Entropedian
M9 Coyote Light Tank
The M9 “Coyote” is a thoroughly modern light tank designed in the United States by General Dynamics Land Systems. Developed from the defunct HSTV-L program, the Coyote is very similar to prototypes tested for that initiative. The M9 was designed for the export market in mind, as no requirement for an air-droppable tank existed within the United States Military even deep into the 2000s. However, the global explosion of defense budgets convinced executives there that global demand for a powerful, but cheap and light vehicle capable of some anti-tank and fire support duties existed, especially amongst militaries with small budgets.
The Coyote was designed with two things in mind – light weight, and speed. The vehicle uses a fully automated turret, and is crewed by three: the driver (who is seated near-horizontally), commander and gunner. The highly sloped armor is believed to be able to take 20mm rounds from the front and side, although the exact level of protection is classified. However, the true heart of the weapon is the newly-redeveloped ARES 90mm hypervelocity burst cannon. Developed from the original 75mm demonstrators, the upgunning was deemed necessary for the vehicle to have any chance at taking down modern MBTs. The cannon is designed to fire in three round bursts at very close to the same location down-range. The theory behind this is that the first round or two will defeat armor, while the last penetrates and causes severe damage. This remains to be tested in combat, however, but the main gun makes for a highly effective tool for fire support. A unique feature is that the gun is able to pivot up nearly 90 degrees, allowing it to serve, in a pinch, as an anti-helicopter weapon. Designers were apparently not convinced of the gun’s anti-armor efficacy, so opted to add a twin TOW-2 launcher on the turret. Armament is capped off with a .50 cal Remote Weapon Station.
The Philippines was an early buyer of the Coyote, and their situation was practically tailor-made for the vehicle. Its small budget, tight terrain and need for easy air-mobility all instantly drew the military to this vehicle, and it purchased between 75 to 100 examples between 2018 and 2022, during the worst years of the USR’s shadow war and the fighting with the MKK Rebels. It has seen exemplary service in this conflict, where its rapid fire main gun has provided vital fire support deep into the jungle to troops fighting the irregulars.
M9 Coyote Light Tank
The M9 “Coyote” is a thoroughly modern light tank designed in the United States by General Dynamics Land Systems. Developed from the defunct HSTV-L program, the Coyote is very similar to prototypes tested for that initiative. The M9 was designed for the export market in mind, as no requirement for an air-droppable tank existed within the United States Military even deep into the 2000s. However, the global explosion of defense budgets convinced executives there that global demand for a powerful, but cheap and light vehicle capable of some anti-tank and fire support duties existed, especially amongst militaries with small budgets.
The Coyote was designed with two things in mind – light weight, and speed. The vehicle uses a fully automated turret, and is crewed by three: the driver (who is seated near-horizontally), commander and gunner. The highly sloped armor is believed to be able to take 20mm rounds from the front and side, although the exact level of protection is classified. However, the true heart of the weapon is the newly-redeveloped ARES 90mm hypervelocity burst cannon. Developed from the original 75mm demonstrators, the upgunning was deemed necessary for the vehicle to have any chance at taking down modern MBTs. The cannon is designed to fire in three round bursts at very close to the same location down-range. The theory behind this is that the first round or two will defeat armor, while the last penetrates and causes severe damage. This remains to be tested in combat, however, but the main gun makes for a highly effective tool for fire support. A unique feature is that the gun is able to pivot up nearly 90 degrees, allowing it to serve, in a pinch, as an anti-helicopter weapon. Designers were apparently not convinced of the gun’s anti-armor efficacy, so opted to add a twin TOW-2 launcher on the turret. Armament is capped off with a .50 cal Remote Weapon Station.
The Philippines was an early buyer of the Coyote, and their situation was practically tailor-made for the vehicle. Its small budget, tight terrain and need for easy air-mobility all instantly drew the military to this vehicle, and it purchased between 75 to 100 examples between 2018 and 2022, during the worst years of the USR’s shadow war and the fighting with the MKK Rebels. It has seen exemplary service in this conflict, where its rapid fire main gun has provided vital fire support deep into the jungle to troops fighting the irregulars.