fire and even considered as one of most advanced MBT in the world, surpassing any Confederation MBTs and previous Imperial MBTs.
With its dimensions of 4m width, 11m length (with gun), and 3.5m height, it stands out as a larger tank compared to most MBTs in Obelian service because of its “non-Obelian” design. But despite its size, this tank provides modularity and wide space for equipment. Weighing in at 60 tonnes and powered by a Diesel-Electric engine, it can reach speeds of approximately 65kmph on smooth roads. And additionally, its impressive ground clearance enhances the tank's overall mobility.
And with all that, M.60/23M isn’t a tank you want to face againts except if you have Top Attack ATGM. The powerful weapon combined with heavy armor and Active Defense and high mobility will defeat enemy at ease.

Gallery

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