Timberwolf C3 - a photo on Flickriver

Timberwolf C3

Following the end of the Cold War, Canada was left with a fleet of upgraded Leopard 1s, the Leopard C1 and C2. Though an excellent tank for its era of introduction, even late-life upgrades such as the MEXAS applique armor package and early-2000s fire control updates were not enough to compensate for a nearly 50 year old base design. When the Second Eastern European War broke out in 2016, the West was collectively jolted from the quarter-century of relative peace. Frightful losses in the first days of the NATO-led intervention spurred a rethink of 21st century stratagem. The primarily air and naval-based Songun Cold War could no longer take sole priority to coalition members, as ground supremacy, once assumed, could no longer be assured.

Canada was fortunate to have not been required to deploy its modest surviving C1 and C2 fleets into the fray; however, it was clear that the nation would need to fast-track procurement of a new MBT. Despite eyeballing ex-US M1 Abrams (being mothballed in favor of the new M6 Jackson series), Leopard 2s, and even the exotic Strv. 141, the decision was made to invest in a (largely) domestic solution. From a partnership between General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and BAE Systems, the Timberwolf was born.

The base C3 variant, represented above with the “Arctic Wolf” moniker, is a broadly conventional 3rd generation Western MBT. The Timberwolf is crewed by three: a driver, commander, and gunner – a loader was contemplated but deleted owing to overall force size limitations and new, efficient autoloaders. The commander has access to a 3rd generation thermal viewer with 360 degree visibility; additionally, the German-manufactured remote weapons system also has a thermal viewer, granting the commander additional all-weather visibility. The vehicle’s command-and-control network is fully NATO-compatible, and allows for the near-instantaneous transmission or receiving of target data from almost any friendly asset, be it on land or in the area (barring jamming from systems like the M-103 Chislobog). This targeting acumen is perhaps the tank’s greatest asset, allowing it to engage its principal targets (opposing tanks) as soon as spotted. The vehicle sports a 130mm electro-thermal-chemical cannon capable of firing most NATO-standard ammunition, including programmable munitions and laser-guided ATGMs. Its base armor is of relatively standard composite composition on the glacis and critical areas and RHA steel elsewhere. It is neither the most, nor least, protected Western MBT, erring on the side of lighter weight and greater strategic mobility. Mobility is provided by a hybrid-electric powerpack, allowing efficient off-road cruising and short-duration “silent” movement.

The Timberwolf C3 was designed with cost and “scalability” in mind, hence, the lighter weight and relatively unsophisticated active and passive protection systems installed as standard. C3s on training in Canada (or abroad) are typically found in that configuration. However, Canada concurrently procured a smaller number of Passive/Active Armor, Wartime, Supplemental (PAAWS) survivability enhancement packages for use in-theater. PAAWS-equipped ‘Wolves have extra turret-mounted laser dazzlers and EW systems, as well as soft and hard-kill APS suites. Hull armor is increased via composite armor and ERA on the side skirts. PAAWS is very expensive to procure and makes the vehicle significantly heavier and bulkier. Therefore, is intended to be fitted to vehicles after arrival in-theater. While slowing the vehicle somewhat, the proliferation of advanced ATGMs and lethal JNA / SPA armor around the world has made it essential for the Timberwolf’s survival.

GLDS-C and BAE have heavily marketed the Timberwolf on the global arms market, and has found several interested parties. As of [date redacted], no orders have been firmed up.

Huge thanks to Evan for the render and decals!

Taken on: July 5, 2020

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