Tank 11

PDF generated using the open source mwlib toolkit. See http://code.pediapress.com/ for more information.PDF generated at: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:31:39 UTC

TankXI

ContentsArticles

T-44 1T-43 tank 11Panzer 61 14Vickers MBT 16Chonma-ho 19M-84 25Arjun (tank) 32M-95 Degman 45Altay (tank) 48BPM-97 52BTR-T 55BMD-3 57BMD-2 60BMD-1 64Main Battle Tank 3000 74Kanonenjagdpanzer 76M55 Self Propelled Howitzer 78Flakpanzer Gepard 80M247 Sergeant York 84Marksman anti-aircraft system 929K22 Tunguska 94PZA Loara 103Type 95 SPAAA 105Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 108ZSU-23-4 110M3 Half-track 121Assault Amphibious Vehicle 128Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 134Warrior tracked armoured vehicle 141Marder (IFV) 145Ratel IFV 150AMX-10P 156ERC 90 Sagaie 158Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé 163

Humvee replacement process 170Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie 172M1128 Mobile Gun System 175

ReferencesArticle Sources and Contributors 178Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 181

Article LicensesLicense 186

T-44 1

T-44

T-44

T-44A in Brest, BelarusType Medium tank

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1944 – end of 1970s[1]

Used by Soviet Union

Production historyDesigner A.A. Morozov

Designed 1943–1944

Manufacturer Factory No. 75, Kharkiv

Produced 1944–1947

Number built 1,823

Specifications (T-44A)Weight 32 t (35 short tons; 31 long tons)

Length 6.07 m (19 ft 11 in)7.65 m (25.1 ft) over gun

Width 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)

Height 2.455 m (8 ft 0.7 in)

Crew 4

Armour 120 mm (4.7 in)

Mainarmament

85-mm ZiS-S-53 tank gun (58 rds.)

Secondaryarmament

2 x 7.62-mm DTM machine gun

Engine Model V-44 12-cyl. 38.88 L diesel520 hp (388 kW)

Power/weight 16.3 hp/tonn

Transmission planetary 5-speed manual

Suspension Torsion bar

Ground clearance 510 mm (20 in)

T-44 2

Fuel capacity 500 litres (110 imp gal; 130 US gal)150 litres (33 imp gal; 40 US gal) external

Operationalrange

350 km (220 mi)

Speed 53 km/h (33 mph)

The T-44 was a medium tank first produced towards the end of the Second World War by the Soviet Union. It wasthe successor to the famous T-34. Fewer than two thousand T-44s were built, but the design became the basis for theT-54/55 series of main battle tanks, the most-produced tank of all time.

Development history

GenesisBy the end of 1940, when production of the T-34 started,[2][3] there were already plans to improve the vehicle'sreliability and operational capabilities by adopting more modern technology.[4]

This design project was designated T-34M.[4] It had enhanced armour protection,[2] a three-man hexagonal turret,torsion bar suspension instead of Christie suspension, road wheels with internal shock absorption,[2] increased fuelcapacity,[2] and more main gun ammunition (100 rounds instead of 77 in standard T-34).[2][2][5] The bow machinegun and driver's hatch switched positions on the glacis plate. In addition to six smaller wheels,[5] the suspension ofthe T-34M had four return rollers. The original model V-2 12-cylinder diesel engine developing 500 hp (373 kW)was replaced by a new 12-cylinder diesel engine which produced 600 horsepower (450 kW).[5][6] It had a new8-speed transmission system.[5] It was the first tank design to feature transverse engine placement, which made itsmaller than a standard T-34 and gave the crew more space.[5]

The Zhdanov Metallurgical Factory manufactured five sets of armour plates for the hull of the T-34M[2] anddelivered them to Factory No. 183.[2] However, early in 1941 work on the T-34M ceased[2] as the productionfacilities were extremely busy with the mass production of the T-34.[2] When the war with Nazi Germany broke outthe only sensible solution was to gradually improve the existing design.[3]

T-34-85

During the battles on the Eastern Front it became apparent that the RedArmy needed a new medium tank.[5] They requested that it should havebetter protection at a minimal increase of weight.[5][6] In 1942 the T-43tank design project began. It featured a new turret and shortersuspension which reduced the clearance between the roadwheels.[5]

However, it concentrated on increasing armour at a time whenmaintaining production and increasing firepower were more important.The T-43 was cancelled, but its new turret design was adapted to carrya larger 85 mm D-5T and later ZiS-S-53 gun in a new variant calledthe T-34-85. It marked the end of T-34 improvements as fitting100 mm guns in T-34-100[5] prototypes proved unfeasible. (See T-34variants article for details).[1][3]

T-44 3

Prototypes

First generation

In the autumn of 1943 the design bureau of the Stalin Ural Tank Factory No. 183, located in Nizhny Tagil (in theUral Mountains, where most of the Soviet tank industry had been evacuated after Operation Barbarossa in 1941),started working on a vehicle that would have improvement opportunities in the future, under a direct order fromJoseph Stalin.[7] The intention was to retain the high mobility of the T-34 and provide it with heavier armourprotection against modern tank guns. In November 1943, the chief designer, A. A. Morozov, presented the overalldesign of the vehicle and a model of the tank, which received the designation T-44 (Ob'yekt 136). The first prototypewas completed by January 1944 and two more were completed in February. The first two prototypes were armedwith 85 mm D-5T guns and received the designation T-44-85, while the third prototype was armed with the 122 mmD-25-44T tank gun and received the designation T-44-122. The D-25-44T tank gun was very similar to the basicD-25 field gun, but differed in some minor details including fixed single-piece ammunition to increase the rate of fireand a double-baffle muzzle brake.[1][8] What allowed fitting such powerful armament in a medium tank weighing 30tonnes was the construction of the hull with an innovative placement of the engine. Unlike most tanks, in the T-44the engine was placed perpendicular to the axis of the tank. The hull was designed without sponsons. It was alsomuch wider which made the crew compartment bigger and allowed the turret to be placed over the center part of thevehicle.[1] This reduced the overall length of the vehicle. The thickness of the armour was 75 mm on the front of thehull and 90 mm on the front of the turret. The side armour was 45 mm thick and could be reinforced by 30 mm thickadditional armour plate. All three prototypes were powered by the V-2IS diesel engine which developed 500 hp(373 kW). This first generation of prototypes featured a raised cast driver's hatch with an opening vision flap as wellas mounting bolts in a ring around the base of the gun tube.[1][3][8]

Morozov's new medium tank design received a sceptical response.[9] It was believed that putting a high-speed12-cylinder engine with a working displacement of almost 40 liters perpendicular to the direction of travel wouldcause problems, including breaking the connecting rods.[9] It was believed that decreasing the displacement of theengine compartment for the purpose of enlarging the fighting compartment was unnecessary and that moving theturret rearwards would limit the elevation angle of the main gun. However, it turned out that even though rotating theengine complicated the transmission by introducing an additional reduction gear - gear-train and fan drive, it alsosolved many problems. The cover of the engine and transmission compartment turned along with the radiator; thisallowed easier access to the engine, transmission and batteries. The significant decrease in the length of the enginecompartment allowed the turret to be moved rearwards, which in turn moved its rotation axis and the center ofmass[10] to the center of the hull, increased the accuracy of the main gun[1] and decreased a chance that the turretcould get stuck after getting hit in the turret ring with a projectile that ricocheted.[10] The thickness of the frontalarmor protection more than doubled without disturbing the center of mass or drastically increasing the weight of thetank. At the beginning of World War II the thickness of T-34 armor was considered enough. Improvements made tothe T-34 during World War II included increasing the caliber of the gun (from 76.2 mm to 85 mm) and thickeningthe armor of the turret. No significant improvements were made to the hull. Increasing the size of the fightingcompartment allowed the removal of floor ammunition stowage. The height of the tank was decreased by 300 mm,even though the turret remained almost the same. Removal of the conical pair in the transmission permitted fitting amore compact gear box and improved the control of the brakes and the steering clutch. Visibility from the driver'sposition was improved. The driver was protected from being splashed by water while the vehicle was fording.[9] Thenew torsion bar suspension allowed easier crossing of rough ground.[9]

T-44 4

Second generation

T-44-122 prototype during comparative trialsagainst captured German Panther

Second of the two first generation T-44-85prototypes and T-44-122 prototype during

comparative trials

Second generation T-44-85 prototype duringtrials. Notice that this one does not have the

splashboard.

Second generation T-44-85 prototype duringtrials at NIBT proving grounds near Kubinka,summer 1944. Notice driver's vision flap was

reduced to a plain square flap with rounded lowercorners, in line with the glacis plate, a prominent

collar at the base of the gun tube and thesplashboard on the glacis plate.

The first trials of the T-44-122 prototype took place in February andMarch 1944, but were unsuccessful due to gun failure, and the gun wasreturned to the No. 9 factory for repair. In April and May 1944 thetrials were resumed. Aside from standard trials, the T-44-122 was putin competitive trials against the captured German PanzerkampfwagenV Panther medium tank[1] and the second of two first generationT-44-85 prototypes.[1] The practical rate of fire was two to three roundsper minute due to the cramped turret and long, heavy ammunition.[1]

The vehicle had a very limited storage of only 24 rounds and this wasconsidered insufficient for a medium tank. As a result all furtherdevelopment of the T-44-122 prototype was cancelled.[1][3][8]

Like the T-44-122 prototype, one of the two first-generation T-44-85prototypes went through competitive trials against the capturedGerman Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank.[1] The second ofthe two first-generation T-44-85 prototypes was put in competitivetrials against the T-44-122 prototype.[1] The second prototypeuncovered additional faults in the design. By May 1944 twosecond-generation prototypes were being built. These featured thedriver's position moved rearwards so that his hatch was partially on thehull roof. The driver's vision flap was reduced to a plain square flapwith rounded lower corners, in line with the glacis plate. Theseprototypes had prominent collars at the base of the gun tube, withoutthe mounting bolts which were present in the first generationprototypes. The two prototypes also have differences between eachother.[8] One prototype had a splashboard on the glacis plate[8] whilethe other had a smooth uncluttered glacis plate.[8] One of theseprototypes passed trials at the NIBT proving grounds near Kubinka inJune and July 1944. This prototype weighed 31.3 tonnes and wasarmed with an 85 mm ZiS-S-53 gun. The turret front armour thicknesswas increased to 115 mm. Hulls side armour thickness was increasedto 75 mm.[3][8]

T-44A

The third generation prototype, which received the designation T-44A,was completed after the Morozov Design Bureau had moved back toKharkiv in Ukraine. The hull upper front armour (glacis plate)thickness was increased to 90 mm and the turret front armour thicknesswas increased to 120 mm. Even though it was more heavily armoured,the weight went down to 30.7 tonnes. This vehicle had a new V-4412-cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine of 520 hp (388 kW) at 1,800 rpm,which allowed the tank to travel at a speed of 60.5 km/h. This

prototype had the splashboard on the glacis plate like one of the second generation T-44-85 prototypes.[8] This

prototype featured some other differences from the earlier prototypes, including the fact that drivers hatch was moved entirely to the roof of the hull[8] and the vision flap was deleted from the design[8] and replaced by a vision

T-44 5

slot in the glacis plate.[8] After trials conducted in August and September 1944 and after it received severalupgrades[3] (which increased the weight of the vehicle to 32 tonnes), the T-44A officially entered service with theRed Army on the 23 November 1944.[3][8]

T-44-100 and T-54

One of the two T-44-100 prototypes. Notice the100 mm gun, 12.7 mm DShK anti-aircraft heavymachine gun mounted on the loader's hatch and 6

mm thick anti-HEAT sideskirts protecting thesides. This example does not have a splashboard

on the glacis plate.

Even with its innovative technology and better armor protection, theT-44A still used an 85 mm ZiS-S-53 tank gun, the same as the onefitted on the T-34-85 medium tank. The army needed a new tank armedwith a more powerful 100 mm gun.[3] At the end of 1944 the designershad three types of 100 mm guns at their disposal which couldconsiderably increase the firepower of the tank. These included theD-10 (which already proved itself in combat as it was used in SU-100tank destroyer) as well as prototype ZiS-100 and LB-1 (LB stands forLavrenty Beria).[3][8] The T-44 tank armed with the 100 mm tank gunoriginally received the designation T-44B. Two projects were started,both based on the T-44A. The development of the first one started inOctober 1944 at the design bureau of the Stalin Ural Tank Factory No.183, located in Nizhny Tagil. The designing stage was completed in December. The prototype was ready in February1945. The trials conducted between March and April gave positive results and the vehicle entered service with theRed Army as T-54. The tank had almost the same hull and drive train as the T-44A. Differences included thickenedfront armour (120 mm on the upper section and 90 mm on the lower section) and a different hatch and vision slot forthe driver. The turret had increased diameter to 1800 mm. There was thicker armour (180 mm on the front, between90 mm and 150 mm on the sides and 30 mm on the roof). The armament included the 100 mm D-10TK tank gun aswell as two 7.62 mm GWT machine guns. The tank was powered by a new V-54 12-cylinder 38.88 literwater-cooled diesel engine developing 520 hp (388 kW) at 2,000 rpm. The fuel capacity was increased (530 liters inthe internal fuel tank and 165 liters in the external fuel tank). The external fuel tanks were connected to the fuelsystem. The rubber rollers on the roadwheels were widened. The weight was increased to 35.5 tonnes, which reducedthe maximal road speed to 43.5 km/h. The maximal road operational range increased to 360 km. Because of positiveresults seen in trials, it was decided to modernize the tank before starting production (for more details about it see theT-54/55 article) as well as to put the new tank's turret onto two modified serial T-44A tanks. This was done in 1945and the two prototype tanks received the designation T-44-100. One of the prototypes was armed with a D-10TKtank gun while the other one was armed with a LB-1 tank gun.[3][8] Like the second generation T-44-85 prototypes,the two T-44-100 prototypes had differences between each other. One prototype had a splashboard on the glacisplate while the other did not. They both had the 12.7 mm DShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun fitted to the loader'shatch, 6 mm thick anti-HEAT sideskirts protecting the sides and two cylindrical fuel tanks in the back[1] whichincreased the fuel capacity to 1035 liters.[11] These cylindrical fuel tanks were later used on Soviet main battle tanksas additional fuel tanks. Further development of the T-44 was canceled and all the attention was directed towards thedevelopment of a new T-54 main battle tank.[1][8]

DescriptionThe T-44 had a typical tank layout: the driving compartment at the front, the fighting compartment in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear. The original intention was to retain the high mobility and speed of a T-34 and to provide the T-44 with heavier armour protection against large-caliber tank guns. This was accomplished by adding thicker armour but reducing the internal volume of the hull. The T-44 had a lower profile than the T-34, and was potentially simpler to manufacture. Although the T-44 used many components of the T-34, it had a new hull, and a

T-44 6

modified model V-2 diesel engine, suspension and transmission.[1][8]

Reflecting trends in other designs in this period, the T-44 was designed without the hull radio operator/machinegunner position present in many older designs. This was done for a number of reasons.[12] The extensive machinegun firing port in the glacis plate (which was present in the T-34 medium tank) was a weak spot in the armour.[13] Inthe T-34, this firing port and the driver's hatch were exploited during World War II by the Germans fighting theT-34s.[13] Shooting the machine gun was ineffective as it was inaccurate due to obscured vision.[12] It wasconsidered inefficient to transfer reports through an additional member of the crew and therefore these duties weretransferred to the commander.[12] The space saved was used for a fuel tank[12] and to increase the ammunitionload.[8] The driver's hatch was on the left side of the hull roof. The tank had an improved hull design, longer andwider than the T-34 but slightly lower thanks to the relocation of the air filter, with thicker armour, and was simplerto construct. The hull had a sloped glacis plate, vertical sides, and a slightly beveled rear. Most tanks had asplashboard on the glacis plate although there are pictures of T-44A tanks without them. It protected the upper partof the vehicle from splashes of mud or water. There were three mounts for rectangular stowage bins on the fenders(two on the right fender and one on the left fender). There were four mountings for cylindrical fuel tanks on thefenders (two per side). This was changed in the T-44M which used rectangular fuel cells.[1][8]

During its service the tank proved to be not entirely adapted to winter conditions, due to an incomplete draining ofthe cooling system, caused by a water pump system that had been modified to reduce engine height. A small shaftwould break after the impeller pump froze. The repair of the shaft, considering the field conditions, proved veryimpractical and required three people. Two people had to hold a third person by the legs and lower him into theengine bay, where he had to loosen the fastening and remove the broken shaft. Then, he was pulled out and loweredback down to install the new shaft. He was repeatedly lowered until the new part was secured. Another seriousproblem discovered during the winter conditions was that the crews of the T-44A suffered from frostbite because ofthe complete lack of a heating system. The driver was supposed to be protected from rain and snow by a removableTarpaulin cover with a small glass window. However, this was not successful and its use was deemed impractical.[9]

The T-44 had a compact torsion-bar suspension instead of the T-34's Christie coil springs, although it retained theChristie method of engagement between the slotted drive wheel and track lugs. The suspension had five large spokedroad wheels and 'dead' 500 mm wide track from the T-34.[7] The hull and wheels were virtually identical to the earlyT-54 main battle tanks although the original T-44 had the T-34's 'spider' road wheels and a narrow, inset drive wheelat the rear. The T-44 was the last Soviet medium tank with paddle-type tracks. The mechanism for tensioning themwas significantly better on the T-44 than it was on the T-34. On the T-34, first two lug-nuts on the crank had to beloosened and then the crank pounded with a sledge hammer in order to separate it from the hull. After the track wastensioned, the crank had to be set back in place with a sledge hammer. The whole process required up to threepeople. On the T-44, the same task could be carried out by one person, without the help of a sledge-hammer. Theroadwheels were spaced evenly from each other except for a prominent gap between two of the roadwheels. TheT-44-85 and T-44-122 prototypes had a gap between the second and third roadwheels like in the T-34[5] but theT-44A had a gap between the first and second roadwheels.[5] This arrangement of wheels was continued in the T-54and T-55 main battle tanks. The roadwheels sometimes started to 'fall home' after 2,500 km. To increase the servicelife of the road wheel, a slight camber of the paired road wheels was tried. However, this resulted in greater stress onthe outer rollers. When the tank crosses 20 km of rough ground it can pick up about a ton of dirt along theway.[1][8][9]

The new V-44 12-cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine, developing 520 hp (388 kW) at 1,800 rpm, was a more powerful version of the T-34's model V-2 with a new planetary manual 5-speed transmission system, filtration system, improved cooling system, horizontally placed water and oil pumps[6][14] and an improved fuel system which increased its power output,[6] although the tank retained the side clutches from the T-34.[1] The new engine gave the T-44 a maximal road speed of 53 km/h and maximal cross country speed of 20 km/h to 25 km/h as well as maximal road range of 350 km. The engine could become worn out after the tank traveled 3,000 km. When that happened, the

T-44 7

oil pressure would drop to 2-3 atmospheres and under heavy loads, the engine would start smoking, spewing outblack smog out of the side of the tank. The engine deck had two transverse ventilation grilles at the rear. The exhaustport was on the rear left hand side of the hull. The tank could cross 1 m high vertical obstacles, 2.5 m wide trenches,32°[5][15] side slopes and 60° gradients and ford 1.3 m deep water obstacles without preparation.[1][9][11]

Because driver's hatch was moved from the glacis plate and positioned so that he exited the vehicle perpendicularlyinstead of crawling out of the hatch, his seat received an elevating mechanism. While in a relatively safe area thedriver could elevate his seat to look outside of the tank, providing greater visibility and easier access to the controls.While in combat the driver lowered his seat back into the tank and had to rely on the vision slot protected by triplex(three-layer glass).[14] While in this position the pedals of the main clutch, the fuel supply, and incline brake werepositioned much higher and the levers of the steering clutch and gear shifting became inconvenient to operate. Earlyexamples had transmission problems. While the driver was switching gears, two gears could engage simultaneously,which caused a broken gear pinion. This and other gearbox related problems were solved in a 1961 T-44Mmodernization with the introduction of a gearbox from the T-54 main battle tank.[1][8][9]

T-44A was armed with an 85 mm ZiS-S-53 tank gun as well as two 7.62 mm DTM light machine guns. One of thesemachine guns was mounted to fire through a tiny hole in the center of the glacis plate. Because the tank's crew didnot include a radio operator/machine gunner, the driver operated this light machine gun. The gun was mounted in afixed position and could only be aimed by turning the tank.[12] The main gun was placed in a centrally placed turretalong with a coaxially mounted 7.62 mm DTM light machine gun. The ZiS-S-53 tank gun could penetrate around100 mm of armour at range of 1000 m. The gun could be elevated or depressed between -5° and +25°.[5] It wasn'tstabilized.[11] Like in the T-34 and SU-76 SPG, hot cartridge-cases were rolling under the feet of the crew. The crewwas also subjected to gases from the main gun every time after it was fired.[9] The tank carried 58 rounds for the85 mm ZiS-S-53 tank gun and 1890 rounds for 7.62 mm DTM light machine guns.[1]

The turret was cast, with a prominent horizontal casting seam, shaped like an elongated hexagon, with sloped sidesand overhang all around. It resembled a longer, better armoured T-34-85 turret. It had a cast gun mantlet with a smallbut prominent ring/collar around the base of the tank gun tube. The turret roof had a raised commander's cupola onthe left and loader's hatch on the right with a low dome-shaped ventilator behind it. The turret was moved with anelectric motor. The front armour of the turret was 120 mm thick while the side armour was 75 mm thick.[3][7][8]

The hull was made of rolled welded steel. The glacis plate was 90 mm thick while the side armour was 75 mm andthe bottom armour was 20 mm thick. T-44 tanks could be fitted with additional 30 mm thick armour plates on thesides of the hull and the turret. Additional spaced armour panels could be fitted to the sides of the hull.[3][11]

The T-44A could be fitted with the PT-3 mine clearing device. It had a radio in the back of the turret with an antennaat the center of the left side of the turret. The vehicle was equipped with a submachine gun.[14] The vehicle lacked anNBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) protection system and a night vision device.[8][11]

Production historyThe T-44A officially entered service with the Red Army on 23 November 1944 but the production started in October.[12] Production took place at the new Factory No. 75 (Zavod 75) in Kharkiv which used the buildings of the old KhPZ Factory No. 183 which were recaptured from Germans on 23 August 1943.[12] To restore the factories to working order, engineers, workers, machines and tools were sent from Stalin Ural Tank Factory No. 183, located in Nizhny Tagil.[12] The original plans were that the factory would produce 300 T-44As a month. However, only 25 were built by the end of 1944. In 1945, 940 were built, making a total of 965 (190[12] tanks built in 1944 and 1945 were completed by the end of the war). An additional 858 T-44As were made in 1946-1947. The T-34 continued to account for 85% of medium tank production through 1950,[16] and development of a more advanced medium tank with a more powerful 100 mm gun proceeded. The relatively brief production run ended in 1947 with a total of 1,823 T-44A tanks built. The reasons for such a brief production run included mechanical teething problems,[17] the end of the war which reduced the Red Army's need for a new tank,[17] and the design's inability to successfully fit a 100 mm

T-44 8

tank gun.[17] It was replaced on the production lines by the T-54-1 main battle tank, which was more mechanicallyreliable and could mount a 100 mm gun. The superior T-54-2 would replace T-34 production at the Omsk FactoryNo. 183 in 1950, and the T-54/55 main battle tank series would remain in production until 1981.[3][8]

Service historyThe T-44 was issued to three tank brigades mustered on 15 September 1944 for training purposes, but theseformations (6th Guards, 33rd Guards, and 63rd Guards Tank Brigades[18]) were re-equipped with T-34-85 tanksprior to entering the Battle of Berlin and Prague Offensive. The T-44A was not used operationally during World WarII in Europe for several reasons, including the fact that the Red Army was not ready to accept a new tank[1] becauseof lack of sufficient spares[1] and technical specialists who could repair and maintain the new tanks[1] as well as thefact that many of the tank crews would have to be retrained.[1] However, three tanks were sent to the 100th SpecialTank Company which tested them on the Eastern Front.[1] Many T-44As were immediately sent after they wereproduced in the Far East regions of the Soviet Union. The first tanks arrived there before the end of the war and wereused operationally during the last three days of fighting. They continued to arrive after the war and eventually around600 T-44As were stationed there.[19]

Due to the Cold War, the USSR decided to keep the tank secret.[1][13] It was never shown publicly during militaryparades[13] and pictures were never shown publicly until the secrecy was dropped. There is almost no photographicevidence of T-44s stationed in East Germany[13] or during the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956[13] although it isknown that T-44s were sent there (there are only a small number of photos of T-44As in Hungary in existence).[13]

In 1961, a number of T-44As were modernized with parts from the T-54 main battle tank and other upgrades andreceived the designation T-44M. In 1963, some T-44Ms were converted into T-44MK command tanks. In 1965 someT-44Ms were converted into BTS-4A armoured recovery vehicles.[12] In 1966, a number of T-44As and T-44Msreceived the "Cyclone" gun stabilizer and the designations T-44S and T-44MS, respectively.[12] According to mostsources T-44S, T-44M and T-44MS tanks remained in service with the Soviet Army until the end of the 1970s, whentheir usefulness as tanks had ended. It is possible that they remained in storage until the beginning of 1990s.[19]

Many T-44Ms were converted into artillery tractors, tank tractors and engineer tanks. A number of T-44A, T-44S,T-44M, T-44MK and T-44MS tanks were converted into fixed defensive positions; some of which are known tohave been positioned on the border with the People's Republic of China.[13] Unlike most Soviet made weapons theT-44 wasn't exported.[1][8]

After the cloak of secrecy was lifted in 1960s, when the tank was already becoming obsolete, it was used in the warmovies:[1] Father of a Soldier,[1] Liberation, Battle of Moscow, Red Cherry,[20] The Star,[21] and Downfall.[1][22] Inthe first, it was used to portray a T-34.[1] In Liberation, Red Cherry, The Star, and Downfall it was visually modifiedwith additional plates[1] to resemble the Tiger I heavy tank.[1] Some T-44 and T-34 tanks were visually modified torepresent German Panzerkampfwagen IVs. They were made for Soviet era film studios and were used in a number ofmovies about battles on the Eastern Front. They were also used during a 2004 re-enactment of the Battle ofMoscow.[23] Some T-44As were given to military museums including one in Brest in today's Belarus. One of twoT-44-100 prototypes is in the Kubinka Tank Museum.

T-44 9

Combat history• World War II – briefly fielded in 1944–45, but kept out of combat• Hungarian Revolution – not known to have seen combat

Variants• T-44-85 (1944) – Designation for two first generation prototypes armed with 85 mm D-5T tank gun and two

second generation prototypes armed with 85 mm ZiS-S-53 tank gun.[1][8]

• T-44A (1944) – Designation for the third generation prototype and the production model.[1][3][8]

• T-44S (1966) – T-44A fitted with "Cyclone" two-plane gun stabilization system.[8][12]

• T-44M (1961) – T-44A modernization incorporating a drive train upgraded to match the one used in T-54including the V-54 12-cylinder 38.88 liter water-cooled diesel engine developing 523 hp (390 kW),gearbox, tracks, 'starfish' road wheels and a conventional toothed drive sprocket, flush with the outer trackedge. It had an increased ammunition stowage (from 58 rounds to 61 rounds), new R-113 and R-120 radiosets, a heater and infra-red night sight, TVN-2 night vision device for the driver as well as another fuel tankwhich increased the fuel capacity by 150 liters to 650 liters and 800 liters with additional fuel tanks.[12] Themaximal road operational range of the tank increased to 420 km - 440 km.[12] The original fenders werereplaced with T-54-style ones. The catwalk stowage was changed to the flat T-54 rectangular external fueltanks with embossed circle and cross. Hence the T-44M had a different arrangement of additional fuel tanksand stowage boxes. There were four rectangular external fuel tanks as well as two smaller ones on the rightfender and fastenings for four spare track chain links, one rectangular external fuel tank as well as twosmaller ones and one stowage box. The tank received a mount for an antiaircraft machine gun.[12] AT-54-style headlight cluster with two headlights was added to right hand side of the glacis plate and theT-34-style headlight on the left hand side of the hull was removed.[8]

• T-44MK (1963) – T-44M converted into a command tank. Apart from standard T-44M equipment, it isequipped with R-112 radio set. The ammunition stowage was reduced by 15 rounds to 46 rounds.[8][12]

• T-44MS (1966) - T-44M fitted with "Cyclone" two-plane gun stabilization system. It also has increasedmaximal operational range.[12]

• BTS-4A (1965) – T-44M converted into an armoured recovery vehicle. The turret has been removed.The vehicle was fitted with a stowage basket, a hoist and a small folding crane with a capacity of 3tonnes and a snorkel. It was also known as BTS-4-44M.[8][12]

• T-44 tanks converted into fixed fortifications. This process usually involved the removal of the engine and thegearbox while burying the tank up to the top of the hull and covering the turret in concrete to break up the outlineand to give it a rock-like appearance.[8]

• T-44-122 (1944) – First generation prototype armed with D-25-44T 122 mm tank gun. It carried 24rounds.[1][3][8]

• T-44-100 (1945) – Prototype fitted with a new modified turret which would allow fitting the 100 mm D-10T gunor 100 mm LB-1 gun. The tank carries 36 rounds for the 100 mm tank gun.[12] This prototype had the 12.7 mmDShK anti-aircraft heavy machine gun fitted to the loader's hatch, 6 mm thick sideskirts protecting the sides andtwo cylindrical fuel tanks in the back giving it a fuel capacity of 1035L. The longer tank gun barrel increased theoverall length of the vehicle to 8.04 m. The new turret, new armament and the sideskirts made the vehicle heavieras it weighed 34.55 tonnes.[1][8][11]

• SU-122-44 (1944) - Self-propelled gun prototype armed with an 122 mm gun.• Uralmash-1 (1944) - Self-propelled gun prototype armed with either 100 mm gun or 122 mm gun. Also known

as SU-101 and SU-102.

T-44 10

Notes[1] "The Russian Battlefield" (http:/ / www. battlefield. ru/ content/ view/ 95/ 50/ lang,en/ )[2] "KMDB T-34" (http:/ / www. morozov. com. ua/ eng/ body/ history4-6. php)[3][3] "Czołgi Świata" (World's Tanks or Tanks Of The World) magazine issue 25[4] "KMDB T-34M" (http:/ / www. morozov. com. ua/ eng/ body/ tanks/ t-34m. php)[5] "Centrum Symulacji Taktyczno-Opearcyjnych" (http:/ / www. csto. cal. pl/ forum/ viewtopic. php?t=982)[6] "armor.kiev.ua" (http:/ / armor. kiev. ua/ Tanks/ WWII/ T44/ t44. html)[7] "Czołgiem" (http:/ / www. czolgiem. com/ rosja/ t44. htm)[8] "JED The Military Equipment Directory" (http:/ / www. jedsite. info/ tanks-tango/ tango-numbers-su/ t-44_series/ t44-series.

html)(subscription required)[9] "Rem Ulanov's memories" (http:/ / armor. kiev. ua/ Tanks/ WWII/ T44/ t44_1. html)[10] "historycy.pl" (http:/ / www. historycy. pl/ Strony/ Artykuly/ 2007_02/ 01. html)[11] "Modern Tanks" (http:/ / mainbattletanks. czweb. org/ Tanky/ t44. htm)[12] "armoured.vif2.ru" (http:/ / armoured. vif2. ru/ t-44. htm)[13] "Czołgi Info" (http:/ / www. czolgi. husky-anana. net/ galeria. php?sortuj=rok_powstania& szukaj=& ile=1& nr=20& ile=10& s=20&

rec=31)[14] "mkmagazin" (http:/ / mkmagazin. almanacwhf. ru/ armor/ t_44. htm)[15][15] Technika Wojskowa LWP. XXX lat rozwoju 1943 - 1973, page 57[16] Zaloga & Johnson 2004:6[17] "Military Equipment Photo Gallery" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20091027032622/ http:/ / us. geocities. com/ pmj6/ gallery. htm)[18][18] Zaloga et al. 1997:61[19] "Inne Oblicza Histori" (http:/ / www. ioh. pl/ forum/ viewtopic. php?t=5817)[20] (http:/ / www. geocities. jp/ jipang_t1/ OTHER/ 1995-RED-CHERRY/ index. html)[21] (http:/ / www. geocities. jp/ jipang_t1/ RED/ 2002-star/ index. html)[22] (http:/ / www. geocities. jp/ jipang_t1/ EUR/ 2004-DER-UNTERGANG/ index. html)[23] "Film Panzer" (http:/ / filmpanzer. squarespace. com/ )

References• Zaloga, Steven J.; James Grandsen (1984). Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of World War Two. London: Arms

and Armour Press. ISBN 0-85368-606-8.• Zaloga, Steven J.; Hugh Johnson (2004). T-54 and T-55 Main Battle Tanks 1944–2004. Botley, Oxford: Osprey

Publishing. ISBN 1-84176-792-1.• Zaloga, Steven J., Jim Kinnear, Andrey Aksenov & Aleksandr Koshchavtsev (1997). Soviet Tanks in Combat

1941-45: The T-28, T-34, T-34-85, and T-44 Medium Tanks, Hong Kong: Concord Publication. ISBN962-361-615-5.

