This system can work without the RX 18. It is designed to work with the inexpensive RX18 but it is not limited by that. It is very flexible to suit the modelers need, and can be used exactly as you described. Of course not plug and play but simple wiring . If you have a hobby grade radio this will work fine with it.

My goal was to have something that could make a Heng Long rock, but if a person wanted to go with a Sabretooth ESC and and another controller for the turret roation, this system would add all the tank sounds you required.