Estevez
Estevez Main Battle Tank | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Novais Motors |
Mission | Frontline Combat Vehicle |
Type | Tracked |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 80 tons |
Armor | Nova-IV Hyper-Composite |
Engine | NM/750 Combat Diesel ICE |
Speed | 54 kph km/h |
Crew | 9 |
Armament |
1x Avalon Slugger Heavy Rifle |
BV (1.0) | ??? |
BV (2.0) | 647 |
Description
Named after a militia officer on New Avalon where it was built, the Estevez was the main battle tank of the Federated Suns throughout the 24th century and into the Age of War. It entered service by 2310 as one of the earliest and most effective tank designs developed outside the Terran Hegemony. With its sheer size and power the Estevez often caused lighter armed enemies to break and run, thus developing a fearsome reputation over decades of service.
By the early 2400s, however, advancing technology had made the Estevez obsolete. Its main gun proved ineffective against more modern armor, made worse by its now outdated fire control system and inability to fire specialized ammunitions. Its large crew and high fuel consumption also drained AFFS resources in prolonged conflicts. The Estevez was eventually taken out of front line service in the mid-25th century after a disastrous (simulated) battle against Draconis Combine mechs on Robinson. Some were kept in service for a few more years after conversion into anti-air tanks but eventually all Estevez were scrapped and replaced by the modern Tiger MBT.[1]
Armament
The Estevez's main gun was a turret-mounted, large-calibre tank rifle which provided great punch against contemporary enemies. Its 7 tons of ammunition stored in the hull also gave it enormous battlefield endurance. Two coaxial machine guns on the turret plus a smoke grenade launcher mounted on each side protected the tank against infantry.
Variants
- Kestrel - Built under license in the Free Worlds League, it was virtually identical to the base model. BV (2.0) = 647.
- Estevez AA - A late conversion into a second-line garrison tank, the anti-air variant replaced the old turret armament with 2 AC/2 with 3 tons of ammo and 1 MG while leaving everything else unchanged. BV (2.0) = 571.[2]