Recognition Guide

Transcription

Recognition Guide

Steel Beasts
Recognition Guide
By
James Sterrett
Andrew Romaniuk
Ssnake
Tankboy
Vasiliy Fofanov
PDF Formatting by Burner
Table of Contents
U.S. Vehicles
M1A1 Abrams MBT
M2A2 Bradley IFV
M113 APC
M113 Medivac
M901 ITV
M981 FIST-V
HMMWV (Hummer)
Page
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
German Vehicles
Leopard 2A4 MBT
Marder 1A3 IFV
M113 Artillery Spotter
Truck
Jaguar 2 ATGM Veh
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21
23
25
27
Soviet Vehicles
T80U MBT
T72BV MBT
BMP-1 IFV
BMP-2 IFV
BMD-2 IFV
BTR-80 APC
BRDM-2 ATGM Veh
BRDM-2 Recce
MT-LB
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
2
U.S. Vehicles
3
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
M1A1HA MBT
Crew: 4
Armament: 120mm cannon, 7.62mm coax MG, 12.7mm AA MG, 7.62mm A MG
Ammunition: 40 x 120mm; 1,000 x 12.7mm; 11,400 x 7.62mm
Armour Protection: max approx. 1300mm vs HEAT, approx. 650mm vs KE
Armour Type: Chobham and steel
Length: 9.845 meters
Width: 3.657 meters
Height: 2.375 meters
Combat Weight: 62.6 tons
Engine: Textron Lycoming AGT 1500 gas turbine
Max Road Speed: 67 km/h
Max Water Speed: sinks [can ford 1.219m, or 1.98 with preparation]
Max Cruising Range: 498 km
One of the stars of our show!
Like the Leopard 2, the M1 was undertaken after the MBT-70 project collapsed in disarray. Also
like the Leopard 2, the used a combination of advances in armor and powerplants to deliver a
notably advanced vehicle, once teething troubles were ironed out. Early M1s were armed with a
105mm rifled cannon, like the one that graced its M60A3 predecessor. The M1A1 (featured in
Steel Beasts) improved the armor and upgraded the 105mm rifle to a 120mm smoothbore
cannon. Recently, the M1A2 model has been provided, adding various improvements to fire and
command control, and more armor. The M1 is built in the US, as well as being assembled in
Egypt, and is in service with the US Army and Marines, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
The M1 is the first really good tank the USA has built. The M1's biggest shortcomings are high
cost and a very thirsty engine - it drinks 50 gallons of fuel an hour, whether idling or running flat
out - but these are made up for by a very good package overall. Mobile, heavily-armed, and well-
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protected, the Americans have tweaked the M1 from a good basic design into a tank they can
rightly be proud of.
The M1A1HA (Heavy Armor) refers to the up-armored version, which incorporates a layer of
depleted uranium mesh in the armor package. It basically doubles the protection of the original
M1 against both shaped-charge and kinetic energy warheads.
However, as you'll soon discover in Steel Beasts, "excellent tank" doesn't mean "invincible tank".
Your frontal armor may be nearly impenetrable to most enemy tanks at ranges over 1500 meters
- which means it is penetrable at ranges under 1500 meters, and also penetrable from the sides.
Lots of OPFOR vehicles carry ATGMs that will knock out critical systems even if they don't
achieve a catastrophic hit. Your cannon is worth a lot less once all the fancy fire control gear is
shaken to bits by a non-penetrating
hit! Play it smart, go slowly and carefully, coordinate with your supporting infantry and artillery,
and you should find that it dominates the battlefield. If you try the "tank rush" tactics from an RTS
game,
you'll soon be commanding a burning wreck.
At some point after initial release, the mine clearing equipment will be implemented in the game,
and it will be used by both sides. In the meantime, have a sneak peak at what's in store for an
upcoming SB upgrade.
James Sterrett
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FRONT
SIDE
TOP
M2A2 Bradley IFV
Crew: 3 plus 6 dismounts (TC is squad CO, and usually stays with vehicle)
Armament: 25mm autocannon, 7.62mm coax MG, twin TOW ATGM launcher
Ammunition: 900 x 25mm, 2,200 x 7.62mm, 7 TOW ATGM
Armour Protection: 300 max hull vs HE, 40 max vs KE
Armour Type: Aluminum, Laminate, & Steel - spaced and ERA
Length: 6.55 meters
Width: 3.61 meters
Combat Weight: 22,940 kg
Engine: Cummins VTA-903T turbocharged 8-cylinder diesel
Max Water Speed: 7.2 km/h [amphibious with screens erected; takes a fair bit of work]
The M2 Bradley had a long and tortured development. The program was initiated in the early
1960s, seeking a vehicle to complement the M113. The first two prototypes did not appear until
1978 - the better part of two decades - while the M113 steadily fell into obsolescence as a
battlefield vehicle. The Bradley finally entered production in 1981, a year before the BMP-2.
Regardless of the acquisition process, the M2 turned out reasonably well. It is fast enough to
keep up with the M1 and packs a good punch (although the TOW is outranged by the heavier
Russian ATGMs). It is taller than the BMP, which makes it easier to hit, but also allows it to fire in
support of its own squad more easily. The armor has been upgraded over the years. Its
amphibious ability is limited by the time needed to prepare the vehicle, unlike the BMP which
needs only a minuscule amount of preparation, but arguably the cost savings is worth it.
