Rheinmetall Panther

Bri's picture

The world's newest, most advanced MBT; the German Rheinmetall Panther.  It's got a 130mm cannon; much larger than the current 90-120mm guns used in all the worlds other tanks.  It out ranges everything the Russians have by over 50%, with more penetration by a long shot.  it has 4 onboard automatic-deployable killer drones, and recon drones.  Advanced optical systems give it's driver, and commander an unprecedented 360 degree multispectrum view.  It's diesel electric for high fuel economy and speed, it's 20 or more tons lighter than the Abrams, but much faster, and better defended; not just traditional  armor, but with "reactive armor" (explosive charges that defeat incoming anti-armor rounds) and a secretive anti drone/missile defense system. 

     It's defenses are concentrated specifically to protect it from the sort of top down attacks that are killing Russian tanks in Ukraine. it's also radar, algorithym, and infra-red protected with a low visibility profile against mechanical eyes and night vision equipment. It's almost self driving; it has a crew of three,  the smallest crew in any MBT.  The improved autoloader can load and fire even if the gun is elevated and the tank is in motion.  This is the first of a new generation of super tanks.  I think the next step is effectively Cordwainer Smith's "Mark Elf" war machine...