External links• T-44 Medium Tank (http:/ / english. battlefield. ru/ t-44. html) at battlefield.ru• T-44 Medium Tank (http:/ / www. wwiivehicles. com/ ussr/ tanks-medium/ t-44. asp) at wwiivehicles.com• Rem Ulanov: The Transitional Variant (http:/ / www. battlefield. ru/ en/ articles/ 375-transition-version. html),

memoir of a T-44 test driver, at battlefield.ru

T-43 tank 11

T-43 tank

T-43 Tank

T-43 tank prototypeType Medium tank

Place of origin  Soviet Union

SpecificationsWeight 34 tonnes

Length 8.1 m (26 ft 7 in)

Width 3 m (9 ft 10 in)

Height 2.58 m (8 ft 6 in)

Crew 4

Armor 16–90 mm

Mainarmament

76.2mm F-34 tank gun

Secondaryarmament

2 × 7.62mm DT machine gun

Engine V-2-34 diesel500 hp (373 kW)

Power/weight 15 hp/tonne

Suspension torsion beam suspension

Operationalrange

300 km (190 mi)

Speed 50 km/h (31 mph)

The Soviet T-43 medium tank was a prototype medium tank developed during the Second World War as a possiblereplacement for both the T-34 medium tank and KV-1 heavy tank. The project's aim was to build a medium tankwith heavier armour, but it turned out that what was needed to counter German advances in tank technology wasbetter armament, and the T-43 was cancelled in favour of a more heavily-armed T-34-85.

T-43 tank 12

Development historyThe T-34 medium tank was the mainstay of Soviet mechanized forces in World War II, produced in huge numbers.In May 1942, Soviet forces started encountering German tanks armed with the new long 75mm KwK 40 gun whichcould easily penetrate a T-34 at long range.In June 1942, the Soviet Main Directorate of Armoured Forces (GABTU) issued a requirement to two tank-designbureaus to compete in designing a "universal tank", which would combine the heavy armour of heavy tanks with themobility of the T-34 medium tank. The SKB-2 heavy tank design bureau in Chelyabinsk started the KV-13 program,which two years later resulted in a line of successful Iosif Stalin heavy tanks. The Uralvagonzavod complex inNizhny Tagil developed the T-43 medium tank. Uralvagonzavod included the Morozov Design Bureau, thedesigners of T-34, who were able to draw on its previous work on the advanced T-34M project. T-34M had beencancelled in 1941, when Germany invaded the USSR. As the new T-43 project was given a low priority—the focuswas on increasing production of the T-34—the first prototype T-43 was finally completed in March 1943.The T-43 was generally similar to the T-34, but it had a new armour layout and turret design. It had a space-efficienttorsion beam suspension instead of the T-34's Christie type and a new five-speed gearbox. It also had a three-manturret, with commander's cupola for all-round vision, a major improvement on the T-34's two-man turret in which thetank commander was being constantly distracted with aiming the main gun. Compared to the T-34 Model 1943 withhexagonal turret, the T-43's turret armour was increased from 70 mm to 90 mm, hull from 47 mm front and 60 mmsides to 75 mm. It retained the same 76.2 mm F-34 tank gun and, for ease of production, shared at least seventypercent of its parts interchangeably with the T-34. But testing at Kubinka showed that the heavier T-43 couldn'tmatch the T-34's mobility, while its armour was still not heavy enough to stop the German 88mm gun.After the Battle of Kursk, Soviet planners realized that the T-34's biggest drawback was the ineffectiveness of its76.2mm gun against the frontal armour of the new German Tiger and Panther tanks. What was needed was a moreeffective gun rather than heavier armour. The T-43 turret was adapted to mount a more effective 85 mm gun, and tofit on the T-34 tank hull. The T-43 project was cancelled, and the new T-34-85 was put into production instead.The decision to improve on an existing design rather than commit to a major retooling of the factories wascharacteristic of Soviet philosophy which held enormous production level as paramount. While Germany—havingdouble the industrial resources of the Soviet Union—suffered a string of production and logistical difficulties whileintroducing new, technically superior tank models, the Soviets—maximizing productivity—accepted a compromiseby significantly improving their main tank, even though it did not match the new German Panther. The result wasthat while in May 1944 the Wehrmacht only had 304 Panthers operating on the Eastern Front, the Soviets wereproducing T-34-85 tanks at a rate of 1,200 per month.When the T-34-85 first appeared in combat, German intelligence initially misidentified it as the "T-43", based onreports about Soviet tank research.

References• Chamberlain, Peter and Chris Ellis (1972). Tanks of the World: 1915-1945. Cassell & Co. ISBN 0-304-36141-0.• Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (2006). "T-43 Medium Tank" [1], at morozov.com.ua. URL

accessed on October 5, 2006.• Russian Battlefield (1998). "T-34-85: Development History" [2], at The Russian Battlefield. URL accessed on

October 5, 2006.• Zaloga, Steven J. and James Grandsen (1984). Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of World War Two, pp 165,

169. London: Arms and Armour Press. ISBN 0-85368-606-8.• Zaloga, Steven J. and Jim Kinnear (1996). T-34-85 Medium Tank 1944–94, pp 3–4, 7, 8. Oxford: Osprey

Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-535-7.

T-43 tank 13

• Zaloga, Steven J., Jim Kinnear, Andrey Aksenov, and Aleksandr Koshchavtsev (1997). Soviet Tanks in Combat1941–1945: The T-28, T-34, T-34-85 and T-44 Medium Tanks, pp 5, 29. Hong Kong: Concord Publications.ISBN 962-361-615-5.

• Zaloga, Steven J. and Peter Sarson (1994). T-34 Medium Tank 1941–45, pp 24, 33, 38–9. Oxford: OspreyPublishing. ISBN 1-85532-382-6.

External links• T-43 Medium Tank [3] at Battlefield.ru [4]

• "T-43 Medium Tanks" [5] at WWIIVehicles.com [6]

References[1] http:/ / www. morozov. com. ua/ eng/ body/ tanks/ t-43. php?menu=history5. php[2] http:/ / english. battlefield. ru/ t-34-85. html[3] http:/ / english. battlefield. ru/ t-43. html[4] http:/ / english. battlefield. ru[5] http:/ / www. wwiivehicles. com/ ussr/ tanks-medium/ t-43. asp[6] http:/ / www. wwiivehicles. com/ index. htm

Panzer 61 14

Panzer 61

Panzer 61

Type Medium Tank

Place of origin  SwitzerlandService history

In service 1965 - 1994

Used by Switzerland

Production historyDesigned 1950s

Manufacturer Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte Thun

Produced 1965 - 1967

Number built 150

SpecificationsWeight 39 tonnes

Length 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in)

Width 3.06 m (10 ft 0 in)

Height 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)

Crew 4

Armour up to 120mm RHA

Mainarmament

1 x 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 with 56 rounds

Secondaryarmament

2 x 7.5mm Swiss Machine Gun with 3200 rounds

Engine Mercedes-Benz 8 cylinder V diesel engine630 hp

Suspension torsion bar

Ground clearance 400 mm

Operationalrange

250 km (160 mi)

Speed 55 km/h (31 mph)

Panzer 61 15

The Panzer 61 was a Swiss Cold War era medium tank. The tank had a weight of 36.5 tons and was powered by a630 hp diesel engine which gave it a top road speed of 31 mph.[1] The primary armament of the Panzer 61 was a 105mm main gun.

History

Panzer 61 at the Tank Museum in Thun,Switzerland

Swiss Panzer 61 MBT in Yad La-ShiryonMuseum, Israel.

During the early 1950s the Swiss Army tried to buy modern tanks toreinforce the armoured forces which, due to the war in Korea, provedto be impossible. As a stop-gap solution, the army bought AMX-13light tanks from France and decided to start the development of aSwiss-built main battle tank.

This led to a vehicle called Panzer 58. This tank had most of thecharacteristics of the later Panzer 61 with the exception of its maingun. The Panzer 58 was fitted with a British Ordnance QF 20pounder.[2] The Swiss Army took delivery of 10 preproduction models.In 1961 the parliament decided to buy 150 of the improved Panzer 61which were delivered between 1965 and 1967, produced at the RUAGLand Systems facility at Thun.[3]

In the years from 1967 to 1994 (when the last Panzer 61 battalion wasreequipped with more modern tanks) the tank underwent a series ofchanges and improvements which brought it very close to the standardof the Panzer 68 (its successor). Among many other changes, theoriginal and characteristic 20 mm secondary gun was replaced by anadditional machine gun in a coaxial turret mount. This lastdevelopment step was called Panzer 61 AA9.

The chassis was used as the basis of the Entpannungspanzer 65armoured recovery vehicle[1] and for the initial prototype of the

Brückenlegepanzer 68.[4]

In popular culture

Two Panzer 61 tanks were mocked up as Panzer III tanks in the film, Enemy at the Gates. These replicas would bere-used in All the Queen's Men and Defiance.

References[1] Chant, Christopher (1987). A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware. Routledge. pp. p.10. ISBN 0-7102-0720-4.[2] Ford, Roger (1997). The World's Great Tanks from 1916 to the present day. Brown Packaging Books Ltd. p. 121. ISBN 1-897884-29-X.[3] http:/ / www. janes. com/ extracts/ extract/ jaa/ jaa_0067. html[4] http:/ / www. janes. com/ extracts/ extract/ jmvl/ jmvl0200. html

External links• http:/ / www. armeemuseum. ch/ uploads/ media/ Dok_Panzer_68. pdf. pdf (document not available in English)• Action shots from privatly owned Panzer 68 and 61 (http:/ / www. zimmerliweb. ch/ events/ content/ view/ 15/ 9/

)

Vickers MBT 16

Vickers MBT

Vickers MBT Mk 3

Vijayanta MBT, a variant of the Vickers MBT.Type Main battle tank

Place of origin  United Kingdom

Service historyIn service 1965–today

Used by See users

Wars Iraq-Kuwait War

Production historyManufacturer Vickers Defence Systems

Produced 1963-1994

SpecificationsWeight 40 long tons (41 t)

Length 9.79 m (32 ft 1 in) overall gun forward

Width 3.17 m (10 ft 5 in)

Height 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)

Crew 4

Armour Glacis: 80 mmHull sides: 40 mm

Mainarmament

1 x 105 mm L7A1 gun with 50 rounds

Secondaryarmament

1 x 12.7 mm ranging MG with 700 rounds1 x 7.62 mm MG (pintle mount) with 1,300rounds1 x 7.62 mm MG (coax) with 1,300 rounds

Engine Detroit Diesel 12V-71T turbo-charged diesel720 hp

Power/weight 18 bhp/t

Transmission TN12 semi-automatic

Suspension Torsion bar suspension

Operationalrange

530 km (330 miles) on roads

Vickers MBT 17

Speed Road: 50 km/h (31 mph)Off road: 30 km/h (19 mph)

The Vickers MBT was a series of main battle tanks (MBTs) developed as a private venture by Vickers-Armstrongsfor export. The design makes use of proven components such as the L7 gun of the Centurion, and the Leyland L60multi-fuel engine, transmission and fire control system of the Chieftain. A large number of tanks were also built byIndia under licence.

Design and developmentThe Vickers MBT followed on from a 34-tonne 20-pdr gunned tank design intended for export. This would be aswell equipped as Centurion but substantially cheaper and with Vickers Vigilant missiles as effective. However withthe appreance of the 105 mm L7 gun into the British, US and German tank designs, this light tank would have beenless powerful while too large for the reconnaisance role and so a new design was required. With armour twice that ofthe light tank design it would still be 12 tonnes lighter than Centurion and hence more mobile. The design would usethe new engine and transmission of the Chieftain tank then being developed. The development conincided with anagreement with India in 1961 to produce a tank design and help set up a factory there to produce it.The Vickers MBT Mk 1 was designed to be a simple, low cost, but effective tank.[1] The first prototype wascompleted in 1963.[1] In 1964 one of the prototypes was sent to India.The Vickers was made of welded rolled homogeneous armour plates. It weighed 38,600 kg, carried a 105mm gunwith 44 rounds and had a top speed of 48 km/h.[1] 70 tanks were sold to Kuwait and a large number of a modifiedversion were made in India where the tank was called Vijayanta.[1]

Variants• The prototype of the Vickers MBT Mk 3 was completed in 1975 and the tank was designed to meet the same

requirements as the Mk 1 while offering better performance.[2] Improvements over the Mk 1 include betterarmour, a new diesel engine Detroit Diesel 12V-71T and a more modern fire control system EFCS 600 fromMarconi with a Pilkington PE Condor commander's dag/night sight, NANOQUEST L23 gunner's sight andSimrad LV352 laser rangefinder.[3] Production started in 1978 and a number of tanks were sold to Kenya andNigeria. The tank is armed with the same 105mm main gun L7A1 with 50 APFSDS, APDS, HEAT, HESH, HE,Smoke and Canister rounds. Sub-variants were the Vickers MBT Mk 3(I) with newly developed power train andsuspension system, and the Vickers MBT Mk 3(M). The latter one was developed for Malaysia and had anumber of improvements, for example ERA and an enhanced fire control system.[3]

• The Vickers Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle is based on the Mk 3 and is equipped with a main winch,pulleys, cables and towbars. Some vehicles have a crane capable of lifting 4,000 kg.[3]

• The Vickers Armoured Bridgelayer or Vickers AVLB is also based on the Mk 3 and is equipped with ahydraulically-operated launch and recovery system for an MLC 60/70 scissors bridge with a length of 13.41 m.[3]

Prototypes• A Vickers MBT Mk 2 version was planned, to be equipped with four Swingfire anti-tank missiles in addition to

the main gun, but this did not enter production.[4] Other changes included a new turret design and tracks thatcould sustain running at 56 kilometres per hour (35 mph).[5] Only one prototype was build.[3]

• The Vickers MBT Mk 4 Valiant was designed in 1977. It mounted a "Universal Turret" which was offered withdifferent gun options such as the rifled 120mm Royal Ordnance L11A5 from the Challenger, the 44-calibresmoothbore 120mm Rheinmetall L44 or the smoothbore GIAT CN-120 F1. The fire control system was Marconi's"Centaur". The hull was made of aluminium which proved to be too weak for the turret. This was only aprototype.

Vickers MBT 18

• The Vickers MBT Mk 7, developed in the 1980s, was a further development of the Mk 4 and was offered to theBritish Army and to a number of potential export costumers. In the end, only one prototype was built. The Mk 7had the same "Universal Turret" but the hull and chassis came from the Leopard 2.[6] The tank was fitted withChobham armour and had a fire control system with a Marconi digital computer, a SFIM day sight and a Philips2nd Gen thermal imager.[7]

• There was also a Vickers Anti-aircraft Tank, equipped with the Marksman turret,[3] as well as a self-propelled155mm howitzer with the GBT 155 turret.[8] The GBT 155 was unveiled in 1982 and was armed with the same155mm ordnance as the AS-90. It was designed primarily for existing tank chassis'.[9]

Operators•  Kenya - 76 MBT Mk 3 and 7 ARV delivered in 1979-1982[3]

•  Kuwait - 70 MBT Mk 1 delivered in 1970-1972, probably no longer operational[3]

•  Nigeria - 136 MBT Mk 3, 12 ARV and 26 AVLB delivered in 1983-1995[3]

•  Tanzania - 4 ARV delivered in 1989[3]

References[1] Gelbart, Marsh (1996). Tanks main battle and light tanks. Brassey’s UK Ltd. p. 108. ISBN 1-85753-168-X.[2] Gelbart, Marsh (1996). Tanks main battle and light tanks. Brassey’s UK Ltd. pp. 109–110. ISBN 1-85753-168-X.[3][3] Jane's Armour and Artillery 2003-2004[4] Ogorkiewicz, R M (1973). Vickers Battle Tank, Profile Publications, August 1973.[5] Foss, Christopher F; McKenzie, Peter (1988). The Vickers tanks From landships to Challenger. Patrick Stephens Limited. pp. 185–186.

ISBN 1-85360-141-8 .[6] http:/ / www. military-today. com/ tanks/ vickers_mk7. htm[7][7] International Defence Equipment Catalogue 1988-1989 Volume II[8][8] Tanks of the World (1990) ISBN 3-7637-5871-2[9][9] Jane's Armour and Artillery 1993-1994

• Orgorkiewcz, R M AFV Profile No. 45 Vickers Battle Tank, Profile Publishing

Chonma-ho 19

Chonma-ho

Ch'ŏnma-ho

Ch'ŏnma-ho V (Ma) during the Workers' Party of Korea 60th Anniversary Military Parade

Type Main battle tank

Place of origin  North Korea

Production historyDesigner Second Machine Industry Bureau[1]

Designed Before 1980[2]

Manufacturer Second Machine Industry Bureau[3]

Produced 1980[2] - Present

Number built More than 1,200[4][5]

SpecificationsWeight 40 tons

Length Hull length: 6.63 m (21.8 ft)

Width 3.52 m (11.5 ft)

Height 2.4 m (7.9 ft)

Crew 4

Armor Cast turret, Spaced Armor, explosive reactive armour

Mainarmament

115 mm 2A20 Smoothbore Gun/125mm 2A46 Smoothbore Gun

Secondaryarmament

KPV 14.5 mm heavy machine gun, 7.62 mm machine gun in coaxial mount

Engine Diesel750 hp (560 kW)

Power/weight 18.75 hp/ton

Suspension torsion-bar

Operationalrange

450 km

Speed 50 km/h

The Ch'ŏnma-ho or spelled as Chonma-ho (Chosŏn'gŭl: 천마호; Hanja: 天 馬 號), which means "Sky Horse" orPegasus, is one of North Korea's secretive indigenous main battle tank designs. The tank is also known by the nameof 천리마 전차 （ 千 里 馬 or the "Chollima Tank"). The original Ch'ŏnma-ho is based on the Soviet T-62. Thereare at least five different operational versions of the Ch'ŏnma-ho. Since its inception, the Ch'ŏnma-ho has beenupgraded various times. Not much is known about it, and its most recent public appearance was the 65thAnniversary Parade held in Pyongyang, North Korea, on 10 October 2010, celebrating the 65th anniversary of NorthKorea's ruling party.

Chonma-ho 20

A history of North Korea's armourAfter the Armistice Agreement of the Korean War in 1953, North Korea found itself in need of much more modernequipment. During the war, North Korea had been sold T-34s by the Soviet Union to combat American M4Shermans and M26 Pershings. According to a report to the United States Congress in 2000, the North Koreanmilitary had more or less 2,000 tanks garrisoned along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) alone.[6] This meansthat between the years 1954 and 2000 the North Koreans were able to stockpile over 2,000 tanks, including SovietT-55s and T-62s and Chinese Type 59s and Type 62s. A North Korean general who defected to South Korea alsosaid that due to a lack of fuel military exercises are limited.[7] It is also possible that many of the older vehicles usedby the North Korean People's Army are not well maintained and have suffered from years of use. This still remainstrue even assuming good maintenance, and the North Korean army would not be the only military experiencing this.Although not much is known about the North Korean military after the Korean War, it is known that they have manydifferent types of tanks. These include the Type 59 and Type 62, as well as the T-54, T-62 and possibly the T-72.The T-54 was probably sold to North Korea between 1960 and 1970, while the T-62 was reportedly sold in the mid1980s. Unconfirmed reports indicate a few T-72s may have been provided to North Korea in the early 1990s. It isknown that the North Koreans still make limited use of vintage World War II T-34s as well as well as the Soviet-eraPT-76/85 amphibious tanks. Up to 5,400 tanks are coupled with at least 12,000 self-propelled artillery pieces andthousands of other towed artillery pieces of unknown type and number.[8] The North Koreans also have at least ninedifferent types of armoured personnel carriers, including the BMP-1.

Ch'onma-ho

A conceptual drawing of the Ch'ŏnma-ho, withseveral upgrades, including the light explosive

reactive armour.

The Ch'ŏnma-ho has been issued to North Korea's premier armoredformations, and would lead the initial attempts to break through SouthKorean defences. Other armour is relegated to a secondary role in thiscorps or to North Korea's four mechanized corps. To underscore NorthKorea's concept of combined arms and the importance of armour, andtherefore the importance of the Ch'ŏnma-ho, North Korea's sole armourcorps is directly grouped with two mechanized corps and a singleartillery corps.[9] However, this forms the second echelon of North

Korea's deployment to the DMZ, with the first echelon composed of four infantry corps,[9] and the rest in strategicreserve. This may also play a part in a defensive strategy, as the North Korean army is arrayed in depth, and thearmour might be strategically placed to both provide offensive power and a second echelon composed of mobiledefences to plug a South Korean breakthrough along the DMZ.[10]

Soviet T-62. The Ch'ŏnma-ho is a direct copy ofthe T-62 with several upgrades.

The Ch'ŏnma-ho is a product of North Korea's approach of Juche, orself-reliance, which also includes several indigenous self-propelledartillery pieces. The idea of juche comes from a North Koreansentiment of abandonment by their allies, China and SovietUnion/Russia.[11] This accounts for their drive towards overproductionand for recent North Korean nuclear developments, as well as theproduction of long-range missiles which provide North Korea with itslonger range striking power. This all manifests itself within the'triangle' of North Korean military development - armour, artillery andmissiles. In fact, this seems reminiscent from Soviet military theory,including the application of overwhelming artillery support and the useof large amounts of armour to create a breakthrough after the initial

Chonma-ho 21

artillery disruption. In that sense, North Korean military strategy is very mobile, and the large amounts of tanksunderscores this. The Ch'ŏnma-ho is an attempt to partially address the technology gap between its current datedtank forces and South Korean K1A1 and the US M1 Abrams tank.

Production historyThere might be two versions of the Ch'ŏnma-ho 1: the copy of the Syrian T-62 in the late 1970s, and an original copyexported by the Soviet Union which may be the T-62D.[12] The Ch'ŏnma-ho is not related to the Chinese Type 62.Despite its relation to the T-62, the original version of the Ch'ŏnma-ho had thinner armour and was consequentlylighter.[13] This version of the tank has two distinctive bolts on the bottom portion of the upper glacis plate. TheCh'ŏnma-ho I name was also given (at least by the West and South Korean white papers) to the imported T-62,which was later slightly upgraded to the IM version. Although no dates are available, the Ch'ŏnma-ho I was laterupgraded to the II version with a laser rangefinder above the mantlet.[14] According to online sources thisCh'ŏnma-ho was upgraded once again, probably in the mid-1980s, with a 'boom shield'. The Ch'ŏnma-ho III mighthave also seen an armour upgrade with the addition of full-hull skirting and a new thermal shroud for the original115 mm main gun.[15]

The most modern Ch'ŏnma-ho tanks seem to be the IV and V versions. The Ch'ŏnma-ho IV is fitted with whatresemble EDZ light explosive reactive armour bricks. Judging by photographs, these are mounted specifically on theturret side, with at least eight bricks per side. The Ch'ŏnma-ho IV is reported to be upgraded with new side-mountedsmoke launchers.[14] North Korea is rumored to have received a few examples of the T-72s after 1992, and possiblya single T-90S main battle tank in August 2001.[15] Any conclusion regarding whether the Ch'ŏnma-ho has beenupgraded to the standards of either the T-72 or the T-90S would be highly speculative at this point.Around 90% of the Ch'ŏnma-ho is indigenously produced.[16] There is evidence, however, that North Korea haspurchased entire engines, or engine components, from Slovakia.[17] Furthermore, it is thought that ceramiccomponents, possibly for an upgraded armour scheme, are from foreign sources, as well as fire controlcomponents.[16] It is not clear how much is indigenously produced in regards to the different variants of theCh'ŏnma-ho. The figure of 90% could have changed considerably between the original Ch'ŏnma-ho I and theCh'ŏnma-ho V, although it should be kept into consideration that many of the major features are probably purchasedfrom abroad - especially for the upgrades of the tanks. It is not clear how much North Korea can afford on producingon its own, or how much it can afford to import for that matter. It is thought that North Korea is considerably low onresources, especially money, and this belief has been perpetuated after North Korea's nuclear test incidents in2006.[18] It is possible that Russia is supplying North Korea with several components for North Korea's tank projectswhich include the Ch'ŏnma-ho and quite possibly the M-2002, although no hard evidence can support this claim.In August 2010 North Korean media revealed images of its new main battle tank the Pokpung-ho (also known as theM-2002), which had been rumoured to have been under development since the early 1990s and to have undergoneperformance trials in 2002. While precise details of its capabilities remain unclear, the Pokpung-ho appears to besimply a further improvement of the Ch'ŏnma-ho.[19] The news concerning North Korea's future main battle tank hascertainly driven South Korea to look for outlets for their own national tank programs, including the future SouthKorean Main Battle Tank, the K2.

Deployment historyIt is unknown which units of the Korean People's Army might be outfitted with the Ch'ŏnma-ho. It is clear that theCh'ŏnma-ho is a general replacement for previously employed tanks, including the T-62, T-34 and Type 59 mediumtanks.[20] It is very possible that the Ch'ŏnma-ho will equip the spearhead and elite of North Korea's armouredforces. They are apparently deployed in sufficient numbers to be strategically significant. There might be as many as800 T-62s in addition to the over 1000 Ch'ŏnma-ho's in the North Korean army,[21] of which any number could beone of the five Ch'ŏnma-ho variants.

Chonma-ho 22

Models• Ch'ŏnma-ho I (Ga) - Lightened copy of the T-62 with thinner armour[3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho II (Na) - Similar to a stock T-62, but has several differences, has a laser rangefinder housed in ablister above the main gun atop the turret (though the original T-62 doers have a laser rangefinder, theCh’onma-ho 1 do not – and the laser rangefinder of the T-62 is an integral part of the fire control system, ratherthan an add-on part like on the Ch’onma-ho 2). Fitted with spaced appliqué armor on the turret in a ring aroundthe turret ("boom shield") – thin plates of steel welded onto the turret atop bars provide a space between theshields and the turret armor to provide the equivalent of spaced armor, as well as doubling as turret baskets forcrew equipment and vehicle equipment.[3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho III (Da) - A simple progressive upgrade of the Ch’onma-ho 2, with a thermal sleeve for the maingun and armored track skirts added. It is possible, but considered unlikely, that lugs for ERA have been addedsince its introduction; if they are present, they would be most likely found on the glacis and turret sides. A nightvision upgrade.[3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho IV (Ra) - Greatly upgraded armor protection, including composite armor on the glacis and turretfront, and appliqué or thickened armor elsewhere. Even the appliqué and/or thickened armor appears to be moreadvanced than earlier models, does not appear to have gained a huge amount of weight. A ballistic computer wasadded to the fire control suite, and the fire control suite has been integrated into a complete system rather thanbeing a patchwork of upgrades. Gun stabilization has been improved. Radios are improved, and the suspensionbeefed up. The new engine is a 750-horsepower model which can lay a thick, oily smoke screen by injectingdiesel fuel into its exhaust. Lugs for ERA (similar to the Russian Kontakt-3 ERA) added to turret sides, and lugson the armored track skirts and on the glacis. Lugs for a relatively small amount of ERA bricks on the turret front;the ERA on the turret front would only protect 40% of hits to the turret front. On side of turret, clusters of foursmoke grenade launchers; at the rear of the turret another cluster of four smoke grenade launchers, firingbackwards instead of forwards.[3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho V (Ma) - Armor upgrades derived partially from the T-90S and T-72S, as well as a better ballisticcomputer and the addition of the aforementioned thermal imagers. Upgraded main gun – a copy of the 125mm2A46 gun, complete with an autoloader. The fire control system replaced with one matching the new main gun,and the spent shell ejection system dispensed . Use wider tracks.[3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho VI (Ba) - Newly improved armor. fitted with rubber plates to defend shape charged warheads. Thechassis has been stretched, and six roadwheels per side instead of five. [3]

• Ch'ŏnma-ho II - Designation for imported T-62• Ch'ŏnma-ho IM - Improved imported T-62[3]

Variants• Ch'ŏnma-ho ARV - Armoured recovery vehicle with a casemate superstructure• Ch'ŏnma-ho Command - Command variant of the tank with a fake main gun• Juche-Po - Self-propelled artillery gun on a modified Ch'ŏnma-ho chassis. The Juche-Po is an improvement over

the Tok-Ch'ŏn artillery piece, which was mounted on an ATS-59 chassis. There are at least four M1991 versionsof the Juche-Po, each mounting a different gun; the D-30 122 mm, D-74 122 mm, the M-46 130 mm and theML-20 152 mm howitzer. A fifth M1992 version is armed with the SM-4-1 130 mm howitzer. These artillerypieces can be identified by their six road wheels, as compared to the Tok-Ch'ŏn's five, and a prominent recoilcylinder which protrudes from the turret. Another major difference is the fact that the Juche-Po has a fullyencased rounded turret, as opposed to the older open-topped self-propelled artillery pieces used previously.

Chonma-ho 23

Operators•  Iran - 150 ordered in 1981 from North Korea and delivered between 1982 and 1985.[2][4][5]

•  North Korea - 470 were produced between 1980 and 1989 (the original order was placed in 1976).[2] Overallmore than 1,200 were produced.[4][5] as many as 1,000 are currently in service in addition to roughly 800 T-62's(Which are capable of receiving the same upgrades)

Notes[1][1] Bermudez Jr., p 50.[2] SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (http:/ / armstrade. sipri. org/ arms_trade/ trade_register. php)[3] CH¹ONMA-HO. (http:/ / www. jedsite. info/ tanks-charlie/ charlie/ chonma-ho_series/ chonmaho-series. html) Retrieved on December 11,

2007.(registration required)[4] "softland" (http:/ / www. softland. com. pl/ aerojac/ aaa/ t62/ t62. htm)[5] Igor Witkowski. Czołgi Świata. W-wa.[6] 2000 Report to Congress: Military Situation on the Korean Peninsula (http:/ / www. defenselink. mil/ news/ Sep2000/ korea09122000. html)[7] About:Military History (http:/ / militaryhistory. about. com/ od/ currentconflicts/ a/ koreanmilitary_2. htm)[8] 2000 Report to Congress (http:/ / www. defenselink. mil/ news/ Sep2000/ korea09122000. html)[9][9] Hodge, pg. 6[10][10] Hetherington, pg. 9[11][11] Hetherington, pg. 3[12][12] Warford (2005), p.2[13] www.jedsite.info, Ch'ŏnma-ho.(registration required)[14][14] Jedsite.[15][15] Warford (2005), p 3.[16] Geibel (http:/ / www. strategypage. com/ htmw/ htarm/ articles/ 20020708. aspx)[17][17] Bermudez (2001), p 51.[18][18] Macintyre, Time Asia[19] "S. Korea Studies North's New Battle Tank" (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story. php?i=4748528). DefenseNews. 17 August 2010. .[20][20] Bermudez (2001), p 50.[21][21] Isenberg

References• Bermudez Jr., Joseph S. (2001-03-14). The Armed Forces of North Korea. I.B. Tauris. ISBN 1-86064-486-4.• Geibel, Adam (2002) Armor - July 8, 2002 (http:/ / www. strategypage. com/ htmw/ htarm/ articles/ 20020708.

aspx) strategypage.com• Hetherington, Jay A. (2004), North Korea: Through the Looking Glass (http:/ / www. strom. clemson. edu/

publications/ northkorea. pdf), Strom Thurmond Institute (http:/ / www. strom. clemson. edu/ publications/ ).• Hodge, Homer T. (2003) North Korea's Military Strategy (http:/ / www. carlisle. army. mil/ USAWC/ Parameters/

03spring/ hodge. pdf), Parameters (http:/ / www. carlisle. army. mil/ USAWC/ Parameters/ ), US Army WarCollege

• Isenberg, David, "North Korea rolls out new tank" (http:/ / www. atimes. com/ atimes/ Korea/ DG06Dg01. html),Asian Times.

• Macintyre, Donald "Kim's War Machine" (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ asia/ covers/ 501030224/ army. html),TIME Asia.

• Warford, James (1998). "The Ch'ŏnma-ho Main Battle Tank: A Look at the Present and Future of North Korea's'Flying Horse'" in Armor, September 1, 2005. Fort Knox, KY: US Army Armor Center. ISSN 0004-2420.

• 2000 Report to Congress: Military Situation on the Korean Peninsula (http:/ / www. defenselink. mil/ news/Sep2000/ korea09122000. html) defenselink.mil

• Kharkiv Modernization of T-62 tank (http:/ / www. morozov. com. ua/ eng/ body/ t62. php?menu=def2. php)Kharkiv Morozov website.

Chonma-ho 24

• North Korean Military Capabilities (http:/ / militaryhistory. about. com/ od/ currentconflicts/ a/ koreanmilitary_2.htm) about.com

External links• North Korea errors report (http:/ / forum. shrapnelgames. com/ showthread. php?t=43303)

M-84 25

M-84

M-84

Serbian M-84Type Main battle tank

Place of origin  Yugoslavia

Service historyIn service 1985 – present

Used by Kuwait, Serbia, Slovenia

Wars Gulf WarYugoslav wars

Production historyDesigned 1979 - 1983

Produced 1984 - 1991

Number built 652

SpecificationsWeight 41.5 tonnes

Length 9.53 m

Width 3.57 m

Height 2.19 m

Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver)

Armor 5 lance grenades fumigating, composite alloy; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler withceramic component.