Perhaps the biggest debate surrounding the Bradley also surrounds all other ATGM-armed
infantry fighting vehicles.
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In Steel Beasts, as in real life, the Bradley poses a conundrum to commanders: is it a battle taxi
for the squad, or is it a heavy ATGM carrier that happens to have some infantry inside? The
battle positions
most effective for the TOW (maximum range: 3,750 meters) are far from those best for the
squad, whose maximum effective range is likely to be under 600 meters. A squad armed with
manpack ATGMs makes the problem easier given the increased punch from the dismounted
squad, but this simply raises again the purpose of the vehicle: is it A) an armor killer or B) a leg
infantry support vehicle?
In the end, of course, the answer is C - "both"; and for all the difficulty of deciding how best to
employ the Bradley in a given tactical situation, it is doubtful it would be as valuable if the options
were fewer. Just remember - the Bradley packs one helluva punch, but it's limited armor means it
can't go toe-to-toe with heavy opposition. Keep them moving most of the time, and if they aren't
the center of attention, they should be able to take care of themselves.
James Sterrett
7
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
M-113
Crew: 2 plus 11 dismounts
Armament: 12.7mm HMG
Ammunition: 2,000 x 12.7mm
Armour: 44mm maximum
Armour Type: Aluminum
Width: 2.686 meters
Height: 1.85 meters
Engine: Detroit 6V-53 6 cylinder water-cooled diesel
Max Road Speed: 60.7 km/h
Max Water Speed: 5.8 km/h amphibious
On those occasions that World War II infantry rode anything other than their boots, it was usually
a truck or a halftrack. Both of these have the problem of a soft top, making them vulnerable to
shell fragments from artillery HE.
The M-113 was designed to overcome this problem, encasing the troops inside light armor
as a "battle taxi" - a vehicle that could move troops safely through HE shellfire and up to the
battlefront. Developed in the 1950s, the M-113 first saw the light of day in 1960. While the M113 soon became obsolescent with the introduction of the BMP in the middle 1960s, it was long
in US service (eventually replaced by the M-2 Bradley).
This long service resulted from its simple, robust design, and a vast array of variants ranging the gamut from ATGM launchers (such as the M-901) to ambulances. Over 76,000 M113s have been built. The M-113 is in service with at least 47 countries, and is built in the USA,
Italy, and Belgium.
The basic M-113 is not heavily armed, and is vulnerable to any available AT weapon or
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heavy machine guns. Few if any variants improve the armor, but some improve the striking
power dramatically.
James Sterrett
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FRONT
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TOP
M-113 Medevac
Crew: n/a
Armament: none
Ammunition: none
Width: 2.686 meters
Height: 1.85 meters
Well, not much to say about an ambulance...yes, it's yet another M-113 Variant! Once you have
the basic vehicle model set up, it's not so difficult to arrange for lots of functions. The ambulance
is exactly what it sounds like - a lightly-armored casualty evacuation vehicle. A bumpy ride is
always better than a shrapnel-filled one.
James Sterrett
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11
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
Front - Stowed
Side - Stowed
Top - Stowed
Stowed for Travel
M-901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle)
Crew: 4 or 5
Armament: Twin TOW Launcher, 7.62mm MG
Ammunition: 2 TOW plus 10 reloads, 1,000 x 7.62mm (fires basic TOW, I-TOW, and TOW-2 series)
Armour: max 38mm
Armour Type: Steel and Aluminium
Length: 4.83 meters
Width: 2.686 meters
Height: 2.91 meters (3.35m with TOW launcher erected)
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V-52 6-cylinder water-cooled
Max Road Speed: 67.59 km/h going downhill with a tailwind
Max Water Speed: 5.8 km/h when the fishies help push (Ed. note: I can't believe this thing can swim.)
Quite possibly as a result of the BRDM-2 AT vehicle's successes in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War,
the US decided to have an ATGM carrier too. The prototype was selected from three contenders
in 1976, and production commenced in the same year. By 1996, when production ended, over
3200 of these modified M-113A2s had been built. Eight nations use the M-901 or a variant
thereof, and the FIST-V is technically a variant of the M-901.
The clever-rabbit part of the M-901 is the inclusion of all the missile targeting kit into the
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extendable launcher (called the "hammerhead"). This means you can keep the bulk of the
vehicle hidden behind some convenient obstacle - a berm, hill crest, or maybe somebody you
don't like - and plink away at the enemy with the TOW from that cover. Here's an old Warsaw
Pact trick - hide behind a destroyed tank, and you'll be a little harder to spot. The launcher has
powered 360 deg traverse, and elevates from -30 to +34 deg.
The M901 ITV is a powerful ally, but must be used from a distance; it's armor is less than the
Bradley's, so you don't want to be trading shots with the enemy. Words to the wise... keep these
babies at maximum range, 2 -3 kms from the enemy, in defilade. The maximum range of the
TOW-2s is 3750m, so try to engage the enemy from as far away as possible, and make sure that
they aren't the center of attention, as the launch signature is highly visible and will telegraph the
M901's position to the enemy. Long range is good, but if you have the time, use a couple of
alternate battle positions and keep them moving between them. One lucky shot, or an artillery
barrage will finish one of these things for good, and it's not like you'll have as many ITVs as the
enemy will have BRDM-2 ATs. When used properly by a seasoned commander, ITVs can really
save your bacon. Just keep in mind that they are a fairly limited resource.
