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HEY, THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT WHEN I ASKED FOR A HALF TRACK!
Trust me, I'm an engineer.
A well-dressed kobold stands alone at the front of the room, shuffling note cards and sipping something that fizzes and smells awful. Clearing his throat, he begins:
Before we get into the full presentation, I'd like to thank the organization for their feedback on our ‘Precious’ prototype. We've incorporated numerous improvements to our design process as a direct result of that feedback, most prominently the consideration of crew members larger than kobolds. We do ask, however, that you please save any questions related to the unconventional layout of the tank to the end. I believe we'll be able to answer your questions during the presentation.
Our Reliant 'B' prototype. The 'A' variant has been cannibalized for parts and the engine returned to Infernal Armories after numerous complaints about it's, ah, appetite. Plus, from this view, it almost looks like a normal tank.
You asked for a new light tank design with unparalleled speed, visibility, and enough armor to survive any unfortunate engagements with the enemy, while also carrying sufficient firepower to eliminate any targets of opportunity that may present themselves.
With the Reliant B prototype, we feel we have the answer to your problems.
No photographers were harmed in the making of this pitch.
First, speed: The Reliant can reach a top speed of just over 40 mph forward and (while slow to accelerate) 36 mph backwards as well. Using the M89 engine means the Reliant accomplishes this through nonmagical methods, so that even in the case of an antimagic field, the tank remains mobile.
Driving around our proving grounds.
Regarding engines- this prototype is equipped with the M89 8-cylinder option. We found the slightly reduced engine power was an acceptable tradeoff after an intern on a tour with Infernal Armories was nearly consumed by their prototype. Using the lighter engine allowed us to add additional armor, resulting in better protection for minimal loss of speed. Luckily, the intern survived with no detectable loss of brainpower.
Upper view- note the oversized rear engine deck, forward fuel tanks, and offset exhaust.
Coupling the high speed with twin 10 speed transmissions gives the tank excellent turning performance at speed, and while the unconventional layout makes turning in place something of a misnomer, it is capable of it.
100% MORE TANK PER TRACK UNIT THAN OUR COMPETITORS
As this is a scout tank, visibility is a top priority- we've set up the driver position with three linked view ports giving a 90 degree clear view to the front, supplemented by two additional side periscopes. For night driving, six lights cover the full 180 degree arc to the front. In the turret, the commander's cupola is equipped with a separate spotlight, and a further 4 lights are attached covering the front arc of the turret- the multiple lights and coverages allow the crew to look in separate directions regardless of day or night conditions. The risk of being spotted by the enemy was deemed minimal considering the engine is loud enough to be heard from nearly a mile away- this tank relies on speed, not stealth, to accomplish its mission. The tank carries a crew of only 3- a dedicated driver, a combination gunneloader, and commanderadioman. While multiple roles can be difficult in combat, we've left as much space as possible for each crewman to avoid cramping them too much.
6 hull lights, 4 turret lights, 1 cupola light. Definitely not subtle, but at least you can see where you're going, where you've been, and where your friends are.
An internal 550 liter tank gives a reasonable combat radius, but the addition of 300 liters of additional fuel in quick-detachable external tanks significantly extends the range, allowing longer scout missions without increasing the size of the vehicle.
Excellent view of the forward tanks, taken after a mishap during hill climb trials.
To reduce the risk of being immobilized in enemy territory, a complete set of replacement road wheels and idlers are mounted on the fenders, with additional spare track links. Use of small bogie style suspension allows the crew to perform the maintenance themselves, even if they're all kobolds. Not that unlike torsion bar suspensions, ours is entirely outside the vehicle- provided you can at least get the rear of the vehicle on jacks or blocks, you can fix it without need heavy equipment.
Extra road wheels/idler wheels (identically sized for supply chain commonality)
Armor is still fairly thin, but for a light tank it's an efficient layout. We’ve managed to meet the 17mm protection request, at least for sides and rear of both turret and hull, without exceeding the weight limit. Hull frontal thickness is approximately 73mm all over, with side and rear armor of 18mm for both hull and turret- note that the turret front is actually slightly less well protected, at only 69mm. The bottom is protected by only 10mm plate. The hull top plate was increased to 12 mm, and the turret top increased to 18mm due to the high risk of attack by enemy aircraft. Use of the tank's incredible visibility is strongly encouraged to avoid minefields, as even light antipersonnel mines are likely to penetrate the lower hull.
The turret is equipped with the ToM104 3” field gun, primarily for the versatility offered by the wide selection of ammunition types. Carrying only 55 rounds (15 in the turret ready rack, 40 in the hull) means you won't be engaging in long, drawn out fights, but gives enough capacity to pack a few of each type of round to ensure you can pick off any lightly defended targets you find- storage caches, convoys, command posts, etc. A cupola machine gun is mounted above the turret for the commander, and a coaxial machine is also fitted for cases where the main gun is low on ammo.
Main gun, coax MG, and cupola MG.
Now, to address the layout- yes, we're aware that tanks generally have treads running the full length of the tank, but frankly we determined through testing that it simply wasn't necessary and added too much weight to the tank. Instead, we fitted much shorter tracks to the rear section and replaced the forward portion with an extended skid plate. Interestingly, this configuration actually improved step climb performance (from almost nothing to clearing the 0.75m step) and had no impact on hill climb, keeping the original 40 degree target from our internal specifications for light tanks.
Clearing the 0.75m step- a small running start is required.
Not just clearing the 40 degree slope, but catching air at the top.
Altogether, this tank provides the complete package- speed, visibility, protection, and enough firepower to handle light targets. Reliance on magic is minimized to avoid complicated maintenance requirements, and in fact an anti magic field will have almost no effect on the tank.
Superior hill climb performance means a squadron can strike or disengage through paths many would consider impossible terrain, like this prototype cresting the steep slopes adjacent to the shore on our proving grounds.
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Out of character notes:
Once again, thanks to u/28th_Stab_Wound for putting on the contest, it's been a blast building these things and being able to exercise a bit of an unconventional flair on the design side. If at any time these pitches become too outlandish for the lore you're working towards, let me know and I'll tone it down. For now, though, I'm just having fun :D
Thanks to u/Terianis for allowing me to include the Infernal Armories reference, and for the inspiration to attempt this absolutely ridiculous hill climb test- I'm still flabbergasted by the things we can climb with the traction changes lately, and the fact that I can make a 9 ton tank with skinny little tracks covering less than half the length of the tank climb a hill like that is just bonkers.
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While the Reliant can't compete with IA's entry, it can climb the lesser portion of the slopes by the waterfall at the shore.
Seconds from disaster- this is what happens you challenge a tank driven by a construct engine fueled by the flesh and souls of its enemies.
Disaster imminent
Even inverted, the sole hatch is still accessible!