Mainarmament

125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun

Secondaryarmament

7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun

Engine diesel V-46TK1,000 hp (750 kW)

Power/weight 24.10 hp/tonne

Suspension torsion bar

Fuel capacity 1200 + 400l

M-84 26

Operationalrange

700 km

Speed 68 km/h

The M-84 is a Yugoslav 2nd generation main battle tank. The M-84 is in service in Bosnia and Herzegovina,Croatia, Kuwait, Slovenia & Serbia.

Development and productionThe M-84 is based on the Soviet T-72 but with several modifications, including: a domestic fire-control system,improved composite armor, and a 1000-hp engine. The M-84 entered service with the Yugoslav People's Army in1984. The improved M-84A version entered service a few years later.There were about 240 Yugoslav factories which directly participated in the production of the M-84 and about 1,000others which participated indirectly. The main factories were:

• Đuro Đaković, Slavonski Brod, final tank production • Bratstvo, Travnik, main gun• FAMOS, Pale, engine • Metalski zavodi Tito, Skopje, multiplicator• Iskra Fotona, Ljubljana, lasers and electronics • 11 oktomvri, Prilep• Zrak Sarajevo, Sarajevo, optics • Ruen, Kočani• Slovenske Železarne, Ravne, steel and armour • Rudi Cajevec, Banja Luka, electronics• Prvi Partizan, Užice, ammunition • Sever, Subotica, autoloader• Pretis, Vogosca, ammunition • Jugoturbina, Karlovac• Prva Petoletka, Trstenik, hydraulics • Radoje Dakic, Podgorica• 21 Maj, Rakovica, manual turret traverse • Industrija lezajeva Kotor, Kotor

In the late 1980s, a project for a replacement tank called the M-91 Vihor (Whirlwind) was started. Unlike the M-84,the Vihor was not a copy of a Soviet tank, but a new design from scratch. Two prototypes were created by 1991. Onewas completely finished, but the factory refused to deliver it to the Yugoslav People's Army. The second prototypeonly had its body completed. Due to the disintegration of Yugoslavia, the M-91 project was paused until the end ofthe civil war in Croatia. After 1994, the second tank body was fitted with a new turret and the entire project wasrenamed Croatian main battle tank M-95 Degman. The M-95 Degman is still inprototype/experimental/technological-testbed phase.Croatia also created an M-84D Degman upgrade package for the M-84. The Croatian army planned to upgrade its 75M-84 tanks to the M-84D revision, but due to the economical crisis, the upgrade was postponed.The latest Serbian version of the M-84 is the M-84AS, unveiled in 2004. It features a new fire control system,Kontakt-5 ERA armor, AT-11 Sniper anti-tank missiles, Agava-2 thermal sight, and the Shtora defensive suite. It isvery similar to the Russian T-90S, both in appearance and in capability.About 150 M-84 tanks were exported to Kuwait. The disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s prevented furtherexports of the M-84.

M-84 27

Design

ArmamentThe M-84A is armed with a 2A46 125 mm smooth bore cannon. The gas cylinder positioned in the middle of thebarrel is shielded with a thermal coating that minimizes deformation of the barrel from high temperatures andensures it is cooled at the same rate during rapid firing. The M84 uses an automatic loader, which enables it tosustain a firing rate of 8 rounds per minute.The cannon's ammunition is stowed underneath the turret (40 rounds) within the hull of the tank. This concept wasinherited from the original Soviet design for T-72 and is both a strength and weakness of the tank. While the lowerhull beneath the turret is one of the least likely place to be hit and penetrated by antitank rounds or mines, it alsomeans, that in the event of penetration and secondary detonation of the ammunition, the crew and tank are unlikelyto survive the resulting catastrophic explosion. This weakness was exploited by Croatian soldiers in the CroatianWar of Independence to the detriment of the YPA's tank crews. In later stages of the conflict, losses were reduced byadjusting and improving tactics.Along with its primary armament, the M-84 is also armed with one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and one 12.7mmanti-aircraft gun mounted on the commander's turret.All versions of the M-84 have a crew of three. The commander sits on the right side of the turret, the gunner on theleft, and the driver sits centrally at the front end of the vehicle. Like most Soviet derived vehicles, the M-84 series oftanks do not have a manual loader, due to the tank's autoloader system.

ProtectionThe armour of the M-84AS tank consists of cylindrical pad, high-hardness steel, titanium, tungsten, aluminium aswell as modular Kontakt-5 reactive armour plates. Croatian M-95 Degman versions use improved armor protectionwith four layers of titanium, two layers of tungsten and three layers of ceramic armor giving protection of 592 mmagainst HEAT and kinetic attacks. In addition to this, the Degman is extensively covered with explosive reactivearmour plating.Twelve smoke grenades are positioned in front of the turret in banks of five and seven grenades. Thermal imagingand infrared guidance are positioned on the top-right side of the turret. The M-84 has a search light used inshort-range combat situations.The M-84 tank has nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection capabilities.

MobilityThe base M-84 engine is a 12-cylinder water-cooled V46-6 diesel engine, rated at 574 kW. The improved M-84Ahas a more powerful, V46-TK 735 kW (1,000 hp) engine. With maximum fuel capacity (1,200 litres) the tank's rangeis 450 km, and with external fuel tanks, this range can be extended to 650 km.The Croatian-made variants have enhanced power plants. The M-84A4 Sniper model has a German-built 820 kW(1,100 hp) engine, while the M-84D has a 895 kW (1,200 hp) engine, the most powerful of all M-84 variants. TheM-84D also has greater fuel capacity (1,450 litres).The tank can ford 1.2 meters of water at any time, or up to 5 meters with a snorkel.

M-84 28

Variants• M-84A (Yugoslavia) - An upgraded original M-84 with a new engine and sights.• M-84AB (Yugoslavia) - The M-84AB comes with the new SUV-M-84 computerized fire-control system,

including the DNNS-2 gunner's day/night sight, with independent stabilization in two planes and integral laserrangefinder. It also comes with the TNP-160 periscope, TNPA-65 auxiliary periscope, and DNKS-2 day/nightcommander's periscopes, as well as the TNPO-168V driver's periscope. Furthermore, the M-84AB is fitted withnew gyrocompass, communication and intercom systems. This variant is in service in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti 35thash-shahid (Martyr's) Armoured Brigade, armed with several dozen M-84AB's, took part in Operation DesertStorm. During the fighting, only two M-84ABs were lost, but both were later recovered.

• M-84ABN (Yugoslavia) - This variant is simply a M-84AB, fitted with land navigation equipment.• M-84ABK command tank (Yugoslavia) - This is a M-84AB fitted with extensive communication equipment,

land navigation equipment, and a generator for the command role.• M-84A4 Sniper (Croatia) - This version includes the all-new SCS-84 day/night sight, DBR-84 ballistic computer

and improved elevation and traverse sensors. Croatia purchased around 40 of these models from 1996 till 2003from its domestic factory. As rumoured, these tanks have a different engine of German origin, rated at 1,100 hpinstead of the 1,000 hp powerplant originally installed, but this information has never been officially confirmed.A Racal communication suite also replaced the older communication set. As of 2008, the entire Croatian M-84tank fleet was upgraded to M-84A4 standard.

• M-84AI armoured recovery vehicle (Yugoslavia and Poland) - During the mid-1990s Kuwait requested anarmoured recovery vehicle variant of the M-84A tank as part of the deal to buy a large batch of M-84A tanks. Thevehicle had to be developed in very short time so it was decided that it should be based on an already workingforeign vehicle rather than designed and built independently. The Polish WTZ-3 license was bought and Polishparts were used in the M-84AI project completed in the factory "14 October" in Kruševac. There was also a planfor a M-84ABI for Kuwait, but this idea failed. It is armed only with a 12.7mm machine-gun fitted to thecommander's hatch and 12 smoke grenade mortars (8 right and 4 left). Standard equipment includes: A TD-50crane, front-mounted stabilizing dozer blade, main and secondary winches.

• M-84AS (Serbia) - This is the latest upgrade package of the M-84A in the Serbian Army. Adding a new firecontrol system, new armour consisting of cylindrical pad, high-hardness steel, titanium, aluminum, and NERA aswell as modular Kontakt-5 armour, new AT-11 Sniper and Agava-2 thermal sights, and the Shtora defense suite.The first public appearance of the M-84AS was in July 2004 at the Nikinci military base. It appeared to be verysimilar to the Russian T-90S, both in appearance and in capability. The differences reportedly consist of betterarmour on the T-90S, whereas the M-84AS has superior maneuverability. The M-84AS was also tested byKuwaiti Army as part of an international tender, but a bid by a Turkish company was selected instead. It can alsosurvive multiple hits at relatively close ranges from ATGMs or other hits from tanks. New thermal imagingcameras were mounted for the commander and driver so that the tank can operate at night. It is fitted with the125 mm 2A46M smooth bore gun and a 1,200 hp diesel engine giving a maximum speed of 72 km/h. In addition,there were a number of undisclosed Arab countries that are interested in the purchase of the M-84AS.

• M-84D (Croatia) - This variant brings existing M-84 variants to the M-84D standard, equipped with a new 1,200 hp (895 Kw) engine and new RRAK ERA armour. The M-84D is equipped with a Rafael - Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station, and a new Omega ballistic computer (Slovenian Fotona-made digital ballistic computer). The M-84D has an electric cupola, which means it can fire at two targets at once. It has a new SDZ defence system, which has the capability to protect the crew from biological, chemical and nuclear strikes. The M-84D is also equipped with new thermal imaging that is able to see at night, through fog, in shade, and during a storm. A new Racal communication system was also installed, which now comes as standard on all new M84D and M84A4 tanks. Diehl, the German firm which supplies track for the Leopard 2 is also supplying tracks for the

M-84 29

Croatian M-84D and M-84A4 tanks. The M-84A4 and M-84D have an operational range of 700 km and amaximum speed of 65 km/h.The M-84D has also a 15% faster auto loader, meaning 9 shells per minute instead of8 shells per minute.[1] The M-84D is a second version of the upgraded tanks.It has also chains on the back of thetank to protect the engine and has SLAT armour around the ammunition to prevent an ATG or a shell from hittingit. M-84D received few additional upgrades, Turret basket was added to provide extra space for extra ammunitionand to provide increased armour protection. Turret basket has additional slat armour, which adds additionalarmour to the exterior of the tank. M84D and M84A4 are to receive 12.7mm Kongsberg Protector RemoteWeapon Stations which are to be integrated on to all M84D and M84A4 tanks. M-84D will also feature LIRD-4B- Laser irradiation detector and warner and LAHAT anti tank missiles. There is a potential for integration ofSwiss 120 mm compact gun developed by RUAG. This option is being now seriously considered as this wouldallow Croatia to use NATO 120 m standard ammunition. 120 mm RUAG compact gun is a preferred option overGerman Rheinmetall L44 120 mm cannon which is more expensive and would require German support, whereasRUAG will provide technical know how and technology transfer to Đuro Đaković specijalna vozila d.d.. The finalversion is due to be presented to the public by late 2009 or early 2010 and conversion of existing tanks is to startby 2011.

Operational history

Desert Storm

Kuwaiti M-84s taking part in Operation DesertStorm.

A Kuwaiti M-84 during Operation Desert Shield,demonstrates its ability to lay a smoke screen.

Prior to the Gulf War, Kuwait ordered 170 M-84ABs, 15 M-84ABIARVs and 15 M-84ABK command tanks, from Yugoslavia. FourM-84A tanks were delivered, however the Iraqi Army soon capturedthem after the occupation. Further deliveries were stopped for theduration of the war. The Kuwaiti 35th Al-Shaheed Armoured Brigadewas equipped with 70 M-84s. During the retaking of the country, the35th Brigade did not directly take part in battles with Iraqi tanksbecause of the M-84s resemblance to Iraqi T-72s. The M-84 washowever very effective against T-62s and T-55s but some unconfirmedreports claim that a few of them were damaged, but recovered andrepaired.

Yugoslav wars

Slovenia

During the Ten-Day War, the Yugoslav People's Army (YPA)attempted to regain control over border crossings, airports and otherstrategic positions in Slovenia. The Slovenian Territorial Defence hadno armoured units of its own, as such YPA M-84s were commonlyused to break through barricades. The YPA lost some 20 M-84s toinsurgent tactics. Slovenia inherited all the M-84s within its territory,once the ceasefire and Slovenia's independence was accepted.

Croatia

The M-84 saw action in the Battle of Vukovar, where the YPA deployed large columns of main battle tanks withoutthe support of the infantry. Tanks and APC's found themselves extremely exposed and suffered significant losses.The Croatian Army captured about 50 M-84 MBTs from Yugoslav Peoples Army during the Battle of the Barracks.

M-84 30

Bosnia

During the Bosnian War, M-84s saw little action; the mainstay of all 3 warring parties was the T-55. At thebeginning of war, YPA units located in Bosnia and Herzegovina had passed their equipment to the Army ofRepublika Srpska (VRS). The VRS had several dozen M-84s with the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina managing tocapture only three M-84s. A number of M-84 tanks were used during the Siege of Sarajevo, as well during smallerlocalized conflicts. The number of M-84 tanks destroyed during the Bosnian war is unknown.

Operators

Current operators KuwaitKuwaitKuwaiti M-84• Kuwaiti Army is equipped with 149 M-84AB MBTs in M-84AB, M-84ABK and M-84ABN versions bought

prior to Operation Desert Storm from Yugoslavia.•• 35th Shahid (Martyr's) Armoured Brigade equipped with 70 M-84s.  Serbia

• The Serbian Army operates 212 M-84s and M-84A's.[2]

•• 15th Tank Battalion•• 26th Tank Battalion•• 36th Tank Battalion•• 46th Tank Battalion

 SloveniaSloveniaSlovenian M-84• The Slovenian Army operates 54 M-84 tanks. Most of them are in active service, modernized to the M-84A4

Sniper standard.•• 45th Armoured Battalion of 72nd Brigade equipped with 54 M-84s (13 active, rest in operational reserve).

Former operators  Yugoslavia

• The Yugoslav Peoples Army operated about 450 M-84s in M-84 and M-84A versions. The M-84 was intended toreplace the T-34, T-55, M4 Sherman, and M47 Patton tanks. Most JNA tanks were passed to successor state, FRYugoslavia, while a number of them was also captured by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia in thewar.• 1st Armoured Brigade of 14th Corps at Vrhnika.• 4th Armoured Brigade of 10th Corps at Jastrebarsko.• 211th Armoured Brigade of 21st Corps at Niš.• 252nd Armoured Brigade of 37st Corps at Kraljevo• 329th Armoured Brigade of 5th Corps at Banja Luka• 51st Armoured Brigade of 24th Corps at Pančevo.• 243rd Armoured Brigade of 41st Corps from Skopje.• 265th Armoured Brigade of 32nd Corps at Varaždin.

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia• Yugoslav Army:

• 252nd Armoured Brigade of Kragujevac Corps.• 211th Armoured Brigade of Niš Corps.

Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

M-84 31

• First M-84 tanks operated by Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina were captured in 1992 nearDoboj.•• 1st Tesanjska Brigade, operated 3 M-84s.

Republika Srpska• The Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) operated about 65 M-84s. Since the VRS was integrated into the Armed

Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina the fate the remaining M-84s is unknown.• 101st Armoured Brigade at Banja Luka operated about 65 M-84s.[3]

Republic of Serbian Krajina• Military of Serbian Krajina was equipped with some 31 M-84s.

•• 2nd Armoured Brigade operated 31 M-84s.

References[1] Holistic Approach to MBT development (http:/ / www. hrbi. hr/ _images/ files/ izdavastvo_52. pdf)[2] ТЕНК М84 (http:/ / www. vs. rs/ index. php?content=01add3a2-0329-102c-8859-e480d5acdc4a) (in Serbian)[3] Centre for Southeast European Studies (http:/ / www. csees. net/ ?page=country_section& country_id=2& sec=8)

External links• Article on the M84-AB1 (http:/ / www. odbrana. mod. gov. rs/ odbrana001/ 64-65. pdf) (.pdf, in Serbian)• M-84 (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ m-84. htm) at the FAS.• Eduard Šoštarić (17 April 2007). "300 Million Dollar Deal for Djuro Djakovic" (http:/ / www. nacional. hr/ en/

articles/ view/ 33530/ 18/ ). Nacional (weekly). Archived (http:/ / www. webcitation. org/ 69QKscTrH) from theoriginal on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2012.—Kuwait deal with Croatia to update M-84 to M-84D.

Arjun (tank) 32

Arjun (tank)

Arjun MBT

Arjun MBT conducting driving test on sand bermsType Main battle tank

Place of origin  India

Production historyDesigner CVRDE, DRDO

Designed March 1974–present

Manufacturer Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi

Unit cost 17.2 crore (US$3.1 million)[1]

Produced 2004–present

Number built 124 (124 Mk-I and 124 Mk-II ordered)[2][3][4][5][6]

Variants Tank EX

SpecificationsWeight 58.5 tonnes (57.6 long tons; 64.5 short tons)

Length 10.638 metres (34 ft 10.8 in)

Width 3.864 metres (12 ft 8.1 in)

Height 2.32 metres (7 ft 7 in)

Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver)

Armor steel/composite Kanchan armour.

Mainarmament

120 mm rifled tank gunLAHAT anti-tank missileHEAT, APFSDS, HESH Rounds[7]

Secondaryarmament

HCB 12.7 mm AA MGMag 7.62 mm Tk715 coaxial MG[7]

Engine MTU 838 Ka 501 diesel1,400 hp (1,040 kW)

Power/weight 23.9hp/tonne,[8]

Arjun (tank) 33

Transmission Renk epicyclic train gearbox, 4 fwd + 2 rev gears

Suspension hydropneumatic

Ground clearance 0.45 metres (1 ft 6 in)

Fuel capacity 1,610 litres (350 imp gal; 430 US gal)

Operationalrange

450 kilometres (280 mi)[7]

Speed 72 km/h (45 mph) Road[7] 40 km/h (25 mph) Cross country[7]

The Arjun (Sanskrit: अर्जुन) is a third generation main battle tank developed by India's Defence Research andDevelopment Organization (DRDO), for the Indian Army. The tank is named for Arjun, a character in the Indianepic, Mahabharata.The Arjun features a 120 mm main rifled gun with indigenously developed APFSDS ammunition, one 7.62 mmcoaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. It is powered by a single MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated at1,400 hp, and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). Ithas a four-man crew: commander, gunner, loader and driver. Automatic fire detection and suppression, and NBCprotection systems are included. All-round anti-tank warhead protection by the newly developed Kanchan armour isclaimed to be much higher than available in comparable third generation tanks.[9]

In March 2010, the Arjun was pitted against the T-90 in comparative trials and performed well. Subsequently delaysand other problems in its development from the 1990s to the 2000s prompted the Indian Army to order vast numbersof T-90S tanks from Russia to meet requirements that the Arjun had been expected to fulfill.[9][10]

Army placed an order for an additional 124 Arjun Mk-I tanks on 17 May 2010 and 124 Arjun Mk-II Tanks on 9August 2010.[2][11][12][13]

The Arjun entered service with the Indian Army in 2004.[14] The tanks were first inducted into the 43rd ArmouredRegiment, Indian Army Armoured Corps, which was later built up to regiment strength in 2009,[14] while the latestinduction has been into the 75th Armoured Regiment on 12 March 2011.[15]

History

Planning and developmentThe DRDO, with its Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) as the main laboratory,was tasked to develop the hull, armour, turret, running gear and gun for the tank, with the powerpack beingimported.[16]

Although the development of the tank began in 1972 by the CVRDE, it was only in 1996 that the Indian governmentdecided to mass produce the tank at Indian Ordnance Factory's production facility in Avadi.[9][17]

When first accepted for service in the army, the Arjun relied heavily on foreign components and technology. Initiallyclose to 50% of the tank's components were imported, which included the engine, transmission, gun barrel, tracks,and fire control system.[18] However, several of these have since been replaced by indigenous systems or are beingsupplied by Indian companies.[19][20] Recent comments from Army sources indicate that the Russian T-90S willform the mainstay of its future force, despite that tank’s performance issues in hot weather.The Arjun project experienced serious budget overruns and repeated delays that resulted in a development time ofover 37 years. A complicating factor was that advances in technology and the threat environment in the interveningyears led to multiple revision of requirements by the Army. While the government sanctioned 15.5 crore (US$2.8million) for the initial design in May 1974,[16] by 1995, DRDO had spent Rs. 300 crore (US$ 54.6 million) ondevelopment due to changing requirements and inflationary cost increases.[21]

Arjun (tank) 34

Production and deploymentThe Indian Army ordered 124 Arjuns in 2000,[22] expected to cost US$471.2 million.[1]

Early development versions of the Arjun were held by 43 Armoured Regiment which were shown in display in theRepublic Day Parade of 2001.[23] The first batch of 16 production version Arjun tanks were received in 2004[14][24]

and they were provided as a squadron to the 43rd Armoured Regiment. The regiment was later made up to 45 tankson 25 May 2009 making it the first Arjun regiment of the Indian Army.[14][25] More than 100 tanks have beendelivered to the Indian Army by June 2011.[26] The latest regiment to be completely equipped by the Arjun tank is 75Armoured Regiment which was the last regiment in the Indian Army to hold the T-55 tank.[15]

Upgrades

Arjun Tank model

As part of improving the Arjun to the Mark-II variant, DRDO iscontinuing to develop new technology systems for MBT Arjun, inorder to improve performance in areas like automatic target locating,tracking and destruction.[27] The Arjun MK-II variant is beingdeveloped in coordination with and with the involvement of the IndianArmy and will feature several modifications that are being sought byit.[6]

DRDO is developing the Tank Urban Survival Kit which is a series ofimprovements to the Arjun intended to improve fighting ability inurban environments which includes defensive aids like laser warning,IR jammer, and aerosol smoke grenade system.[28][29]

CVRDE is in the process of developing tank simulators.[27]

DRDO is developing a Laser Warning Control System (LWCS) in cooperation with Elbit Limited of Israel to beequipped on the Arjun at regimental level trials with T-90s. The MCS is being developed by DRDO to help the tankreduce the threat of interference from all types of sensors and smart munitions of the enemy in the tank's systems.LWCS includes the defensive aids mentioned, and will help reduce the signatures of the tank in the battle field andimprove its survivability. DRDO is also co-developing the and Mobile Camouflaging System (MCS) technologyalong with a Gurgaon-based private sector defence manufacturer Barracuda Camouflaging Limited.The upgrade also includes a new improved 1500 hp engine.[30][31] An anti-helicopter round is under development aswell.[9]

Arjun (tank) 35

SpecificationsWeighing in at 58.5 tons, the Arjun tank is significantly heavier than the Soviet-legacy tanks used presently by theIndian Army, and required changes to the army's logistics establishment, including new railroad cars to transport thebigger and heavier Arjuns. The required logistical changes have been made but the cost of the whole project hasincreased.

Armament

LAHATmissile

Armed with a 120 mm rifled gun, the Arjun is believed to be capable of firing APFSDS (KineticEnergy) rounds, HE, HEAT, High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) rounds at the rate of 6-8 roundsper minute and the Israeli developed semi-active laser guided LAHAT missile. The LAHAT is agun-launched missile and is designed to defeat both enemy armour and enemy combat helicopters. Inaddition, the Arjun is armed with a 12.7 mm AA machine gun and a 7.62 mm coaxial machinegun.[32] The Arjun can carry 39 rounds in special blast-proof canisters. The Arjun uses a manualloader and has a crewman to reload the gun.

Fire control and navigation

Arjun gunnery simulator.

The computerised fire control system aboard Arjun has been jointlydeveloped by DRDO with the Elbit,Israel.[33] The Fire Control Systemis stabilised on two axes, and with an extremely high hit probability(design criteria call for a greater than 0.9 Pk) replaces an earlieranalogue one, which had problems due to its inability to function underthe harsh desert conditions.[17] The combined day sight from BharatElectronics Ltd. and the thermal imager (formerly from Sagem, nowreported to be from El-Op) constitute the gunner's primary sight. Thefirst batch of tanks of the 124 ordered by the Army will have anall-digital Sagem FCS, whereas the second block will have the BELunit, which will be used for all units thereafter. The commander's own

stabilised panoramic sight allows him to engage targets and/or hand them over to the gunner.[34] The Arjun has anauxiliary power unit to operate weapon systems in silent watch mode as well.[9][35][36]

The tank incorporates GPS-based navigation systems and sophisticated frequency hopping radios. Thestate-of-the-art Battlefield Management System, co-developed by DRDO and Ebit Israel, allows it to network withother fighting units.[37] The Arjun has the capability to network with other tanks, thanks to its Battle ManagementSystem. In a search and engage operation, several Arjun tanks can monitor an opponent and his moves, and try toeliminate him in a chase or ambush.[9][35][36]

Arjun (tank) 36

ProtectionThe turret and glacis are heavily armoured and use "Kanchan" ("gold") modular composite armour. The Kanchanarmour got its name from Kanchan Bagh, Hyderabad, where the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory(DMRL) is located.[38] The armour is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled Homogenous Armor(RHA) to defeat APFDS or HEAT rounds. During the trials in 2000, the Kanchan was able to withstand a hit from aT-72 at point blank range, and was able to defeat all available HESH and APFSDS rounds, which included the IsraeliAPFSDS rounds.[38] A new honeycomb design non-explosive and non-energetic reactive armour (NERA) armour isreportedly being tested on the Arjun. Nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection equipment mine sweepsand an automatic fire fighting system. Electromagnetic-counter mine system can also be installed an electromagneticpulse to disable magnetic mines and disrupt electronics before the tank reaches them signature reduction suite is alsoavailable for the is designed to reduce the probabilities of an object to be detected by Infrared, Thermal,Radar-Thermal, and Radar bands.[39]electro-optical/IR "dazzlers" Laser warning receivers,aerosol grenadedischarging systems and a computerised control system.the tank has been 'painted' by a weapon-guidance laser andallows the crew to slew the turret to face the threat. The infrared jammer, laser rangefinders and designatorsnavigation (Inertia/GPS), observation systems and sensors, real-time command and beyond-vision-range targetengaging.advanced Fire Control System (FCS) linked to a millimetre band radar system laser range-finder andcrosswind sensoronboard millimetre band radar, IR and radiometer sensors. The millimetre band radar systemmounted on the turret is capable of operating as a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) Visual and InfraredScreening Smoke also has a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and radar jammer. Four all-bearing Laser warningreceivers (LWR)The new fire-control system enables the Merkava to shoot down helicopters and find and destroyarmoured attack helicopters Battle Management System Battle Management System panoramic sight Thecommander's station is equipped with eight periscopes for 360° vision.ommander's independent thermal viewer,weapon station, position navigation equipment, and a full set of controls and displays linked by a digital databus.improved fire control system.[18] The System Enhancement Package (SEP) added digital maps,improvedcooling system to compensate for heat generated by the additional computer systems.FBCB2 capabilities,FBCB2capabilities,New radars,EW Systems,C4ISR Systems,gun control system (GCS).[9]Integrated BattlefieldManagement System" (IBMS) and Active protection System.[39]

A Mobile Camouflage System has been developed and integrated into the Arjun as part of the 'Development ofDefensive Aids System' project.[40] in collaboration with Barracuda Camouflage Limited,to reduce the vehiclesignature against all known sensors and smart munitions.An Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS) for the fire control system has been developed.This consists of a laser warning system, Infra-Red (IR) jammer and aerosol smoke grenade system. This is beingdeveloped jointly with Elbit Systems Limited of Israel. The ALWCS has been integrated on Arjun MBT and trialshave been carried out.[40][41]

MobilityThe engine and transmission are provided by German companies MTU and Renk respectively.[42] The water-cooledengine generates 1,400 hp and is integrated with an Indian turbocharger and epicyclic train gearbox with fourforward and 2 reverse gears.[43] A local transmission is under trials and it is envisioned to ultimately replace theRenk-supplied unit.[42] The tracks which were being supplied by German company Diehl are now beingmanufactured by L&T.[42] The cooling pack has been designed for desert operations. The Arjun has a lower groundpressure than the lighter T-72, due to its design.[42]

The Arjun features a hydro-pneumatic suspension.[44] This coupled with the Arjun's stabilisation and fire control system allows the tank excellent first-hit probability against moving targets while on the move.[44] Its ride comfort is highly praised.[44] Though on the negative side, it is a more maintenance-intensive and expensive system, even if more capable than the simpler and cheaper torsion bar system utilised on many older tanks worldwide.[45] During

Arjun (tank) 37

trials, the Arjun showcased its fording capability, by driving under six feet of water for 20 minutes.[46]

A new 1500 hp engine is being developed that will eventually replace the present engine. An allocation of 40 crore(US$7.3 million) has been allocated for the project which is expected to be completed within five years.[47]

Trials and exerciseIn 1988-1989 two prototypes underwent automotive trials, which revealed major deficiencies in mobility, engine,and transmission.[48]

Several prototypes underwent extensive mobility and armament trials, in 1996 and 1997. The Army found theperformance of the prototypes below the acceptable standards and listed deficiencies in the following areas:[48]

•• Accuracy of gun at battle ranges•• Mission reliability•• Ammunition lethality•• Containerisation of ammunition bin•• Emergency traverse• Fire control system unable to function in temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit).[49]

During summer trials in 2005, it was reported that the Arjun suffered major problems with its main gun sight,suspension system, and fire control system. Moreover, engine failures occurred commonly in temperatures averaging55-60 degrees Celsius.[50]

There are conflicting accounts of Arjun's trial results in 2006. In 2007, Major General H.M. Singh, a director incharge of trial and evaluation, said that the last year's user field trial report had certified that the accuracy andconsistency of the weapon system was proved beyond doubt."[51][52] However, the 2006 army trial results showedthat "the decade-old problems of overheating persist" and that "tank’s main subsystems, the fire control system (FCS)and integrated gunner’s main sight, which includes a thermal imager and laser range-finder, are rendered erratic anduseless by the Arjun’s abnormally high peak internal temperature, which moves well beyond 55 degrees Celsius.This is in testimony to the Parliamentary committee."[53]

In 2007 the Arjun tank was fielded during the Ashwamedha exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan.[54] The army wasextremely unhappy with the tank, citing 14 defects that included "deficient fire control system", "inaccuracy of itsguns", "low speeds in tactical areas" and "inability to operate over 50 degrees Celsius".[55] "The Army is now facedwith a troubling prospect: inducting a lumbering, misfiring, vintage design tank like the Arjun, and that, too, in largenumbers".[53] This, after DRDO over-shot Arjun’s project deadline by 16 years — from 1984 to 1995, finally closingthe project only in 2000 — and the cost overrun is almost 20 times the original estimate. This is the highestpercentage overrun for any DRDO project.[53]

With the September 2007 winter trials, the Indian army deemed Arjun's performance unsatisfactory, including atleast four engine failures.[56] DRDO, on the other hand, insisted the tank was a viable choice for adoption andsuggested the unsatisfactory performance of the engine during the winter trials was due to sabotage.[10]

Arjun (tank) 38

Arjun MBT bump track test

The Auxiliary User Cum Reliability Trials (AUCRT) of the ArjunMBT were conducted from September 2007 to summer of 2008. In areport to the Parliamentary standing committee the Indian armydeemed Arjun's performance unsatisfactory, including four enginefailures within only 1000 kilometres.[57] The defence ministerpresented this report before the parliament, later published by PressInformation Bureau Government of India (PIB).[58]

The Army wrote in the report that during the "accelerateduser-cum-reliability trials" in 2008, the Arjun "was found to havefailure of power packs, low accuracy and consistency, failure ofhydropneumatic suspension units, shearing of top rollers and chipping of gun barrels".[21] Sabotage was suspected,but the Army rejected that any sabotage happened during the trials.[10][59] A later report published by theGovernment of India during the induction ceremony of the Arjun tank, confirms the success of the trial. "Anindependent evaluation of the tank by a reputed tank manufacturer found that the MBT Arjun is an excellent tankwith very good mobility and fire power characteristics."[60] DRDO installed an instrument to function as a black boxin the Arjun, following attempts to "sabotage" its engine.[61]

Subsequently in September 2008, the Indian Army signed a deal with Russia to import 347 T-90 tanks and licensebuild a further 1000.[62][63][64] Transfer of key T-90 technologies has also been agreed upon as a part of thedeal.[65][66]

In 2008, the Indian Army announced plans to acquire an entirely new main battle tank unrelated to the Arjun, to beinducted after 2020.[67] The Indian Army has held an "international seminar on future MBTs", during which theparameters and requirements of this future MBT were identified.[67] As a result, Russia has offered to team withIndia on developing this future tank.[68][69] According to Jane's, the Indian Army had confirmed that the Arjun'sproduction will be capped at 124 units.According to the testimony to the Indian Parliament in the winter of 2008 by the Defense Minister, the Arjun'sdefects have been rectified "periodically", and the army has "categorically" indicated Arjun's performance assatisfactory. 124 Arjun tanks will be inducted into the army, one regiment by the end of 2008 and the next regimentby the summer of 2009. The tanks will enter service with 140 Armoured Brigade at Jaisalmer. The Arjun was toundergo comparative trials against the Indian Army's Russian-built T-90 tanks in June 2009.[70]

Retired Lt. Col. Anil Bhat, a strategic analyst, pointed out that “the Arjun tank is cumbersome for strategicmovement, i.e. to be taken from one sector to another. It is too wide and too heavy to be moved in the railwaycarriages that we have in India. The comparative trials are just an eyewash as Arjun is incomparable to T-90" owingto the different weight class of both tanks.[70] This comment by Lt. Col. Anil Bhat was made without realising thatArjun-specific rail wagons have already been inducted.[71]

A comparative trial was conducted by the Indian Army in March 2010, in which the Arjun was pitted against theIndian T-90. The trial pitted one squadron of Arjuns against an equal number of T-90s. Each squadron was giventhree tactical tasks; each involved driving across 50 kilometres of desert terrain and then shooting at a set of targets.Each tank had to fire at least ten rounds, stationary and on the move, with each hit being carefully logged. In total,each tank drove 150 km and fired between 30-50 rounds. The trials also checked the tanks’ ability to drive throughwater channels 5–6 feet deep.[72]

Regarding the trial, a Ministry of Defence press release reported:After many years of trial and tribulation it has now proved its worth by its superb performance under various circumstances, such as driving cross-country over rugged sand dunes, detecting, observing and quickly engaging targets, accurately hitting targets – both stationary and moving, with pin pointed accuracy. Its superior fire-power is based on accurate and quick target acquisition capability during day and night in all

Arjun (tank) 39

types of weather and shortest possible reaction time during combat engagements.[72][73]

Variants• A 155 mm self-propelled howitzer variant of the Arjun (labelled 'Bhima') has been prototyped by fitting the South

African Denel T6 turret, which comes with the G5 howitzer to the Arjun chassis. This project has been delayed asDenel has become embroiled in a corruption scandal in India, and hence the Indian Ministry of Defence hassuspended the Bhim.