James Sterrett and Andrew Romaniuk
13
M981 FIST-V Fire Support Team Vehicle
Crew: n/a
Armament: 7.62mm MG
Width: 2.686 meters
Height to top: 3.35 meters
Height, travelling: 2.91 meters
The M981 FIST-V is one of the many variants of the M113 family. It is an Artillery Forward
Observer Vehicle and is used primarily to spot, locate, designate and correct artillery fire from a
forward location on the modern battlefield. It also enables the FIST headquarters to acquire and
lase targets for terminally guided munitions and to coordinate fire support while keeping up with
the maneuver unit. The resemblance to the M901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle) is not an
accident; it gives it the ability to remain inconspicuous as an FO to the enemy.
In Steel Beasts, artillery called within the LOS of a FIST-V will arrive sooner because the FIST
team can cut through the red tape better. Instead of waiting two minutes for rounds to impact,
you may only have to wait 45 seconds.
James Sterrett
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15
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
HMMWV (Hey... nice HUMMER!!!)
Crew: 1 plus a load of folks who "just want a ride" (and pretend they're Arnold Schwarzenkopf)
Armament: numerous option packages available at "Amazing Discounts Available"
- - - Manager's Special - TODAY ONLY!!! - - Ammunition: depends on option packages (some option packages may include weapons but no ammunition,
others may include ammunition but no weapons)
Armour: uhhh... proof against small rocks and armor-piercing tomatoes
Armour Type: ummm... see above, or choose our "Rich Corinthian Leather Seats" instead
Length: about 4.6+ meters - varies depending on option package; stretch limo version available
(a true fact! 8) )
Width: about 2.15+ meters - varies with tire type (additional charge for racing slicks)
Height: 1.75 meters - depends on roof option package
Combat Weight: about 3800 kg , depends on option package; Wombat Weight: depends on Wombats
Engine: The most reliable gasoline engine Detroit has *ever* built! starts at V8 6.2L
Max Road Speed: about 105 km/h but depends on the octane rating of your fuel, oh yeah... and see
Wombat Weight
Max Water Speed: sinks, but makes a really attractive pool ornament. Can ford deep muddy stream in
commercials, but off-road use will void your warranty - see below!
Max Cruising Range: 3 gas stations or one service station, whichever comes
first (warning: unauthorized use of Wombats may greatly reduce maximum cruising range)
The "Hummer", HMMWV (High Mobility Multi-Purpos e Wheeled Vehicle), is the US Army's
replacement for the venerable WWII Willy's jeep. Like the Jeep, the Hummer has a reputation for
reliability, a robust ability to go anywhere a bulldozer has gone before, and some selected places
they haven't. Also like the Jeep, the Hummer is highly mobile for a wheeled vehicle and provides
a status symbol for officers and acquisitive soldiers. A variety of weapons wind up mounted on
them; usually amounting to "whatever we could
scrounge". Official planned options include TOW missile (Tankboy's favourite), M2 .50 Cal
HMG, 7.62mm machine guns, Stinger missiles, and a modified AMRAAM missile; unofficial
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variants probably range the entire way from Improved Spitball Launchers Mk III through ICBMs.
In addition, numerous Hummers have been sold to civilians with more money than sense, after a
famous movie star campaigned to be allowed to buy one due to the delusion that it would
convince people he could actually *act*. (Editor's note - any Hummer with a gloss paint job looks
pretty out of place, I've seen them in real life and wouldn't be caught dead in one unless it was
camo or olive drab - the one I saw in town was gloss black, with lots of freakin' chrome, and had
those stupid "good ol' boy" lights across the top of the roof. BLECCHH!!!) Millions of Americans
have followed suit, in the mistaken assumption that the ability to ford a shallow muddy creek will
help them survive firefights on the L.A. Freeway. (Steel Beasts players know that a tank would
be a much better choice. Most commuters only pack small arms, not heavy anti-tank weapons;
and nothing says "this lane is my lane, it isn't your lane" quite like a 120mm smoothbore
cannon.) Something like 65,000 Hummers are supposed to be purchased by the Army, USAF,
and Marines.
OK - I heard this from a few people here in town. It seems as though the Hummer can't handle
Thunder Bay's Artic Frost! It's true, we had some Hummers up here for testing by Ontario Hydro,
so they could get to some of their out-of-town locations, and the poor vehicles couldn't handle all
the snow - geez, it's not even that bad! What a joke. They ended up reverting back to their
venerable old Bombardier Artic Snow Tracks - big ugly 30 year old beasts that resemble an M548
Cargo Carrier (M113 chassis). This is not an urban legend! I repeat - This is not an urban
Legend!
In Steel Beasts, the Hummer is not really much of a direct threat. In theory, the Hummer is
assigned to recon units, and thus, as OPFOR, you should kill the Hummers off fast to avoid the
enemy sending back
information on your dispositions. However, in this column, we reveal a Hidden Truth: Hummers
usually carry the highest-ranking brass. Therefore, as OPFOR, you should *never* blow up a
Hummer, as killing it might injure the enemy higher officers and thus improve the enemy's combat
readiness. (OK, we're kidding; if you see a Hummer, fill it full a lead as you'll be doing some grunt
a favour by greasing an Officer!) As Blue, you should "accidentally" exterminate every Hummer
you come across to rid yourself of EAR (Echelons Above Reality) representatives. (Editor's note:
no Hummers were "accidentally" exterminated in the making of this hideous excuse for the
"Audobon's Guide to Hummer Watching" - oops! Did I just say "Hummer Watching"!?! D'OH!)
