Panther 1A3

Panther 1A3
Faction	European Federation
Corps	European Enforcers Corps
Specifications	Crew: 2 Length: 8.9m Width: 3.8m Height: 3.4m Weight: 40 tons Power Plant: 1,200 hp Hybrid Engine
Armament	120 mm smoothbore cannon co-axial 7.62mm machine gun AA 7.62 mm machine gun High-power micowave emitter
Type	Main Battle Tank

Overview

The Panther 1A3 combines the best features of mounted combat systems from all around Europe. Once again, the European focus on high technology and speed is evident. The Panther excels in maneuverability and yet is still a very capable weapons platform. By combining its 120mm main gun with a newly-designed automatic loading system the Euros have made the Panther 1A3 one of the fastest-firing tanks in the world. It also uses a more robust version of the same hybrid engine that powers the AMZ-26 Badger.

The Panther is the fastest tank in ?End War and affords the European Federation considerable advantages against less mobile forces, Panthers will be able to transverse to the areas where they are most needed with reliable speed making the Panther an ideal quick response force for European forces. The Panther can upgrade its main gun to fire high powered microwave shells which can have a devestating effect on opponents particularly their shields, The THEL is also a deadly close quarters defense weapon which will help the Panther shred combat drones and enemy infantry. The 1A3 Panther also has numerous upgrades improving its shielding a very useful trait if they are used for hit and run attacks.

Tech Commentary

The list of manufacturers for the Panther 1A3 Mounted Combat System reads like a "who's who" of the biggest European auto, tech, and weapons companies. Its main cannon is of German design, its targeting system is French, its power plant is from Austria, its gearbox is from Italy. The European Federation proudly boasts this fact, but keeps quiet about the Panther's chassis which is actually of Israelis . In fact, much of the Panther's internal design and layout is "borrowed" from the Israelis. Much of that technology, e.g. the Merkava tank were originally designed by the UK.

By using the same hybrid engine technology that powers the AMZ-26 Badger, the Panther 1A3 is able to go much longer between refueling, especially when compared to the M5A2 and T-100 making the logistical problems of supplying Panther units less troublesome or expensive, considering the historical fuel problems of tanks during World War 2 this could be a vital advantage. However, in order to make the engine powerful enough to move all of the Panther's bulk, some concessions had to be made as far as noise and efficiency are concerned.

The Panther is also equipped with a 7.62mm chain gun which can be replaced with a high-power microwave emitter. The high-power microwave transmitter is considered a "cruel" weapon by critics, and a move has been made to have them banned by the Geneva Convention. As a result, the Panther is one of the most feared main battle tanks in the world.

Panther upgrades

Attack Upgrades

• Sensor fueled shells- Improves accuracy

• Auto-Loader- Increases rate of fire

• Explosive shells- Unlocks special attack explosive shell which increase damage and has an area effect

• VIRCATOR (High Power Microwave Enhanced Shells)- Upgrade to explosive shells destroys targets shields

• Thermal shroud- Increases attack range

• Target acquisition system- Improves accuracy

Defense upgrades

• ECM decoy- Increases Shields

• Laser Countermeasures- Increases shields

• HPM (High powered Microwave Counter) – Equips a short range microwave emitter

• THEL (Tactical High Energy Laser)- Increases damage of microwave emitter

• Electro Reactive Armour- Increases Hit Points

• Countermeasures- Improves Shielding

Mobility Upgrades

• Hydrogen Cells- Increases Movement Speed

• Power Unit- Increases Movement Speed

• Auxiliary Power Unit- Increases Movement Speed

Panther Callsigns

Panther squads are given callsigns derived from European mountains such as Mount Olympus and Mount Elbrus.

• Hekla (German)
• Untersberg (German)
• Olympus
• Elbrus
• Eiger
• Matterhorn
• Aneto
• Mont Blanc (French)

Trivia

• The 1A3 is likely named for the earlier Panthers in use by Germany in the 1940's.