>What do you think about the potential of hybrid or electric engines in tanks? I think it could significantly reduce noise and thermal signatures and you could also potentially generate the power in the field. Diesel engines are probably the way to go. Hybrid engines are prone to breaking down over time because of the switch system constantly going on and off when starting/stopping. That said, a separate electric motor assembly that can be activated and run on accumulators would be a good third redundancy in case the main diesel engine and auxiliary diesel engine was knocked out or ran out of fuel and would be a good option for stealth ops at night, similar to how some DE submarines have separate electric motors to 'creep' under water and remain nearly soundless. Alternatively a multi-fuel turbine like the T-80s paired with a diesel alt and an electric-motor redundancy would be very useful, fast and economic.
Regardless, electric motors are definitely something to think about, even if hybrid ones would be a bad idea on an AFV.
Also before someone mentions Hydrogen fuel cells - they're violently explosive and unlike gas tanks which can be armored and filled with a "honeycomb" that reduces damage and likeliness of explosion, we currently lack good internalized protection of these cells. It would be useful, not needing to refuel for much longer, but then there's power-concerns and again reliance on the armor to protect such a weak point.
>inb4 Increasing complexity of technology used for war is inevitable This always was balanced with logistics and education. When it wasn't what we got were the Tiger-tank and Panther, chock-full of technology yet breaking down constantly, being overweight and lacking a proper engine (instead using aviation engines) resulting in constant problems. The inability to repair in the field meant that most breakdowns or damages to the internals would force the tank to be sent back to the factory. The complexity also forced longer training times compared to the Panzer IV or T-34, so the human factor cannot be discounted as well.
People often misunderstand the meaning of Stalin's quote, "Quantity has a quality all its own" to mean "cheap massproduced shit can equal single craftsmanship" which in fact misses the point. Yes, Mass produced, simpler items that are available overshadow singular high-quality items, but more importantly, t
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