X-89 Ruby Epee
The X-89 Ruby Epee (Burgoignesc: X-89 Epee Rubis) was an experimental testbed for a land-based weapon system jointly developed by Burgundie and Yonderre and put into limited trials production during the latter stages of the Occidental Cold War. Intended to disable and destroy the optical electronic systems and equipment of enemy vehicles, the Ruby Epee consisted of a bank of laser emitters mounted on an elongated Yonderian AMY-66 main battle tank chassis.
| X-89 Ruby Epee | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Place of origin |  Burgundie Yonderre |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1986-1995 (prototypes only) |
| Used by |  Army of Burgundie Yonderian Defence Force |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1968-1986 |
| No. built | 15 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 37 t (82,000 lb) |
| Length | 7.10 m (23.3 ft) |
| Width | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) |
| Height | 2.88 m (9.4 ft) |
| Crew | 3 (commander, laser operator, driver) |
| Maximum speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) |
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Starting in the late 1960s, the armies of Burgundie and Yonderre entered into a joint research agreement to develop a land-based laser weapon system. This was the result of the ongoing Operation Kipling and the increased commitment being made by Urcea at the expense of both Burgoignesc and Urcean readiness posture against Caphiria in the Occidental Cold War. It was the belief in the higher military echelons of Burgundie at the time that a breakthrough in laser technology would allow for a more level playing field against Caphiria and the latter's developments in advanced optics. The objective was initially to develop a mechanism to dazzle and disorient enemy soldiers, although it was later extended to also render enemy electronic systems and optics inoperable.
The Yonderian state was approached by Burgundie in 1968 because it was not directly involved in Operation Kipling and because it's research institutions were already working on related technologies. Noted designer of guided missiles Fabrique de Sainte-Catherine was chartered by the Yonderian Defence Force to aid Burgoignesc technicians in developing the laser emitters for the X-89, the lessons from which would ultimately be put towards the development of the 135mm MAS-72 ATGM. The Atelier de Mécanique de Gabion was tasked with developing an elongated AMY-66 chassis to accommodate a large generator and an auxiliary battery system for the laser emitters. The lenses themselves were able to operate in different environments by moving metal caps closer to protect the lens.
Ultimately, the project lost steam towards the end of the Occidental Cold War in the mid-1980s and was finished on a dimished budget in 1986. A total of 15 vehicles were produced, of which ten were delivered to the Army of Burgundie and five to the Yonderian Defence Force for evaluation. The Ruby Epee was withdrawn from service with both armies in 1995.
Legacy
While not used as a weapon system itself the X-89 is notable for being the first in a series of laser weapons in both Burgundie and Yonderre.
In Burgundie the current Dorata laser missile defense system is a part of that legacy.