• A bridge layer tank (BLT) based on the Arjun chassis has also been displayed by the DRDO.[74] Developed incooperation with Indian industry, this bridge layer is deemed superior to the T-72 based units, as it can handle alarger load and uses a "scissors type" bridgelaying method, which does not raise the bridge high up into the air,and hence make it visible from afar. India’s main battle tank, Arjun, has taken the “avatar” of a bridge laying tank(BLT). The R&DE(E) did this by replacing the tank’s gun and turret with the bridge launcher. The bridge iscantilevered over chasms or across rivers to cover a distance of 26 m with a width of 4 m. The BLT-Arjun carriestwo halves of a bridge. At a wet or dry gap, the launcher slides the two parts and docks them to each other in sucha way that the far end of the second half touches the other bank. The BLT then crosses the bridge, turns around,retrieves the bridge after undocking its two halves, folds it and is ready to move with the armoured column.[75]

•• Armoured engineering vehicles based on the Arjun are also assumed to be in development, as the Arjun inductionwill require units of a similar power-to-weight ratio or powerful enough to tow it, or recover it on the battlefield.

• Tank EX: A new tank obtained by coupling a T-72 chassis and an Arjun turret. Only prototypes have been builtso far.

• An MBT Arjun Simulator comprising a driving simulator and turret simulator are being developed for troop leveltraining.[40]

Arjun Mk-II

Arjun Mk II graphics

Arjun Mk II

DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat, also the scientific adviser to the defenceminister, told HT at Aero India-2011: "The new variant will haveseveral modifications including superior missile firing capabilities."[76]

On June-2011 the Mk-II begun to undergo trials at Pokhran ranges inRajasthan. The Mk-II is also expected to go through its winter trialslater the same year.[77]

According to CVRDE the Director P. Sivakumar, the Arjun Mark IIwill have a total of 93 upgrades, including 13 major improvements.The major upgrades would be missile-firing capability againstlong-range targets, panoramic sight with night vision to engage targetseffectively at night, containerisation of the ammunition, enhanced mainweapon penetration; additional ammunition types, explosive reactivearmour, an advanced air-defence gun to engage helicopters; a mineplough, an advanced land navigation system and a warning systemwhich can fire smoke grenades to confuse laser guidance.[78] Otherupgrades are an enhanced Auxiliary power unit providing 8.5 KW(from 4.5 KW) and an improved gun barrel,[79] changes in thecommander's panoramic sight with eye safe LRF, night visioncapability including for driver, digital control harness, new final drive,track and sprocket.[80]

Arjun (tank) 40

Arjun tank hull and turret has been modified to achieve the target weight of about 55 tons from 59-64 tons. Elbit ishelping to enhance its firepower and battlefield survivability and IMI is helping to augment Arjun Mk II’s mobility,redesign its turret and hull and improve its production-line processes.[81]

The development trials of the Mark II tanks started on June 22, 2012, at Rajasthan's Pokhran field firing range whichwill continue for the next two months and will mainly focus on 19 parametres, according to DRDO spokespersonRavi Gupta. DRDO will start production of 124 Arjun Mark II tanks for the Indian Army after the success of thesetrials. The tank commander's thermal imaging (TI) night sight, the tank's operation in "hunter-killer" mode, the tank'smissile firing capability from its main gun, and a laser missile warning and counter measure system are among thecrucial upgrades that will be tested.[82]

The Mark-II version completed most user trials except missile testing, which is slated to take place in summer(April-May) of 2013. Since May 2012, user trials had been done in Avadi and Pokhran. So far, the response to thenew features of Arjun Mark II was favourable. According to Director, CVRDE P. Sivakumar the Arjun Mk II couldfire missiles accurately up to a range of 2 km. Owing to the experience while designing and building the first versionwork on Arjun Mk-II was completed in 2 years.[83]

FMBTThe Arjun MKII variant is to be followed by the Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT), which started development in2010. The Indian Army plans to induct the FMBT from 2020 onwards.[84] The FMBT will be a lighter tank of 50tons.[85] Subsequently, reports have indicated that the Indian Army has shelved the plan of FMBT, as there is nosignificant development in this field in the last few years which makes the development of an entirely new designunrealistic. Rather, they will plan the development of subsequent upgraded versions like Mk-III, Mk-IV etc like mostinternational tank manufacturers.[86]

Operators•  India

• Indian Army 124 Tanks in service, total 248 (124 Mk-I, 124 Mk-II) tanks ordered.

References[1] India, Frontier. "Indian MoD outlines roadmap for MBT Arjun, Mark II in pipeline | Frontier India Strategic and Defence - News, Analysis,

Opinion" (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ indian-mod-outlines-roadmap-for-mbt-arjun-mark-ii-in-pipeline). Frontierindia.net. Archived (http:/ / web.archive. org/ web/ 20100212095722/ http:/ / frontierindia. net/ indian-mod-outlines-roadmap-for-mbt-arjun-mark-ii-in-pipeline) from theoriginal on 12 February 2010. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[2] "Arjun Tanks" (http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=64467). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 4 June 2011. .Retrieved 2011-06-16.

[3] "Indian Army to procure 124 advanced version of Arjun MBT" (http:/ / www. brahmand. com/ news/Indian-Army-to-procure-124-advanced-version-of-Arjun-MBT/ 4682/ 1/ 10. html). Brahmand.com. 10 August 2010. Archived (http:/ / web.archive. org/ web/ 20110725014432/ http:/ / www. brahmand. com/ news/ Indian-Army-to-procure-124-advanced-version-of-Arjun-MBT/4682/ 1/ 10. html) from the original on 25 July 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-16.

[4] "India: Arjun tank inducted, T-55 retiring" (http:/ / www. upi. com/ Business_News/ Security-Industry/ 2011/ 03/ 18/India-Arjun-tank-inducted-T-55-retiring/ UPI-90761300443480/ ). UPI.com. 18 March 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-16.

[5] "Arjun MBT (India) - Jane's Armour and Artillery" (http:/ / articles. janes. com/ articles/ Janes-Armour-and-Artillery/ Arjun-MBT-India.html). Articles.janes.com. 16 March 2010. . Retrieved 2011-06-16.

[6] PTI, 17 May 2010, 02.27pm IST (17 May 2010). "Army places fresh order for 124 more Arjun tanks - The Times of India" (http:/ /timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ india/ Army-places-fresh-order-for-124-more-Arjun-tanks/ articleshow/ 5940228. cms).Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. .

[7] Arjun specifications (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ specifications/ tanks/ 2) india-defence.com[8] "Arjun MBT weight implications" (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ arjun-mbt-weight-implications). Frontier India. 27 June 2007. .[9] Arjun (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ india/ arjun. htm) globalsecurity.com

Arjun (tank) 41

[10] No more Arjuns for Indian Army (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ No_more_Arjuns_for_Indian_Army/ articleshow/ 3200344. cms)Times of India

[11] "Army places fresh order for 124 more Arjun tanks" (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ India/Army-places-fresh-order-for-124-more-Arjun-tanks/ articleshow/ 5940228. cms). Times of India. 17 May 2010. .

[12] "Army to purchase more Arjun tanks" (http:/ / www. business-standard. com/ india/ news/ army-to-purchase-more-arjun-tanks/ 391862/ ).Business-standard.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20100614202523/ http:/ / www. business-standard. com/ india/ news/army-to-purchase-more-arjun-tanks/ 391862/ ) from the original on 14 June 2010. . Retrieved 2010-05-18.

[13] "Future of India's Arjun tank looks secure" (http:/ / www. upi. com/ Business_News/ Security-Industry/ 2010/ 05/ 21/Future-of-Indias-Arjun-tank-looks-secure/ UPI-94101274452185/ ). UPI.com. 21 May 2010. . Retrieved 2010-06-10.

[14] Joshi, Saurabh (25 May 2009). "Army gets first Arjun regiment" (http:/ / www. stratpost. com/ army-gets-first-arjun-regiment). StratPost -South Asian Defense and Strategic Affairs. . Retrieved 02 December2011.

[15] "Arjun Tank inducted into 75 armoured regiment" (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ india/Arjun-Tank-inducted-into-75-armoured-regiment/ articleshow/ 7686973. cms). The Times Of India. 12 Mar 2011. .

[16] Smith, Chris (1994). India's Ad hoc Arsenal: Direction or Drift in Defence Policy? (http:/ / books. google. com/ ?id=wirzhu5EaqAC&printsec=frontcover& dq=India+ MBT+ production#PPA149,M1). Sipri. pp. 148–151. ISBN 978-0-19-829168-8. . Retrieved 2008-04-23.

[17] "'Arjun MK I' - India's MBT-70 or white elephant?" (http:/ / www. defencejournal. com/ nov98/ arjun. htm). Defencejournal.com. .Retrieved 2011-09-28.

[18] "Microsoft Word - 22-10 i.rtf" (http:/ / 164. 100. 47. 5/ newdebate/ 214/ 22102008/ 11. 00amTo12. 00Noon. pdf) (PDF). .[19] "Land Forces Site - Arjun" (http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Equipment/ Armour/ 42-Arjun. html). Bharat Rakshak. 7

March 2001. .[20] "ARDE Achievements" (http:/ / www. drdo. gov. in/ drdo/ labs/ ARDE/ English/ index. jsp?pg=achieve. jsp). Drdo.gov.in. 22 July 2010.

Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110721155632/ http:/ / www. drdo. gov. in/ drdo/ labs/ ARDE/ English/ index. jsp?pg=achieve.jsp) from the original on 21 July 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[21] "Arjun Battle Tank" (http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=38445& kwd=) (Press release). Government of India. 5 May 2008. .[22] "Indian Army to receive 124 Arjun tanks by 2009,Security Issues, News Analysis, India News Online" (http:/ / news. indiamart. com/

news-analysis/ indian-army-to-recei-15582. html). News.indiamart.com. 14 May 2007. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.[23] Chandra Mohan, A. (Sainik Samachar). "Arms and the Men on Rajpath" (http:/ / mod. nic. in/ samachar/ 16feb01/ html/ mart. htm). 16 Feb

2001. Ministry of DEfence, India. . Retrieved 02 December2011.[24] "Arjun rumbles to life, Army raises maiden regiment" (http:/ / www. hindustantimes. com/ StoryPage/ StoryPage.

aspx?id=2c989f63-5120-4d94-9d36-868a28d3b7d3) Hindustan Times, 26 May 2009[25] Bedi, Rahul (21 September 2005). "System failures stall Arjun trials" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080208220743/ http:/ / www. janes.

com/ defence/ land_forces/ news/ jdw/ jdw050921_1_n. shtml). Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. janes.com/ defence/ land_forces/ news/ jdw/ jdw050921_1_n. shtml) on 8 February 2008. . Retrieved 2008-10-02.(subscription required)

[26] (PDF) Technology focus (http:/ / drdo. gov. in/ drdo/ pub/ techfocus/ 2011/ tf_june2011. pdf), 19, DRDO, June 2011, ISSN 0971-4413, ,retrieved 2011-06-10

[27] "DRDO Plans To Incorporate Hi-Tech Technology Systems In Arjun Battle Tank" (http:/ / www. india-server. com/ news/drdo-plans-to-incorporate-hi-tech-6333. html). India-server.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20100210161830/ http:/ / www.india-server. com/ news/ drdo-plans-to-incorporate-hi-tech-6333. html) from the original on 10 February 2010. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[28] "Defensive Aid Systems for Arjun MBT Ready: DRDO" (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ reports/ 4266). India Defence. 3 October 2009. .Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[29] "Arjun Tank’s Defensive Systems To Undergo Trials" (http:/ / indiadefenceonline. com/ 551/arjun-tankâ��s-defensive-systems-to-undergo-trials/ ). India Defence Online. 6 April 2009. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[30] "Indian Arjun Mk II & III Main Battle Tank" (http:/ / www. kitsune. addr. com/ Rifts/ Rifts-Pre-Rifts-Vehicles/ Indian_Arjun_MkII_MBT.htm). Kitsune.addr.com. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[31] "Land Forces Site - Arjun" (http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Equipment/ Armour/ 42-Arjun. html). Bharat Rakshak. 7March 2001. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20100125082032/ http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Equipment/Armour/ 42-Arjun. html) from the original on 25 January 2010. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.

[32] Main Battle Tank, Arjun (http:/ / www. drdo. org/ mbt. html), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry ofDefense, India

[33] "Arjun: India’s main battle tank (mbt) from T-80 to generation next" (http:/ / www. ipcs. org/ pdf_file/ issue/1796701917IPCS-Special-Report-23. pdf). IPCS. . Retrieved 23 June 2006.

[34] "Indian Army to Acquire 124 Arjun MBTs By 2009: Defence Ministry" (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ reports-3162). India Defence. .Retrieved 2011-09-28.

[35] "Arjun Main Battle Tank" (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ arjun-mbt/ ). Army Technology. . Retrieved 2011-09-28.[36] "Land Forces Site - Arjun" (http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Equipment/ Armour/ 42-Arjun. html). Bharat Rakshak. 7

March 2001. . Retrieved 2011-09-28.[37] (http:/ / defense-update. com/ wp/ 20101003_tank_upgrade_elbit. html)[38] "Frontier India, The Kanchan armour" (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ the-kanchan-armor/ ). Frontierindia.net. 24 September 2007. Archived

(http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110725073043/ http:/ / frontierindia. net/ the-kanchan-armor/ ) from the original on 25 July 2011. .

Arjun (tank) 42

Retrieved 2011-06-10.[39] "Indian Army to Acquire 124 Arjun MBTs By 2009: Defence Ministry" (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ reports-3162).

India-defence.com. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.[40] Ministry of Defence, Annual Report 2009–2001 (http:/ / mod. nic. in/ reports/ AR-eng-2010. pdf), Government of India,[41] "Arjun Tank’s Defensive Systems To Undergo Trials" (http:/ / indiadefenceonline. com/ 551/

arjun-tank�s-defensive-systems-to-undergo-trials/ ). India Defence Online. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.[42] India Defence Arjun MBT (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ specifications/ tanks/ 2)[43] "Arjun" (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ arjun. htm). Fas.org. . Retrieved 2010-02-07.[44] DRDO Arjun page (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20090509191119/ http:/ / www. drdo. org/ products/ mbt. htm), archived from the

original (http:/ / www. drdo. org/ products/ mbt. htm) on 9 May 2009,[45] "Hydro Pneumatic Suspensions" (http:/ / www. ukcar. com/ features/ tech/ suspension/ hydro. htm). Ukcar.com. Archived (http:/ / web.

archive. org/ web/ 20110605140445/ http:/ / www. ukcar. com/ features/ tech/ suspension/ hydro. htm) from the original on 5 June 2011. .Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[46] "Indian Army to take all 14 MBT Arjun tanks for trial by September End" (http:/ / www. equitybulls. com/ admin/ news2006/ news_det.asp?id=15110). Equitybulls.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110710195312/ http:/ / www. equitybulls. com/ admin/news2006/ news_det. asp?id=15110) from the original on 10 July 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[47] DRDO, 1500 HP engine development (http:/ / www. drdo. org/ tender/ desidoc/ desidoc29mar07sp2. pdf)[48] Arjun Development Program (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ india/ arjun-dev. htm) globalsecurity.org[49] "Federation of American Scientists (fas.org) Arjun" (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ arjun. htm). fas.org. .[50] System failures stall Arjun trials (http:/ / www. janes. com/ defence/ land_forces/ news/ jdw/ jdw050921_1_n. shtml)[51] "Fourteen Arjun main battle tanks delivered to the Army" (http:/ / www. hinduonnet. com/ 2007/ 05/ 13/ stories/ 2007051301111000. htm).

Hinduonnet.com. 13 May 2007. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.[52] Ajai Shukla / New Delhi 19 April 2008 (19 April 2008). "Armed forces prefer Russian armour" (http:/ / www. business-standard. com/

india/ storypage. php?autono=320574). Business-standard.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110607132933/ http:/ / www.business-standard. com/ india/ storypage. php?autono=320574) from the original on 7 June 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[53] "Arjun, Main Battle Tanked" (http:/ / www. indianexpress. com/ news/ arjun-main-battle-tanked/ 16589/ 1). Indianexpress.com. . Retrieved2011-06-10.

[54] "Arjun MBT to Participate in Indian Army Desert War Games" (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ reports/ 3097). India-defence.com.Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110526111042/ http:/ / www. india-defence. com/ reports/ 3097) from the original on 26 May2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[55] Indian Army unsure about Arjun tank's role (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ India/File_Indian_Army_unsure_about_Arjun_tanks_role/ articleshow/ 1994156. cms)

[56] Indian Army sounds indigenous battle tank's death knell (http:/ / www. deccanherald. com/ Content/ Jul52008/ national2008070577076.asp?section=updatenews), deccanherald.com

[57] "Arjun tank fails winter trials, Army Chief writes to Antony" (http:/ / www. indianexpress. com/ story/ 297768. html). The Indian Express.17 April 2008. . Retrieved 2008-10-02.

[58] "Arjun Battle Tank" (http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=38445& kwd=) (Press release). Government of India, Ministry ofDefence. 5 May 2008. . Retrieved 2008-10-02.

[59] "Thaindian News, Sabotage suspected in Arjun tank engine; black box installed" (http:/ / www. thaindian. com/ newsportal/ uncategorized/sabotage-suspected-in-arjun-tank-engine-black-box-installed_10070965. html). Thaindian.com. 13 July 2008. Archived (http:/ / web. archive.org/ web/ 20110524090124/ http:/ / www. thaindian. com/ newsportal/ uncategorized/sabotage-suspected-in-arjun-tank-engine-black-box-installed_10070965. html) from the original on 24 May 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[60] "Army gets its first armoured regiment of MBT Arjun" (http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=48844). Pib.nic.in. Archived (http:/ /web. archive. org/ web/ 20110605191616/ http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=48844) from the original on 5 June 2011. . Retrieved2011-06-10.

[61] "Sabotage suspected in Arjun tank engine - India - DNA" (http:/ / www. dnaindia. com/ india/report_sabotage-suspected-in-arjun-tank-engine_1177317). Dnaindia.com. 13 July 2008. . Retrieved 2011-09-28.

[62] "Defence ties with Russia extended by another 10 yrs" (http:/ / economictimes. indiatimes. com/ News/ PoliticsNation/Defence_ties_with_Russia_extended_by_another_10_yrs/ articleshow/ 3542420. cms). Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 30 September 2008. .Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[63] Sandeep Unnithan (5 September 2008). "All dressed up and no Takers" (http:/ / indiatoday. digitaltoday. in/ index.php?option=com_content& task=view& issueid=31& id=14551& Itemid=1& sectionid=36). Indiatoday.digitaltoday.in. . Retrieved2011-06-10.

[64] "Indian army wants to add another 1000 T-90 tanks by 2020" (http:/ / www. defenseindustrydaily. com/indian-army-wants-to-add-another-1000-t90s-tanks-by-2020-updated-02697/ ). Defenseindustrydaily.com. 20 August 2008. Archived (http:/ /web. archive. org/ web/ 20110607011710/ http:/ / www. defenseindustrydaily. com/indian-army-wants-to-add-another-1000-t90s-tanks-by-2020-updated-02697/ ) from the original on 7 June 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[65] "India, Russia to step up strategic ties" (http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2008/ 09/ 30/ stories/ 2008093055771200. htm). Hindu.com. 30September 2008. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

Arjun (tank) 43

[66] "India buying 347 Russian T-90 tanks" (http:/ / www. iht. com/ articles/ ap/ 2008/ 09/ 29/ asia/ AS-India-Russia-Military-Cooperation. php).International Herald Tribune. 29 March 2009. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[67] "India sets in motion plans to build futuristic tanks" (http:/ / economictimes. indiatimes. com/ News/ PoliticsNation/India_sets_in_motion_plans_to_build_futuristic_tanks/ articleshow/ 3263876. cms). India Times. 22 July 2008. . Retrieved 2008-09-30.

[68] "Jane's Defence News, Russia offers to team with India on new MBT" (http:/ / www. janes. com/ news/ defence/ land/ jdw/ jdw080728_1_n.shtml). Janes.com. 28 July 2008. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110607213105/ http:/ / www. janes. com/ news/ defence/ land/jdw/ jdw080728_1_n. shtml) from the original on 7 June 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[69] "Kommersant, Russia, India Negotiate Smart Tank Creation" (http:/ / www. kommersant. com/ p-12890/ Smart_tank_India/ ).Kommersant.com. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20110606100520/ http:/ / www. kommersant. com/ p-12890/ Smart_tank_India/ )from the original on 6 June 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[70] A last bid to save the Arjun (http:/ / www. thaindian. com/ newsportal/ india-news/a-last-bid-to-save-the-arjun-main-battle-tank-project_100142182. html) thaindian.com

[71] "BFAT wagons inducted into Army" (http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2006/ 05/ 28/ stories/ 2006052805401000. htm). Hindu.com. 28 May 2006.. Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[72] Shukla, Ajai (25 March 2010). "Arjun tank outruns, outguns Russian T-90" (http:/ / www. business-standard. com/ india/ news/arjun-tank-outruns-outguns-russian-t-90/ 389650/ ). Business Standarad. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20100326223421/ http:/ /www. business-standard. com/ india/ news/ arjun-tank-outruns-outguns-russian-t-90/ 389650/ ) from the original on 26 March 2010. .Retrieved 2010-04-15.

[73] "Press Information Bureau English Releases" (http:/ / pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=61870). Pib.nic.in. Archived (http:/ / web.archive. org/ web/ 20110717072017/ http:/ / www. pib. nic. in/ release/ release. asp?relid=61870) from the original on 17 July 2011. .Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[74] Image of the Arjun BLT (http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Army/ Galleries/ main. php?g2_itemId=2165)bharat-rakshak.com

[75] "Defence Engine" (http:/ / www. frontlineonnet. com/ fl2621/ stories/ 20091023262110600. htm). Frontlineonnet.com. Archived (http:/ /web. archive. org/ web/ 20110711044431/ http:/ / www. frontlineonnet. com/ fl2621/ stories/ 20091023262110600. htm) from the original on11 July 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[76] "Arjun tank to get more Indian muscle" (http:/ / www. hindustantimes. com/ Arjun-tank-to-get-more-Indian-muscle/ Article1-661357. aspx).Hindustan Times. 12 February 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[77] "Serving Mangaloreans Around The World!" (http:/ / mangalorean. com/ news. php?newstype=local& newsid=243874). Mangalorean.Com.. Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[78] Subramanian, T.S (26 Feb. – 11 Mar. 2011), "‘Desert Ferrari' and more" (http:/ / www. frontlineonnet. com/ fl2805/ stories/20110311280510000. htm), Frontline (The Hindu Group) 28 (05),

[79] "Latest version of Arjun Mark II tank to be tested for the first time" (http:/ / www. sify. com/ news/latest-version-of-arjun-mark-ii-tank-to-be-tested-for-the-first-time-news-national-lgjrujjcbah. html). Sify.com. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[80] "Battle tank Arjun Mark II to go for second trial" (http:/ / economictimes. indiatimes. com/ news/ politics/ nation/battle-tank-arjun-mark-ii-to-go-for-second-trial/ articleshow/ 10218213. cms). Economic Times. . Retrieved 2011-03-10.

[81] http:/ / img14. imageshack. us/ img14/ 5835/ 39536497. jpg[82] "Trials of Arjun mark II start in Pokhran" (http:/ / articles. timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ 2012-06-25/ india/

32408149_1_panoramic-sight-t-90-arjun). The Times of India. Jun 25, 2012. . Retrieved 26 June 2012.[83] "Missile testing of Arjun Mk II in summer" (http:/ / www. thehindu. com/ todays-paper/ tp-national/ tp-tamilnadu/

missile-testing-of-arjun-mk-ii-in-summer/ article4194525. ece). The Hindu. Dec 13, 2012. . Retrieved 22 December 2012.[84] "DRDO's Combat Vehicle Development Unit Is" (http:/ / timesofindia. indiatimes. com/ city/ chennai/

TNNTankdocDRDOs-Combat-Vehicle-Development-Unit-Is/ articleshow/ 6238945. cms). Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 31 July 2010. .Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[85] "DRDO to develop army's next-generation tank" (http:/ / www. business-standard. com/ india/ news/drdo-to-develop-army\s-next-generation-tank/ 404082/ ). Business-standard.com. 10 August 2010. . Retrieved 2011-06-10.

[86] Shukla, Ajay. "Army proposes to scrap Future Main Battle Tank: instead build successive models of the Arjun" (http:/ / idrw. org/?p=16066). IDRW. . Retrieved 28 December 2012.

Arjun (tank) 44

External links• Arjun MBT at indian-military.org (http:/ / www. indian-military. org/ army/ armour/ main-battle-tanks/ 247-arjun.

html)• Arjun MBT Project: Reports of the Standing Committee on Defence (http:/ / www. india-defence. com/

reports-3199)• Fourteen Arjun main battle tanks delivered to the Army, "Accuracy of weapon system proved beyond doubt"

(http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2007/ 05/ 13/ stories/ 2007051301111000. htm)• Arjun induction: move to support indigenisation process (http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2004/ 08/ 08/ stories/

2004080807640800. htm), in the Hindu• 'Arjun' to roll out on 7 August (http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2004/ 08/ 04/ stories/ 2004080406451200. htm), in the

Hindu• 'Bhishma' handed over to Army (http:/ / www. hindu. com/ 2004/ 01/ 08/ stories/ 2004010806531200. htm), about

India's T-90S tanks, in the Hindu• History of Arjun Tank Development (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ history-of-arjun-tank-development/ ), in Frontier

India Defence and Strategic News Service• Arjun Photos (http:/ / www. bharat-rakshak. com/ LAND-FORCES/ Army/ Images-MBT1. html)• Arjun MBT Vs T-90S specifications (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ dissimilar-combat-arjun-mbt-vs-t-90s-specs/ )• Arjun MBT weight implications (http:/ / frontierindia. net/ arjun-mbt-weight-implications/ )• The advent of Arjun (http:/ / www. hinduonnet. com/ fline/ fl2117/ stories/ 20040827006113300. htm)• Arjun order (http:/ / www. janes. com/ news/ defence/ systems/ jdw/ jdw100520_1_n. shtml)• Shukla, Ajai (16 June 2008). The Arjun battle tank acquires a growing fan club (http:/ / www. business-standard.

com/ india/ storypage. php?autono=326234). New Delhi: Business Standard (The writer's blog (http:/ / ajaishukla.blogspot. com/ 2008/ 06/ arjun-tank-acquires-growing-fan-club. html) has some photos to go with the article)

M-95 Degman 45

M-95 Degman

M-95 Degman

Degman Main Battle TankType Main battle tank

Place of origin  Croatia

Production historyManufacturer Đuro Đaković specijalna vozila d.d.

Number built 2 (prototypes)

SpecificationsWeight 44.5 tonnes without reactive armour, 48.5 tonnes

Length 10.1 m (33 ft 2 in)

Width 3.6 m (11 ft 10 in)

Height 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)

Crew 3 (commander, driver and gunner)

Armor Composite armour plus Reactive armour

Mainarmament

125 mm smoothbore gun

Secondaryarmament

Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station

Engine 12-cyl. diesel1,200 hp (890 kW)

Power/weight 27 hp/tonne

Transmission two gear-boxes with side transmission in gear-box axes

Suspension independent, with torsion bars, 6 hydraulic dampers, 6 road wheels and 3 return rollers per side

Ground clearance 428 mm (16.9 in)

Operationalrange

700 km (430 mi)

Speed 70 km/h (43 mph)

Steeringsystem

hydraulic

M-95 Degman 46

M-95 Degman is a prototype Croatian main battle tank, developed in the factory Đuro Đaković specijalna vozilad.d., located in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. It is also known as the RH-ALAN Degman. The Đuro Đaković factory isbest known for its principal role in the production of M-84, a Yugoslav version of the Soviet T-72 MBT producedunder licence. M-95 Degman represents a further development on the M-84.The principal improvement over its predecessor M-84 is the application of spaced composite/laminate armor on topof which explosive reactive armor was added, hull front and side skirts are covered giving that extra protectionagainst HEAT shaped-charge munitions. A separate ammunition bustle compartment at the back of the turret addsprotection for the crew if tank is hit from behind, and added protection is given by additional slat armor in form ofwire mesh with chains, main purpose being to prevent any rocket propelled grenades that might be used to penetrateweakest points at the back of the tank.Đuro Đaković thermal imaging allows enhanced night activity and optional 1,200 hp (890 kW) engine, whichincreases the power-to-weight ratio to approximately 27 hp/t. There are numerous smaller changes in fire control,communications equipment, track etc. The Degman's autoloader is 15% faster meaning 9 shells can be fired in asingle minute instead of 8 shells, which is M84 norm.[1]

The Degman M-95 has not entered serial production yet, however two prototypes were ordered by the CroatianGovernment, a M-95 model and the other M-84D sample (for export). Đuro Đaković is going to be producing theexport version the M-84D (essentially an M-84A4 with significant upgrades) for Kuwait and other potential buyers.The Kuwaiti Army has confirmed interest in modernizing its 149 dated M-84 to the new M-84D standard, as well asthe procurement of an additional 66 new M-84D's.[2] The far superior M-95 model will be ordered by the Croatiangovernment.

History, production and modernizationThe M-95 Degman tank was largely based on the older M-91 Vihor tank. A full working prototype of the Vihor tankcompleted basic testing at the Đuro Đaković factory but due the hostilities in mid-1991 this tank was never deliveredto JNA. Đuro Đaković was already working on a second prototype (at this point the hull had been completed) butdue to the hostilities work on the second Vihor prototype stalled until 1994 when it was completed with the newturret.Meanwhile, the first prototype was upgraded and modernized, a more powerful 1200 hp engine was installed whichprovided a higher power-to-weight ratio. A storage basket and slat armor at the back of the turret were added,increasing armour protection. A Racal communication suite was installed to improve communications range anddigital battlefield compatibility and a new CBRN suite was also added, the SZ 2000 CBRN suite giving substantiallysuperior performance over the older NBC suite used on M-84 tank; for example, in nuclear or chemical/biologicalwarfare situations, SZ-2000 shuts the engines down and automatically filters fresh air into the tank.The Optics and fire control system was developed by Fotona, a Slovenian company, and now comes as standard onall current Croatian and Slovene M-84 tanks. The Vihor/M95 tank received new laser range finder, LIRD-4B - alaser irradiation warning system. A Fotona/Končar/Đuro Đaković digital battlefield computer has also been added toimprove battlefield performance. Diehl provided new tracks giving the tank better performance both on and off road.This project received considerable assistance from Elbit of Israel. Explosive Reactive Armor developed by Elbit isone major upgrade and gives a distinctive look to the M95 tank. Rafael - Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Stationwhich consist of a 12.7mm calibre heavy machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher is another upgrade. This RemoteControlled Weapon Station acts also as the commander's independent thermal viewer. Additional upgrades areplanned, including a new 120mm compact gun developed by RUAG Defence of Switzerland and few additionaldefensive and ECM systems including LAHAT anti tank missiles.

M-95 Degman 47

Deployment

Currently, two M-95 tanks are operational.