James Sterrett and a certain Wombat that will remain unnamed!
17
German Vehicles
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FRONT
SIDE
TOP
Leopard 2A4 MBT
Crew: 4
Armament: 120mm cannon, 7.62mm coax MG, 7.62mm AA MG
Ammunition: 42 x 120mm, 4,750 x 7.62mm
Armour: max approx. 700mm vs AP, 1100mm vs HEAT
Armour Type: Laminate (steel and ceramic composite), similar to Chobham
Width: 3.7 meters
Height: 2.48 meters
Engine: MTU MB 873 Ka 501 4-stroke, 12 cylinder multi-fuel liquid-cooled diesel
Max Water Speed: sinks [can ford 1 meter, 4 meters with snorkel]
One of the two stars of our show!
Modern German tank design began with a bang in 1941: the bang of German tanks having
unpleasant experiences with the Soviet T-34. The Germans came close to deciding to
manufacture a clone of the T-34 (which was Guderian's preference), but this project was
scrapped in favor of designing a new tank. That tank became the Panzer Mk V "Panther", which
overcame numerous teething troubles to become an excellent tank by 1944, and would continue
to serve in the West German Army throughout the 1950s. In the later 1950s it was showing its
age, and work began on the tank that would enter FRG service, in 1965, as the Leopard 1. (Early
Leopards look similar to late Panthers.)
After getting burnt in the SNAFU of the MBT-70 project, the Germans turned inward for the tank
design to replace the Leopard 1. Initial prototypes were completed in 1972, and in 1970 KrausMaffei became the prime contractor building the tank. The first tanks entered service in 1979.
19
While the Leopard 1 was built around the philosophy that "speed is life", sacrificing a measure of
protection in favor of mobility and
firepower, improvements in the construction of armor and engines permitted the Leopard 2 to
have a significant degree of mobility, protection, and firepower at some cost in weight. The armor
and powerplant were combined with new fire-control technologies to ensure that the Leopard 2,
like the M1, was a major leap forward in tank design.
Moreover, during the later half of the 1990s, the armor of the original Leopard 2 underwent
significant improvements (in the 2A5 version), the most visible change being the addition of plates
to the front of the turret that change it from a flat front to a wedge. (The 2A4 version is the one in
Steel Beasts.)
Just under 3,000 Leopard 2 have been produced in Germany and Switzerland, and are serving in
Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden.
James Sterrett
20
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
Marder 1A3
Armament: 20mm cannon, 7.62mm MG, Milan ATGM launcher
Ammunition: 1,250 x 20mm, 5,000 x 7.62, 1 Milan plus 5 reloads
Armour: max 300mm vs HEAT, max 50mm vs KE
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 6.79 meters
Width: 3.24 meters
Engine: MTU MB 833 Ea-500 6-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel
Max Water Speed: sinks [can ford 1.5 meters, 2 meters with preparation]
The Bundeswehr began looking for a new infantry vehicle in the early 1960s, and the Marder won
the competition. Prototypes were made in 1967 and 1968, and the first vehicles entered service
in 1970. Production of Marders essentially ended in 1975 (the chassis was produced until 1983
for Roland SAM carriers), and the Marder is only in service with the German Army.
The Marder has a number of unique features. The original model had firing ports similar to the
original Bradleys, and a remote controlled MG on the rear deck above the rear door. These have
since been removed, the firing ports being covered over with a new armor package. The 20mm
cannon and the 7.62mm MG are on an external powered mount above the turret, allowing
minimal exposure while in a hull-down position. On the other hand, unlike most other IFVs, the
Marder cannot swim, and it's original configuration had no ATGM. This may have gotten around
the dilemma of deciding if the Marder was there to be a tank destroyer or an infantry support
vehicle, but the Germans also apparently changed their minds, later fitting Milan ATGMs to the
turret. The Marder 1A3 also has a number of armor upgrades and improvements to its roof
21
hatches.
In combat, the Marder is much like its cousins, the BMP and the much bigger Bradley. The Milan
missile makes it a real threat to tanks, and the 20mm cannon enables it to support its squad. If
defending, you'll have to make the call between stationing it where it can best support and move
its troops, or stationing it where it can best use its missile to act as a tank destroyer in an
ambush. If attacking, provide overwatch to keep them from getting blown away; even the
improved armor is not likely to stop an ATGM, tank round, or RPG. Try to make sure the Marders
are not the center of attention in the attack. Not an easy task, but that's why you get paid the big
bucks.
James Sterrett
22
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
M-113 Artillery Observer
Crew: 4
Armament: 7.62mm MG
Width: 2.686 meters
Height: 1.85 meters to top of hull, another meter for periscope equipment, extending to about another 3.5
meters.
