Cadillac Gage Stingray: Its Conception, Design and Mission By Windsor E. Ward Visor Wie Vos Pasion Busnes Devore ana Msteang, Toon arn & Cand Systm» nave ot lon gan ands Wat grata, asso 1982 He Sond ip waraue command scsgmarei e!BN. 65 ‘emo 2s et Daan he sened im Vena co wi sini. Want tenant ocr US Army Reson The Cadillac Gage Stingray Tank is, in realty, a vehicle created not by us but by the needs and the thinking of military ‘commanders from all over the world. AS a long-time manufacturer of armored vehicles and turets, Cadilac Gage is in constant contact with field commanders ‘worldwide and focuses its developments to satisfy their expressed requirements. ‘We have a history of tailoring vehicles 10 the end user's real needs and have, forex: ample, evolved the Cadilac Gage LAV- 100 series of wheeled vehicles through four major stages of development. Years ‘ago we began to become more and more aware of a shift in the perception of future ‘mobile armor defense needs. Many field commanders had battlefield requirements for main battle tank fire- power on a vehicle with increased stra- tegic and tactical mobility. There was a ‘growing recognition that success on the future fluid battlefield would go to the ‘commander who could most effectively mass superior combat power atthe tical time and place. Economic constraints placed upon commanders in all nations have dictated that vehicles, in addition to being effective, must be simple, reliable, and affordable. With these guidelines in mind, Cadilac Gage began with a clean sheet of paper to create a tank with the following attributes: Massive Firepower: Stingray was de- signed from the outset to cary alow recoil force L-7 105mm gun and turret designed in conjunction with Royal Ordnance. The ‘gun can fire British and U.S. APFSDS rounds, plus the full range of NATO 105mm ammunition and can defeat all known MBs. Lightweight: Airtransportabiliy by C-130 was a must design. High hardness 2001 was chosen for the hull providing good ballistic protection and overall weight savings. Maximum Automotive Performance: Vehicle agility was a key design infuence. Powered by a 535 V-8 Diesel, Stingray can reach a top speed of 67 kmvhr. Cruising range is 483 km. Low Profile: To enhance survivability, Stingray was designed to be significantly lower, narrower and shorter than current MBT's and medium tanks. The crew of {our is housed in one of the most efficient tank hulls ever designed. Crew ergo- nomics was a high priority throughout ‘Stngray’s conception and design ‘Simple, Rugged Components: Onoe \we had the basic configuration in mind we then searched for the component building blocks that would insure Stingrays state- of-the-art performance and, at the same time, deliver the ‘day-i, day-out de- pendabiliy inherent in all Cadilac Gage vehicles. We are proud to say that ‘every major item is Milspec and prov- fen through combat Use or testing to the greatest possible extent. There never has been a com- promise with quality in any Cadilac Gage vehicle. Stingray is a continuation of that basic premise. tis state-of the-art but built of proven elements, simple, rugged and easily maintained. Stingray Mission: The role of a new generation, agile, tracked fighting vehicle ‘came from its founding fathers, military ‘commanders all aver the world. Stingray answers the need to defeat larger armored vehides with a quick, agile vehicle packing the same frepower of aggressors but with an advantage in mobilly, at a fraction of their size, weight, complexity and cost. Textron Marine & Land Systems has boon a prime supplier of armored fighting vehicles all over the world and has produced nearly 5,000 vehictes in the past 20 years. Cadilac Gage Stingray is a new ‘generation vehice, more lethal, more agile, more practical than any armored vehicle buitbetor. ‘At Textron Marine & Land Systems we listen to experts, identify their needs, plan bolaly with a ful commitment to user needs and back up our beliefs in hardware, for the future. mm \ STINGRAY SIZE COMPARISON eo. STINGRAYTurret Development for Stingray’s 105MM Soft Recoil Gun System ‘The Stingray 105mm turret genesis ‘occurred when Textron Marine & Land Systems engineers were asked to develop a set of precise specifications around a 105mm gun for use on lighter armored vehicies. After indepth studies of the world's 105mm systems, the engineering staff focused upon Royal Ordnance's system as being the best suited for adaption to their needs. They then began simultaneous development with Royal Ordnance of a mutually com- patible gunfturret system. In terms of the turret, parameters called for a total weight of 5040 kg, a ring gear size of 185 cm, a basket depth