Potential Clients

•  Croatia: the Croatian Army plans to havearound 30-40 M-95s

References[1] Bartol Jerković; Živko Ilijevski. "A Holistic Approach To The

Tank Development" (http:/ / www. hrbi. hr/ _images/ files/izdavastvo_52. pdf) (PDF). . Retrieved 2008-02-25.

[2] Vejnović, Saša (12 April 2007). "Đuro Đaković radit će 65 novihtenkova za Kuvajt?" (http:/ / www. poslovni. hr/ 39458. aspx) (inCroatian). Poslovni dnevnik. . Retrieved 2008-02-25.

External links• (English) http:/ / www. ddsv. hr/ tenk_degman_eng_1. html• (Croatian) http:/ / www. vjesnik. hr/ pdf/ 2003%5C05%5C20%5C07A7. PDF• Eduard Šoštarić (4 August 2008). "Kuvajt nije odustao od M-84 [Kuwait did not give up on the M-84]" (http:/ /

www. nacional. hr/ articles/ view/ 47751/ ) (in Croatian). Nacional (weekly). Archived (http:/ / www. webcitation.org/ 68opZfh04) from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2012.

• (Serbian) http:/ / www. personalmag. rs/ mil10. htm•• Degman (M-95) tank video

• Part 1 (https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=6qOcTA_Nmfs) on YouTube• Part 2 (https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=Jd9edBAJceA) on YouTube• Part 3 (https:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=aLv-KSQuRUY) on YouTube

• http:/ / www. koncar. hr/• http:/ / www. ddsv. hr/ vojni_program. html• http:/ / www. fotona. com/ en/ defense/• http:/ / www. racalacoustics. com/• http:/ / www. elbitsystems. com/• http:/ / www. thalesonline. com/

Altay (tank) 48

Altay (tank)

Altay MBT

Type Main battle tank

Place of origin  Turkey

Service historyIn service 2015 (exp.)[1]

Production historyDesigner Otokar (with technological support from Rotem for the 120mm gun and

armour[2])AselsanRoketsan

Designed 2008–2012

Manufacturer 1st Army Maintenance Center Command

Unit cost $5.5 million (est.)

SpecificationsWeight 55 tonnes (61 short tons; 54 long tons) (est.).[3]

Length 7.5 m (hull), 10.3 m (gun forward)

Width 3.6 m

Height 2.4 m

Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)

Armor Under development

Mainarmament

MKEK 120 mm 55 caliber smoothbore gun[4]

Secondaryarmament

1 x Aselsan STAMP/II stabilized remote controlled turret1 x 12.7 mm heavy machine gun

Engine Multi-fuel1500 hp (MTU) or 1800 hp (indigenous under development)

Suspension Hydropneumatic

Operationalrange

430 km

Speed 90 km/h (56 mph) max.

Altay is a third-generation + main battle tank (part of the MİTÜP (Milli Tank Üretimi Projesi, English: NationalTank Production Project)) designed and developed by Otokar of Turkey for the Turkish Army and exportmarkets.[5][6] It is named in honor of Army General Fahrettin Altay (1880–1974)[7] who commanded the 5th CavalryCorps in the final stage of the Turkish War of Independence.

Altay (tank) 49

HistoryThe project was initiated with an agreement signed between Otokar and Undersecretariat for Defense Industries ofthe Republic of Turkey on 30 March 2007, when the Defense Industries Executive Committee awarded a contractworth approximately $500 million to Otokar for the design, development and production of 4 prototypes of anational main battle tank. This will be Turkey's first MBT development program since 1943, when prototypes of aTurkish national tank were produced in Kırıkkale, but never reached full-scale mass production.Otokar, a company owned by Istanbul-based Koç Holding, is one of the major automotive manufacturers in Turkey.Otokar has produced more than 25,000 military vehicles as of 2008.[8]

Subsequently, in accordance with the later Defense Industries Executive Committee ruling, subcontractors wereselected as follows:- Technical Support Enabler, Rotem- Fire Control System, Command Control Communication Information System, Laser Warning System, Driver'sVision System, Navigation System, IFF system subcontractor, Aselsan- 120 mm 55 caliber Primary Weapon subcontractor, state owned MKEK (Mechanical and Chemical IndustriesCorporation),- Armour subcontractor, Roketsan[9]

DevelopmentIn order to improve the current technical capabilities of the Turkish defense industries and increase the amount ofdomestic contribution towards national defense, the Undersecreteriat for Defense Industries decided that a "NationalTank" will serve as an excellent catalyst for uniting certain Turkish defense companies around a common goal andfor providing the Turkish military with extra firepower in the form of a modern tank.Three local sub-contractors have already been selected. The military electronics company Aselsan will manufactureand integrate state-of-the-art TAKS modular fire control system, command, control and information systems whilestate-owned MKEK (Mechanical and Chemical Industries Corporation) agreed for the production and integration ofa modified and licensed produced Rheinmetall 120 mm gun. Another state company Roketsan will design anindigenous armor.Once the prototypes are produced and tested, the Undersecreteriat for Defense Industries of the Republic of Turkeywill prepare and execute a separate order for the first lot of 250 tanks. A total of 1000 MBTs are planned to beproduced in four separate lots of 250 units. Every delivered lot is expected to have additional upgrades.[10]

DesignThe tank is projected to have a 120 mm smoothbore gun and will be protected against chemical, biological andradioactive attacks. The planned maximum speed is set at 70 kilometers per hour, thanks to a 1,800 hp (1,300 kW)engine (the first two batches will have 1,500 hp engines), and the MBTs will be able to function under 4.1 meters ofwater.The tank will benefit both from indigenously developed systems and from the armor technology of the South KoreanK2 Black Panther, thanks to the agreement signed with South Korea. The candidates for the engine are GermanMTU Friedrichshafen and the new South Korean engine which is currently under development. The first two batcheswill be powered by the 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) MTU engines whereas the last two batches will be powered by anindigenous 1,800 hp engine.[11] On 16 June 2008, SSM and industry members discussed a possible participation forthe development of 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) indigenous power pack for use in the armoured personnel carriers and mainbattle tanks produced in Turkey.First 3D picture of Turkey’s new main battle tank, Altay, was released to public on 7 April 2010 during a pressrelease by SSM.

Altay (tank) 50

Altay appears to share strong chassis characteristics with its technological base, the South Korean K2 Black Panther,with a re-designed Turkish turret and Aselsan’s state-of-the-art Volkan-III modular fire control system. The tank willbe fielded with a STANAG 4579 compatible battlefield target identification system that ensures interoperabilityamong small tank units. The number of wheels have been increased to seven, which translates to a longer hull,heavier armor and increased survivability.According to reports, a military envoy from Colombia was also present at the press meeting to obtain moreinformation about the tank.[12]

Electric engineOtokar General Manager Serdar Görgüç has announced that the company is considering the development of anelectric engine for the Altay. Görgüç stated that an electric engine would reduce the ability of the enemy to identifythe tank with thermal cameras in the battle field. He added that “Vehicles with internal combustion can be caught onthermal cameras". Otokar developed an electric engine for its buses and is working on retrofitting its design to theAltay tank.[13]

First prototypeOn 29 April 2009, the head of the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, Murad Bayar has confirmed atthe 9th IDEX International, Defense Industry Fair in Abu Dhabi, that the Turkish tank will be manufactured usingonly Turkish resources. He added that the research started last week and that he expected to create an authentic tankmodel specially designed for the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces within 3 years.[9]

As of September 2010, with approval of the tank subsystems and software by Undersecretariat for DefenseIndustries, Conceptual Design Phase of the Altay project has been completed. Thus, the project advanced to DetailedDesign Phase scheduled to last 30,5 months. The scope of the Detailed Design Phase is to design and integrateinterfaces for the selected tank subsystems.[14]

On 15 October 2010, Otokar signed contract with MTU and Renk for the supply of power pack.[14]

On 15 December 2010, Defence Industry Executive Committee decided to start the development of national powerpack.[15]

On 10 May 2011, Aselsan was contracted by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries to design and develop twoBattlefield Target Identification Device (BTID) prototypes.[16]

On 11 May 2011, the mock-up of Altay tank was introduced to the public in IDEF 2011.[17][18]

On 18 October 2012, The First Altay was put on trials although lacking side skirts and using a mock-up turret tostimulate a real turret. [19]On 16 November 2012, 4 Altay Tank prototypes successfully passed initial acceptance tests, paving the way forserial production 2 years earlier than expected.[20][21]

Altay (tank) 51

References and notes[1] Otokar'in milli tanki, milli cosku yaratti (http:/ / www. radikal. com. tr/ Default. aspx?aType=RadikalHaberDetay& Date=16. 10. 2010&

ArticleID=1023926), Ruhi Sanyer, Radikal, 16 October 2010[2] http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ article/ 20121121/ DEFREG04/ 311210007/

Erdogan-Turkish-Tank-Program-Ahead-Schedule?odyssey=nav%7Chead[3] Army-technology.com: Altay Main Battle Tank, Turkey (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ altaymainbattletank/ )[4] Otokar Altay MBT (Turkey) (http:/ / www. janes. com/ articles/ Janes-Armour-and-Artillery/ Otokar-Altay-MBT-Turkey. html), Jane's

Armour and Artillery, 17 Mart 2010[5] http:/ / www. otokar. com. tr/ en/ media_relations/ p_haber_detay. aspx?haber=147[6] Altay Project (http:/ / www. ssm. gov. tr/ home/ projects/ land/ BattleTanks/ Sayfalar/ ALTAYPROJECT. aspx), Undersecretariat for Defense

Industries[7] Tolga Anıker, "Milli tank 'altay' için yola çıkıldı" (http:/ / www. radikal. com. tr/ Radikal. aspx?aType=RadikalDetay& ArticleID=890989&

CategoryID=80), Radikal, 30 July 2008. (Turkish)[8] (Turkish) Iste ilk Türk tankı Altay'ın özellikleri (http:/ / www. haber7. com/ haber/ 20080730/ Iste-ilk-Turk-tanki-Altayin-ozellikleri. php)

by Bülent Aydemir, 28 July 2008[9] "‘ATAK helicopter to be airborne before end of 2009’" (http:/ / www. todayszaman. com/ tz-web/ detaylar. do?load=detay& link=168240&

bolum=105). Todayszaman.com. . Retrieved 17 April 2010.[10] Turkish MBT Project, TurkishPress (http:/ / www. turkishpress. com/ news. asp?id=133903), 17 July 2006[11] (in Turkish) Türk Kara Savunma Sektörünün Ulaştığı Nokta ve Hedefler (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080520235735/ http:/ / www.

ssm. gov. tr/ TR/ duyurular/ basinaciklamalari/ Pages/KARAARA�LARIEND�STRİG�N�VEG��SİSTEMLERİ�ALI�TAYI(16-17Haziran2008). aspx), archived from theoriginal (http:/ / www. ssm. gov. tr/ anasayfa/ hizli/ duyurular/ etkinlikler/ konferanslar/ arsiv/ 2008/ Sayfalar/ tkssunhegakags20080617. aspx)on 20 May 2008,

[12] Otokar unveils the Altay MBT (http:/ / www. trdefence. com/ ?p=335), TRDefence, 7 April 2010[13] http:/ / www. hurriyetdailynews. com/ otokar-mulls-making-of-domestic-electric-tank. aspx?pageID=238& nID=18494& NewsCatID=345[14] Otokar Newsletter (http:/ / rewreward. blogspot. com/ 2010/ 11/ otokar-haber-bulteninden. html), September 2010[15] Defence Industry Executive Committee press release (http:/ / www. ssm. gov. tr/ anasayfa/ hizli/ duyurular/ PressReleases/ Sayfalar/

2010aralikssikbasinaciklamasi. aspx), Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, 15 December 2010[16] Battlefield Identification Device Project (http:/ / www. ssm. gov. tr/ home/ projects/ land/ BattleTanks/ Sayfalar/ mstts. aspx),

Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, 25 August 2011[17] http:/ / www. worldbulletin. net/ ?aType=haber& ArticleID=98699[18] IDEF 2011 Altay mock-up (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=5q6L4tgUwqk)[19] https:/ / fbcdn-sphotos-e-a. akamaihd. net/ hphotos-ak-snc7/ 470949_10151461695859196_1602505937_o. jpg[20] http:/ / www. hurriyetdailynews. com/ turkey-to-reveal-local-tank-ahead-of-deadline. aspx?pageID=238& nID=34770& NewsCatID=344[21] http:/ / en. trend. az/ regions/ met/ turkey/ 2088584. html

BPM-97 52

BPM-97

BPM-97

KAMAZ-43269 "Vystrel" (BPM-97) on Russian Expo Arms 2009 in Nizhny TagilType Wheeled armored personnel carrier

Place of origin Russia

Service historyIn service 1999 - present

Used by Russian Border Guard

Production historyDesigner Andrei Nikolaev

Designed 1997

Manufacturer Kamskiy avtomobilny zavod

Produced 1999 - present

Number built 50± [1]

SpecificationsWeight 10.5 metric tonnes

Length 5.3 m[2]

Width 1.9 m[2]

Height 2.3 m (1.83 m without armament)

Crew 2 + 8 -12 passengers [2]

2 + 6 passengers (BTR-40B)

Armor 12.7-25 mm

Mainarmament

(optional)

Engine KAMAZ 740.10-20 240 hp V8 diesel[2]

240 hp [2]

Suspension 4x4 wheel, leaf spring

Ground clearance 400 mm[2]

BPM-97 53

Fuel capacity 270 l[2]

Operationalrange

1100 km on roads

Speed 90 km/h[2]

The BPM-97 (Boyevaya Pogranichnaya Mashina - "Battle Vehicle of the Border Guard") or Выстрел (Vystrel) isthe Russian military designation for the KAMAZ 43269 Vystrel 4x4 Wheeled armoured vehicle. It is still in theprototype phase and only two being produced were fitted with several different turrets like the one of the BTR-80A.The vehicle is based on the KAMAZ-43269 and as the name suggests was designed for the Russian Border Guards.The latest model has bulletproof side windows and no gun turret. It has been ordered by Kazakhstan and by theMVD Internal Troops, Federal Prison Service and EMERCOM.

HistoryDevelopment began in 1997 at the initiative of the head of the Russian Border Guard Service Andrei Nikolaev.Armored vehicle meant to replace the main transport border guards the GAZ-66. But after a government fundingdefault in 1998 and the much delayed public funding of the project finally stopped. In order to offset the cost of thedevelopment in the absence of government orders, machines were allowed to be sold to civilian companies. Thearmored vehicle was used for the transportation of explosives, money and valuable goods. After receivingpermission in 2005, some cars were sold to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.Production of the "Vystrel" is ongoing at the JSC "Remdizel" plant in Naberezhnye Chelny. Where the armouredbody and KAMAZ 4326 truck chassis are integrated.[3]

DescriptionThe hull is made of welded Aluminium alloy - The upper part of the shell withstands hits from a 12.7x108mm - NSVmachine gun at a distance of 300 metres, the lower part from 7.62x54mmR SVD rifles at a distance of 30 m.The vehicle is divided into the engine compartment and separate crew areas. The body has both side and rear doors,and roof hatches for exiting.

ArmamentArmament varies, the BPM-97 is available with pintle mounted or turret mounted 7.62 mm, 12.7 mm machine gunssuch as the Kord 12.7mm, 14.5 mm KPV heavy machine guns in a BTR-80 type turret, and a combination turretfitted with a sighting device with 30 mm cannon and 30 mm AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers.

BPM-97 54

VariantsAn upgraded KAMAZ-43269 Vistrel with new windscreen and wipers, updated air intake and NBC protectionsystem was introduced during 2011 Exhibition of military vehicles at Bronnitsy test range.

Users•  Russia•  Kazakhstan

Notes[1] Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006.[2] "Pancerni 2" (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=66& Itemid=78& limit=1& limitstart=1)[3] Nikolai Mordovtsev "Vystrel" gryanet ... Driving № 2 2006 g.

External links• Official Kurganmash website (http:/ / www. kurganmash. ru/ ) (Russian)• Official Remidzel Factory site (http:/ / www. remdizel. ru/ kamaz_43269/ ) (Russian)• Article at Legion (http:/ / legion. wplus. net/ guide/ army/ ta/ bpm97. shtml)• Pics at Military Photos (http:/ / www. militaryphotos. net/ forums/ showthread. php?t=74261& highlight=vistrel)• the Vystrel in service (http:/ / img517. imageshack. us/ img517/ 5111/ kamaz43269rus25jt3. jpg).• of BPM-97 (http:/ / en. rian. ru/ video/ 20081105/ 118144210. html'''Video)• KAMAZ-43269 Vistrel walkaround (http:/ / vitalykuzmin. net/ ?q=node/ 108)• Upgraded KAMAZ-43269 Vistrel walkaround (http:/ / vitalykuzmin. net/ ?q=node/ 372)

BTR-T 55

BTR-T

BTR-T

Russian BTR-TType Heavy infantry fighting vehicle

Place of origin  Russia

SpecificationsWeight 38.5 tonnes

Length 6.45 m

Width 3.27 m

Height 2.4 m

Crew 2 (+5 passengers)

Armor 320 mm max with ERA

Mainarmament

9M113 Konkurs ATGMs

Secondaryarmament

2A42 30mm autocannon or AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher

Engine diesel520hp

Power/weight 14hp/tonne

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

500 km

Speed 50 km/h off-road: 25 km/h

The BTR-T (Russian: Бронетранспортёр-Тяжелый (Bronetransporter-Tyazhelyy), ‘Armoured Transporter–Heavy’)is a Russian heavy infantry combat vehicle, designed by the Design Bureau of Transport Machine-Building (OmskTransmash) state-run production association.

BTR-T 56

Description

Russian BTR-T

It is based on the hull of the T-55 tank and answers the need for aheavy, well protected and well armed vehicle adapted to urban combat.The need for a heavy IFV appeared after the First Chechen War duringwhich APCs such as the BTR-80 and BMP-2 suffered heavy losses inurban areas at the hands of Chechen rebels using RPGshoulder-launched anti-tank weapons. As a result, the designincorporates thicker armour, with built-in reactive armour. It also hasheavier armament with sufficient elevation to engage targets inmulti-story buildings.

DesignThe choice of the T-55 hull rather than that of a more modern tank was decided as a cost-cutting measure and alsoprobably in order to validate a conversion solution for the many T-55s in use around the world. However, no exportcontracts have been signed so far.

ArmamentThe turret can accommodate several weapon configurations:• 2A42 30 mm autocannon.

• 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.•• 2A42 30 mm autocannon.

• 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.• Twin 2A38 30 mm autocannons.• 12.7×107 mm NSV heavy machine gun.

• 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.•• 12.7×107 mm NSV heavy machine gun.

•• 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

References• BTR-T Heavy Armored Personnel Carrier [1]

• The BTR-T: New Use for Old Tank Hulls [2]

References[1] http:/ / milparade. udm. ru/ 25/ 034. htm[2] http:/ / www. findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_m0IAV/ is_2_90/ ai_76736956

BMD-3 57

BMD-3

BMD-3

A BMD-3Type Infantry fighting vehicle

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1990 - present

Production historyManufacturer Volgograd Tractor Factory

SpecificationsWeight 12.9mt

Length 6m

Width 3.13m

Height 2.25m

Crew 3 (+4 passengers)

Armor turret - steel, hull - aluminium alloy

Mainarmament

2A42 30mm autocannon with coaxial 7.62mm PK machine gun, 9K11 or 9M111 ATGMs from turret mountedlauncher

Secondaryarmament

bow-mounted AGS-17 Plamya 30 mm automatic grenade launcher and 5.45-mm RPK machine-gun

Engine 2V-06-2 water-cooled diesel450 hp

Power/weight 34 hp/ton

Suspension hydroneumatic with variable height control (130mm-530 mm)

Operationalrange

500 km

Speed 70 km/h off-road: 45 km/h water: 10 km/h

The BMD-3 (Boyevaya Mashina Desanta , Russian "Боевая Машина Десанта", literally "Combat Vehicle of the Airborne") is a light infantry fighting vehicle originating in the Soviet Union that is fully amphibious and air-droppable with crew inside. It is intended to be a fire-support platform for use by airborne and air assault units. It

BMD-3 58

is not an upgraded BMD-1 but a completely redesigned vehicle with a hydropneumatic suspension, new hull, a morepowerful 2V-06-2 diesel engine and fitted with the complete turret of the BMP-2.The vehicle is manufactured at the Volgograd Tractor Factory, Volgograd, Russia under the industrial index Objekt950 and entered service with the VDV in 1990, in the last year before the fall of the Soviet Union. 123 BMD-3s[1]

and 60 BMD-4s[2] are in service with the Russian Airborne Troops. They are planning to receive 10 BMD-4Mvehicles and 10 BTR-MD vehicles for final testing by mid-2013, with commissioning by the end of 2013. TheRussian Airborne is planning to acquire 1,000 BMD-4Ms through 2020.[3]

Variants• BMD-3 (Object 950) - Basic type, as described.

• BMD-4 (Object 960) - Modified chassis with new turret "Bakhcha-U" comprising: 100 mm main gun 2A70,30mm autocannon 2A72, 7.62 mm machine gun, and new fire control system "Ramka". The bow-mountedAGS-17 has been removed. The armament is similar to the one of the BMP-3. BMD-4's are new-build orupgraded BMD-3's. The prototype was known as BMD-3M. Photos [4]. The BMD-4 is no longer beingpurchased for the Russian troops, in favor of the BMD-4M.[5]

• BMD-4M - Upgraded variant with a completely new chassis and the 500 hp UTD-29 engine of the BMP-3.This version will be produced by Kurganmashzavod (KTZ) instead of VgTZ. The vehicle was presented tothe VDV in March 2008.[6] According to KTZ, series production could have started in 2009. The BMD-4Mwas evaluated by the VDV.[7] In August 2011, the evaluation process still wasn't terminated and no firmagreement had been taken as to the delivery of the 10 first vehicles to the VDV, as foreseen in the 2011state orders.[8] Photo [9]. The Russian Defense Ministry decided to adopt the BMD-4M in December2012.[10]

• RKhM-5 (Object 958) - Chemical reconnaissance vehicle, fitted with the same specialised equipment as theBTR-80 version RKhM-4. The turret has been removed; the RKhM-5 has a fixed superstructure with machinegun turret.

• BTR-MD “Rakushka” (Object 955) - Multi-role transport vehicle with bigger hull and no turret. This typecan be used to transport troops, fuel, ammunition and wounded personnel. It also serves as the basis for a newrange of specialised vehicles for the Russian airborne forces, including a mortar platform, an ambulanceBMM-D, a command post vehicle and a recovery vehicle. Some of the variants will have a longer chassis with7 road wheels and probably the same 510 hp engine as the 2S25.• BTR-MDM - More modern version with the same improvements as the BMD-4M.

• 2S25 "Sprut-SD (Object 952) - Self-propelled anti-tank gun, armed with a 125 mm gun 2A75 that has similarballistics as the main gun of the 2A46 series and can also fire the ATGM 9M119 Svir. The chassis has 7instead of 5 road wheels on each side and the engine is now the 2V-06-2S of 510 hp. The 2S25 has a combatweight of 18 tonnes and a crew of 3. It entered service in 2007. Photos [4]

BMD-3 59

Resources• FAS [11]

• Military Factory [12]

References[1] http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?catid=245& linkid=1783& title=bmd-3[2] http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?catid=245& linkid=2500& title=bmd-4-/ -bmd-3m-bakhcha-airborne-combat-vehicle[3] Russia to Commission BMD-4M Airborne Vehicles in 2013 (http:/ / en. rian. ru/ military_news/ 20121227/ 178437013. html) - Rian.ru,

December 27, 2012[4] http:/ / btvt. narod. ru/ 5/ vdv2007/ vdv2007. htm[5] http:/ / lenta. ru/ articles/ 2012/ 02/ 15/ uncertain/[6] http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=hVTjATUt7SU[7] http:/ / www. en. rian. ru/ russia/ 20080321/ 101903920. html[8] https:/ / russiandefpolicy. wordpress. com/ tag/ bmd-4m/[9] http:/ / imageshack. us/ f/ 339/ bmd4m. jpg/[10] BMD-4M adopted by Russian airborne troops (http:/ / www. armyrecognition. com/ december_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/

new_bmd-4m_latest_generation_of_airborne_armoured_vehicle_adopted_by_russian_airborne_troops_1412121. html) -Armyrecognition.com, December 14, 2012

[11] http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ bmd-3. htm[12] http:/ / www. militaryfactory. com/ armor/ detail. asp?armor_id=48

BMD-2 60

BMD-2

BMD-2

A Russian BMD-2 with SFOR markings parked in front of several trailer units at the Russian airborne brigade stationed in Tojsici,Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1 January 1996.

Type Airborne infantry fighting vehicle

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1985 - present

Used by See Operators

Wars See Service history

Production historyDesigned 1981 - 1985

Manufacturer Volgograd Tractor Plant

Produced 1985 - ? (out of production)

Variants See Variants

Specifications (BMD-2)Weight 11.5 tonnes[1][2]

Length 7.85 m[3][1][2]

6.74 m (without the gun)[4]

Width 2.94 m

Height 2.45 m[3][1][2]

Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner and bow machine gunner)[5] (+ 4troopers)

Armor Welded aluminium alloy7 mm turret[1][2]

15 mm at 78° upper hull front[5][6]

15 mm at 50° lower hull front[5][6]

10 mm rest of the hull[1][2]

Mainarmament

30 mm 2A42 multi-purpose autocannon (300 rounds (180 APand 120 HE))9P135M-1 ATGM launcher

BMD-2 61

Secondaryarmament

7.62 mm PKT coaxial tank machine gun7.62 mm PKT bow tank machine gun2,940 7.62 mm machine gun rounds

Engine 5D-20 6-cylinder 4-stroke V-shaped liquid cooled 15.9 literdiesel[7]

241 hp (180 kW) at 2,600 rpm[7]

Power/weight 21 hp/tonne (15.7 kW/tonne)

Suspension torsion-bar

Ground clearance Adjustable[7][8]

100 mm to 450 mm[3][8]

Fuel capacity 300 l[4]

Operationalrange

450 km (road)[3][1][2]

Speed 80 km/h (road)[3][1][2]

40 km/h (cross country)[3][1][2]

10 km/h (swimming)[3][1][2]

The BMD-2 is a Soviet airborne infantry fighting vehicle, which was introduced in 1985. It is a variant of BMD-1with a new turret and some changes done to the hull. BMD stands for Boyevaya Mashina Desanta (Боевая МашинаДесанта, literally "Airborne Combat Vehicle").[9] It was developed as a replacement of BMD-1 but it failed toreplace it completely because of a downfall of Soviet economy in 1980s. NATO gave it the designation BMDM1981/1.[10][11]

DevelopmentWhen the Soviet war in Afghanistan broke out the Soviet forces operated BMP-1 IFVs and BMD-1 airborne IFVs.They were both armed with 73 mm 2A28 "Grom" low pressure smoothbore short-recoil semi-automatic gun, 9S428ATGM launcher capable of firing 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO: AT-3A Sagger A), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (NATO:AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (NATO: AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial tankmachine gun. Although their armament made for strong anti-tank firepower, it didn't provide sufficient firepoweragainst enemy unarmored vehicles, infantry, firing points and light fortified positions, especially during mountainbattles because of low elevation angle of the main gun.[7]

In 1981 the units fighting in Afghanistan started receiving new BMP-2 IFVs. It's 30 mm 2A42 multi-purposeautocannon with two-belt loading system and very high elevation angle solved some of the serious drawbacks of the73 mm 2A28 "Grom" gun. Also the 9S428 ATGM launcher was replaced by pintle-mounted 9P135M-1 ATGMlauncher with semi-automatic control capable of firing SACLOS guided 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel),9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B), 9M111 "Fagot" (AT-4 Spigot) and 9M111-2 "Fagot" (AT-4B SpigotB) ATGMs which proved to be much more effective and reliable than the MCLOS guided 9M14 "Malyutka" (AT-3Sagger), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs. Becauseof that the high command of Soviet airborne forces decided to arm their units with similar vehicles.[7]

In the beginning it became obvious that the hull of BMD-1 was too small for the BMP-2 turret. Therefore it wasdecided to design two vehicles. The first one was supposed to satisfy the immediate need of a new airborne IFV bymodifying the BMD-1/BMP-1 turret, arming it with the same armament as the one on the BMP-2 and then fitting itonto the BMD-1 hull. The second vehicle was supposed to be much bigger to allow fitting of the BMP-2 turret andlater became the BMD-3.[7]

BMD-2 62

The modernized variant of BMD-1 was developed in 1983 and incorporated the new B-30 turret armed with 30 mm2A42 multi-purpose autocannon, 7.62 mm PKT coaxial tank machine gun and pintle-mounted 9P135M-1 ATGMlauncher. After it passed the trials it entered production in 1985.[7]

Description

OverviewBMD-2 has a slightly modernized BMD-1 hull and a new turret.

CrewThe BMD-2's crew is the same as the one in BMD-1 with slight changes like the fact that the commander no longeroperates the left bow-mounted 7.62 mm PKT tank machine gun which was removed because the trials proved that heis too consumed by his primary duties to accurately fire it. He also received the R-123M radio set forcommunication.[7]

The new turret seats the gunner on the left hand side of the main gun. On top of the turret there's one single piececircular hatch opening to the front. Located in front of the said hatch is the gunner's sight which is the same one asthe one used in BMP-2. Another gunner's sight is located on the left hand side of the main gun and moves in verticalplanes along with it. It is a high angle of fire sight used when the gunner is aiming at air targets. The vehicle also hasadditional periscopes that provide it with vision on the sides. A white searchlight is mounted in front of the turret.[8]

TurretThe B-30 turret is a modified version of the BMP-1/BMD-1 turret.[7]

ArmamentThe vehicle is armed with stabilized 30 mm 2A42 multi-purpose autocannon and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial tankmachine gun (mounted on the right hand side of the main gun). The vehicle carries 300 rounds for the main gun (180AP and 120 HE) and 2,940 rounds for the machine gun. The main gun can be elevated or depressed between 75° and-5°[1][2] and can be used to fire at air targets. The turret is also armed with pintle-mounted 9P135M-1 ATGMlauncher, on the right hand side of the roof of the turret, with semi-automatic control capable of firing SACLOSguided 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel), 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B), 9M111 "Fagot" (AT-4Spigot) and 9M111-2 "Fagot" (AT-4B Spigot B) ATGMs.[7][8]

ManeuverabilityThe BMD-2 has the same engine and same suspension as the BMD-1 but it has a maximum road operational rangeof 450 km.

Armour protectionThe BMD-2's armour is composed of aluminium as combat experience gained during the Soviet war in Afghanistanproved that the BMD-1's cast magnesium alloy itself would catch fire and burn fiercely, often killing the crew, whenhit with a weapon such as an RPG.Armour thickness is 7 mm on the turret, 15 mm on the front of the hull and 10 mm on the rest of the hull.[1][2] Hull'sfront armour has two sections: upper and lower. The upper section is angled at 78° while the lower one is angled at50°.[5] It's resistant to small arms fire and shrapnel.

BMD-2 63

EquipmentThe BMD-2 has the same equipment except for the R-123 radio set which was replaced by the R-123M radio set.[7]

Service historyBMD-2 entered service with Soviet airborne forces in 1985. They took part in Soviet war in Afghanistan. Later theywere used by Russian airborne units of SFOR including the Russian airborne brigade stationed in Tojsici whichsupported the Operation Joint Guard. It is also used by Russian airborne units stationed in Abkhazia.

Variants• BMD-2 (Ob'yekt 916) - The basic model[8]

• BMD-2K (K stands for komandirskaya - command) - Command variant fitted with an additional antennae.[8]

• BMD-2M - BMD-2 modernization. It features a number of improvements including fitting of smoke grenadelaunchers to the side of the turret.[8]

Operators•  Iraq - 250 In Iraqi Army 2012•  India -•  Russia - About 361 in active service and more than 1,500 in storage.[12]

•  Ukraine - 63 in 1995 and 78 in 2000 and 2005.[13]

•  Uzbekistan - 9 in 2000 and 2005.[14]

Former operators•  Soviet Union - Passed on to successor states.