Combat Weight: 12.1t
Engine: 6 cylinder water-cooled diesel
The M113 for forward observers (FO) in the German Bundeswehr is based on the M113A1G
version, equipped with additional electronics to enhance it's capabilities to observe enemy
activity, and to request artillery fire rather quickly and accurately. The vehicle and internal
equipment is manned by a crew of four. For self defense purposes, it is equipped with the
standard 7.62mm MG3.
The M113/VB (VB is the German abbreviation for FO, "Vorgeschobener Beobachter") is equipped
with a vehicle navigational system FNA-615, the optically based observation periscope
OZVA/Peri D11, a computer to calculate the ballistic paths of the firing units ("Falke"), and digital
radio for data transmission. The OZVA has an integrated laser range finder.
Due to the reduced night combat capabilities (no thermal imager) of the M113, it has begun to be
phased out this year, to be replaced by a new vehicle based on the Leopard 1A5 hull and turret
23
(the main gun will be removed from the turret in this new FO vehicle).
As stated before, this vehicle acts as a forward observer for German units in the sim, and will give
you increased capabilities in calling in artillery fire. According to the German TO&E the M113/VB
belongs to the brigade units; one vehicle will be detached to one combat company each. It's
pretty easy to tell the difference between a normal M113 and this FO vehicle; the distinguishing
features are the comparatively big periscope and the heightened, box-type part of the hull on the
roof as a result of the space requirements of the D11 system.
Ssnake
24
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
Truck
Crew: driver and a bunch of guys and/or stuff (may include really big stuff)
Armament: none
Ammunition: see "Armament"
Armour Type: nope
Length: about 6 or 7 meters
Weight: pretty heavy
Max Road Speed: much faster than a tank
Max Water Speed: please do not attempt to "swim" using the truck, as it will not float.
Max Range: pretty far
Slow, often road-bound, almost always unarmed, usually unarmored, and generally synonymous
with "target", the truck is not exactly a threat in the tactical arena. Nonetheless, when we expand
our focus beyond the realm of tactics, the truck is probably the single most influential vehicle to
come out of the 20th century - beating out even such contenders as the tank and the airplane.
"Amateurs study tactics, professionals study logistics", the saying goes; and the truck has
revolutionized logistics. The railroad, in the 19th century, meant that strategic logistics were
suddenly simpler - but the
mobility of supplies stopped at the end of the rail line. The truck expanded that mobility in the
final, critical, link from railhead to battlefront. Fleets of trucks can move the vast tonnages of
supply that modern forces require, and move them quickly over long distances.
Why do trucks make such nice targets? Well, not only because they are vulnerable, but because
they are so vital. Blow up the trucks that bring in supplies, and your tank company will run out of
fuel and ammunition. Without fuel, your tanks are pillboxes. Without ammunition, they are
bunkers. Without food
and water, your crews will die. Your tanks are useless without a steady flow of trucks behind
25
them. Thus, when you see enemy trucks, treat them to some high explosive fun, i.e. point that
big thingie on the front of of your turret at them, and let 'em have it!
James Sterrett
26
FRONT
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TOP
Jaguar 2 ATGW Vehicle
Crew: 4
Armament: TOW missile launcher, 1 x 7.62mm coax MG, 1 x 7.62mm AA MG
Ammunition: 12 TOW missiles, 3200 rounds of 7.62mm
Armour: about 50mm max (estimated),
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 6.61 meters
Width: 3.12 meters
Height: 2.54 meters including launcher, 1.98 m to hull top
Engine: Daimler-Benz MB 837, 8 cylinder water-cooled diesel
Max Water Speed: ford 1.2 m with preparation
The Jagdpanzer Rakete was a modern Tank Destroyer and featured the SS-11 missile, but has
since been discontinued and upgraded/replaced. There were 370 built in 1967/68, and they
share the same chassis with the now-defunct Jagdpanzer Kanone 90mm Self Propelled AntiTank Gun. Between 1978 and 1983 316 of the original Raketes were rebuilt and their missiles
upgraded to the more advanced Euromissile K3S HOT ATGW. Armour on the front and sides
was upgraded with applique packages to improve protection against HEAT warheads, and a 2nd
generation thermal imager was added. These rebuilt vehicles were designated Jaguar 1s.
Between 1983 and 1985, 162 vehicles were converted to the Jaguar 2, which fires TOW
missiles. Before 1995 the tank destroyers were an army branch for themselves; they are now
integrated into the mechanized infantry (Panzergrenadiere, PzGren) as the 6th company of a
PzGren battalion. The Jaguar platoons consist of five vehicles (two sections of two plus the
platoon leader). They are to make up for the lack of anti tank capability of the Marders (which, as
you know, have just one Milan launcher per platoon).
27
The Jaguar is not in use in any country except Germany. They both have excellent optics, and
the TIS has twice the resolution of the Leo's or M1's.
The main difference between Jaguar 1 and 2 are different optics, and a different loading
mechanism for the HOT/TOW missiles. The Jaguar 2 has 12 TOW missiles with a reload time of
approximately 5 seconds. Reloading is done automatically, and the vehicle remains NBC sealed.
