The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Actually, there were some unspoken subtexts that Bangura didn't explicitly state, but the meaning was already conveyed. This tank was designed from the outset as a consumable item, purely for large-scale warfare. Its essence is cheap and adequate armored combat capability. As long as it can achieve a one-to-one exchange with enemy targets of equal level, its mission is accomplished—

It can be said to be a very cold and practical industrial style, completely devoid of any "worship" of machinery. It perfectly matches the ethos of the forge world of Ulan Huda. After wandering in the dark outer reaches for tens of thousands of years, the members of the Mechanicum on this world have long abandoned many formalities. For survival, they prioritize practicality above all else. They no longer care about so many conventions and outdated customs. They are adept at change and creation, and all based on practicality.

Without constraints, this would create a tremendous destructive force.

Fortunately, there are still forces restraining them.

"Does it not have a name yet?"

Soshjan asked a somewhat strange question, to which Bangura replied:

"The development code for this main battle tank model is OKB-520, also known as Project 520."

Soshjan turned to look at the others.

"What are your opinions on this Project 520, everyone? Feel free to speak your minds."

Forge Master Ben was the first to speak.

"Chapter Master, Director Bangura, with no disrespect intended, I must point out a few issues. First, as an armored main force to be deployed on various front lines, is it not too weak to have only one main gun and one coaxial machine gun? If it is to be a human main battle tank, it must face not only enemy armored targets, but also a large number of infantry and small units. Relying on the coaxial machine gun to deal with such enemies is overly optimistic. Moreover, there may be opponents such as Eldar and Tyranids among the enemies, whose speed can be incredibly fast. Without comprehensive and all-round firepower, it is easy to find oneself in a situation where one has the strength but cannot use it."

"Secondly, I think this carousel-type autoloader is quite effective in tanks, but is it really more reliable than a loader? Also, looking at the structure of this autoloader, I'm afraid it can't hold the 40 rounds of ammunition you mentioned, right? I estimate it can hold up to 25 rounds or so. So, if you really want to cram in 40 rounds, some of the shells would have to be with the crew. Finally, I must emphasize that this tank is neither from any STC, nor is it based on the functional modification of existing tanks. Instead, it is a monster pieced together from the characteristics of several tanks, plus some new designs of unknown origin, and a large number of alterations and weakening. This is a blatant act of transgression. As a Tech-Marine of the Adeptus Astartes, I naturally cannot judge anyone by the laws of the Mechanicum, but I have studied on Mars for nearly ten years, and I am very clear about Mars' attitude towards this kind of behavior."

Saying that, he looked at Soshjan.

"Chapter Master, this is not a technical problem, or rather, a tactical problem. This is a very serious political problem, enough to trigger a punitive expedition from Mars against us."

Bangura immediately spoke out in defense:

"Tech-Marine Ben, first of all, is it not a somewhat biased tactical idea to expect a weapon to solve all situations? We all know that the consequence of being greedy and seeking perfection is often nothing accomplished. Moreover, since the birth of tanks as a weapon in the Imperium, which tank has completely ignored whether there are infantry or other equipment providing cover? We have so much armor, so many weapons, why must we expect a single tank to beat all types of enemies to be considered qualified? The tactical goal of Project 520 is very clear, to provide front-line support for infantry, or to counter enemy armored forces, or to form armored spearheads in groups to attack enemy defenses. It's that simple. All its designs are for these three tasks, and the three indicators of armor, mobility, and firepower are also very balanced. In addition, it is not to say that it can only have the current weapons. The top of the Project 520 can also be equipped with weapons such as heavy bolters controlled by the commander. Also, pay attention to the sides of the vehicle."

Bangura walked to the side of the vehicle and pointed to the metal protrusions.

"We have also reserved weapon basket hangers. If we really consider strengthening firepower, we can externally connect unmanned laser turrets or automatic gun turrets. A weapon control hand position can be added next to the commander, which can control the automatic weapons on both sides of the vehicle remotely. As for whether machines or mortals are more reliable, I don't think this is a problem, not a problem worth discussing. People will be tired, will panic, and even betray, but machines will not. Since you have studied on Mars, why do you still think that people are more reliable than machines? Regarding the amount of ammunition, I do not deny it, but I think this is a small shortcoming that can be accepted, and it is not impossible to eliminate. After all, not every battle necessarily requires so many shells, that is only in the most extreme situations."

At this time, Bangura showed his very human and very radical side, walked back and forth with his partially modified legs, and then pointed to the tank structure diagram on the flexible screen.

"Has everyone ever thought about how the ancestors of mankind survived the long night, entered space, and stood among the myriad races of the galaxy in the era without STCs? Did all the STCs appear out of thin air? STC is not creation, it is just picking up what others have left behind. Humans can rely on STC to survive for ten thousand years, twenty thousand years, then what about thirty thousand years? What about forty thousand years later? Can STC make human civilization immortal? What makes humanity great forever is wisdom and creativity, and the spirit of fearlessness, not relying on picking up the crumbs of our predecessors. No matter how great the ancestors were, they are not of much significance to us now. Losing technology is not the most terrible thing, the most terrible thing is losing the courage to redevelop technology. 'Don't think anymore, and don't research any new technologies, because that will bring demons and disasters.' The Warp has intimidated mankind for ten thousand years. We humans often boast of courage and fearlessness. Does this sound ridiculous or sad!?"

Forge Master did not back down, but spread his hands.

"But this is not a reason for us to face the wrath of Mars, unless you have a way to deal with the hundreds of Titans and countless Protectorate Guards. Within the Imperium, all reason ultimately comes down to fists, and Mars has used its fists to educate many forge worlds and organizations, even the founding Chapter Iron Hands had to yield."

"Alright."

Soshjan raised his hand to interrupt the Forge Master.

"We are only talking about the tank itself now, not anything else."

This sentence was actually an answer, Bangura's face lit up with joy, and Ben could only retreat helplessly.