Empire Conquest-Chapter 791 - 67: Unmatched Sharpness
"Direction 322, distance 2450, target type A!"
While loudly informing Wu Qitie, Situ Lin pressed the switch on the control panel, unlocking the turret and handing control over to the gunner.
Now, he was not controlling the turret through the dial, but the commander’s panoramic scope mounted on top of the turret.
This was also an infrared imaging night vision device.
Unlike the infrared imaging night vision device installed at the turret’s top right front end for exclusive use by the gunner, the commander’s panoramic scope had slightly lower resolution and could not link with the laser rangefinder and wind speed measuring equipment, but it could rotate 360 degrees, providing a broader view.
Indeed, this was the "Hunter-Killer" system.
Simply put, it involved the commander searching for targets, transferring the target to the gunner after locating it, who then completed firing and other attack operations, while the commander continued to search for other targets.
When necessary, the commander could directly control the tank cannon to fire at a target beyond the gunner.
For this purpose, a relatively simple fire control system was configured, centered around the commander’s panoramic scope, mainly consisting of a measuring scale used for ranging.
Factors like wind speed and temperature, which could affect accuracy, were almost entirely ignored.
The reason is simple: when the commander needs to directly fire, it’s almost always close-range combat, and even without correction, the difference is merely hitting the turret versus hitting the vehicle body.
In long-distance engagements, the gunner definitely executes the firing.
This "Hunter-Killer" system is the core of the ZT-99B, and it can be said to be its essence, the primary reason for the high cost of the ZT-99B.
Just the procurement price of the commander’s panoramic scope exceeds 400,000 Gold Yuan.
However, it is certainly worth the price.
Theoretically, the "Hunter-Killer" system can increase a tank’s combat efficiency by 8 times.
How this conclusion was reached remains unknown.
Undeniably, this system indeed holds high tactical value, capable of greatly improving the main battle tank’s efficiency in complex environments.
"Sweet Dumpling, steady up, wait for my signal... stop!"
As Wu Qitie shouted loudly, Tang Xuebing suddenly slammed the brakes.
Like being caught by a rope, within several dozen meters, this 60-ton beast, charging at over 30 kilometers per hour, came to a halt.
Immediately, the deafening sound of gunfire echoed.
"Boom—"
Even staying inside the turret with ear protectors on, the roar of the cannon firing still left Situ Lin’s ears aching.
More unbearable was actually the dense smoke rising from the cannon tube after reloading, upon opening the breech.
Though the tank cannon had a smoke extraction device, it couldn’t remove all the thick smoke from the barrel, so some remained.
Strictly speaking, the gunpowder smoke produced by the propellant was toxic.
Fortunately, within 3 to 4 seconds, the smoke was expelled out of the vehicle through the air conditioning.
"Boss, hit the target!"
"Don’t stop, keep charging forward!"
Before Situ Lin even reminded him, Tang Xuebing had already stepped on the accelerator.
Reloading takes about 7 seconds, typically allowing 10 seconds, and before this, the tank must get moving and must not remain stationary.
If halted, it becomes a target for the enemy!
Over 2000 meters away, the tank hit by the armor-piercing bullet was ablaze, looking as if an ammunition explosion could happen at any time.
Not only was the armor-piercing bullet sharp enough, but the relative position was also crucial.
During firing, that "Leopard 2" was side-facing the ZT-99B.
Though he didn’t see clearly, nor could he see, judging by the flames post-impact, the armor-piercing bullet likely hit the tank’s engine compartment or turret’s rear compartment.
Seconds later, the ammunition stored in that "Leopard 2" turret’s rear compartment detonated.
The flames from the explosion erupted directly from the turret’s roof, much like a suddenly bursting flame column, lifting the entire turret high.
After flipping several times in the air, it landed several dozen meters away on vacant ground.
However, Situ Lin didn’t bother about these details.
"Direction 015, distance 2100... Commander engaging!"
When locking onto the second target, more accurately intending to transfer control to Wu Qitie, Situ Lin clearly saw the turret of that "Leopard 2" turning around.
The enemy discovered the rapidly approaching ZT-99B.
It was impossible to judge which ZT-99B that "Leopard 2" was targeting since there were four main battle tanks from the guard company following behind.
But there was no need for judgment either.
Situ Lin fired first, so his vehicle had the highest chance of being detected and targeted by the enemy.
While he shouted loudly, Wu Qitie released the control lever for the tank cannon.
It was not about transferring control rights, there was no need for transfer, the commander’s control rights supersede the gunner’s. Releasing the lever was to avoid interference.
"Tang Xuebing, follow my orders... stop!"
This time it took just less than 2 seconds, under 20 meters, for the ZT-99B to halt.
The reason was simple: after restarting, the ZT-99B did not accelerate, and when Situ Lin gave the order, it was only going at 20 kilometers per hour.
After shouting "stop," more accurately when the ZT-99B had stopped, Situ Lin didn’t fire.
What was he waiting for?
"Zzz..."
With an odd whistling sound, Wu Qitie gasped in fright.
That was the sound of an armor-piercing bullet flying nearby.
Accurately speaking, before the sound reached, the armor-piercing bullet had flown past the tank. That strange sound was essentially a sonic boom caused by supersonic speed.
