Overview[]
The centerpiece of the Joint Strike Force's armored battalions. The M5A2 is highly versatile and performs well in most combat situations, however, its most effective at a distance where it can accurately engage hostile targets well before they are able to retaliate. Despite such an advantage at range, Schwarzkopfs suffer in close range combat as Panther tanks shred them with superior rates of fire and Tyrants outgun them with raw firepower.
The M5 inherits most of its design elements from the Abrams, albeit it sports a sleeker and more aggressive look. The vast majority of its upgrades are internal such as it's cannon assembly, electronics and powerplant. The Schwarzkopf features a V-shaped hull and newly developed elastomeric tracks and road wheels with integrated armor, which improves its resistance to mines and mobility kills, as well as a stronger and lighter polymer based composite, eliminating Chobham. Altogether the M5 weighs around 58-60 tons.
Armament[]
Primary[]
120mm M256A3S smoothebore cannon - A derivative of the original gun used on the Abrams developed specifically for the JSF. The A3S variant includes the following upgrades:
- A 55 caliber long barrel (6.6m) with an advanced TiN coating increase velocity and barrel life
- Redesigned breech to accept cannon launched guided munitions
- Upgraded hydraulic recoil retarders and a new hydropneumatic assembly allow for smooth, low recoil shots
- A new composite thermal sleeve limits barrel warp and preserves accuracy
Ammunition[]
- M1072A1 Advanced Multi-Purpose: A multi-mode programmable fuse with delay, airburst and point detonating capability embedded within a versatile HEAT munition
- M1080 APFSDS: A multi-segmented, composite reinforced DU alloy penetrator with a low drag fin and tracer assembly
Secondary[]
7.62x51mm M6CS light machine gun - Co-axially mounted with a dual-feed munitions system. The M6 is able to fire in both 650 and 950 RPM modes and is loaded with 11,000 rounds.
Ammunition[]
- M1629 Sabot Composite Armor Penetrator
Auxiliary[]
M266 Nine Eyes Autonomous Weapon System - An adaptable, fully stabilized weapons platform able to mount numerous systems:
- 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun [Recruit]
- 40mm Mk. 19 grenade launcher [Hardened]
Protection[]
- Armor Components:
- MIL-A-17079 High Hardness Steel Alloy
- MIL-A-17094 Aluminum-Titanium Alloy
- Modular Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite Armor
- Titanium Carbide Armor Modules
- Countermeasures
- AN/VLQ-16 Missile Defense System - Sophisticated multi-spectral sensors and an AESA radar provide autonomous detection, identification, threat tracking and evasive solutions with 360 degree coverage
- AN/VLQ-20 - Compact, low profile micromissile turrets synced to the M5's MDS capable of launching both short and longe range defensive munitions
Upgrades[]
- Offensive
- High Performance Rounds: +Range - Enhanced propellant creates chamber pressure in excess of 6000 bars.
- Dynamically Tuned Shroud: +Accuracy - Attenuated recoil via integrated resonance response and vibration suppression mechanism.