Space or click The M19 and M19A1 Archaepteryx are both light tanks intended for airborne operations. Airdroppable from the UPMAD's C-140As, it can land alongside UPM paratroopers and support whatever assaults it is needed for. It was born out of a program that was testing hydrogen fuel cell powered engines. The XMHP was originally designed as a testbed for this experimental propulsion system, but as setbacks mounted, attention was turned more toward the tank itself. It was adapted to suit a diesel engine similar to that of the M18 (albeit scaled down,) and a turbine engine. These were designated XM19 and XM19A1 respectively. As trials proved somewhat promising, a War Thunder player leaked the docs, and the UAC took an interest to the program, the JALT (Jumpable Airborne Light Tank) program was pushed forward into two initial production models. Going off of these, initial low rate production began. The first orders, to the UNOP, are expected to be delivered by late January 2025. It is very light and much smaller than an M18. No autoloader, four man crew (driver, gunner, commander, loader) crammed in. Fully manned turret. Very mobile. Sports the same 120mm as on the M18.
Most by me, certain components by @scratch_operator5. If I forgot anyone, apologies. This design, funnily enough, is based off of a tank that was generated by an AI on gamer chat. I was also partially motivated to do this because I thought that M551 (76) event vehicle in War Thunder was cool.
