Bellkeeper

= DT-17 Bellkeeper =

Overview
The second generation North Ghurkkan Main Battle Landship, the Bellkeeper is Deletk Industries replacement for the immediate post-war design of the Natah III. The Bellkeeper is heavier, more robust design, an apology for the poor tank designs of the Ghurkkan past. The recent performance of the Natah III during the Veda conflict which provided a spotlight on a number of areas that needed improvement, most notable in the field of city fighting and the need for an improved chemical countermeasure system. Created for the Arcean Union’s MBT trials which saw designs from Arcea and Seabring, the Bellkeeper was the least technologically advanced of the tanks proposed. However it’s simplicity made for a cheaper and more easily manufactured design. With a mass of 4 tonnes, it boasts a crew of four (Commander, Gunner, Driver and Loader) and is driven by a model 21, 10 cylinder Vulcore engine. Ammunition is stored to the turret’s rear in a blowout compartment in case of penetration. The addition of a large infrared searchlight aids in night fighting capabilities and allows tanks to spot enemy movements for supporting personnel. An armour upgrade package was developed shortly after the initial tank design, allowing a degree of customisation between the “light configuration” and the up-armoured configuration which sees additional plating over the tracks in skirts, as well about the forward turret.

Armament
As standard for North Ghurkkan vehicles, the armaments of the Bellkeeper are manufactured by North Ghurkkan Royal Armouries (NGRA). The principle weapon is the 105mm, rifled, Model 10 main gun. Capable of firing a variety of rounds including the deadly “Wasphive” canister shot. Notably it features an auto loader system- an improvement over the previous Natah III, allowing for a swifter rate of fire. The coaxial mount, controlled by the gunner, fires a 7.62 belt-fed machinegun, though the greatest weapons fire comes from the pair of 12.7 mm NGSHMGs- one fitted in the commanders turret and the other upon a pintle mount. Both can provide heavy fire power and in some cases, the tank is given a extra fifth crew member to man the pintle mounted NGSHMG. If this extra member is not present then the weapon is fired by the loader. Finally the turret is outfitted with four 40mm smoke grenade launchers to the rear, to provide local smoke screens should the landship come under fire.