References[1] Global Security (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ bmd-2-specs. htm)[2] fas.org (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ bmd-2. htm)[3] Pancerni.net 2 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=88& Itemid=100& limit=1& limitstart=1)[4] Pancerni.net BMD-1 2 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=31& Itemid=43& limit=1&

limitstart=1)[5] Pancerni.net BMD-1 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=31& Itemid=43)[6] Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide (http:/ / www. inetres. com/ gp/ military/ cv/ inf/ BMD-1. html)[7] Pancerni.net 1 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=88& Itemid=100)[8] JED (http:/ / www. jedsite. info/ fulltrack-bravo/ bravo/ bmd2_series/ bmd2-series. html)[9] "†" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080227010804/ http:/ / www. milparade. com/ Soderzhaniye. pdf). Archived from the original (http:/ /

www. milparade. com/ Soderzhaniye. pdf) on 2008-02-27. .[10] Global Security BMD-1 (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ bmd-1. htm)[11] fas.org BMD-1 (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ bmd-1. htm)[12] warfare.ru (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?linkid=1782& catid=245)[13] Ground Forces Equipment - Ukraine (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ ukraine/ groundforces-equipment. htm)[14] asia/uzbek-army-equipment.htm Uzbek-Army Equipment (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ central)

BMD-1 64

BMD-1

BMD-1

BMD-1 on display in Kiev, near the Great Patriotic War Museum, before 4 September 2005.Type Airborne Amphibious Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1969 – present

Used by See Operators

Wars See Service history and Combat history

Production historyDesigner Volgograd Tractor Plant

Designed 1965–1969

Manufacturer Volgograd Tractor Plant

Produced 1968 – 1987 (out of production)

Variants See Variants

Specifications (BMD-1)Weight 7.5 tonnes[1]

8.3 tonnes (combat weight)[2][3][1]

Length 5.41 m[2][3][1]

Width 2.53 m[2][3][1]

Height 1.97 m[2][3][1]

Crew 2 (driver, gunner) + 4 troopers (including commander and machine gunner)[4]

BMD-1 65

Armor cast magnesium alloy26–33 mm gun mantlet23 mm at 42° turret front19 mm at 36° turret side13 mm at 30° turret rear6 mm turret top15 mm at 78° upper hull front[1][5][6]

15 mm at 50° lower hull front[1][5][6]

10 mm rest of the hull[7][8]

Mainarmament

73 mm 2A28 "Grom" low pressure smoothbore short-recoil semi-automatic gun (40rounds)[6]

ATGM launcher (three 9M14M or 9M113 or 9M111M ATGMs)[4][9]

Secondaryarmament

7.62 mm PKT coaxial tank machine gun (2,000 rounds)[6]

2×7.62 mm PKT bow tank machine guns (4,000 rounds)[6]

Engine 5D-20 6-cylinder 4-stroke V-shaped liquid cooled 15.9 litre diesel[5][10]

241 hp (180 kW) at 2,600 rpm[5][11]

Power/weight 32.1 hp/tonne (24 kW/tonne)18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) (loaded with equipment)

Suspension hydraulic independent torsion-bar[12]

Ground clearance Adjustable[5][12]

100 mm to 450 mm[11][12]

Fuel capacity 300 l[11]

Operationalrange

600 km (road)[2][3][1]

116 km (water)[11]

Speed 80 km/h (road)[2][3][1]

45 km/h (cross country)[2][3][1]

10 km/h (swimming)[2][3][5][11]

The BMD-1 is a Soviet airborne amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle, which was introduced in 1969 andfirst seen by the West in 1970. BMD stands for Boyevaya Mashina Desanta (Боевая Машина Десанта, literally"Combat Vehicle of the Airborne").[13] It can be dropped by parachute and although it resembles the BMP-1 it is infact much smaller. The BMD-1 was used as an IFV by the Soviet Army's airborne divisions. An improved variant ofBMD-1 was developed, the BMD-2. The BMD-1 also provided a basis for the BTR-D airborne multi-purposetracked APC.

DevelopmentIn the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis the army was instructed to consider putting more emphasis on means toproject power outside of the normal sphere of Soviet influence. As a result there was a major effort to develop theVDV (Soviet airborne forces) as a rapid deployment force. Soviet studies of airborne operations had shown thatlightly armed paratroops were unable to deal with armoured forces. Also in early 1960s a BMP-1 infantry fightingvehicle was being developed. Before the BMP-1 entered service in 1966, Soviet Army high command decided toequip the newly created airborne divisions with similar vehicles.The use of Antonov An-12 aircraft at the time of the BMD development allowed the transport of only light armoured vehicles for an airborne drop that weighed less than seven tons. Because the existing BMP-1 weighed thirteen tonnes, it was effectively ruled out of being considered for the VDV service. The task of designing the BMD fell to the Volgograd Tractor Factory, which had produced an unsuccessful competitor to the Ob'yekt 764 that eventually

BMD-1 66

became the BMP-1 – the Ob'yekt 914. The BMD design, Ob'yekt 915, was basically a trimmed down version of theOb'yekt 914 – smaller, lighter aluminium armour, while retaining the 73 mm 2A28 "Grom" low pressure smoothboreshort-recoil semi-automatic gun. The compromise made is the extremely cramped crew compartment.Development started in 1965 and trials started from 1967. A limited production began in 1968. After operationaltrials it was commissioned on 14 April 1969[9] and the serial production started in 1970, although the vehicle weight500 kg more than what the requirements stated (7.5 tonnes and 13.3 tonnes when loaded with equipment).Starting from 1977 a new modernized vehicle received a designation BMD-1P following adoption of the new9P135M-1 ATGM launcher instead of 9S428 ATGM launcher, firing the 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) and9M111M Fagot or 9M111-2 (standard load: two 9M113 and one 9M111M missiles). Most of older BMD-1s weresubsequently modernized this way.[9]

In 1983, based on the combat experience in Afghanistan a decision was made to produce a new variant of the BMDwith a weapon capable of engaging targets such as those faced by the airborne troops in that conflict. This resulted in"Ob'yekt 916" which later became BMD-2.A lengthened chassis of BMD-1 served as a basis for the BTR-D airborne multi-purpose tracked APC which itselfserved as a basis for many specialized airborne vehicles.

Description

BMD-1 three-view graphic.

Overview

The BMD-1 can be thought of as a BMP intended for airborne troops.The vehicle therefore must be lighter and smaller in order to meetairdrop weight requirements (the BMD-1 is secured to a pallet andparachute-dropped from cargo planes).BMD-1 has an unconventional layout for an IFV. From front to back ofthe vehicle the compartments are located in a following formation:steering, fighting, troop and engine. This is because the BMD-1 isbased on Ob'yekt 914 which in turn is based on the PT-76 amphibiouslight tank (refer Prototypes section in the BMP-1 article for details). This meant that transported troops had to mountand dismount the vehicle via the roof hatches which made them an easy target on the battlefield when these actionswere performed.

CrewThe crew consist of four soldiers: driver, commander, gunner and bow machine gunner, two of which (commanderand machine gunner) are included into number of soldiers carried.[4] The driver's station is located centrally in thefront of the vehicle and has hatch that opens raising it and rotating it to the right. The driver is provided with threeperiscope vision blocks which allow him to view the outer environment when his hatch is closed. The center one canbe replaced with a night vision device for use in night and bad visibility conditions or with an extended periscope forswimming with the trim vane erected.[10] On the left hand side of the driver is the commander's station. It is providedwith a hatch, one periscope vision block, an outer environment observation device and R-123 radio set forcommunication. He also fires the left bow machine gun. The right one is operated by a bow machine gun gunner sitson the right hand side of the driver. The gunner's station is located on the left hand side of the turret like in theBMP-1 and has the same equipment (see Gunner's station section in BMP-1 article for details).[1][5]

BMD-1 67

TurretThe BMD-1 has the same turret as the BMP-1.

ArmamentThe vehicle is armed with the 73 mm 2A28 Grom gun and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial tank machine gun. Mounted on themantlet is the 9S428 ATGM launcher capable of firing 9M14 Malyutka (NATO: AT-3A Sagger A) and 9M14MMalyutka-M (NATO: AT-3B Sagger B) ATGMs (for which the vehicle carries 2 ATGMs in the turret). There arealso two 7.62 mm PKT machine guns in fixed mounts, one each in the corners of the bow.

Mobility

Maneuverability

The vehicle is powered by 5D-20 6-cylinder 4-stroke V-shaped liquid cooled 15.9 liter diesel engine developing270 hp (201 kW) at 2,600 revolutions per minute. The engine drives a manual gearbox with five forward gears andone reverse gear.[5]

The BMD-1 has a maximum road speed of 80 kilometers per hour, reducing to around 45 kilometers per houroff-road and 10 kilometers per hour while swimming.[2][3][5][11]

The BMD-1 can climb 0.8 meter high vertical obstacles, cross 1.6 meter wide trenches and 30% side slopes. It canclimb 60% gradients.[5][6][12] The BMD-1 has a ground pressure of 0.57 kg/cm².[6][12]

The 230 mm wide[12] track is driven at the rear and passes over five small evenly spaced road wheels suspended onindependent torsion bars. On each side there is an idler wheel at the front, a rear drive sprocket and four track-returnrollers. The independent suspension combines a hydraulic system for altering the ground clearance and maintainingthe track tension with pneumatic springs, which enables the ground clearance to be altered from 100 mm to450 mm.[5] Alterable ground clearance allows easier transportation in an airplane.[2][3][1]

Amphibious ability

The BMD-1 is fully amphibious, it can swim after switching on the two electric bilge pumps, erecting the two piecetrim vane which improves vehicle's stability and displacement in water and prevents the water from flooding the bowof the tank and switching the driver's periscope for a swimming periscope that enables the driver to see over the trimvane. When not in use the trim vane is placed in its laying position in the front of the bow under the barrel of themain gun and serves as additional armour. There is also a manual bilge pump for emergency use. The bilge pumpskeep the vehicle afloat even if it is hit, damaged or leaks. In water it is propelled by two hydrojets, one in each sideof the hull, with the entrance under the hull and exits at the rear of the hull. The rear exits have lids that can be fullyor partially closed, redirecting the water stream to the forward-directed exits at the sides of the hull, thus enabling thevehicle to turn or float reverse, for example, to go left, the left water-jet is covered, to go right, the right water-jet iscovered and to make a 180° turn the left water-jet sucks in water and the right water-jet pushes it out.

Air-drop techniques

The vehicle can be transported by An-12, An-22, Il-76, An-124 airplanes and Mi-6 and Mi-26 helicopters.[10]

The BMD was originally dropped under the MKS-350-9 multi-canopy parachute with a descending speed between 15 m/s and 20 m/s.[14] The intention was to drop the vehicle without the crew. This proved to be very problematic, since the crew frequently landed at a considerable distance from the vehicle and often had trouble finding it. Also the vehicle itself could easily land in a location from which it couldn't be extracted (either because of a lack of suitable equipment or because of the location being virtually inaccessible). Several experiments were done in the 1970s in order to find a way to circumvent these limitations, including dropping the BMD with the two key crew members, the driver and gunner, seated inside the vehicle during the descent. The first such test took place in January 1973,

BMD-1 68

and the concept was proved to be valid in a subsequent series of tests.A rocket parachute, the PRSM-915, was developed to ensure the vehicle's safe landing. To use the parachute, theBMD is first packed onto a special pallet before takeoff. To drop the BMD, a drogue chute is released that initiallydrags the BMD out of the Il-76 transport plane. Once clear of the plane a single large main chute opens. Thedeployment of the main chute triggers the deployment of four long rods which hang beneath the pallet. As soon asthe rods touch the ground a retrorocket fires, slowing the BMD to a descending speed between 6 m/s and 7 m/s andgiving it a relatively soft landing.[14] This system entered service in 1975 and allows a BMD to be relatively safelyparachuted with both the driver and the gunner.An alternative radio location system also exists. Each crew member is given a radio receiver locked onto atransponder in its particular BMD, allowing each BMD crewman to quickly locate his respective vehicle after theairdrop.

Armour protectionThe BMD-1's armour is made of cast magnesium alloy, in order to save weight. Combat experience in Afghanistandemonstrated that the armour itself would catch fire and burn fiercely, often killing the crew, when hit with a weaponsuch as an RPG. Later variants of the BMD had aluminium armour instead.Armour thickness is 23 mm at 42° on the front of the turret, 19 mm at 36° on the sides of the turret, 13 mm at 30° onthe rear of the turret, 6 mm on the rear of the turret, 15 mm on the front of the hull and 10 mm on the rest of thehull.[2][3][1][7][8] Hull's front armour has two sections: upper and lower. The upper section is angled at 78° while thelower one is angled at 50°.[5] It's resistant to small arms fire and shrapnel.

Troop compartmentMany compromises had to be made to the design in order to save the necessary weight, not least to crew comfort.The BMD-1 has extremely cramped interior space, which is much smaller than that found in the BMP-1 and BMP-2IFVs. It can carry five infantrymen, including vehicle's commander, bow machine gunner and three soldiers seatedbehind a turret.[4]

Nevertheless it is equipped with periscope vision blocks on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Also there are onlythree firing ports, two on each side of the hull and one in the rear. As a standard, the vehicle carries the followingweapons inside the troop compartment: the RPG-7 or RPG-16 shoulder-launched anti-tank rocket propelled grenadelauncher which is to be operated by two soldiers, RPKS light machine gun and five AKMS assault rifles.[4] It carriesalso portable launchers for 9M14M Malyutka missiles[4] (9M111/9M113 missiles in BMD-1P).

EquipmentThe vehicle has electric and manual bilge pumps, Gpk-S9 gyro-compass, engine pre-heater, TDA smoke-generatingequipment, FTP-100M NBC system, R-123 transceiver, R-124 intercom and a centralized ethylene-bromidefire-extinguishing system, the same as the one fitted to other former Soviet armoured vehicles.[10]

Service historyBMD-1 entered serial production in 1968. It was produced by Volgograd Tractor Plant. Two airborne regiments of each airborne division were equipped with BMD-1 IFVs. Overall each division operated 220 BMD-1 IFVs. It was observed by the West for the first time during Dvina exercise in the USSR in 1970. The West saw it for the second time during Moscow Red Square parade in November 1973. The West originally thought that the BMD-1 was a light tank before its true nature was known.[2][3][6] Because of its small crew, the introduction of the BMD led to a reduction in the number of soldiers in an airborne battalion, from 610 to 316 men. The firepower of the BMD also meant that some of the battalion's integral fire support could be done away with. In 1973 the BMD-1 completely

BMD-1 69

replaced the ASU-57 airborne assault guns in the Soviet airborne forces, increasing the firepower andmaneuverability of the airborne division.[2][3][6] Since 1977 a number of Soviet BMD-1 IFVs underwent amodernization to BMD-1P standard.

Soldiers ride on top of a BMD-1 in Kabul,Afghanistan, 25 March 1986.

Soviet War in Afghanistan

It was widely used by airborne units during Soviet War inAfghanistan.[12] BMD-1 IFVs were not suited for fighting in mountainregions of hot Afghanistan as they were originally developed toprovide airborne units with an IFV to give them a chance inengagements with enemy armour and allow them to operate inNuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions. InAfghanistan the main enemies were not AFVs but land mines andambushes prepared by skillful Afghan Mujahideen armed with lightanti-tank weapons, which meant that the BMD-1's anti-tank firepower was useless. Many BMD-1 IFVs fell victim toMujahideen attacks and, especially, antitank landmines like quite many Soviet light AFVs sent there. The SovietArmy lost 1317 APCs and IFVs of all types during 9 years of war in Afghanistan.

A destroyed Iraqi BMD-1 IFV sits near anabandoned structure in Northern Iraq, during

Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2 April 2003.

Iraq

In 1990, BMD-1 IFVs were used by the Iraqi Army during first GulfWar. They were used for a second time during 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Former Yugoslavia

BMD-1 and BMD-1PK IFVs are used by Russian airborne units ofKFOR. BMD-1 IFVs were used by Russian airborne units of SFOR.

Present serviceAs of now BMD-1 and vehicles based on it are used by the following units of Russian Army or are stationed infollowing bases (this list does not include BTR-D APCs and BTR-D variants):76th airborne (CDO) division from Pskov which is part of Leningrad Military District (210 BMD vehicles as of2000), the subunits of this division include 104nd airborne regiment from Pskov (51 BMD-1) and 234th airborneregiment from Pskov (98 BMD-1).[15]

98th airborne division from Ivanovo (220 BMD vehicles as of 2000), the subunits of this division include 217thairborne regiment from Ivanovo (109 BMD-1) and 331nd airborne regiment from Kostroma (102 BMD-1).[15]

106th airborne division from Tula which is a part of the Moscow Military District (306 BMD as of 2000), thesubunits of this division include 51stairborne regiment from Tula (93 BMD-1) and 137th airborne regiment fromRyazan (10 BMD-1).[15]

7th CDO mountain division from Novorossyysk (190 BMD and BMP vehicles as of 2000), the subunits of thisdivision include 108th airborne regiment from Novorossyysk (70 BMD-1) and 743rd commandos battalion fromNovorossyysk (6 BMD-1).[15]

BMD-1 70

31st independent airborne brigade from Ul'yanovsk which is a part of the Volga-Ural Military District (26 BMD-1 asof 2000).[15]

Ryazan airborne troops institute (51 BMD-1).[15]

99th Internal Troops division from Rostov, Persianovka which is a part of the North Caucasus Military District (4BMD-1 and 33 BMD-1 IFVs in the Cherkmen regiment).[16]

81st tank repair plant from Armavir (Krasnodar) (1 BMD-1).[17]

BMD's replacementThe Russian military was considering replacing the BMD series altogether with the GAZ-3937. This verylightweight wheeled armoured personnel carrier incorporates plastic and carbon fibre in its construction, as well asaluminum. The GAZ-3937 can be air-dropped like the BMD, but is considerably lighter and less expensive tomanufacture. Since the GAZ-3937 lacks the armor protection, cross-country mobility, and heavy armament of theBMD series, and is armed only with a 7.62 mm PKM machine gun in front of the commander's hatch, the BMD-4(an upgraded BMD-3) has been selected for the future use of the Russian airborne and naval infantry. The BMD-4uses the same 100 mm main gun with 30 mm autocannon and 7.62 mm medium machine gun turret on an improved,larger hull raising overall weight to the 15-ton class. The waterjet swim propulsion systems of the BMD-3/4 arestrong enough to enable ship-to-shore transport resulting in Russian naval infantry use.

Combat history• 1975–2002 Angolan Civil War• 1979–1988 Soviet War in Afghanistan• 1990–1991 First Persian Gulf War• 1999–2009 Second Chechen War• 2003 – Second Persian Gulf War (all destroyed in the first month of the war)• 2008 South Ossetia War

BMD-1 71

Variants

Former USSR

A Russian BMD-2 with SFOR markings parkedin front of several trailer units at the Russian

airborne brigade in Tojsici, Bosnia-Herzegovina,1 January 1996.

• BMD – First production model.[2][3][1]

• BMD-1 (Ob'yekt 915) – Final production model. It has adome-shaped NBC filter intake on the right hand side of thecenter of the hull roof.[2][3][1]

• BMD-1K (K stands for komandirskaya – command) –Command variant fitted with R-126 and R-107 transceivers,two Clothes Rail antennas and a generator box. It's sometimescalled BMD-K.[2][3][1][6]

• BMD-1P – BMD-1 modernization with its 9S428 ATGMlauncher replaced by pintle-mounted 9P135M-1 ATGMlauncher capable of firing 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5Spandrel), 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B),9M111 "Fagot" (AT-4 Spigot) and 9M111-2 "Fagot" (AT-4BSpigot B) ATGMs. Entered service in 1977.[2][3][1][6]

• BMD-1PK (K stands for komandirskaya – command) –Command variant of BMD-1P. It is fitted with anadditional R-123M radio set, a generator, the GPK-59gyroscopic compass, the PRKhR radiation and chemicalreconnaissance unit and two attachable tables. The machine gun mounted in the left corner of the bow ofthe hull has been eliminated as well as one of the seats. The crew consists of 6 men. The ammo load wasreduced by one 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel) ATGM and 250 7.62 mm machine gun rounds.[6]

• BMD-1M – BMD-1 with smoke grenade launchers on the rear of the turret, improved ventilation and roadwheels.[2][3][1][6]

• BMD-1 with its 73 mm 2A28 "Grom" main gun replaced by 30 mm autocannon.• BMD-1 with its 73 mm 2A28 "Grom" main gun replaced by 30 mm AGS-17 "Plamya" automatic grenade

launcher.• BMD-1 converted into a mortar carrier.• BMD-1 with turret mounted 2B9 Vasilek mortar.• BMD-1 converted into a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. The armament was removed and replaced

by a vision device. Fitted on top of the turret is a small box-type launcher for 12×80 mm rockets.• BMD-2 (Ob'yekt 916) – BMD-1 variant with a new one-man turret armed with stabilized 30 mm 2A42

multi-purpose autocannon and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial tank machine gun (mounted on the right hand side of the main gun). The vehicle carries 300 rounds for the main gun (180 AP and 120 HE) and 2,940 rounds for the machine gun. The gun has a maximum elevation of 75° and can be used to fire at air targets. The turret is also armed with pintle-mounted 9P135M launcher, on the right hand side of the roof of the turret, with semi-automatic control capable of firing SACLOS guided 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel) and 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B) ATGMs. The new turret seats the gunner on the left hand side of the main gun. On top of the turret there's one single piece circular hatch opening to the front. Located in front of the said hatch is the gunner's sight which is the same one as the one used in BMP-2. Another gunner's sight is located on the left hand side of the main gun and moves in vertical planes along with it. It is a high angle of fire sight used when the gunner is aiming at air targets. The vehicle also has additional periscopes that provide it with vision on the sides. A white searchlight is mounted in front of the turret. The amount of bow mounted tank machine guns decreased from two to one. The right hand side bow mounted

BMD-1 72

machine gun was preserved. NATO gave it the designation BMD M1981/1.[2][3]

• BTR-D (Ob'yekt 925) (bronyetransportyor) – Lengthened variant (with 6 rather than 5 road wheels),slightly up-armoured at the front. The BTR-D has no turret but is armed with two bow-mounted machineguns PKB and can be fitted with pintle-mounted automatic grenade launchers (AGS-17, AGS-30 orAGS-57) and/or machine guns (PKM, 6P41, "Utyos" or "Kord"). Entered service in 1974 and can carry 10passengers. Combat weight: 8.5 tons.

Belarus• BMD-1 fitted with 2A42 Cobra overhead mount modular one-man turret.

Russia• BMD-1 modernization fitted with TKB-799 "Kliver" one-man weapons station developed by Tula Instrument

Engineering Design Bureau (KBP). It is armed with a missile pod, a 30 mm 2A72 multipurpose autocannon (itcan be used against both ground targets and air targets) and a 7.62 mm PKTM coaxial general purpose machinegun. The missile pod is mounted on the right side of the weapons station and normally holds four 9M133 Kornet(AT-14 Spriggan) or 9M133F "Kornet" ATGMs with laser jam-resistant fire control system but these can beremoved and replaced by a pod of 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grouse) surface-to-air missiles. It carries 300 rounds for themain gun, 2000 rounds for PKTM machine gun and 4 ATGMs. It also has a modern computerized fire controlsystem with two-plane stabilizer, 1K13-2 telescopic sight with distance measurement/thermal/laser channels andballistic calculator with external sensors.[2][3][6]

Operators

BMD-1 of 103rd Mobile Brigade, Belarus

•  Angola –[12]

•  Armenia – 10[12]

•  Azerbaijan – 41[12]

•  Belarus – 124 in 1995, 154 in 2000,2003 and 2005.[12][18]

•  India –[12]

•  Iran – 200 in service as of 1998.•  Moldova – 44 BMD-1 9 BTR-D and

also 9 2S9.[12]

•  Russia – About 715 in active serviceand more than 2,400 in storage.[1][12]

•  Ukraine – 61 in 1995, 2000 and2005.[12][19]

•  Uzbekistan – 110 in 1995, 120 in2000 and 2005.[12][20]

BMD-1 73

Former operators• Cuba – Left to Angolan forces free of pay.• Iraq – 10 ordered in 1980 and delivered in 1981.[21] All destroyed or scrapped.•  Soviet Union – Passed on to successor states.

Notes[1] warfare.ru (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?catid=245& linkid=2313). warfare.ru. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[2] Global Security (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ bmd-1. htm). Global Security. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[3] fas.org (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ bmd-1. htm). fas.org. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[4] Maksim Sayenko. "Bronya »krylyatoy pyekhoty«" (Armour of "Winged infnatry"). Tekhnika i Vooruzhenie no.08/2006, p. 28-32 (Russian)[5] Pancerni.net 1 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=31& Itemid=43). Pancerni.abajt.pl.

Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[6] Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide (http:/ / www. inetres. com/ gp/ military/ cv/ inf/ BMD-1. html)[7] Global Security BMD-2 (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ bmd-2-specs. htm). Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved on 20

September 2011.[8] BMD-2 (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ bmd-2. htm). Fas.org. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[9] Maksim Sayenko. "Bronya »krylyatoy pyekhoty«" (Armour of "Winged infnatry"). Tekhnika i Vooruzhenie no.09/2006, p. 29-36 (Russian)[10] Pancerni.net BMD-2 1 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=88& Itemid=100).

Pancerni.abajt.pl. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[11] Pancerni.net 2 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=31& Itemid=43& limit=1&

limitstart=1). Pancerni.abajt.pl. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[12] A Brief Guide to Russian Armored Fighting Vehicles (http:/ / www. aeronautics. ru/ archive/ armored_vehicles/ bmd-1. htm)[13] Internet Archive Wayback Machine (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20061103033619/ http:/ / www. milparade. com/ Soderzhaniye. pdf).

Web.archive.org (3 November 2006). Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[14] Pancerni.net BMD-2 2 (http:/ / www. pancerni. abajt. pl/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=88& Itemid=100& limit=1&

limitstart=1). Pancerni.abajt.pl. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[15] VDV (http:/ / www. warfare. ru/ ?catid=239& linkid=2241). Warfare.ru. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[16] North Caucasus Military District (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?linkid=2227& catid=321). Warfare.ru. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[17] General Staff (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?linkid=2223& catid=239). Warfare.ru. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[18] Belarus Army Equipment (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ belarus/ army-equipment. htm). Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved

on 20 September 2011.[19] Ground Forces Equipment – Ukraine (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ ukraine/ groundforces-equipment. htm).

Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[20] Uzbek-Army Equipment (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ centralasia/ uzbek-army-equipment. htm). Globalsecurity.org.

Retrieved on 20 September 2011.[21] SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (http:/ / armstrade. sipri. org/ arms_trade/ trade_register. php). Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 20

September 2011.

References• Hull, A.W., Markov, D.R., Zaloga, S.J. (1999). Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices 1945 to

Present. Darlington Productions. ISBN 1-892848-01-5.• Perrett, Bryan (1987). Soviet Armour Since 1945. London: Blandford Press. ISBN 0-7137-1735-1.

External links• DishModels.ru: Walkaround of BMD-1 in Saratov (http:/ / www. dishmodels. ru/ wshow. htm?p=1760)• DishModels.ru: Walkaround of BMD-2 in Saratov (http:/ / www. dishmodels. ru/ wshow. htm?p=1761)

Main Battle Tank 3000 74

Main Battle Tank 3000

Main Battle Tank 3000

Scale model of MBT3000

Type Main battle tank

Place of origin  China

Service historyUsed by People's Liberation Army

Production historyDesigner Norinco

Manufacturer Norinco

Produced Under development

SpecificationsWeight 52 t[1]

Length 10.10 m[1]

Width 3.50 m[1]

Height 2.40 m[1]

Crew 3 (commander, driver, gunner)

Mainarmament

125 mm (4.9 in) smoothbore

Secondaryarmament

1 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) AA MG1 × 7.62 mm (0.3 in) coaxial MG

Engine Turbocharged diesel engine1,300 hp (969 kW)

Power/weight 25 hp/tonne

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

500 km (310 mi)

Speed 68 km/h (42 mph)

The Main Battle Tank 3000 (MBT3000) is a third generation main battle tank currently under development byNorinco with an expected delivery for China's People's Liberation Army in 2014.[2]

Main Battle Tank 3000 75

Design

Armament

Primary

The tank gun is a 125 mm (4.9 in) smoothbore, which can fire various shells including: kinetic energy penetrator,high explosive squash head and high explosive anti-tank warhead.[2] In addition, the main gun can fire anti-tankmissiles with a maximum range of 5,000 m (5,500 yd).[2] The MBT3000 can carry thirty eight rounds of mainammunition with a maximum loading speed of eight rounds per minute with twenty two rounds on the autoloader.[2]

Secondary

The MBT3000 has a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) anti-aircraft machine gun and a 7.62 mm (0.3 in) coaxial machine gun.[2]

Fire-control system

The tank's fire-control system includes a digital imaging system that consists of a second generation cooledthermographic imager for the gunner and the tank commander.[2]

MobilityThe MBT3000 has a water-cooled turbocharger electronic-controlled diesel engine with 1,300 hp (969 kW).[2] TheMBT3000 has a cruise speed of 68 km/h (42 mph) and has an operational range of 500 km (310 mi).[2] The tank usesdigital technology with an inertial navigation system and Global Positioning System.[2] The tanks ford depth is 4.5 m(4.9 yd) and it has a trench of 2.7 m (3 yd).[2] The tank driver has a first generation uncooled thermographicimager.[2]

ProtectionThe tank has a fire extinguisher feature and explosion suppression system.[2] The gradient is at maximumsixty-percent.[2]

Countermeasures

The MBT3000 countermeasures include eight 76 mm (3 in) smoke grenade launchers and four 76 mm (3 in)shrapnel grenade launchers.[2]

References[1] http:/ / www. asian-defence. com/ 2012/ 06/ norinco-mbt-3000-main-battle-tank. html#. UIy5LWf6gnR[2] Asian Defence: China's Norinco New MBT-3000 Tank (http:/ / www. asian-defence. net/ 2012/ 06/ chinas-norinco-new-mbt-3000-tank.

html#more)

Kanonenjagdpanzer 76

Kanonenjagdpanzer

Kanonenjagdpanzer

Type Tank destroyer

Place of origin  West Germany

Service historyIn service 1965 - 1990

Used by  West Germany  Belgium

Production historyManufacturer Henschel and Hanomag

Produced 1965 - 1967

SpecificationsWeight 27.5 tonnes

Length Total: 8.75 m (28 ft 8 in)Hull: 6.24 m (20 ft 6 in)

Width 2.98 m (9 ft 9 in)

Height 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in)

Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)

Armor 10 - 50mm

Mainarmament

1 x Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 90mm anti-tank gun

Secondaryarmament

2 x 7.62mm MG3 machine guns8 smoke dischargers

Engine 2,94l MTU MB 837 Aa V8 water-cooled multi-fueldiesel-engine500 hp (368 kW)

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

385 km (239 mi)

Speed 70km/h (43.5 mph)

The Kanonenjagdpanzer 4 - 5 (also known as Jagdpanzer Kanone 90mm, or tank destroyer, gun) was a German Cold War tank destroyer equipped with a 90mm anti-tank gun from obsolete M47 Patton tanks. Its design was very

Kanonenjagdpanzer 77

similar to that of the World War II Jagdpanzer IV.

HistoryThe first prototypes of the Kanonenjagdpanzer were built in 1960 by Hanomag and Henschel for West Germany andby MOWAG for Switzerland. Hanomag and Henschel continued to produce prototypes, until between 1966 and1967, 770 were built for the Bundeswehr, 385 by Hanomag and 385 by Henschel. Eighty of them were delivered toBelgium from April 1975 onward.[1]

When the Soviets began deploying their T-64 and T-72 main battle tanks, the 90 mm gun wasn't capable of ensuringlong-range combat and the Kanonenjagdpanzer became obsolete. Although the producers claimed it could berearmed with a 105 mm gun,[1] between 1983 and 1985, 163 of these tank destroyers were converted into anti-tankguided missile carrying Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 2 by removing the gun, adding a roof-mounted TOW missilelauncher and fastening further spaced and perforated armour on the hull. Some others were refitted by removing themain gun into artillery observation vehicles, so called Beobachtungspanzer, which served most particularly in themortar units.Some Kanonenjagdpanzer remained into service with the Heimatschutztruppe until 1990.

DesignThe Kanonenjagdpanzer was a highly mobile vehicle, its survivability based on its mobility and its low profile.[1] Itshull consisted of welded steel, which had a maximum thickness of only 50 mm. It carried a crew of four, acommander, driver, gunner and a loader. Since the Kanonenjagdpanzer followed the casemate design of most WorldWar II tank destroyers, the gun was fixed within the casemate, located a little right from the center. The 90 mm guncould only traverse 15° to the sides and elevate from -8° to +15°. It carried 51 90 mm rounds for the main gun and4000 7,62 mm rounds for the two MG3s.[1] The Kanonenjagdpanzer had NBC protection and night-fightingability.[1]

Operators•  West Germany - The German Army operated a total of 770 Kanonenjagdpanzer•  Belgium - The Belgian Army operated 80 slightly modified Kanonenjagdpanzer from 1975 onwards

External links• Panzerbär [2] (de)

References[1] Panzer und andere Kampffahrzeuge von 1916 bis heute, Christopher F. Foss, Buch und Zeit Verlagsgesellschaft, p.134 (German)[2] http:/ / www. panzerbaer. de/ types/ bw_kanjgpz_90-a. htm

M55 Self Propelled Howitzer 78

M55 Self Propelled Howitzer

M55

M55 howitzer in the US Army Ordnance MuseumType Self-propelled artillery

Place of origin  United States

Service historyIn service 1970s (Belgium)

Used by  United States  Belgium

Wars Vietnam War

Production historyManufacturer Pacific Car and Foundry Co.