Ssnake and Tankboy
28
Soviet Vehicles
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FRONT
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TOP
T-80U MBT
Crew: 3
Ammunition: 45 x 125mm, 1,250 x 7.62mm, 500 x 12.7mm
Armour Type: Steel/Composite with ERA
Length: 6.98 meters
Width: 3.60 meters
Height without AA MG: 2.21 meters
Engine: GTD-1250 gas turbine
Max Water Speed: ford at 7 km/h with preparation
Max Cruising Range: 400 km; 450km with long-range fuel tanks
The T-80U, a new generation of T-80BV MBT, entered production in 1985 and is one of the most
modern Russian tanks. It has by far the most advanced FCS of all the Russian tanks of the
period, that allows it to deliver accurate fire at ranges of over 3km in addition to providing ATGM
guidance capability out to 5km, and also allows the commander to lay and fire the main gun. It
also incorporates a thermal imager since 1993. For protection, the tank relies not only on new
composite armor, but also on a 2nd generation integral ERA that is effective both against HEAT
and APFSDS projectiles. The tank is also a little bit more spacious than its T-72 brethren and its
autoloader has larger capacity and operates a bit faster.
This tank is in service with Russia, Ukraine (who produces a slightly modified version, the T-84),
Pakistan and Cyprus. In Russia there is over 5000 T-80 MBTs of different variants, though the
exact number of T-80U model MBTs is unknown. Like all of Russia's latest MBTs, it is equipped
with the dozer blade, deep fording equipment, and has provision for mine sweep installation. This
tank is a dangerous opponent both because of its protection and lethality of its ammunition, and
only the latest Western tanks are somewhat protected from frontal hits of its main gun
30
ammunition.
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FRONT
SIDE
TOP
T-72B MBT
Crew: 3
Ammunition: 45 x 125mm, 2,000 x 7.62mm, 300 x 12.7mm
Armour Type: Steel/Composite
Length: 6.95 meters
Width: 4.75 meters
Height without AA MG: 2.37 meters
Engine: V-46 V-12 diesel
Max Water Speed: ford at 7 km/h with preparation
Max Cruising Range: 480 km; 550km with long-range fuel tanks
The T-72 entered production in 1971 and has been produced in a welter of variants, ranging from
upgrades to its armour or its gunsights, to the addition of the ability to fire an ATGM through the
barrel in the T-72B1. The T-72 is widely manufactured and used; not only is it in production in
Russia, but also under license in India, the Czech Republic, Iraq, Poland, and Romania. Each
license version has its own series of models and variants as well. Some 18,000 T-72s are in
service with 29 Armies. The M1 and the Leopard 2 outclass the T-72, having been designed a
decade later. Nonetheless, the T-72 packs a respectable punch, and its relatively low cost
means it can be bought in large numbers.
One legend surrounding the T-72 concerns its cramped nature. This is partially true. I'm about 6
feet tall (about 180cm); I fit reasonably comfortably into the gunner's or commander's positions
(note that this was an ex-East German T-72. The Germans had removed the autoloader, which
might have made the turret much more roomy.) On the other hand, scrunched down as far as I
could go into the driver's seat, my armpits were still above the front glacis of the armor.
The T-72 is not the most potent threat on the Steel Beasts' battlefield, but it shouldn't be brushed
32
off. Your main gun ammo won't have too much of a problem penetrating it's armour, but be
careful, the T-72 can and will return the favour given the chance. It is still a formidable weapon
and should be treated with a certain amount of respect.
James Sterrett
33
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BMP-1 IFV
Armament: 73mm cannon, 7.62mm coax MG, Sagger ATGM
Ammunition: 40 x 73mm, 1 Sagger plus 4 reloads, 2,000 x 7.62mm
Armour: 33mm max
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 6.74 meters
Width: 2.94 meters
Height: 2.15 meters
Engine: UTD-20 6-cylinder in-line water-cooled diesel
Max Water Speed: 7 km/h
Three Soviet combat vehicles have changed the face of warfare. The first was the T-34 tank,
whose combination of mobility, protection, firepower, reliability, and ease of mass production
revolutionized tank design. The second, which also appeared in 1941, was the Katyusha
multiple rocket launcher, which ushered in a new and devastating era in artillery.
The third was the BMP, "Boevaia mashina pekhoti" (Combat Vehicle, Infantry). Developed in
the early 1960s to replaced the lightly armed and armored BTR-50B tracked APC, the BMP
combined a number of desirable features in one package. Completely covered, and impervious
to fragments and small-arms fire, it nonetheless allowed the infantry to spray suppressive fire
whilst inside the vehicle. Sealed, the vehicle defended the dismounts and crew from chemical,
biological, and nuclear contaminants - thus permitting its use on the expected nuclear and
chemical battlefields of a possible World War III. Combined with its high mobility, it was
expected to be able to rapidly exploit breaches in the enemy lines made with nuclear and
chemical strikes, driving deep into the enemy's operational defences. The low-pressure 73mm
34
gun fired an RPG round for combined light anti-tank and high-explosive effects, while the
Sagger gave the BMP a potent heavy anti-tank capability. Moreover, it was capable of
swimming relatively fast, and preparation for swimming requires only that several ports be
sealed, a flap raised on the bow of the vehicle, and a bilge pump started - less than 5 minutes of
work. No previous vehicle had combined all these features. After the BMP's public debut in
1967 (probably several years after it entered service), highly-mobile, NBC sealed, amphibious
IFVs with a heavy anti-tank weapon became standard.