enabling it to fit into the Stingray, LAV-600, M551 and M41 vehicles and a height that would permit air transportability in C-130 aircraft ‘Additionally, good ballistic protection ‘and crew ergonomic requirements were high priory items. ‘Through intensive computer studies, the turret's final shape evolved. The use of welded lightweight Cadloy® armor in essentialy fat plates with high obliquity angles provides a high level of ballistic protection within the weight constraints. Additionally, the use of fat angled plates enables purchasers to uprarmor the turret to any individually desired level ‘All components within the turret (stabilization, fe control and optics) are off-the-shelf, combat-proven elements, modified to state-of-the-art levels. Adci- tionally, component placement was dio- tated by adherence to 95th percentile human engineering standards, Testing has confirmed the Stingray 405mm gun/turret to be the world’s state-of-the-art weapon system. It combines the incredible firepower of the L-7 gun in a lightweight but rugged turret, backed by proven components and has the unmatched reliability of a manned system of operation. ‘Spectontons subject to change wihout pice rote. To date over 2,500 rounds of many types of 105mm ammunition including heat have been fired. Stresses have been well within predicted norms so there have been no major changes in the turret from its original design. Accuracy of the guniturret system was tested at the U.S. Army and other proving grounds. Data indicates outstanding accuracy with an abilty to engage targets up to 3,000 m. | Conventional Low Recoil Force ma Recoil Foree bs) Recoil Distance PretedinUSA, “Tuts 669R6 490The Royal Ordnance Low Recoil Force L-7 Tank Gun Greatly Increases Firepower Potential of Lighter Armoured Vehicles. By Tony Buxton Tony Burton Bogan with OF Netingham i 1057 ae an Jporntcs He became 2 Mechancal Enger 1973, ‘han spont wo year al Royal amen Pesoarh ane ovtiamant Psbhamen,retuing fo HOF fh 1878 fs Mavaper Gun Gael Manctecng. Achiowrg an Mise in Gun Syetome Design rom Royal Miary (Colge of Saurce, man was apart Shop Desh Manigen ten Acecant Manage: Doswn and sree Jerod 1268 hes sor ae Manager Dos, Roya! ‘Seance Netra A powertul low recoil force 105mm direct fre weapons system, developed by Royal Ordnance at Nottingham and Textron Marine & Land Systems, is available for mounting on lightweight armoured vehicles. The Royal Ordnance weapons system and the Cadillac Gage turret are specifically dosigned to be mutually compatible and are intended for fiting to vehicles with a gross weight of 13 tonnes and above. The weapons system was designed with a. very low peak trunnion pull and minimizes the recoil energy required to be dissipated by the host vehicle, TTrunnion pull and recoil energy are contained within a pre-set maxima, while the weight of the weapons system is constrained to a evel compatible with the minimum vehicle weight. Accuracy and consistency considerations are much to the fore and the weapons systom fires all natures of NATO standard 105mm ammunition. The weapons system has a longer recoil length than usually used for tank guns, and a muzzle brake has been added, The ordnance is based on the well-proven L7 gun and its ballistics have been matched to NATO standard ammunition, Ina desire to maintain the renowned reliability and maintainability of the L7, the principle features of the original breech design have been preserved. Improvements were added where necessary. Changes have been made to the barrel assembly to incorporate the muzzle brake and an improved fume extractor has been added. The lightweight weapons system utilizes a new cradie design which combines high rigidity and a trunnion span consistent with the high degree of accuracy expected from modern weapons systems. These features have been achieved by the adoption of ‘a welded box section construction. The recoil system is also entirely new. The technical requirement to reduce both trunnion pull and recoil energy has been met with a longer recoil stroke and the use of a muzzle brake. This latter item is believed to be unique in its combination of performance and its ability to fire all natures of NATO 105mm tank ammunition ‘The weapon system described has been fully tested both in the range stand and mounted in the turret ‘Successful firing trials in the USA and other countries of the complete gun and turret system, fitted to a lightweight vehicle, have further enhanced the confidence of the high level of performance which the weapon system has demonstrated ‘As a result of this success, the 105 mm low recoil force system is now in production.The Royal Ordnance Low Recoil Force L-7 Tank