Produced 1950s

SpecificationsWeight 44 metric tons

Length 9.75 m

Crew 6

Armour 25 mm (maximum)(Rolled homogeneous armour)

Mainarmament

203.2 mm M47 howitzer(10 rounds)

Secondaryarmament

.50 cal M2HB machine gun(900 rounds)

Engine Continental AV-1790-5B(12 cylinder, 4 cycle, 90° veegasoline)810 hp at 2800 rpm (gross)704 hp at 2800 rpm (net)

Transmission Allison CD-850-4A(two ranges forward, one reverse)

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

160 mi (260 km)

Speed 30 mph (48 km/h)

M55 Self Propelled Howitzer 79

The M55 was an American fully enclosed and armored self-propelled artillery based on the M53 155 mm assaultgun. It had a traversable, to a certain degree - 30° left or right, turret armed with a 203.2 mm howitzer, carrying only10 rounds of ammunition. The gun had a maximum range of 16,916 meters (10.51 miles) with a rate of fire of oneround every two minutes. The M55 armor was light, 25 mm maximum, but sufficient to protect the crew fromindirect artillery hits or small arms fire.The M55 used components of the M47 Patton tank, but the automotive aspects were reversed. The engine wasmounted in the front and drove through a front-drive sprocket. The driver's cupola is visible on the front left of theturret, and spare track blocks were stored on the turret front.The M55 was used during the Vietnam War, and subsequently withdrawn from service in the US military.

References• http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ ground/ m55-8. htm• http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ ground/ m55-8-specs. htm• http:/ / www. battletanks. com/ m55. htm• http:/ / afvdb. 50megs. com/ usa/ 8insphm55. html

Flakpanzer Gepard 80

Flakpanzer Gepard

Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard

Gepard 1A2 of the German ArmyType Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Place of origin  West Germany

SpecificationsWeight 47.5 t (46.7 long tons; 52.4 short tons)

Length Overall: 7.68 m (25 ft 2 in)

Width 3.71 m (12 ft 2 in)

Height Radar retracted: 3.29 m (10 ft 10 in)

Crew 3 (driver, gunner, commander)

Armor conventional steel

Mainarmament

2 × 35 mm autocannon, each with 320 rounds anti-air ammunition and 20 rounds anti-tank

Secondaryarmament

2 × quad 76mm smoke grenade dischargers

Engine 10-cylinder, 37,400 cc (2,280 cu in) MTU multi-fuel engine830 PS (819 hp, 610 kW)

Power/weight 17.5 PS/t

Suspension Torsion bar suspension

Operationalrange

550 km (340 mi)

Speed 65 km/h (40 mph)

The Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard ("anti-aircraft cannon tank Cheetah", better known as the FlakpanzerGepard) is an autonomous, all-weather-capable German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). It was developedin the 1960s and fielded in the 1970s, and has been upgraded several times with the latest electronics. It constituted acornerstone of the air defence of the German Army (Bundeswehr) and a number of other NATO countries. InGermany, the Gepard was phased out in late 2010 to be replaced by "SysFla", a mobile and stationary air defencesystem using the LFK NG missile and the new MANTIS gun system. The mobile platform of SysFla will likely bebased on the GTK Boxer.[1]

Flakpanzer Gepard 81

DescriptionThe vehicle is based on the hull of Leopard 1 tank with a large fully rotating turret carrying the armament—a pair of35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons and the two radar dishes—a general search radar at the rear of the turret and thetracking radar, and a laser rangefinder, at the front between the guns. Each gun has a firing rate of 550 rounds/min.The guns are 90 calibres (3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)) long, with a muzzle velocity of 1,440 m/s (4,700 ft/s)(FAPDS—Frangible Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot rounds), giving an effective range of 5,500 m. The KDAautocannon can take two different ammunition types, and the usual loading is a mix of 320 AA and 20 AP roundsper gun. Combined rate of fire is 1,100 rounds/min.The electrically driven turret is powered by a 40 kW generator driven by a 4-cylinder, 3.8 litre Mercedes-Benz OM314 multi-fuel engine.Since the eighties Stinger teams have been accompanying the Gepard units, to take advantage of their long-rangescanning capacity. To combine this capacity in a single unit a missile system upgrade which mounts the NATOManPad Stinger surface-to-air missile (in twin packs) to the autocannons was developed. The system was tested bythe German Bundeswehr but not bought due to budget restrictions and the fielding of the Ozelot Light Flak (leFla)System.The Gepard was developed from 1963 onwards. In 1969 construction began of four A prototypes testing both 30 and35 mm guns. On 25 June 1970 it was decided to use the 35 mm type. In 1971 twelve second phase B prototypes wereordered; the same year the Dutch army ordered a CA preseries of five vehicles based on a parallel development thathad used a German 0-series Leopard 1 vehicle made available by the German government in March 1970 as theC-prototype. The Germans made a small preseries of both the B1and B2R. On 5 February 1973 the political decisionwas made to produce the type; in September 1973 the contract was signed with Krauss-Maffei for 432 B2 turrets and420 hulls with a total value of DM1,200,000,000. Each vehicle would thus be about three times more expensive thana normal Leopard 1. The first was delivered in December 1976. Belgium ordered 55 vehicles, identical to theGerman version. The Dutch ordered three batches, the CA1, CA2 and CA3, with a total of 95 vehicles, equippedwith Philips radar systems.

Technology and systems

Chassis and propulsionThe Gepard is based on a slightly modified chassis of the main battle tank Leopard 1, including the complete driveunit with a 37.4-liter 10-cylinder multi-fuel engine (type: MB 838 CaM 500) with two mechanical loaders built byMTU. The V-engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees has 610 kW at 2200 RPM (830 PS) and consumesdepending on the surface and on driving style around 150 liters per 100 kilometers. To ensure a steady supply of oileven in difficult terrain and under extreme skew, the engine is provided with a dry sump forced lubrication. Even thegearbox (type: 4 HP-250) from ZF Friedrichshafen and the exhaust system with fresh air admixture to reduce theinfrared signature were taken by the Leopard 1 MBT.At location of the second ammunition magazine of the main battle tank the Gepard is equipped with the auxiliaryengine for the energy supply system on the front left. The 4-cylinder diesel engine by Daimler-Benz (type: OM 314)is also designed as a multi-fuel engine and produces—with a capacity of 3.8 liter—66 kW (90 PS). It consumesdepending on the operational status of the tank between 10 and 20 liters per hour (l/h). The auxiliary engine iscoupled with five generators to operate at different speeds: Two Metadyn machines in tandem with a flywheel(which is used to store energy during acceleration and deceleration of the tower) for the power of the vertical andhorizontal directional drives, two 380-Hz three-phase generators with a capacity of 20 kVA for the ventilation, firecontrol and radar systems, and a 300-A 28-volt direct current generator for the electrical system. The fuel capacity is985 liters to ensure a combined operating time of approximately 48 hours.

Flakpanzer Gepard 82

The chassis and the track were taken directly from the Leopard 1. It is a torsion bar spring mounted support rollerdrive with seven roller pairs. They are connected to the torsion bars on swing arms, whose deflection is limited byvolute springs. The Rubber-mounted shocks were modified to achieve better stability during fire fighting. The chainis manufactured by the company Diehl, chain pads fitted, "living" chain (type: D 640 A).The modification of the hull is only slight, i.e. a modified roller distance (8 cm increased distance between the thirdand fourth roller) and the transfer of additional batteries in battery boxes at the rear. The batteries and the electricalsystem operate at 24 volts DC.

Variants

Closeup of the gun muzzle and theprojectile velocity sensor

There are two variants of Gepard in service; the Dutch has a different radarinstallation.

 Germany• Search radar: S band, 15 km range• Tracking radar: Ku band, 15 km range•• Laser rangefinder

 Netherlands• Search radar: X band, 15 km range• Tracking radar: X/Ka band, 13 km rangeThe Dutch version was officially called the PRTL(PantserRupsTegenLuchtdoelen or "Armoured Tracked Anti-Aircraft"),pronounced as "pruttle" by the soldiers. The Dutch series version was madepublic through a photograph of a vehicle from a C-Company, the first to beequipped with the new weapon. Traditionally all Dutch vehicles in a companyhave names beginning with the company designation letter and this vehiclehappened to have the individual name Cheetah painted in bold type on itsturret. Inevitably the international press assumed "Cheetah" was the Dutch name for their Gepard version and thismistake found its way into most armour publications on the subject. In 2000 the Dutch military authorities, tired ofconstantly having to explain all this and considering "pruttle" was hardly a martial name anyway, conformedthemselves to common error and made "Cheetah" the official designation, when the system was upgraded.

Users

A Gepard 1A2 of the German Army

Dutch PRTL

•  Belgium: 55 delivered, withdrawn from service.

Flakpanzer Gepard 83

•  Brazil: 36 on order for the Brazilian Army.[2]

•  Chile: Former user. Four vehicles delivered in 2008, and returned in January 2011. Equipment originallyoperated by the Bundeswehr. Order of 30 vehicles cancelled due to high overhaul/upgrade costs.[3]

•  Germany: 377 originally built for the Bundeswehr, 94 remain in service until 2010 and will then be storeduntil SysFla is fully introduced.

•  Netherlands: 95 delivered, withdrawn from service.•  Romania: 43 delivered (36 + 7 for spares), all ex-Bundeswehr stocks.[4]

Comparable systems•• M247 Sergeant York•• Marksman anti-aircraft system•• PZA Loara•• Tunguska-M1•• Type 95 SPAAA•• Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun•• ZSU-23-4 Shilka

Notes[1] "The "Cheetah" has served its purpose" (http:/ / www. kn-online. de/ lokales/ ploen/ 141342-Der-Gepard-hat-ausgedient. html) (in German).

KN-Online. 9 March 2010. . Retrieved 16 April 2010.[2] Brazilian Army will acquire 36 Gepard anti-aircraft guns (http:/ / www. armyrecognition. com/

december_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/brazilian_army_will_acquire_36_gepard_german-made_35mm_anti-aircraft_armoured_vehicles_1012122. html) - Armyrecognition.com,December 10, 2012

[3] Chile devolve os Gepard (http:/ / www. segurancaedefesa. com/ Gepard_ECh_Devolve. html)[4] "Self-propelled antiaircraft complex "Cheetah"" (http:/ / www. forter. ro/ ro/ inzestrare/ ghepard/ ) (in Romanian). Romanian Ministry of

Defence. . Retrieved 16 April 2010.

External links• Gepard Photos and Walk Arounds on Prime Portal (http:/ / www. primeportal. net/ apc/ gepard. htm)• Gepard (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ gepard/ ) at Army Technology• Gepard (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ europe/ gepard. htm) at GlobalSecurity.org• Gepard (http:/ / defencejournal. com/ feb-mar99/ gepard. htm) at Defence Journal

M247 Sergeant York 84

M247 Sergeant York

M247 Sergeant York

A cutaway of the M247Type Self-propelled antiaircraft gun

Place of origin  United States

Production historyDesigner Ford Aerospace

Designed 1977–85

Produced 50

SpecificationsWeight 54.4 ton[1]

Length 7.67 m (gun forward)6.42 m (hull only)[1]

Width 3.63 m[1]

Height 3.42[1]

Crew 3[1]

Shell 0.96 (projectile)[1]

Elevation -5° to +85°[1]

Traverse 360°[1]

Rate of fire 600 rpm[1]

Maximum range 12.5 km[1]

Mainarmament

2 × Bofors 40 mm L/70 580 rounds

Engine Continental AVDS-1790-2Ddiesel[1]

750 hp[1]

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

500 km[1]

Speed 48 km/h (road)[1]

M247 Sergeant York 85

The M247 Sergeant York DIVAD (Division Air Defense) was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG),developed by Ford Aerospace in the late 1970s. Based on the M48 Patton tank, it replaced the Patton's turret with anew one that featured twin radar-directed 40 mm rapid-fire guns. The vehicle was named after Sergeant Alvin York,a famous World War I hero.The Sergeant York was intended to fight alongside the M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles in the U.S.Army, in a role similar to the Soviet ZSU-23-4 and German Gepard. It would replace the M163 Vulcan Air DefenseSystem and MIM-72 Chaparral, ad-hoc systems of limited performance that had been introduced when the moreadvanced MIM-46 Mauler failed to mature.Despite the use of many off the shelf technologies that were intended to allow rapid and low-cost development, aseries of technical problems and massive cost overruns resulted in the cancellation of the project in 1985.

History

Prior effortsThe first effective SPAAG in U.S. Army service was the all-manual M19 Gun Motor Carriage, based on the chassisof the M24 Chaffee. The turret of the M19 was later modified and mounted onto the M41 Walker Bulldog light tankchassis to produce the M42 Duster. While capable for the era it was designed in, by the time it reached widespreadservice in the late 1950s it was clear that it was ineffective against high-speed jet-powered targets. The Duster wascompletely removed from service by 1963, only to be re-introduced briefly during the Vietnam War when itsreplacement never arrived.[2]

The first proposed replacement for the Duster was the Sperry Vigilante, which referred to the six-barreled 37 mmGatling gun proposed as the basis for a new SPAAG. Although the gun was extremely powerful, at some point in thelate 1950s the Army decided that all gun-based systems were out of date.[3]

The next proposed replacement for the Duster was the ambitious MIM-46 Mauler. Mauler mounted a nine-missilemagazine on top of an adapted M113 Armored Personnel Carrier chassis, along with detection and tracking radars.Mauler featured a completely automatic fire control system, with the operators simply selecting targets and pressing"OK". It would be able to respond to low-flying high-speed targets at any angle out to a range of about five miles.However, Mauler proved to be beyond the state-of-the-art and ran into intractable problems during development.Realizing it was not going to enter service any time soon, it was downgraded to a technology demonstration programin 1963, and eventually cancelled outright in 1965.[4]

Still lacking an effective anti-aircraft system, the Army started development of two stop-gap systems that weremeant to operate in concert. The M163 VADS combined the M61 Vulcan cannon, the M113 chassis, and anall-optical fire control system with a simple lead-computing gunsight. Suitable for "snap shots" against nearbytargets, the VADS system was equipped only with a small ranging radar for the gunsight, its firing range being toosmall to justify a larger tracking radar. VADS was intended to operate in concert with the MIM-72 Chaparral, whichcombined the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile with a more heavily modified version of the M113 chassis.[5]

The Chaparral's AIM-9D missiles were capable of tail-chase launches only, but offered ranges up to 5 miles. Alsousing an all-optical firing system, the Chaparral nevertheless required the operator to "settle" the missiles on thetarget for a period of time to allow them to lock on, limiting its ability to deal with quickly moving targets. Bothvehicles were optionally supported by the AN/MPQ-49 Forward Area Alerting Radar (FAAR), but this system wastowed by the Gama Goat and could not be used near the front lines.[5] The pair of weapons was, at best, a nuisance tothe enemy and had limited performance against modern aircraft.At one point the Army started to become concerned about developments in sensor technologies that would allow attacks by fixed-wing aircraft at night or in bad weather. They developed a requirement for a weapon system able to operate using FLIR and a laser rangefinder in order to counter these threats. However, the rest of the military

M247 Sergeant York 86

establishment disapproved of the idea; even the US Air Force was able to carry out only limited operations in badweather, and the Soviets had a considerably less capable force in this regard. The idea gained little traction anddied.[6]

Pop-up problems

An M247 Sergeant York on display at Sgt. AlvinC. York State Historic Park, Tennessee.

During the late 1960s the combination of the helicopter and anti-tankmissiles improved to the point where they became a major threat toarmoured operations. The U.S. led the field with their TOW missile onthe Cobra gunship, demonstrating this powerful combination in combatin 1972's Easter Offensive.[7] The Soviets initially lagged the U.S., butthe introduction of the 9K114 Shturm missile on the Mil Mi-24 in the1970s offered the USSR a level of parity.

Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, attack helicopters had the ability to loiternear the front behind cover and pick their targets. They would then"pop up", launch a missile, and return to cover as soon as the missilehit its target. Using fast-reacting wire-guided or radio-commandmissiles meant the total engagement time was kept to a minimum, as there was little or no "lock-on" time required;the operator simply fired as soon as they were clear of the terrain, and then adjusted the missile's flight path onto thetarget while it flew. Against these aircraft, the Vulcan/Chaparral combination was effectively useless.[8]

The Vulcan could react quickly enough to the fleeting targets, but its 20 mm gun had an effective range of onlyabout 1,200 meters, far shorter than the 3,000 to 5,000 meters range of the "Spiral". While the Chaparral had enoughrange to engage the "Hind", its lengthy lock-on period meant the Hind would have hit its target and hidden behindterrain again before the Sidewinder would reach it. Additionally, the older Sidewinder missiles used on Chaparralhomed in on exhaust, and had limited capability against helicopters faced head-on.The limited effectiveness of the Vulcan/Chaparral was not the only problem the US Army was facing in the late1970s. At the time they were also in the process of introducing the new M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley vehicles, whichhad dramatically improved cross-country performance. The M113-based Vulcan and Chaparral could not keep upwith them on the advance, which would leave the new vehicles open to attack in a fast moving front.[9]

Finally, the Soviets were widely introducing the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka", which was cause for some concern after itappeared in the Middle East. Israeli pilots attempting to avoid fire from Syrian SA-6 batteries would fly low, directlyinto the Shilka's envelope. Several aircraft were lost or damaged.[10] The Shilka proved that a modern SPAAG waseffective against modern aircraft.

DIVAD

A M247 in Nevada.

For all of these reasons, the Army developed the "AdvancedRadar-directed Gun Air Defense System" (ARGADS) requirement fora new weapon system combining the reaction speed of the Vulcan withthe range of the Chaparral, and placing them on a chassis that couldkeep up with the new tanks in combat. They also worked in the earlierFLIR/laser requirement. The system was later renamed "Division AirDefense" (DIVAD).[11]

At the time, most U.S. military policy was based on the US Air Forcequickly gaining air superiority and holding it throughout a conflict. In

M247 Sergeant York 87

keeping with this, the Army had previously placed relatively low priority on anti-aircraft weapons. This gave themtime to mature through testing and shakedowns. In the case of DIVADs the threat was considered so serious andrapidly developing that the Army decided to skip the traditional development period and try to go straight intoproduction by using a number of "off-the-shelf" parts.[12]

Colonel Russell Parker testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in March 1977 that "We expect thissomewhat unorthodox approach to permit a much reduced development time, thus resulting in an earliest fieldingdate, albeit with higher but acceptable risks... the manufacturer will be required by the fixed price warrantyprovisions, to correct deficiencies."[12] It was claimed that this would cut up to five years from the developmentcycle, although it would require problems to be found in service and fixed on the operational vehicles.Colonel Parker unveiled the DIVAD plan to 49 industry representatives on 18 May 1977. The DIVADs requirementdemanded that the entrants be based on the M48 Patton tank chassis, provided by the Army, which were held in largequantities in surplus depots. DIVAD called for the gun to acquire a target and start firing within five seconds (laterextended to eight) of it becoming visible or coming into its 3,000 m range, and had to have a 50% chance of hitting atarget with a 30 round burst. In addition to all-weather capability, it also needed to have optical aiming capabilities,including a FLIR and laser rangefinder.[6]

EntrantsSeveral companies responded to the DIVADs contest.[13]

Sperry Rand entered a system based on their older Vigilante gun, modified to fire the 35 mm round from theOerlikon KDA series, widely used in NATO in the anti-aircraft role.[14] The gun could be fired at 3,000 rounds perminute for anti-aircraft use, or 180 rounds per minute for use against ground targets, fed from a 1,464 roundmagazine. The aluminium turret was topped by two radars and an IFF system, all from Sperry.General Electric entered a version with a small turret mounting their 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon from the A-10Thunderbolt II. It included a single search/track radar adapted from the earlier FAAR, although they later suggestedan improved system.Raytheon proposed using the turret from the Dutch version of the German Gepard flakpanzer. Most of the turretremained the same as the original Gepard, including the twin 35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannons, but used HollandseSignaalapparaten radars and an Oerlikon Contraves fire-control computer. Raytheon demonstrated that the turret,although designed for the Leopard 1, could be mounted on the M48 with some adaptation.General Dynamics' entry also mounted twin Oerlikon KDA cannons, but mounted them side-by-side in a newaluminum turret, as opposed to either side of the turret as in the Gepard. They could be fired in either the automaticor semiautomatic mode, and their combined rate of fire was 1,100 rounds per minute from a 600 round magazine.The radar and fire control systems were derived from their Phalanx CIWS system, with the tracking radar mountedon the front of the turret, beside the guns, and the search radar on top. The turret also included independentlystabilized optical sights and a laser range finder for manual engagements.[13]

Ford Aerospace's entry was based around the Bofors 40 mm L/70 cannons, twin-mounted in the center of the turretin a fashion similar to the General Dynamics entry. The relatively large and boxy turret also mounted separatelong-range search and short-range tracking radars on top. The radars were mounted on booms to give them a clearview of the sky, and both had the ability to be folded down to reduce the vehicle's height during travel. The trackingradar was a modified version of the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 from the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Like the GD entry, italso mounted a complete optical sighting and ranging system.[13]

Some critics claim that Ford's use of the 40 mm Bofors appears to have been a business decision, not a technical one.While the 35 mm round was already a widely accepted NATO standard and was technically well respected, Ford hada marketing agreement with Bofors. As Gregg Easterbrook later reported:

M247 Sergeant York 88

Immediately the lobbying began. Ford had a marketing agreement with the Swedish firm Bofors, a maker of40-mm but not 35-mm cannons; while Ford could have switched to a 35-mm weapon for DIVAD, thepotential profits from a 40-mm weapon were higher. Department of Defense lawyers, the Army pleading toCongress, had advised that specifying the caliber DIVAD's gun would be 'anti-competitive' and could lead tolawsuits-'the most ludicrous excuse I've ever heard' a high-ranking Pentagon official had told me. When thefinal DIVAD requirements were issued they called for a gun 'in the 30-mm to 40-mm range'.[15]

However, the Bofors 40 mm cannon also had worldwide popularity. In addition, FACC had developed aproximity-sensing round for the 40 mm, which increased probability of a kill, and the shell carried either a greaterexplosive charge or higher deadweight mass than the smaller anti-aircraft platforms. These factors would beimportant in the primary scenario for which the DIVAD was to be deployed, that being the large-theater landoperations vs the Warsaw Pact.

DevelopmentOn 13 January 1978, General Dynamics and Ford were given development contracts for one prototype each, theXM246 and XM247 respectively, to be delivered to Fort Bliss in June 1980. On schedule, both companies deliveredtheir prototypes to the North McGregor Test Facility and head-to-head testing began. The shoot-off was delayed fortwo months "because the prototypes which arrived at Fort Bliss test range were too technically immature."[16] In theDT/OT II test series they shot down two F-86 Sabre fighters, five UH-1 Huey helicopters and twenty-one smallerdrones.After the 29-month Phase One trial, Ford's entry was selected as the winner of the DIVADs contest on 7 May 1981,and given a fixed-price $6.97 billion development and initial production contract for deliveries at various rates.[13]

The system was officially named M247 Sergeant York when the contract was awarded.[17] The decision wascontroversial, as the GD entry had "outscored" the Ford design consistently in testing, nineteen "kills" to nine bymost accounts.[15]

Ford's prototype vehicle started demonstrating problems almost immediately. The main concerns had to do with thetracking radar, which demonstrated considerable problems with ground clutter. In testing, it was unable todistinguish between helicopters and trees. When the guns were pointed upward to fire on high-angle targets, thebarrels projected into the radar's line of sight and further confused the system. Additionally, the reaction time was fartoo slow; against hovering helicopters it was 10 to 11 seconds, but against high-speed targets it was from 11 to 19,far too long to take a shot.[6][18]

The RAM-D (reliability, availability, maintainability and durability) tests ran from November 1981 to February1982, demonstrating a wide range of operation concerns.[16] The turret proved to have too slow a traverse to trackfast moving targets, and had serious problems operating in cold weather, including numerous hydraulic leaks. Thesimple electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) suite could be defeated by only minor jamming. The used gunstaken from U.S. Army stock were in twisted condition due to careless warehousing. Perhaps the most surprisingproblem was that the 30-year-old M48 chassis with the new 20-ton turret meant the vehicle had trouble keeping pacewith the newer M1 and M2, the vehicles it was meant to protect.In February 1982 the prototype was demonstrated for a group of US and British officers at Fort Bliss, along withmembers of Congress and other VIPs. When the computer was activated, it immediately started aiming the guns atthe review stands, causing several minor injuries as members of the group jumped for cover. Technicians worked onthe problem, and the system was restarted. This time it started shooting towards the target, but fired into the ground300 m in front of the tank. In spite of several attempts to get it working properly, the vehicle never successfullyengaged the sample targets. A Ford manager claimed that the problems were due to the vehicle being washed for thedemonstration and fouling the electronics.[18] In a report on the test, Easterbrook jokingly wondered if it ever rainedin central Europe.[15]

M247 Sergeant York 89

As early production examples started rolling off the production line, the problems proved to be just as serious. Oneof the early models is reported to have locked onto a latrine fan, mistaking its return for a moving target oflow-priority. Reporting on the incident in another article on the vehicle's woes, Easterbrook reported that "During atest one DIVAD locked on to a latrine fan. Michael Duffy, a reporter for the industry publication Defense Week, whobroke this aspect of the story, received a conference call in which Ford officials asked him to describe the target as a'building fan' or 'exhaust fan' instead."[19]

The mechanical technical details of the Sgt York gun system were as follows:The Sgt York used a revolutionary dual linear linkless feed system to load the rounds into each 40 mm Bofors canon.This feed system had both an upper and lower system, allowing the loading of both High Explosive and ProximityFused rounds in separate magazines. At the time there was no equivalent system in use by any country, land, sea orair based.Magazine capacity for one side upper was ~81 and the lower ~179. At preprogrammed firing bursts, that was eighthelicopters shot down before reload. Loading rounds into the magazine system was from the top of the turret, a hatchopened and a loading rack was attached and the classic four round stripper clips of 40mm were loaded as fast astroops could relay them up.There was four distinct magazine LRU’s, a mirror image left and right sided. The system was powered by a hydraulicmotor and turned at 75 rpm, slow, but feed the canon perfectly. The first LRU from the canon was the Fan, movingrounds from cross cannon axis at the trunnion to pointing parallel with the barrel at the weapon. The Fan had twoparallel levels. The upper was feed from the upper magazine with an integrated articulating arm, and the lower wasfeed by the Elevator that was responsible for moving the rounds up, and at the same time outboard, far enough tomatch the Fan’s attachment. The Lower Magazine was a semi circular arrangement in the tank body that was twoinches smaller than the turret ring.The upper magazine was located in the front of the turret, and was a box configuration that used horizontal rods onnumber 40 ANSI chain to move the rounds in a vertical feed. It transitioned to the patented articulating arm, sincethe upper fan was higher than the gun and Fan trunnion point, all while keeping the same chain length.The lower magazine used a series of cast 17-4 corrosion resisting steel buckets, one for each round. These bucketswere set up in loops that traveled horizontal in an arc, and feed stripers were used to strip a round out of one bucket,and up (for firing) or down, (for loading) into the next, and then to the elevator. Buckets were used to lower thefriction, static and dynamic, of moving so many rounds, the startup inertia was bad enough. The Elevator usedhorizontal sliding buckets to move the rounds out and to the Fan.The Fan had two parallel rows of cast 17-4 buckets that feed a Transfer shaft that dumped the rounds into the Boforschamber. In combat there would be two rounds of one type of ammo ready to go, and not retrievable. Veryinterestingly is the method to extract the spent brass. It was kicked down by the Bofors ejector, and it slid under theguns for over six feet in a greased half tube, and was flung out under the barrels and slightly to the side. While firingthe driver needed to be sealed in his hatch for safety.All of this feed system was complex and was required so that each round be controlled at all times as the vehicle wascapable of firing on the move and hitting targets. It was tested numerous times with locking onto an airborne target,firing the standard 20 rounds from each lower magazine, and while that was happening, target a ground target, andnearly without noticeable switch to HE rounds and destroy the ground target.None of the competing designs used a linear linkless feed system, all used link ammunition, which would requireaccess and disablement of the weapon, re clipping the additional rounds, (how many do I need?) and thenreassembling. The Sgt York could be in the middle of loading at any time, bang a lever twice, and within 20 secondsthe loading session was aborted, and the hatch closed, and the system ready to fire. No disassembly was required.Each magazine assembled in the tank only needed three sensors to tell the tank how much ammo it had of each type.

M247 Sergeant York 90

Nevertheless, the program's manager within the Army was cautiously positive. Major General Maloney said, "TheDIVAD battery-eight systems plus one spare-activated 1 November 1984, at Fort Bliss to prepare for tests, has beendemonstrating 90% reliability for full systems capability. The systems have been able to operate in a degradedmanner a further 2% of the time and have had an 8% inoperable rate."[20] He later stated that the “gun still hadproblems with software and electronic countermeasures, but my sensing was that it was certainly no worse thanmany weapon systems at this period in their gestation.”[12]

CancellationIn spite of the bad press and development problems, the Army continued to press for the system's deployment as theyhad no other system in the pipeline to replace it. To add to the problems, another generation of Soviet helicopter andmissile designs was pushing their envelope out to 6,000 m, rendering DIVADs ineffective at long range. In response,the Army announced it would consider adding the Stinger missile to the DIVAD system, leading to even more criesabout its ineffectiveness.[6]

As Washington became increasingly fed up with the DIVAD's problems, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinbergerordered a $54 million series of battlefield-condition tests. Congress authorized production money to keep theprogram alive through a test-fix-test cycle but with a caveat; the funds would be released only if Weinbergercertified that the gun "meets or exceeds the performance specifications of its contract." The tests were monitored bythe Pentagon's new Operational Test and Evaluation Office (OT&E), mandated by Congress in 1983 to serve as anindependent watchdog.[21] The tests were carried out late in 1984.The results were abysmal. Unable to hit drones moving even in a straight line, the tests were later relaxed tohovering ones. The radar proved unable to lock even to this target, as the return was too small. The testers thenstarted adding radar reflectors to the drone to address this "problem", eventually having to add four. Easterbrook, stillcovering the ongoing debacle, described this as being similar to demonstrating the abilities of a bloodhound byhaving it find a man standing alone in the middle of an empty parking lot, covered with steaks.[22] The system nowtracked the drone, and after firing a lengthy burst of shells the drone was knocked off target. As it flew out ofcontrol, the range safety officer had it destroyed by remote control. This was interpreted by the press as an attempt to"fake" the results, describing it as "sophomoric deceits".[23] From that point on, every test success was written off asfaked.[24]

The OT&E concluded that the gun could perform the mission as originally specified, but the tests also showed thatthe system had considerable reliability problems, many as the result of trying to adapt a radar system developed foraircraft to the ground role.[16] Initial production tests run from December 1984 to May 1985 turned up a continuedvariety of problems, failing 22 of 163 contract requirements, and 22 serious failures in operational readiness.[16]

Contrary to the Army's earlier reports, OT&E Director Jack Krings said the tests showed, "the SGT YORK was notoperationally effective in adequately protecting friendly forces during simulated combat, even though its inherentcapabilities provided improvement over the current [General Electric] Vulcan gun system. The SGT YORK was notoperationally suitable because of its low availability during the tests."[6][21] They measured the availability of thesystem at 33%, as opposed to the required 90%.[16]

On 27 August 1985, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger killed the project after about 50 vehicles had beenproduced.[21] He said, "the tests demonstrated that while there are marginal improvements that can be made in theYork gun, they are not worth the additional cost-so we will not invest any more funds in the system."[15] Noting thatcancelling the project did not imply a lack of need, he started the process of studying a missile-based system to fillthe same niche. This led to the Oerlikon Canada ADATS system, which suffered problems of its own and enteredservice only in the Canadian Army. The niche was eventually filled by the M6 Linebacker, an adaptation of the M2with Stinger missiles. Although far less capable than the ADATS missile, the Linebacker is able to keep up withmobile heavy forces. The Linebacker has been retired from active service, while the M1097 AvengerHMMWV-based Stinger-equipped systems have been downsized.[25]

M247 Sergeant York 91

Most of the production M247 vehicles ended up as targets on air force bombing ranges. However, one is on displayat the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, TN where its namesake hailed from, another is located atthe AAF Museum in Danville, VA and one at the Fort Snelling Military Museum in Minneapolis, MN (now closed).

