PzVg 71

The Panzervagn 71, known as the MBT M1971 in Seaboard Free State service, is a Main Battle tank jointly produced and designed by Suecia and the Seaboard Free State. Originally developed in the late 1950s, the prototype was shelved until the late 1960s, when the Seaboard Free State began collaborating on the project through their Gathering of Non-Aligned States military attaches.

The PzVg71 is notable for lacking a turret entirely; instead directly mounting it's 115mm Rensselaer Armory rifled anti-tank gun inside of the hull. This arrangement, although experimented with until the 2nd Homeland War, would later fall out of favor; to date, the PzVg71 is the only Main Battle Tank to employ this arrangement. Despite eventual developments in armor reducing the effectiveness of it's main gun, the PzVg71 has been upgraded consistently, and remains a key part of the Free State People's Army tank force.

Background
The defense strategy of Suecia was always based on fighting a defensive war; due to the consistent neutrality of Suecia, there were fears of either a Schwikauan invasion or an invasion from their Anti-communist neighbors during a war with Schwikau. Although several classes of tanks had been imported by Suecia, a perennial desire within the Defense Ministry was to establish self-sufficient production of armor; with the prestige this would bring within GNAS in addition to the practical benefits of not relying on outside sources. Development on the PzVg101 began in 1956, but was plagued with several problems; including unavailability for license production of the chosen weapon M1947 Anti-Tank Gun produced by Avalonia's Vallazo Armory; lack of suitable diesel engines, and underpowering of the main turbine. Although 2 prototypes were produced; both lacked functioning main guns, and primarily served to test the casemate and suspension of the design. Eventually, Suecia settled on purchasing a further order of UBT-56 tanks from Schwikau; and the prototypes were stored.

During the 8 Year War, the SFSPA clandestinely deployed several advisory units to Chorezm; both out of an ideological commitment and to gather data on modern armored combat. During the initial period of deployment; several major armored engagements took place, including the Battle of Ugarit and

Development
The PzVg71, originally the PzVg101, was conceptualized based on a Suecian need for a new Main Battle Tank; specifically to counter developments in both Western and Schwikauan armor. Although through