The BMP does have disadvantages. It is cramped and none too comfortable. The turret is low,
which helps hide the vehicle but also means that the crew must be careful not to shoot its
infantry team if that
should be in front of the BMP. The Sagger is now out of date (and some variants of the BMP-1
upgrade the Sagger to an AT-4 Spigot.) The 73mm gun is not especially accurate past a few
hundred meters, with the projectile tending to weather-cock into the wind. The fuel cells are in
the rear doors, so a rear penetration may make exiting the vehicle somewhat interesting. Many
of these defects were cured with the BMP-2, which appeared in 1982.
In Steel Beasts, the BMP-1 is not a major threat to your tank, if your frontal armor is facing it.
The Sagger cannot penetrate your frontal armor. However, if the BMP should catch you on the
flank or roof, the Sagger might cause some real trouble. Furthermore, the infantry may be lying
in wait with their own AT weapons. When in doubt, burn it out.
Tens of thousands of BMP-1s were built in Russia, Czechoslovakia, and China, and they remain
in service with over 24 nations.
James Sterrett
35
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BMP-2 IFV
Crew: 3 + 7-man infantry squad
Armament: 30mm autocannon, 7.62mm coax MG, Konkurs (AT-5) ATGM launcher
Ammunition: 500 x 30mm, 2,000 x 7.62mm, 4 x Konkurs ATGM
Armour Type: Steel 6-26mm
Length: 6.74 meters
Width: 3.15 meters
Height: 2.06 meters
Engine: UTD-20S1 300hp diesel
Max Cruising Range: 550-600 km
This infantry-fighting vehicle is the backbone of Russian mechanized infantry regiments. Based
on the BMP-1, this vehicle differs mainly by a new armament suite comprising a 30mm
autocannon with 2-plane stabilizer and collimating sight for air defense, and a much more
effective ATGM. The ride was also made softer with the introduction of one more hydraulic
amortizer per side.
The vehicle entered production in 1980, and had time to see combat in Afghanistan. The BMP2s used there sacrificed their swimming capabilities for increased armor including much
improved side skirts. The high elevation of it's cannon proved a necessity in the mountainous
regions of Afghanistan, and ambushes by Mujihadeen soldiers armed with heavy machine guns
spurred the addition of 10mm spaced applique armor packages (BMP-2D model).
All in all, the BMP-2 is a much better IFV than it's predecessor, with increased firepower
effectiveness and improved visibilty for the commander of the vehicle. It's autocannon can be
quite a nuisance to sensitive vehicle optics, and should be quite effective against other IFVs at
close range. It's missile definately shouldn't be ignored, as one wrong hit can end your trip in a
36
hurry.
By 1990, there were over 6000 BMP-2s in the USSR and 300 in Czechoslovakia. It may be
cramped, but it's cheap, effective, and it is currently used by over 28 countries from Afghanistan
to Yemen, and numbers are estimated to be in the high tens of thousands.
37
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BMD-2 Airborne IFV
Crew: 2 + 5-men Spetsnaz section
Armament: 30mm autocannon, 2 x 7.62mm coax MG, Konkurs (AT-5) ATGM launcher
Ammunition: 300 x 30mm, 2,940 x 7.62mm, 3 + 1 x Konkurs ATGM
Length: 5.97 meters
Width: 2.7 meters
Height: 1.83-2.11 meters (thanks to hydro-pneumatic suspension - adjustable clearance)
Engine: 5D20 240hp diesel
The BMD line of vehicles is a unique feature of Russian airborne forces that can proudly bear
the flag with the words "Because they said it couldn't be done". These vehicles can be
airdropped with the crew and an infantry section inside from Il-76 and An-22 cargo planes from
the heights of 500 to1500 meters by means of PRSM-925 parachute-rocket platform, and once
on the ground all they have to do is raise up on their adjustable suspensions, roll off the
platform, and start blasting the targets. The films of these vehicles on maneuvers doing exactly
that have chagrinned the NATO planners pretty badly.
The BMD-2 vehicle, fielded in 1985, differs from the BMD-1 in the same manner as BMP-2
differs from BMP-1. In other words, a 73mm gun was dropped in favour of a 30mm stabilized
autocannon, while a Malutka (AT-3) ATGM was replaced by a much more powerful Konkurs
(AT-5) missile.
These vehicles have about the same role on a battlefield as BMPs, but due to their air-mobility
they can arrive from a direction from which you are not exactly expecting them. The men they
38
are carrying will usually also be much better trained than the ordinary Russian conscripts.
Vasiliy Fofanov
39
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BTR-80 APC
Crew: 3 + room for 7 men (CO can stay with vehicle or dismount i.e. 2 + 8)
Armament: 14.5mm MG, 7.62mm coax MG
Ammunition: 500 x 14.5mm, 2,000 x 7.62mm
Armour Type: Steel 6 -12mm thick
Length: 7.5 meters
Width: 2.90 meters
Height: 2.45 meters
Engine: YaMZ-238M2 240hp Diesel
Max Water Speed: 9.5 km/h
The Soviets needed exactly 20 years and experience in Afghanistan to finally get their 8x8
turreted APC about right. Externally not much different BTR-60PB APC of 1966, or the BTR-70,
the 1986 BTR-80 vehicle finally has a single sufficiently powerful diesel instead of two pathetic
gasoline engines, side doors that are actually useful, improved infantry compartment, a much
improved turret with smoke mortars, and improved mine and bullet resistance. Mobility can still
be maintained even with two of the eight wheels shot off. The armor is still inadequate to protect
it from 12.7mm bullets except in the front, but at least the 7.62mm AP bullets can no longer
penetrate, which is already an improvement.
