[ALC] 'Rapier' Mk.II Medium Tank

Arcand Locomotive Company "Rapier" Mk.II Medium Tank

Developed in the 1940's as a Medium Tank to serve along on the frontline in service of the Arcand Empire, providing fire support for infantry platoons and heavy tank brigades on the battlefield.

The "Rapier" was developed in light of a requirement for a replacement of the F1 Medium Tank, but with a low-cost requirement. The "Rapier" went into direct competition with the F2 to fill the requirement. Although the "Rapier" performed better in the maintenance and durability trials; it lost to the F2.

The Mk.Ib was a major upgrade to the vehicle; increasing the armour capacity with the addition of the side-skirt and the expansion of the turret. The expanded turret allowed for larger munitions; thus accommodating for larger calibre guns and the hardware for the Type A Active-Infrared Nightvision scope.

Following experience learnt in the Xi-Tzu campaigns, Arcandian scientists developed and mounted the Type A Active-Infrared Nightvision scope; giving tank commanders a clear view of the night-time battlefield and a distinct advantage over the enemy.

However, some regiments ignored the War Ministry's trials; adopted the "Rapier" as their official Medium Tank.

The Mk.II was conceived in the light of advancements in engine design and battlefield experience; utilising the frame of the Mk.I as a base. The Mk.II received a 410hp engine, increasing the top speed to 28mph, though practically on the battlefield it rarely differed from the Mk.I's top speed. The hull and rear of the tank also received an extra 10mm of rolled steel armour, along with an expanded side-skirt.

The image depicts the "Rapier" Mk.II in a classic Arcand paint scheme, an Arcand Roundel on the Mk.Ib turret with Type A Active Infrared Nightvision scope and the Arcand flag on the side-skirt.

ALC "Rapier" Mk.II Specs:

Weight: 24 metric tonnes
Length: 6.07 m (19 ft 11 in)
Width: 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in)
Height: 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in)
Crew: 4
Armour: 60 mm Turret, 90 mm Hull, 50 mm Rear [ Rolled Homogeneous Steel ]

Main Armament: 75 mm Light Anti-Tank Gun
Secondary Armament: Co-axial 7.5 mm Light Machine Gun
- - Swivel Mounted .303 Light Machine Gun
- - Hull Mounted .303 Light Machine Gun
Engine: 410 hp
Power/weight: 17.08 hp/t
Suspension: Coil Spring
Fuel capacity: 500 litres
Operational Range: 340 km (220 mi)
Speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)