Aethoo (Tank): Difference between revisions

| used_by = {{Flagicon image|Axdel Flag.png|size=20px}} [[Axdel]] <br> {{Flagicon image|Nauxol.png|size=20px}} [[Nauxos]]

| production_date = 1A: 2021-present <br /> 1AE: 2022-present

| number = 1A: 54184, 500 planned <br /> 1AE: 30, 80 planned

| length = 1A: 11.5 m

| weight = mk1: 68 metric tons

}}The '''Aethoo''' is a next-generation Axdelian main battle tank jointly designed and built by National Ballistics and ARMS (now known as [[Sentinel-ARMS]]). It was built to be the successor of the Taurus 2 and 3 tanks, as part of a 2010 defence mandate for a platform to mount the new 130mm L/51 ETC gun by ARMS, and was expected to enter service from 2025 onwards. However, the outbreak of the [[Auroran-Pacific War]] led to the project being given a higher priority, with the initial date being 2020, though later being pushed back to 2021 due to development problems. Production of the 1A variant began in late 2020, with the first 15 tanks entering service in the [[Axdel Armed Forces]] in February 2021. International procurement interest during development lead to the creation of the 1AE export variant mounting a conventional 130mm cannon in the turret instead of an ETC gun.

A number of technical faults with the engine and thermal imaging equipment during combat trials have been reported which have led to delays in production whilst the issues are resolved. Despite this, the Axdel armed forces have negotiated the terms of an additional long-term order of 500 total tanks by 2030'saround 2027 with provisions for the eventual replacement of the Taurus 3 by later variants. In 2024 long term use also revealed issues with the longevity and reliability of the plasma ignition system in the 1A's main gun.