This vehicle is a very versatile wheeled platform that is used in a great variety of roles in addition
to APC role. These include BTR-80K command variant, 1V118 FIST-FO vehicle, satellite uplink
vehicle, RKhM-4 NBC recon, BMM-80 MEDEVAC, BREM-K recovery vehicle, 2S23 SPG, etc.
The latest version of the vehicle, a 1994 BTR-80A, carries a 30mm autocannon/7.62mm MG
stabilized combo instead of
the original turret.
40
The BTR-80 APC is in service with at least 20 Armies in addition to Russia, and can be a
dangerous addition to any assault when used in great numbers, provided that it is able to
dispense it's squad of Infantry.
It's not exactly an immediate threat to the M1 or Leopard, but ignoring it is not a good idea
either; it's fast, and can change the tide of a battle very quickly if used properly. What you don't
want to do is let a bunch of these things get into your rear area so their troops can capitalize on
their position.
Vasiliy Fofanov
photo used with permission from James Sterrett
41
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BRDM-2 AT
Crew: 2 or 3
Armament: Spandrel (AT-5) ATGM
Ammunition: 5 ready plus 10 reloads
Armour: 14mm
Armour Type: Steel
Length: 5.75 meters
Width: 2.35 meters
Height: 2.01 meters
Engine: GAZ-41 V-8 water-cooled; petrol
The BRDM-2 AT was designed in the late 1960s to replace the earlier BRDM-1 AT variant.
Initial versions carried Sagger (AT-3) ATGMs, and saw combat in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. In
1977, it was upgraded to carry the AT-5 Spandrel. The Spandrel is a heavy ATGM with a range
of 4,000 meters.
The number of BRDM-2 AT produced is unclear; all were made at the Molotov GAZ
("Gosudarstvennii Avtomobil'nii Zavod", or State Automotive Factory) plant at Gorkii, Russia. At
least 14 nations have some variant of the vehicle in service.
Don't let the wimpy armor and wheels cause you to dismiss this vehicle. Properly used, for longrange overwatch, sniping, and, especially, defense from a flank, the BRDM-2 AT is a lethal
threat to your tank. Something else gets your attention - or your simply fail to see the hard-tospot BRDM-2 AT - and the next thing you know, the AT-5 has reduced your tank to a wreck.
Fortunately, once you figure out where it is, it isn't too hard to kill.
42
James Sterrett
43
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
BRDM-2 Recon and Patrol Vehicle
Crew: 4
Armament: 14.5mm MG, 7.62mm coax MG
Ammunition: 500 x 14.5mm, 2,000 x 7.62mm
Armour Type: Steel 6-14mm thick
Length: 5.75 meters
Width: 2.35 meters
Height: 2.31 meters
Engine: GAZ-41 140hp V-8 Gasoline
BRDM-2 recon vehicle, introduced in 1962, is the development of BRDM-1. It has a more
spacious hull, more powerful engine, and a small turret with 14.5/7.62mm MGs.
The armament of BRDM-2 is not very dangerous to a tank, though a lucky hit by a 14.5mm
bullet can damage the optics. Its armor won't protect it from tank's weapons, being vulnerable
even to 12.7mm bullets and shell fragments. However, ignoring this vehicle for too long is not a
good idea as it may dump a tank company or a rain of artillery rounds in your lap.
Produced by many countries in many variants, it serves with at least 45 Armies. Its chassis is
the basis of a whole family of vehicles including BRDM-2u C3 vehicle, BRDM-2rkh NBC recon,
9P122, 9P133 and 9P148 ATGW carriers, and 9P31 (SA-9) SAM vehicle.
44
45
FRONT
SIDE
TOP
MT-LB Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle
Crew: 2 + place for 11 men
Armament: 7.62mm MG
Armour Type: Steel 6-12mm
Length: 6.45 meters
Width: 2.85 meters
Height: 1.92 meters
Engine: YaMZ-238B 240hp Diesel
MT-LB, 1964, is an example of a vehicle that was originally conceived for a fairly narrow range
of applications (mainly artillery prime mover and ammo transport), but proved to be so
successful that it was quickly adopted for other roles.
The vehicle is capable of towing up to 6.5t of weight or carrying over 2t in its cargo
compartment. Its success lies in a very rugged construction and a very low ground pressure,
0.46kg/cm2 (and as low as 0.28 kg/cm2 with a widened track). This has quickly promoted the
MT-LB as a vehicle of choice in Russian Arctic regions, where it serves as a main transport both
for military and civilian applications. The MT-LB performance in the Chechnya campaign
apparently impressed the military so much that there is talk of adopting MT-LB for an APC role
after some upgrading of the armor and armament.
In the meantime the modifications of this vehicle already serve in a great variety of roles
including SNAR ground surveillance radar vehicles, 1V13-1V15 FIST vehicles, RKhM NBC
recon vehicles, 2S1 SPG, UR-77 rocket minefield breeching vehicle, ATGM platforms, SAM
46
platforms, and so on and so forth.
At least eight countries use the MT-LB in addition to Russia.
Vasiliy Fofanov
47

Recognition Guide

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