While the standard model was the most common, at least one previous model and three
variants of the 3K13 existed during production.
3K12-3 Gepard SPAA
This previous model differed in several ways. While weighing the same, the 3K12 had
a 160 hp diesel engine managing a top speed of 54 kph. Because of the smaller engine,
however, the 3K12 had a better range exceeding 1100 kilometers. Another key difference
was that this model carried another half-ton of armor compared to its successor. Still,
even having more armor couldn't save the 3K12 from obsolescence. Despite better range
and armor, the targeting system was considered only basic at best. The now basic
targeting and tracking system that appeared in 2400 was the reason for the creation of
this self-propelled AA gun carrier, being an improvement over previous versions. This
also meant that the 3K12 was destined for replacement once more advanced targeting
systems came into being. After the creation of the 3K13, the 3K12 was declared
obsolete in 2444.
Quirks:
Anti-aircraft targeting
Difficult to maintain
Obsolete/2444
Crew: 10 (driver, radio, 6 gunners, 2 officers)
BV 280
Cost 406,700
3K13-DEW/p Gepard (Directed Energy Weapon/prototype)
As an experiment, research was done with a prototype particle projection cannon mounted
directly to the chassis in place of the turret. Having a single weapon with no turret greatly
simplified the machine, yet still managed to increase the cost. The weapon itself generated
50% more heat than later models, forcing the installation of fifteen heat sinks to handle the
load. A power amplifier was provided to generate enough power to fire the weapon. Though
a fine arrangement, testing showed that the PPC was not only difficult to mount, but required
finely-machined cable linkages that had to be supplied by machines that required too much
investment at the time. Only two DEW/p models were made and both were cannibalized for
other projects.
Quirks:
Anti-aircraft targeting
Difficult to maintain
Non-standard parts
Obsolete/2455
Crew: 6 (driver, radio, 2 officers, 2 gunners)
BV: 355
Cost: 450,188
3K13-2/A5 Gepard SPAA
Seeking better firepower for the Gepard, the Oerlikon 35mm autocannons were replaced
with two Oerlikon 60mm medium autocannons. Fitting snugly in the turret, little was
needed to do on the chassis of the vehicle. Requiring the same amount of turret and
using the same amount of targeting systems, little seemed wrong with the arrangement
until testing discovered an ammunition feed problem between the right-mounted turret
autocannon and the expanded four-ton ammo bay. Little could be done so the vehicle
went to market with an upgraded warranty. While some problems occurred, most were
satisfied with the 2/A5 as is, though the increased cost kept this version from being as
widespread as the base model. Production of this variant commenced in 2449, and ended
in 2550 when the 3K13 was declared obsolete.
Quirks:
Anti-aircraft targeting
Difficult to maintain
Ammunition feed problem
Obsolete/2550
Crew: 8 (driver, radio, 2 officers, 4 gunners)
BV: 315
Cost: 468,563
3K13-3/MR Gepard FSV (Fire Support Vehicle)
Simply and experiment with a more primitive weapon system, the 3/MR replaced the
autocannons with three medium rifle cannons and five tons of ammunition. While using the
advanced fire control system, it was geared more towards direct fire support so the special
anti-aircraft targeting software was not included. An extra half-ton of fuel was added to
increase the range to 1176 kilometers. Roughly three dozen were created and tested by
Lyran militia units from 2450 to 2459. This model was discontinued at that time.
Quirks
Obsolete/2459
Crew: 10 (driver, radio, 2 officers, 6 gunners)
BV: 363
Cost: 433,834
Production Numbers:
3K12-3: 457
3K13-3: 7,355
3K13-DEW/p: 2
3K13-2/A5: 3,940
3K13-3/MR: 35
Former Operators
Lyran Commonwealth (2444-2550)
Terran Hegemony (2465-2550)
Free Worlds League (2509-2550)
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