M1010 Hellcat Armored Fighting Vehicle (FRAUT)

The M1010 Hellcat is a FRAUT, platform designed by Federal Defence. The vehicle was designed beginning in 2010, and entered service the the Federal Republic Land Force Command in 2016. Production of the M1010 entered full rate in 2015 and 2,500 infantry fighting vehicles have been produced. The vehicle has not seen any conflicts yet.

History
The Hellcat's development was spurred by inadequacies with the previous Kodiak and Badger Armored Fighting vehicles. While their eight wheeled design allowed high speed on road travel, as well as sufficient offroad performance, the armor was lacking, and was still ineffective in very muddy or boggy terrain. The Command Administration Group Center determined that a new, high speed, heavily armored series of Armored Fighting Vehicles would need to be produced to supplement their wheeled counter parts. While the HUSV was suitable for this role with its heavy armor, it was far too heavy and other options were considered.

In 2010, Federal Defence received an initial design contract to manufacture a heavily armored AFV platform that was modular, battlefield networked, and could carry a large 40+ mm autocannon. In 2013, a prototype known as the "Hellcat" was produced, in the IFV role. This vehicle was further improved until in 2015 it had successfully passed testing by the Command Administration Group Center. First line production was authorized in August of that year, when 250 vehicles had been produced. Production had been successful, so full rate production was authorized, and as of December 2016, 2500 M1010 IFVs have been produced.

Design
The main design principle around the new Hellcat was to better integrate with a future heavy tank (Now known as the Mammoth). While the Mammoth Heavy Tank had not been conceived yet, it was important to augment existing mechanized forces, and to re-equip the two Mechanized Divisions. So, the vehicle needed heavier armor and a larger weapon system than its wheeled counter part.

As part of the modular design, several variants were produced. Firstly, the M1010 Infantry Fighting vehicle, which received the all new M4544 Autocannon. This large bore, high fire rate cannon can effectively engage and destroy armored targets, and is mated to a forth generation fire control system.

Secondly, the vehicle required other variants. A command post, and ground ambulance variant were designed, which allowed for extensive medical treatment as compared to lighter ambulances. The ground ambulance features adaptive suspension, which helps maintain a very smooth ride when the vehicle travels over rough terrain.

Gun
The Hellcat family is equipped with various different weapons. The M1010 IFV is equipped with the new M4544 Autocannon. This is mated to a fully stabilized, forth generation fire control system which enables accuracy up to 5500m day, and 4500m night. The M4544 can fire the following ammunition:
 * M45SS88 Fin Stabilized, Discarding Super Sabot, Composite Tungsten Core (FSDSS)
 * M45HP892 High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP)
 * M45AT24 Locking, Direct Fire Missile, Anti-Tank (DF/AT)

The Command Post mounts the smaller 30mm autocannon found on previous vehicles. Like other vehicles, the M3090 gun fires the following ammunition:
 * M30S21 Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot, Tungsten Core (FSDS)
 * M30H542 High Explosive, Dual Purpose, Cannon (HEDPC)

Protection
The M1010 Hellcat AFV features a fully composite, classified armor package. It includes both spaced armor, as well as active measures deigned to defeat guided missile weapons. The vehicle has a modular armor package, and can be up-rated for urban or especially dangerous environments.

Mobility
The M67 Scimitar is powered by the FD 750842 V8 Turbo Diesel engine. The Eight cylinder engine has a two, sequential twin scroll turbochargers, which are connected to an advanced electronic management unit. This enables boost by gear, variable boost and dynamic fuel ratios. The engine is rated at 750BHp. The engine is mated to a 10 speed semi automatic transmission, enabling pivot steer and neutral steer. The transmission has ten forward gears and three reverse gears, and uses a hydraulic-electric clutch, requiring the operator to only move the gear selector; the clutch is automatic. One unique aspect of the Scimitars engine is the passive and active cooling system, which can effectively mask the sound and IR or thermal signature of the exhaust, and the engine while running. The vehicle is also equipped with a three cylinder turbo diesel backup generator to run when the main engine is switched off.

Electronics
The M1010 uses an advanced fire controls system with battlefield networking capabilities. This allows for a variety of spotting, radio, and computer functions, as well as battlefield information sharing capabilities

Variants
The M67 Scimitar has three versions, the M1010 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M1011 Armored Command Post, and the M1012 Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance.

M1010 Hellcat IFV
The M1010 Hellcat IFV was introduced officially in 2015, and entered full service in 2016. The Hellcat is the name given to the Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant of the M101X series of Armored Fighting Vehicles. The Hellcat mounts the new M4544 45mm Autocannon, and incorporates the full range of protection and mobility that the vehicle can offer. It has a crew of 3 soldiers, a driver, gunner, and commander. It can hold a full infantry section, of 9 soldiers. The vehicle uses heavy composite armor paneling, and is fully tracked allowing it to augment mechanized forces. The M1010 Hellcat also uses the M450 12.7mm Coaxial machine gun, as many FRAUT armored vehicles do.

M1011 Armored Command Post
The development of the new armored forces required command and control assets that could move with the flexible and fast moving armroed forces. So, along side the development of the Hellcat IFV was the Armored Command Post variant. Designed to allow command at the Company level and above, the ACP allows for integration of various sensor, radio, and computer systems. Instead of mounting the new 45mm auto cannon, a 30mm autoncannon was mounted to save space. This vehicle has extensive command and control systems. The body was modified using the modular system, and the roof is raised to allow personnel to stand fully upright in the rear, useful during long times in the Command Post. The vehicle also has a deployable mast antenna for long range communications, as well as a large on board generator to allow the vehicle to run when the main power is off.

M1012 Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance
The M1012 Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance was designed to allow urgent surgery in dangerous battlefield conditions. It also allows litter transport in situations where smaller ground ambulances cannot reach. The heavily armored design allows for evacuation of casualties under heavy fire, and can reach positions when air evacuation cannot. The HAGAMB for short, features extensive surgical equipment unlike other ambulances. While the main role of light ambulances is the evacuation of casualties, the HAGAMB is capable of allowing surgery as well as casualty evacuation. The vehicle uses adjustable suspension which actively compensates during offroad driving, to allow for a very smooth ride. The vehicle also features chemical and radiological alarms to allow for basic detection of both the inside and outside of the vehicle.