Commanders!
It’s been a while since we had a new contract with the Olifant getting a bit long in the tooth. But the wait is over and we’re happy to present the next contract vehicle, which is an American Light Tank by the name of HSTV-L.
But a bit of history first.
The HSTV-L name stands for “High Survivability Test Vehicle – Lightweight” and it was one of many proposals from the late 1970s that were a part of convoluted series of programs launched with the goal of replacing the M551 Sheridan with a more modern light tank.
In this case, two vehicle designs were submitted as a part of the HSTV-L program – one by Pacific Car and Foundry Company and one by AAI Corporation (which is the generally better known one). Both designs were worked on between February 7 and July 7, 1977, and submitted for evaluation by the U.S. Army four days later. The PCFC design was effectively a predecessor to the ELKE with another version of the elevated Ares gun mechanism. It only existed in the form of a wooden mockup.
Both designs were evaluated and in late 1977 the contract to build a prototype was awarded to the AAI proposal and a single prototype was built likely in 1978.
The AAI design (which we have for you) looked more conventional at first glance, but it was interesting in the sense that it had gunner and driver both sitting in the hull, each capable of taking over the other’s role. The only person sitting in the turret was the commander, but all three members could operate the 75mm Ares gun from their positions. The vehicle was powered by a Lycoming gas turbine engine. It was only very lightly armored in order to keep the weight low.
In the end, the HSTV-L provided the company with valuable data but didn’t go anywhere. The prototype, however, survived at Fort Benning in Georgia, USA and is currently undergoing a restoration.
In Armored Warfare, HSTV-L will be a Tier 7 Premium Light Tank.
If you’re familiar with the ELKE or the RDF/LT Ares, you’ll feel right at home because HSTV-L is like that – an extremely fast but practically unarmored Light Tank with a rapid-firing 75mm Ares autocannon. There are, however, some notable differences.
The gun is mostly burst-oriented and is using the overheat mechanic. You can fire several shots in quick succession and then wait for the gun to cool down, or you can manage your rate of fire for more consistent performance.
The second major difference is the presence of the Mitigation special ability that reduces damage taken the faster you go. The HSTV-L has very little armor and if you stop in battle, you’ll be dead in seconds. Mitigation provides some help in this regard but the HSTV-L is still very much a glass cannon and has to be player carefully, even in PvE.
We hope you’ll enjoy this new addition to Armored Warfare that will soon be available and, as always:
See you on the battlefield!
