XLF-40

VEIO_da_HAVAN · April 15, 2024, 11:15pm

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XLF-40 Development Initiation:

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Following the success of the X1 project and the completion of the X-40 rocket, the Brazilian Army initiated the development of a rocket system for the X1, resulting in the Carro de Combate Lançador de Foguetes X-40 (XLF-40).

Sketched Design Presentation (July 20th, 1976): The IPD presented initial sketches of the XLF-40 on July 20th, 1976, with further design and construction efforts aimed at showcasing the vehicle at the Independence Day parade on September 7th of the same year.
Designations and Naming: The XLF-40 underwent several designations, starting as the Carro de Combate Lançador de Foguetes X-40, simplified to Carro Lançador Múltiplo de Foguetes, and finally designated as the XLF-40. The full name became Viatura Blindada Especial, Lancador de Foguetes, XLF-40 (VBE LF XLF-40).
Collaborative Development: The development involved multiple companies, including Avibras, Bernardini, and Biselli, with responsibilities ranging from hull conversion to rocket manufacturing.
Operability and Features: All systems of the XLF-40 were operable from within the vehicle, with aiming and launching controlled through radio systems. The vehicle featured outriggers for stability during firing and integrated the TRANSIT global positioning system for improved accuracy.
Armament and Crew Setup: The XLF-40 was armed solely with its rockets, and personal weapons for the crew, with the machine gun for the co-driver removed to provide a dual hatch setup for improved crew access. This design choice was first implemented on the X1 prototype vehicle.
Rapid Construction and Presentation: The XLF-40 prototype was completed in less than 2 months, allowing its presentation at the September 7th, 1976 Independence Day Parade.

XLF-40 Specifications:

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The XLF-40 had a combat-loaded weight of 16.6 tonnes (18.3 US tons) and 15 tonnes (16.5 US tons) without rockets. It measured 5.98 meters (19.6 feet) in length, 2.74 meters (9 feet) in width, and 2.54 meters (8.3 feet) in height, accommodating a crew of three.

Hull Description: The hull of the XLF-40 was slightly lengthened and modified from the M3A1 Stuart hull, maintaining similar overall protection. Armor thickness varied, with notable points including an upper front plate of 38 mm (1.5 inch), middle front plate of 16 mm (0.6 inch), and lower front plate of 44 mm (1.7 inch). The rear armor remained at 25 mm (1 inch), with the top plate at 15 mm (0.6 inch) thick and the floor plate gradually thinning from 13 mm to 10 mm (0.5 to 0.4 inch).
Layout and Features: The XLF-40 featured a standard layout akin to the Stuart, including headlights, towing hooks, and double hatches for the drivers. Notably, it lacked a hull machine gun. Two hydraulic pistons on the front hull provided stabilization, with rotating bars facilitating their movement.
Hydraulic System: The XLF-40 utilized a hydraulic system inherited from the M3A1 Stuart, with hydraulic cylinders mounted at the rear by modifying the curved plate to accommodate them. All hydraulic components were powered by the original Stuart system.

Turret Design:

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The XLF-40 featured a unique turret design, characterized by a single plate on which the rocket frame and necessary hydraulics were mounted. This plate utilized the same 1.6 meters (5.25 feet) turret ring diameter as other vehicles in the X1 family. Two hatches for the crew were located at the rear of the plate, positioned between the rocket rails.

Launching Platform: Mounted on top of the plate was a frame supporting the hydraulic cylinders, which were essential for adjusting the firing angle of the rockets. The launching platform rested on this frame during travel and was constructed from heavily perforated steel profiles. The platform measured 5.5 meters (18 feet) long and between 1.8 to 2.4 meters (5.9 to 7.9 feet) wide. It featured three rails with clamps to secure the rockets during transit.
Hydraulic System: Hydraulic cylinders were positioned to enable the launching platform to angle the rockets for firing. Over time, there were developments in the positioning of these cylinders, with early versions featuring cylinders placed further forward and later versions placing them closer to the hinge point of the launching platform. This adjustment potentially allowed for firing rockets at steeper angles.
Armament: The XLF-40 was armed with three X-40 rockets, each with a range of 65 km (40.4 miles). These rockets utilized solid propellant and measured approximately 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) in length with a diameter of 300 mm. Each rocket weighed 550 kg (1213 lb) with a 150 kg (331 lb) payload. The vehicle did not feature any additional armament. The rockets could be fired simultaneously or independently from each other.

Specifications

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Specifications	XLF-40
Dimensions (L-W-H)	5.98 m (19.68 ft) x 2.74 m (9 ft) x 2.54 m (8.33 ft)
Total Weight	16.65 tonnes (18.35 US tons)
Crew	3 (Driver, Co-driver, Commander)
Propulsion	Scania-Vabis DS-11 A05 CC1 6-cylinder in-line 256 hp diesel engine
Suspension	Bogie suspension
Speed (Road)	55 kph (34 mph)
Operational Range	520 km (323 miles)
Armament	3 X-40 Rockets
Armor
Hull
Front (Upper Glacis)	38 mm (1.5 inch) at 17 degrees
Front (Middle Glacis)	16 mm (0.6 inch) at 69 degrees
Front (Lower Glacis)	44 mm (1.7 inch) at 23 degrees
Sides	25 mm (1 inch)
Rear	25 mm (1 inch)
Top	15 mm (0.6 inch)
Floor	13 to 10 mm (0.5 to 0.4 inch)
Turret	25 mm (1 inch) all-round
Production	1 Prototype