Gun Greatly Increases Firepower Potential of Lighter Armoured Vehicles. By Tony Buxton Teny Busan began win ROE Noringnam 195728 a0 ppt He Bacame 4 Moctanea! Engine) 3873, thon spent mo year at Fyai Armamart Research and Boraon Zsashnent orang FOE 187 se in Gun Syotems Design rom Royal Miary Clogo of Scenes. unto was aparitd Stop Deson Manager then Assistant Manages Desi’ ad since Tamuary 1989 nas sored Manager, Desi. Roya ‘reance Nonngham Ina desire to maintain the renowned reliability and maintainabilty of the L7, the principle features of the original breech design have been preserved. Improvements were added where necessary. Changes have been made recoil stroke and the use of a muzzle brake. This latter item is believed to be unique in its combination of performance and its ability to fire all natures of NATO 105mm tank ‘ammunition, A powerful low recoil force 105mm. direct fire weapons system, developed by Royal Ordnance at Nottingham and Textron Marine & Land Systems, is available for mounting on lightweight armoured vehicles. The Royal Ordnance weapons system and the Cadillac Gage turret are specitically designed to be mutually compatible and are intended for fiting to vehicles with a {gross weight of 13 tonnes and above. The weapons system was designed with avery low peak trunnion pull and minimizes the recoil energy required to be dissipated by the host vehicle. Trunnion pull and recoil energy are contained within a pre-set maxima, while the weight of the weapons system is constrained to a level compatible with the minimum vehicle weight. Accuracy and consistency considerations are much to the fore and the weapons system fires all natures of NATO standard 105mm ammunition. The weapons system has a longer recoil length than usually used for tank ‘guns, and a muzzle brake has been added. The ordnance is based on the well-proven L7 gun and its ballistics, have been matched to NATO standard ammunition. to the barrel assembly to incorporate the muzzle brake and an improved fume extractor has been added. The lightweight weapons system utilizes a new cradle design which ‘combines high rigidity and a trunnion ‘span consistent with the high degree of accuracy expected from modern weapons systems. These features have been achieved by the adoption of welded box section construction The recoil system is also entirely new. The technical requirement to reduce both trunnion pull and recoil energy has been met with a longer ‘The weapon system described has been fully tested both in the range stand and mounted in the turret. Successful fring trials in the USA and ther counties of the complete gun and turret system, fitted to a lightweight vehicle, have further enhanced the confidence of the high level of Performance which the weapon system has demonstrated, ‘As a result of this success, the 105 mm low recoil force system is now in production.Engineering the Stingray Hull, Powertrain & Suspension System By Scott S. Collins ‘seats Gti, Toxton Marre & Lad Ste, ap aver 15 eas nparerca ne Mectaton Manager of the Net Abrams program aro Manager ote fe Armored Combat Earth Wover prog Calis nos a Mechantal Engioatg coats from Mosgan Teerretgeal Unvesiy anda Masters agree rm tne Univ) 2 cigar. Performance, mobility and proven ‘component cuggedness are key engineering features of the Stingray automotive design. The high horsepower per ton power to ‘weight ratio provides superior gradabilty and acceleration. All components have been integrated into an overall package which maximizes ease of maintenance and ‘minimizes thermal, electromagnetic and acoustic signatures. Stingray is capable of climbing 78 cm vertical obstacles and can ford 107 cm without preparation. Hull ‘Computer optimized structural integrity is the hallmark of Stingray hull design Lightweight 2001 steel armor assembled with Textron Marine & Land Systems’ proven fabricating techniques provides Unprecedented balisic strength, The hull is 271 om wide, 157 om high at the turet ring, 167 cm high at the engine compartment, and has 46 om of ground clearance. Enhanced rigidity Is gained through the integration of fuel tank and suspension mounts into the structure. The hull layout maximizes ease of maintenance by providing external ground level access to air ‘leanor, batteries and NBC fiers. ‘Storage in the hul Is provided for 24 main gun rounds and 3,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition. The driver's station is Comfortable, space efficient and provides 120 degrees of visibility with the hatch closed, There is an escape hatch below the seal. Controls and gages designed for use by 95th percentile men include all standard gages and automatic fire suppression, eater