The LT-H1 “Lynx” Light Hover Tank has been designed for tactical reconnaissance, mobile fire support, and even anti-tank combat. Jointly developed by VOLKSTECHNIK and AGNI Systems, it combines the best of the two companies with VOLKSTECHNIK providing the hull and powertrain while AGNI Systems supplied the majority of the combat and control systems. Designed for Marines Corps and rapid reaction forces, the Lynx is lightweight and can be easily airlifted by dropship across the battlefield or deployed independently in a custom orbital drop pod. Versatile and extremely mobile over a number of different terrains, the Lynx can act as both a rapid reaction asset against conventional forces or as a counter-insurgency vehicle against asymmetrical foes.
Table of Contents
History
Development history
By the close of the 34th century, the changing political dynamic caused by the collapse of the former Coalition of Independent Systems and the rise of the People’s Coalition under Raiden Adler was followed by a vast rearmament program from the People’s Coalition. In 3386, it was decided to replace the aging PUMA tracked light tank in service within the People’s Coalition Armed Forces and the Ysthian Defense Forces. It was clear PUMA had been stretched to the limits of it’s capability and some militaries judged it’s mobility and survivability were no longer sufficient. The main requirements were:
– Improve the mobility whatever the terrain ;
– Improve the protection active and passive ;
– Provide a credible anti-tank capability;
– It must be of modular design.
Seven companies responded to the request for proposals, and on 8 July 3389, the procurement agencies selected VOLKSTECHNIK and AGNI Systems or the follow-on prototype development and testing phase. On September 3403 the People’s Coalition Armed Forces and the Ysthian Federation Defence Forces ordered several thousand of Lynx. The first LYNX were delivered in June 3404 to the People’s Coalition Armed Forces.
Operationnal history
First use of the LT-H1 Lynx was by the Bertaeyn Marines Corps in 3412 during the ground fighting phase of Operation Round Up in the Henon System. It outperformed enemy light tanks and proved well protected against anti-tank weapons that were used against it. The Lynx was used widely by the Bertaeyn Marines Corps, when the 411th Division came under heavy machine gun and anti-tank fire from insurgencies during the siege of Qutang. In total, 35 Lynx were hit with anti-tank weapons, 22 of which remained serviceable on the battlefield, 12 tanks suffered some form of armour penetration, 5 were destroyed and 12 tank crewmen were killed.
Production
test
Design
The LT-H1 has a crew of two paired with an A.I. The pilot is placed in the forward position, with the gunner seated behind. The A.I. plug sits behind the gunner and is a standard Rénmín AI. The survivability of the Lynx mostly rely on stealth and agility. Though, many of the onboard systems have redundancies and are segregated to minimize the effect of damage. Ammunition are loading by a hatch at the rear of the tank.
Electronic systems
Designed for network-centric warfare, the Lynx is equipped with a battlefield management system and integrated communications (HF/VHM/FM radio, satellite, and laser). The LT-H1 is fitted too with a complete suite of battlefield surveillance sensors and long-range observation system as well as a drone bay.
Stealth capability
Its « furtivity » has been optimized by minimizing of visual (by an optical nano-camouflage coating), infrared, acoustic and radar signatures. Its signature could be also modified in order to delay the identification by enemies.
Armament
It’s main weaponry is a fully-stabilized LK-70-II high velocity kinetic rifle of 70 mm (12 rpm) fitted within the unmanned turret. This is coupled to the Artemis WMS-H1 universal fire control system capable of fully automatic target identification and tracking as well as predictive aiming. Artemis can be fully handled by the AI or either of the human crewmen. It can take tracking data from external sensors such as AAVs, AGVs or other Lynxes. They are also able to tether together for simultaneous engagement to overwhelm Active Protection System or reduce enemy reaction time. Supplied with the weapon is 192 shells of various types including APFSDS-T, HEAT, guided, or Air Burst ammunition. It has a firing arc of -15 to +60 %. This allow it to fight in urban or mountainous environments, hit spacecraft and provide indirect fire support beyond the visual range (Non-Line-Of-Sight). The gun can deliver a burst of three rounds. The Lynx also has four long-range missile launchers capable of attacking both tanks, structure and airborne threats. Missiles pods are mounted on either side of the turret. Secondary armament consist of two remote controlled 20mm kinetic autocannon mounted on each engine. This functions as part of the active protection system which can destroy rocket, missiles, snipers, or IEDs. It can also be used to engage or suppress enemy infantry and light vehicles.
Protection
The protection of the Lynx is mainly provided by gravity shielding. The hull is constituted from an composite armour layered with Electric Reactive Armour which provide protection against 40 mm armor piercing rounds. It is equipped with two 40mm ASD-AI-40 multi-role munitions launcher which can fire decoys, grenades, or canister ammunition acting as both a softkill and hardkill mechanism within the APS. This can be used to distract enemy sensors, disrupt incoming enemy munitions, or attack close infantry. It is fitted with NBC and electromagnetic pulse warfare protection system.
Propulsion
The LT-H1 is powered with two ID-H-5 Fusion Turbines (5MW), coupled to 12 gravity repulsors and 4 gravity thrusters. All these features allow to it a remarkable high maneuverability as well as very high speed (until 250Km/Hr) whatever the terrain (mountain, swamp, urban, water…). Aware of the limitations of this type of vehicle, VOLKSTECHNIK has worked particularly to improve the autonomy as well as the reliability of the engine. It has a maximum range of 1200 Kilometers. It can continue to perform long distances with a failed Fusion engine. For note, an engine module can be replaced in approximately half an hour.
Variants
LYNX CPV -Command Post Vehicle-
LYNX ARV -Armored Recovery Vehicle-
LYNX AMV -Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicle-
LYNX SPAD -Self-Propelled Air Defense System-
Operators
People’s Coalition
Bertaeyn Federation