and bilge pump switches. ‘Suspension ‘State-of-the-art, high purty stee! torsion bars are the backbone of the Stingray's suspension system, They provide 21 cm of Jounce, 8 cm of rebound and bottom at 2.59 Joading. The suspension is pitch resistant ue to extra strength torsion bars at the front and rear, augmented by six shock absorbers. Track and road arms are ‘adapted from standard U.S, Army vehicle ‘components proven in millions of miles of service, Powertrain The Stingray engine is Detroit Diesel's 8V82TA providing 550 horsepower at 2,300 rpm, With twin turbochargers, -oots blower ‘and aftercooler, the 8V92TA has 1,366 Ib. Cf torque at 1,650 rpm. Mated to the engine is the rugged and compact Alison XTG-411 transmission It features an automatic lock: Up torque converter, geared steer and clutch brake steering. The XTG-411 has seen service in many U.S. Army armored \ehicies. Cooling is provided by vane axial fans moving 9,000 cim each. Radiator and oil coolers are sized to provide adequate cooling to 49°C. Electrical power is provided by a 650 Ampore, oll cooled gonerator and stored in batteries capable of furnishing startup current at -31°C, An extra heavy duty air cleaner scavenges heavier dirt ‘components into the engine exhaust. ‘Stingray’s 4 to 1 planetary tinal drive gear boxes, developed by Texiron Marine & Land Systems specifically for this vehicle, use state-of-the-art technology acquired in the design and production oftheir precision gearsoxes for demanding military applications. Final drive torque is very high, providing excellent mobilty under the most severe conditions. The transmission-to-final drive couplings may be readily discon- nected to expedite removal of the tengineltranemission package or to permit ‘emergency towing of a disabled vehicle. L-7 (LR) fosmnn GUN INSTRUMENT PANEL GUNNER'S SIGHT DRIVER'S SEAT 105MM AMMUNITION STOWAGE. (560 HP V-8 DIESEL ENGINE DRIVE SPROCKET 61 CM WHEELS 98 CM WIDE TRACK READY ROUNDSCADILLAC GAGE STINGRAY TANK SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Gross Vehicle Weight....21,205 kp, (46,750 Ibs.) Crew 4 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver) DIMENSIONS Length (8.5 m) (968 in. ne, QUN).....68.44 m, (2538 in.) Wath, 271 om, (108 in.) Height (Overal), 255 cm, (100n.), reducible to 240 cm, (94 in.) Wheelbase 3.63 m, (143 in) Ground Clearance. 46m, (18in) Approach Angle. 0" Departure Angle 50" Ring Gear 187 cm pitch dia, (73 in) RUNNING GEAR ‘Suspension Type... Independent tang arm ‘Spring Media Torsion bars Number of Wheels. 6 per sce Wheel Size 61m, (24in) Track ype... Stel, double pin, detachable pads PERFORMANCE ‘Speed-—Leve Hard Surface...71 km, (44 mph) Range 480 kr, (280 mis) Turing Radius cow m, (160) Slope—Climtabe Gradient 80% Side Spe 0% Vertical Wal 4m, @3in) Trench 213m, (@4in) Water Forting 107m, (42in) [SRN Marine & Land Systems POWERTRAIN Engine.........Detroit Diesel €V92-TA, 410 KW at 2800 rpm, (550 pat 2300 rpm) Transmission Alison XTG-411 ‘Stoo Uni ‘neorporated into XTG-411 Final Drive Planetary, 4:1 ‘ARMAMENT Primary, NATO Standard 105 mm ‘Low Reool Force Gun Ready Ammo. 8 rounds Stowed Ammo. 24 rounds Secondary 7.62 mm coax mount Ready Ammo 400 rounds Stowed Ammo. 2000 rounds Supplementary.....Commander’s weapon station 7.62 mm or 50 cal. M2 mount Ready Ammo 200 rounds (762 mm) (0 100 rounds (50 cal) Stowed AMMO ...»2000 rounds (762 mm), 1000 rounds (60 cal) ‘Anil, ‘Smoke grenade launchers, 8 tubes (optional) FIRE CONTROL Gunner's Sight. ayhight sight with laser range finder, thermal sight (optional) (Commander's Sight....7 prscopes, daynight sight (optional) Digital Fire Control, Digital re control system (optional) ‘Spectications subject to change without prior notice. 6800 Plaza Drive, New Orleans, LA 70127-2584 USA Telephone: 504-245-6672» Telex: 6711195TMSNOLA + FAX: 504-245-6952 ‘Copyright 1994 Textron Marine & Land Systems GuivTuret Drive....letrohydraulic with manual back-up, gunner and commander contol Stabilization 2 axis (optional). Traverse, Continuous. 360° Traverse Rate 25" sec, (307980, peak stablized) Elevation/Depresson, 4200-75" Elevation Rate B*/sec. 40°/sec. stablization commanded) Tracking Rate, Elevation. 25 milsse. Tracking Rate, Traverse 50 milsse. ‘AUXILIARY SYSTEMS Communications Radio Sets, ‘Standard U.S. or foreign Intercom, 4 station Electrical System Nominal Votage 2av Alternator. 3008, Batteries, 4 (6TN) (CBR Protection......M13 ventilated face mask, chemical resistance paint (optional) Fire Detection & Suppression Manual dry chemical system for engine compartment and two portable bottles for crew compartment (standard). Automatic engine! ‘crew compartment fre suppression (cptiona), <=>