References & notes[1] "M247 Sergeant York" (http:/ / www. military-today. com/ artillery/ m247_sergeant_york. htm). Military-Today. .[2] "M42 Duster" (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ ground/ m42. htm), globalsecurity.org[3] "The Red Queen and the Vigilante" (http:/ / www. quarry. nildram. co. uk/ RED QUEEN. htm)[4] Andreas Parsch, "General Dynamics MIM-46 Mauler" (http:/ / www. designation-systems. net/ dusrm/ m-46. html), 2002[5] Andreas Parsch, "Ford MIM-72 Chaparral" (http:/ / www. designation-systems. net/ dusrm/ m-72. html), 2002[6] Irene Willhite, "40-mm DIVISION AIR DEFENSE GUN: DIVAD (Sgt. York)" (http:/ / www. coldwar. org/ text_files/ march_2002. pdf),

Cold War Times, March 2002, pp. 15–22[7] "TOW System History: Project Management" (http:/ / www. redstone. army. mil/ history/ tow/ summary2. html), Redstone Arsenal[8] It did not fare much better against fixed-wing targets either, see "Chaparral Air Defence Tests" (http:/ / sill-www. army. mil/ famag/ 1976/

SEP_OCT_1976/ SEP_OCT_1976_PAGES_59_62. pdf), With Our Comrades In Arms, US Army, September/October 1976, pg. 59-60[9] Statements by General Louis Wagner, Jr., DIVAD Hearings, Hearings before the Subcommitte on Tactical Warfare of the Senate Committee

on Armed Services, 98th Congress, 2nd Session, 1984[10] Simon Dunstan and Howard Gerrard, "The Yom Kippur War 1973: The Golan Heights" (http:/ / books. google. com/

books?id=IqehogMZbTwC& pg=PA25), Osprey Publishing, 2003, pg. 25[11] Asher Sharoni and Lawrence Bacon, "Forward Area Air-Ground Defense" (http:/ / www. knox. army. mil/ armormag/ backissues/ 1990s/

1996/ ja96/ 4agds96. pdf), Armor, US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, July/August 1996, pp 15-20[12] John Adam, "The Sergeant York Gun: A Massive Misfire", IEEE Spectrum, February 1987[13] "M247 Sergeant York DIVAD" (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ ground/ m247. htm)[14] Anthony Williams, "The Red Queen and Vigilante" (http:/ / www. quarry. nildram. co. uk/ RED QUEEN. htm)[15] Gregg Easterbrook, "DIVAD", Atlantic Monthly, October 1982, pp. 29–39[16] Thomas McNaugher, "New Weapons, Old Politics: America's Military Procurement Muddle" (http:/ / books. google. com/

books?id=MgFPwnOxIC0C& pg=PA103), Brookings Institution Press, 1989, pp. 102-104, ISBN 0-8157-5625-9[17] Jane's Armour and Artillery, Volume 11 , pg. 544[18] Major Micheal Ditton, "The DIVAD Procurement: A Weapon System Case Study" (http:/ / www. loc. gov/ rr/ frd/ Military_Law/ pdf/

08-1988. pdf), The Army Lawyer, August 1988, pp. 3–9[19] Gregg Easterbrook, The Washington Monthly, November 1984[20][20] Rudolph Penner, "Army Air Defense for Forward Areas: Strategies and Costs", U.S. Government Printing Office, 1986[21] Bruce van Voost and Amy Wilentz, "No More Time for Sergeant York" (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ magazine/ article/

0,9171,959780,00. html), Time, 9 September 1985[22] Gregg Easterbrook, "York, York, York", The New Republic, 30 December 1985[23] "No time for Sergeant" (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_hb1367/ is_/ ai_n5610264), The Nation, September 1985[24] "Gunning for Sergeant York" (http:/ / www. time. com/ time/ magazine/ article/ 0,9171,1050466,00. html), Time, August 1985[25] Air Defense Artillery April-June 2005 (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20090327015327/ http:/ / firsttofire. com/ adamag/ Issue PDFs/

ADA_MAG April 05. pdf)

•• Philip Trewhitt, "Armoured Fighting Vehicles", Prospero Books, 1999 (second edition?). ISBN 1-894102-81-9

Marksman anti-aircraft system 92

Marksman anti-aircraft system

T-55AM Marksman

Finnish ItPsv 90Type SPAAG

Place of origin  United Kingdom

SpecificationsWeight 41 t

Crew 3 (driver, gunner, commander) + back-up crew

Armor ballistic immunity from 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and 155 mm air bursts[1]

Mainarmament

2 × 35 mm autocannon460 fragmentation rounds and 40 anti-tank rounds

Secondaryarmament

8 × smoke grenade dischargers

Engine V-55 V-12 diesel engine620 hp (462 kW)

Suspension Torsion bar

External imagesMarconi Marksman

Marksman fitted to Vickers Mk 2 tank hull [2]

Fitting Marksman turret to Challenger hull [3]

Marksman is a British anti-aircraft weapon system, consisting of a turret, a Marconi Series 400 radar and two Swiss35 mm Oerlikon autocannons. The system was developed by Marconi and is similar to the German Gepard system interms of engine performance, ammunition carried and effective range of the ammunition.The turret could be adapted to many basic tank chassis, creating a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). Theonly operator of the system is the Finnish Army, which ordered 7 units in 1990. The turrets were fitted on PolishT-55AM tank chassis. The system is known as the ItPsv 90 in Finnish service (Ilmatorjuntapanssarivaunu 90,Anti-Aircraft tank 90, the number being the year the tank entered service). It is considered a very accurateanti-aircraft artillery system, having a documented hit percentage of 52.44%.[4]

Marksman anti-aircraft system 93

ServiceFinland has seven ItPsv 90 Marksman anti-aircraft systems, providing low-level air-defense for tank battalions. TheSPAAGs are organically tied to the headquarters company and form teams of two. The vehicles have an all-daycapacity, and there is also a back-up crew to ensure combat survivability. The ItPsv 90 Marksman is primarily meantto fight helicopters, low-flying aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is also possible to engage surfaceand armored targets.The chassis of the ItPsv 90 Marksman is a Polish T-55AM tank, which has been modified to fit the turret. The AMversion was chosen due to the increased weight of the system (a T55AM weighs 36 tons, while a T-55AMMarksman weighs 41 tons) and the AM has more power (620 hp) than a regular T-55. The weapon system is guidedby a British Marconi 400 series frequency agile surveillance and tracking X/J-band radar, which is able to detecttargets out to 12 km in search mode and 10 km in tracking mode. The laser distance measure device functions up to8 km. The commander and the gun operator both have gyro-stabilized optical aiming devices.The armament consists of two Swiss 35 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns, with a rate of fire of 18 rounds per second.The fragmentation round has a muzzle velocity of 1,175 m/s. The effective range is 4,000 meters. The vehicle is alsoequipped with eight Wegmann 76 mm smoke dischargers, a 7.62 mm assault rifle, and a flare gun. The turret cantraverse a full 360 degrees and has an elevation range of −10 to +85 degrees. The magazines hold 460 fragmentationrounds and 40 anti-tank rounds.There are three communication radios in the vehicle for fire guidance and communications.The vehicle is operated by three crew — commander, gunner, and driver.

Versions• Centurion Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Centurion chassis.• Chieftain Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Chieftain chassis.• Challenger Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Challenger 1 chassis.• G6 Marksman: a Marksman turret on a G6 chassis.[5]

• Leopard 1 Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Leopard 1 chassis.• ItPsv 90: a Marksman turret on a T-55AM chassis. Operated by Finland.• M48 Marksman: a Marksman turret on a M48 Patton chassis.• T-55 Marksman: a Marksman turret on a T-55 chassis.• Type 59 Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Type 59 chassis.• Vickers Marksman: a Marksman turret on a Vickers Mk 3 MBT chassis.Please note that the above mentioned versions are possible configurations as only the ItPsV 90 system is deployed.

Comparable systems•• Tunguska-M1•• ZSU-23-4 Shilka•• Type 95 SPAAA•• Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun•• PZA Loara•• M247 Sergeant York•• Flakpanzer Gepard•• ZSU-57-2

Marksman anti-aircraft system 94

References[1] http:/ / i16. photobucket. com/ albums/ b24/ hybenamon/ LAND/ ANTI-AIR/ MARKSMAN/ brochure3. jpg[2] http:/ / i16. photobucket. com/ albums/ b24/ hybenamon/ LAND/ ANTI-AIR/ MARKSMAN/ PHOTOS4. jpg[3] http:/ / i16. photobucket. com/ albums/ b24/ hybenamon/ LAND/ ANTI-AIR/ MARKSMAN/ PHOTOS2. jpg[4] Ilmatorjuntaupseeri: Panssari-ilmatorjuntakoulutus Hämeen Ilmatorjuntapatteristossa (http:/ / www. ilmatorjuntaupseeriyhdistys. fi/ 4_2004/

tekstit/ panssari. htm)[5] "Denel in UK gun link-up". Flight International (Flightglobal.com) (14–20 September 2004): 10. 14–20 September 2004. ISSN 00153710.

9K22 Tunguska

9K22 TunguskaNATO reporting name: SA-19 Grison

9K22 "Tunguska-M" Gun/Missile Air Defence System.Type Tracked SAM system

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1982–present

Used by  Russia  Soviet Union  Belarus  India  Morocco  Ukraine

Wars 2008 South Ossetia war

Production historyDesigner KBP Instrument Design Bureau

Designed 1970–1980

Manufacturer KBP Instrument Design Bureau

Unit cost $16 million [1]

Produced 1976–present

Variants 2K22 (Tunguska), 2K22M (Tunguska-M), 2K22M1 (Tunguska-M1)

Specifications (Tunguska-M1)Weight 34,000 kg (75,000 lb)

Length 7.93 m (26 ft 0 in)

Width 3.24 m (10 ft 8 in)

9K22 Tunguska 95

Height 4.01 m (13 ft 2 in) or 3.36 m (10 ft) (radar stowed)

Crew 4 (vehicle commander, driver, gunner, radar operator)

Mainarmament

8 × 9M311 (or 3M87), 9M311K, 9M311-1, 9M113-M1 or 57E6 missiles

Secondaryarmament

2 × 30 mm 2A38M (1,904 rounds carried)

Engine V-46-4 turbocharged V-12 water cooled 4-stroke diesel780 hp

Suspension Hydropneumatic

Ground clearance 45 cm (1 ft 6 in)

Operationalrange

500 km (310 mi)

Speed 65 km/h (40 mph)

The 2K22 Tunguska (Russian: 2К22 "Тунгуска"; English: Tunguska) is a Russian tracked self-propelledanti-aircraft weapon armed with a surface-to-air gun and missile system. It is designed to provide day and nightprotection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles in all weatherconditions. Its NATO reporting name is SA-19 "Grison".

DevelopmentDevelopment of the system started on 8 June 1970, at the request of the Soviet Ministry of Defence the KBPInstrument Design Bureau in Tula under the guidance of the appointed Chief Designer AG Shipunov started work ona 30 mm anti-aircraft system as a replacement for the 23 mm ZSU-23-4.[2]

The project which was given the designation "Tunguska" was a response to the observed shortcoming of theZSU-23-4 (short range and no early warning) and a counter to new ground attack aircraft in development such as theA-10 Thunderbolt II which was designed to be highly resistant to 23 mm cannons.[3] Studies were conducted anddemonstrated that a 30 mm cannon would require two-to-three times fewer shells to destroy a given target than the23 mm cannon of the ZSU-23-4, and that firing at a MiG-17 (or similarly at, in case of war, NATO's Hawker Hunteror Fiat G.91) flying at 300 m/s, with an identical mass of 30 mm projectiles would result in a kill probability of 1.5times greater than with 23 mm projectiles. An increase in the maximum engagement altitude from 2,000 to 4,000 mand increased effectiveness when engaging lightly armoured ground targets were also cited.[4]

The initial requirements set for the system were to achieve twice the performance in terms of range, altitude andcombat effectiveness than the ZSU-23-4, additionally the system should have a reaction time no greater than 10seconds.[2] Due to the similarities in fire control of artillery and missiles it was decided that Tunguska would be acombined gun and missile system.[2] By combining guns and missiles, the system is more effective than theZSU-23-4, engaging targets at long-range with missiles, and shorter range targets with guns.In addition to KBP as the primary contractor other members of the Soviet military industrial complex were involvedin the project, the chassis were developed at the Minsk tractor factory, the radio equipment at the UlyanovskMechanical Factory Ulyanovsk, central computer at NIEMI ('Antey'), guidance and navigational systems by VNII"Signal" and optics were developed by the Leningrad Optical Mechanical Association LOMO.[5]

However development was slowed between 1975 and 1977 after the introduction of the 9K33 Osa missile system, which seemed to fill the same requirement but with greater missile performance. After some considerable debate it was felt that a purely missile based system would not be as effective at dealing with very low flying attack helicopters attacking at short range with no warning as had been proven so successful in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Since the reaction time of a gun system is around 8–10 seconds, compared to the reaction time of missile-based

9K22 Tunguska 96

system, approximately 30 seconds, development was restarted.[4]

The initial designs were completed in 1973 with pilot production completed in 1976 at the Ulyanovsk MechanicalFactory.[2] System testing and trials were conducted between September 1980 and December 1981 on theDonguzskom range.[2] It was officially accepted into service on 8 September 1982 and the initial version designated2K22/2S6, with four missiles in the ready to fire position (two on each side). The Tunguska entered into limitedservice from 1984 when the first batteries were delivered to the army.[2]

After a limited production run of the original 9K22, an improved version designated 2K22M/2S6M entered servicein 1990.[2] The 2K22M featured several improvements with eight ready-to-fire missiles (four on each side) as well asmodifications to the fire control programs, missiles and the general reliability of the system.Tunguska underwent further improvement when in 2003 the Russian armed forces accepted the Tunguska-M1 or2K22M1 into service.[2] The M1 introduced the new 9M311-M1 missile which made a number of changes allowingthe 2K22M1 to engage small targets like cruise missiles by replacing the eight-beam laser proximity fuze with aradio fuse. Additional modification afforded greater resistance to infrared countermeasures by supplementing themissile tracking flare with a pulsed IR beacon. Other improvements included an increased missile range to 10 km,improved optical tracking and accuracy, improved fire control co-ordination between components of a battery andthe command post. Overall the Tunguska-M1 has a combat efficiency 1.3–1.5 times greater than the Tunguska-M.[6]

The Tunguska family was until recently a unique and highly competitive weapons system, though in 2007 the Pantsirgun and missile system entered production at KBP[7]—a descendant of the Tunguska, the Pantsir system offers evengreater performance than its predecessor.

DescriptionThe system is referred to as 2K22 under the GRAU index,[2] though the army designation 9K22 is a validalternative.[8] A complete system or battery consists of six 2S6 combat vehicles armed with the 9M311 "Treugol'nik"(triangle) surface-to-air missile and two 2A38 30 mm cannon. These are accompanied by up to three 2F77transloader trucks. The 9K22 is also associated with a variety of support facilities including the 2F55-1, 1R10-1 and2V110-1 repair and maintenance vehicles, the MTO-AGZ workshop and the 9V921 test vehicle.[9] These facilitiesprovide maintenance for the 9K22 battery in the field as well as scheduled overhauls.

Tunguska at 2008 Moscow Victory Parade

The 2S6 combat vehicle uses the GM-352 and later GM-352M chassisdeveloped and produced by the Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ) which hassix road wheels with hydropneumatic suspension on each side, a drivesprocket at the rear and three return rollers. The chassis are capable offording to a depth of 0.8 meters, climbing gradients of up to 60% andside slopes of 30%. The GM-352 can cross a one meter verticalobstacle and a two meter trench. An NBC system is also integrated intothe chassis, an automatic gear change and diagnostic capability areavailable with latest Tunguska-M1 which uses the new GM-5975chassis developed and produced by MMZ.[10] Overall the layout is

similar to the previous ZSU-23-4 with a large central turret (designated the 2A40) containing the armament, sensorsand three of the crew: the commander, gunner and radar operator. The driver sits in the front left of the hull, with agas turbine APU to his right and the engine in the rear of the hull.

A parabolic E-band target acquisition radar is mounted on the rear top of the turret that when combined with the turret front mounted J-band monopulse tracking radar forms the 1RL144 (NATO:Hot Shot) radar system. The mechanically scanned target acquisition radar for the Tunguska-M1 offers a 360-degree field of view, a detection range of around 18 km and can detect targets flying as low as 15 m, the target acquisition radar can be stowed when in transit. A C/D-band IFF system is also fitted and designated 1RL138.[11] The system is able to fire on the move

9K22 Tunguska 97

using 30 mm cannons, although it must be stationary to fire missiles, the maximum target speed can be up to500 m/s.[12]

A battery of six Tunguska can automatically receive fire control information via an encrypted radio link, this allowstargets to be distributed between individual units from a Ranzhir or PPRU battery command post, which can receivetarget information from either AWACS or early warning radar or in the case of the PPRU its own radar equipment.[6]

Variants• 2K22: Original system, with 9M311 (3M87), 9M311K or 9M311-1 missiles. Some of these early versions of the

"Tunguska" system were known as "Treugol'nik" (Russian Треугольник—triangle). This system is mounted onthe 2S6 integrated air defence vehicle.

• 2K22M (1986): Main production system, with 9M311M (3M88) missiles. This integrated air defence vehicle2S6M is based on the GM-352M chassis.

• 2K22M1 (1988): Improved version with the 2S6M1 combat vehicle on a GM-5975 chassis, using the 9M311-M1missile (range: 10 km) and with an improved fire control system. Passed state trials and entered service with theRussian armed forces in 31 July 2003.[13]

• 2K22M with 57E6: Complete upgrade of system with new 57E6 missile and new radar system, with detectionrange of 38 km and a tracking range of 30 km. Missile range is increased to 18 km.

2A38M 30 mm autocannons.

Guns

The dual 2A38 30 mm cannons and the later 2A38M were designed bythe KBP Instrument Design Bureau and manufactured by theTulamashzavod Joint Stock Company. The cannons are firedalternatively with a combined rate of fire of between 3,900 and 5,000rounds per minute (1,950 to 2,500 rpm for each gun), and have amuzzle velocity of 960 m/s.[14] Bursts of between 83 and 250 roundsare fired as determined by the target type, with an engagement rangebetween 0.2 and 4.0 km and to an altitude of 4 km. HE-T and HE-Ishells are used and fitted with a A-670 time and impact fuze whichincludes an arming delay and self destruct mechanism.[9] The cannons can be elevated and depressed to +87 to −10degrees and as such can be used to engage ground as well as aerial targets. The 2K22 can fire its cannons in twoprimary modes of operation, radar and optical, in radar mode the target tracking is fully automatic, with the gunsaimed using data from the radar. In optical mode the gunner tracks the target through the 1A29 stabilized sight, withthe radar providing range data.[11] The 9K22 is reported to have a kill probability of 0.8 with cannon.

9K22 Tunguska 98

Missiles

Illustration ofthe 9M311

9M311Type Surface-to-air missile

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1982–present

Used by Belarus, India, Morocco, Myanmar, Russia, former Soviet Union, Ukraine

Production historyDesigner KBP Instrument Design Bureau

Designed 1970–1980

Manufacturer KBP Instrument Design Bureau

Produced 1976–present

Variants 9M311, 9M311K, 9M311-1, 9M311M, 9M311-M1, 57E6

Specifications (9M311)Weight 57 kg

Length 2560 mm

Warhead Continuous-rod and steel cubes

9K22 Tunguska 99

Warhead weight 9 kg

Detonationmechanism

Laser fuze (Radio fuze 9M311-M1)

Propellant Solid-fuel rocket

Operationalrange

8 kilometres (5 mi) (10 kilometres (6.2 mi) 9M311-M1)

Flight altitude 3,500 metres (11,500 ft)

Boost time 2 stages: boost to 900m/s, then sustained 600m/s stage to range

Speed 900 m/s

Guidancesystem

Radio Command SACLOS

Steeringsystem

rocket motor with four steerable control surfaces

Accuracy 5 m

Launchplatform

2S6 combat vehicle

Transport 2F77 transloader

The system uses the same 9M311 (NATO: SA-19/SA-N-11) missile family as the naval CIWS Kashtan which canengage targets at a range of 2.4 to 8 km and to an altitude of 3.5 km,[4] the Tunguska-M1 uses the improved9M311-M1 missile with an increased range of 10 km. The missile has two stages, a large booster stage with fourfolding fins, which boosts the missile to a velocity of 900 m/s, before falling away.[15] The second stage has fourfixed fins, and four steerable control surfaces. The complete missile is around 2.56 meters long with a weight of57 kg.[4]

Guidance is performed by the gunner who uses the 8× magnification (8 degree field of view) 1A29 stabilized sight ofthe Tunguska to track the target and the missile (using a flare or pulsed beacon) is automatically tracked by theoptics. The deviation of the missiles compared with the tracked target is used to calculate guidance commands, thetracking radar being used to send radio commands to the missile, making Tunguska a semi-automatic, radiocommand, with optical line of sight (SACLOS) system.[11] The gunner is initially cued towards the target by thesystems search radar. Once the missile is steered to within 5 m of the target, an active laser or radio fuse(9M311-M1) is triggered. The warhead weighs about 9 kg, and is a continuous-rod system, consisting of 600 mmlong 6 to 9 mm diameter rods with a flower-like cross section. The cross section ensures the rods break intofragments weighing 2–3 grams. The rods form a complete ring about 5 m from the missile. Outside the rods is afragmentation layer of steel cubes weighing 2–3 grams.[4] The 9K22 is reported to have a kill probability of 0.6 withmissiles (9M311).[4]

9K22 Tunguska 100

Missile variants•• 9M311: Original missile, laser proximity fuze.

• 9M311K (3M87): naval version of the 9M311 used by the Kashtan system.•• 9M311-1 export version of the missile.•• 9M311M (3M88): Improved version of the missile• 9M311-1M: Used with the Tunguska-M1 radar proximity fuse for improved capability against cruise missiles.

Pulsed tracking light instead of constant flare for better ECCM. Range improved to 10 km.• FK-1000: 9M311 missiles was first exported to China in 2005,[16] and at the 9th Zhuhai Airshow held in

November 2012, a supposed Chinese derivative of 9K22 Tunguska designated as FK-1000 was revealed topublic.[17] The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASIC) developed FK-1000 differs from9K22 Tunguska in that FK-1000 is mounted on a 8 x 8 truck, and the 30 mm guns of Tunguska is replaced by 25mm autocannons. The radars of FK-1000 are also arranged in the exactly the same way as in 9K22 Tunguska, butmechanically scanned surveillance and tracking radars of Tunguska are both replaced by a phased array radars inFK-10000. A total of 12 missiles are mounted the sides of weapon station, with 6 on each side, in the form of 2rows of 3 containers/launchers each. The missile of FK-1000 is surprisingly similar to 9M311, and this has leadmany in the west to claim that FK-1000 system is derived from 9K22Tunguska, but with cheaper price tag thanthe latest Russian system: in comparison to the 15 million dollar of Pantsir-S1 (SA-22), FK-1000 system is pricedat 5 million dollars.[18][19][20]

Operators and combat historyVariants of the 9K22 system have continued to serve in the Soviet and later Russian armed forces since their initialintroduction in 1984. The 9K22 has also been inducted into the armed forces of a number of foreign states, mostnotably India. The 9K22 has been used in the 2008 South Ossetia war by Russian armed forces.•  Belarus•  People's Republic of China - see FK-1000 under Variants above•  India: 66–92 2K22M/M1 ordered in 1996 (24–50 2K22M), 2001 (14 2K22M) and 2005 (28 2K22M1)[21][22]

•  Morocco: 12 2K22M1 ordered in 2005[22]

•  Russia: 256 2K22M/M1[6] All production in USSR, almost all Tunguska/-M[23]

•  Ukraine: Unknown number[24][25]

Comparable systems•• Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard•• Type 95 SPAAA•• Pantsir-S1•• Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun•• PZA Loara

9K22 Tunguska 101

References[1] "ЗTunguska-M" (http:/ / www. deagel. com/ Air-Defense-Systems/ Tunguska-M_a000373001. aspx). Deagel.com. . Retrieved 2010-08-01.[2] "ЗПРК "Тунгуска-М1" ведет бой по своим правилам" (http:/ / www. vko. ru/ DesktopModules/ Articles/ ArticlesView. aspx?tabID=320&

ItemID=205& mid=2891& wversion=Staging) (in Russian). Военно-промышленный курьер. ВПК-Медиа. 2008. Archived (http:/ / web.archive. org/ web/ 20080926193715/ http:/ / www. vko. ru/ DesktopModules/ Articles/ ArticlesView. aspx?tabID=320& ItemID=205&mid=2891& wversion=Staging) from the original on 26 September 2008. . Retrieved 2008-09-04.

[3] "A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II" (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ aircraft/ a-10. htm). GlobalSecurity.org. 12-11-2006.Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080813094420/ http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ aircraft/ a-10. htm) from theoriginal on 13 August 2008. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.

[4] "Зенитный ракетно-пушечный комплекс 2К22 "Тунгуска" (SA-19 Grison)" (http:/ / pvo. guns. ru/ tunguska/ tunguska. htm) (in Russian).Вестника ПВО. 3-10-2000. Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080818214029/ http:/ / pvo. guns. ru/ tunguska/ tunguska. htm) fromthe original on 18 August 2008. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.

[5] "Tunguska" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080428172602/ http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ lvs/ tunguska. htm). EncyclopediaAstronautica. 2007-11-18. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ lvs/ tunguska. htm) on 2008-04-28. . Retrieved2008-09-04.

[6] "SA-19 Grison / Tunguska" (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?lang=& catid=264& linkid=1693). Warfare.ru. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.[7] "Russian Pantsir-S1 – best air defence money can buy" (http:/ / www. russiatoday. com/ scitech/ news/ 17783). Russia Today. TV-Novosti.

2007-11-30. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.[8] "Tula KBP 9M311 Tunguska (NATO SA-19 'Grison') low- to medium-altitude surface-to-air missile system (Russian Federation)" (http:/ /

jlad. janes. com/ public/ jlad/ index. shtml). Janes Land-Based Air Defence. Jane's Information Group. 2008-03-20. Archived (http:/ / web.archive. org/ web/ 20080723175958/ http:/ / jlad. janes. com/ public/ jlad/ index. shtml) from the original on 23 July 2008. . Retrieved2008-08-09.

[9] Russia's Arms 2001–2002 (http:/ / www. milparade. ru/ en/ ). Moscow: Military Parade Ltd.. 2001. .[10] "GM-5975 Specifications" (http:/ / www. metrowagonmash. ru/ english/ gm5975t. htm). MetroWagonMash. 2006-08-11. . Retrieved

2008-08-09.[11] "HOT SHOT radar system" (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ hot-shot. htm). GlobalSecurity.org. Archived (http:/ /

web. archive. org/ web/ 20080726024921/ http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ russia/ hot-shot. htm) from the original on 26July 2008. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.

[12] "Зенитный ракетно-пушечный комплекс 2К22 "Тунгуска"" (http:/ / www. new-factoria. ru/ missile/ wobb/ tunguska/ tunguska. shtml) (inRussian). New-Factoria.ru. Балтийского Государственного Технического Университета "ВОЕНМЕХ". 2000. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.

[13] http:/ / www. kbptula. ru/ rus/ kbp/ rusarmy. htm[14] "30 mm 2A38M Automatic Anti-Aircraft Gun" (http:/ / www. kbptula. ru/ eng/ str/ cannons/ 2a38m. htm). KBP Instrument Design Bureau. .

Retrieved 2008-08-09.[15] Peter Goon. "Russian/PLA Point Defense" (http:/ / www. ausairpower. net/ APA-Rus-PLA-PD-SAM. html#Grison). Air Power Australia.

Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080715165656/ http:/ / www. ausairpower. net/ APA-Rus-PLA-PD-SAM. html) from the originalon 15 July 2008. . Retrieved 2008-07-21.

[16] 9M311 sold to China in 1005 (http:/ / www. deccanherald. com/ content/ 292342/ china-displays-entire-air-defence. html)[17] FK-1000 SAM (http:/ / www. indianexpress. com/ news/ china-displays-air-defence-arsenal-in-unprecedented-openness/ 1031959/ )[18] China offered a combination of cheap flak (http:/ / meetkhmer. blogspot. com/ 2012/ 11/ china-offered-combination-of-cheap-flak. html)[19] China does it cheaper again (http:/ / www. strategypage. com/ htmw/ htada/ articles/ 20121127. aspx)[20] FK-1000 (http:/ / www. militaryphotos. net/ forums/ showthread.

php?220056-New-Chinese-Air-Defense-systems-unveiled-at-Zuhai-Airshow)[21] "Russia to supply Tunguska-M1 missile systems" (http:/ / www. defenceindia. com/ 19-dec-2k5/ news10. html). DefenceIndia. 2005-12-20.

Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080807181458/ http:/ / www. defenceindia. com/ 19-dec-2k5/ news10. html) from the original on7 August 2008. . Retrieved 2008-09-04.

[22] "SIPRI data on arms transfers" (http:/ / www. sipri. org). sipri.org. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 2007. Archived (http:// web. archive. org/ web/ 20080809083751/ http:/ / www. sipri. org/ ) from the original on 9 August 2008. . Retrieved 2008-08-09.

[23] http:/ / rbase. new-factoria. ru/ missile/ wobb/ tunguska/ tunguska. shtml[24] "Armament of Ukrainian Armed Forces" (http:/ / www. mil. gov. ua/ index. php?lang=en& part=armament& sub=sv_ppo). Ministry of

Defence of Ukraine. . Retrieved 2008-05-04.[25] "Tunguska M1 Low Level Air Defense System, Russia" (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ tunguska/ ). army-technology.com.

Archived (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080430161723/ http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ tunguska/ ) from the original on 30April 2008. . Retrieved 2008-05-04.

• Koll, Christian (2009). Soviet Cannon: A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Arms and Ammunition in Calibres12.7mm to 57mm (http:/ / www. russianammo. org). Austria: Koll. p. 276. ISBN 978-3-200-01445-9.

9K22 Tunguska 102

External links• Tunguska-M1 Air Defense Missile/Gun System (http:/ / www. kbptula. ru/ eng/ zencom/ tung. htm), KBP

Instrument Design Bureau website• Federation of American Scientists (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ missile/ row/ sa-19. htm)• Warfare.ru SA-19 (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?lang=& catid=264& linkid=1693)• Army technology.com Tunguska (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ tunguska/ )• Threat Update: 2S6 Tunguska Self-Propelled Air Defense System, Red Thrust Star, April 1995 issue (http:/ /

fmso. leavenworth. army. mil/ Red-Star/ issues/ APR95/ APR95. HTML#THREAT)• Youtube Tunguska-M1 Video (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=S3JY-9nLay0)• Tunguska-M1 Walkaround (http:/ / dishmodels. com/ wshow. htm?p=1220& lng=E)

PZA Loara 103

PZA Loara

PZA Loara-A

The PZA Loara-A anti-aircraft vehicleType Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Place of origin  Poland

SpecificationsWeight 45 tonnes

Length 6.67 m (21 ft 11 in)

Width 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)

Height 2.19 m (7 ft 2 in)

Crew 3 (commander, driver, gunner)

Armor conventional steel

Mainarmament

2 × 35×228mm L/90 autocannon

Secondaryarmament

none

Engine diesel S-10001000 hp

Power/weight 20 hp/tonne

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

650 km (400 mi)

Speed 60 km/h (37 mph)

The PZA Loara (Polish: Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Artyleryjski or "anti-aircraft artillery system") is a Polish armoredradar-directed self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system. The original PZA Loara prototype was based on the chassis ofthe T-72 MBT. The production version known as PZA Loara-A is based on the chassis of the PT-91 MBT.

PZA Loara 104

DescriptionThe system was developed by Poland in the late 1990s. Based around the chassis of the PT-91 "Twardy" tank, theLoara mounts an armored turret holding two Oerlikon KDA 35 mm cannons 35x228 mm linked to a radar-based firecontrol system. It was originally planned that it would work closely together with the PZR Loara, a missile-armedversion vehicle based on the PZA, prior to the PZR's cancellation.The Loara is an autonomous fire unit capable of performing its tasks independently or acting as a component in awider air defence system. The system has two radars, a 3D search radar and an engagement radar. The search radarhas a range of 26 km and is capable of tracking and identifying up to 64 targets at once. The radar system can also beoperated on the move, refreshing its data every second. The system also has a laser range-finder, TV and FLIRcameras giving the system both all-weather day/night capabilities and the ability to operate entirely passively in aheavy ECM environment. The Loara has a reaction time of under 10 seconds.The system can engage aircraft flying at very low altitudes up to 5,000 m, and flying at speeds of up to 500 m/s. It isalso effective against lightly armored ground and naval targets.Currently the only user of this system is the Polish army which ordered a small number.

Operators•  Poland: 3–5 prototypes

AwardsIt was awarded two awards at International Defence Industry show in Kielce in 2004:•• Defender 2004•• Grand Prix 2004

References

External links• PZA Loara at the manufacturer's web site (in English). (http:/ / www. radwar. com. pl/ eng/ eng/ prmi_loa. htm)• 35 mm cannon KDA at the manufacturer's web site (in English). (http:/ / www. hsw. pl/ eng/ s_kda_p. php)• More information about PZA Loara (in Polish). (http:/ / www. militarium. net/ wojska_ladowe/ loara. php)• defence orders from India for Polish armoured vehicles. (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story.

php?i=3390360& c=EUR& s=ALL/ Indian)

Type 95 SPAAA 105

Type 95 SPAAA

Type 95 SPAAA

A Type 95 SPAAA vehicle on display at the China People's Revolution Military Museum during the "Our troops towards the sky"exhibition

Type Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Place of origin  People's Republic of China

Service historyIn service 1999 - Present

Production historyDesigner Northwest Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Manufacturer Norinco

Produced 1999 - Present

SpecificationsWeight 22.5 tons

Length 6.71 m (20 ft)

Width 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)

Height 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in) (radar down)4.82 m (15 ft 10 in) (radar up)

Crew 3

Mainarmament

4x25mm autocannon; 4x QW-2 SAM

Engine diesel

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

450 km (280 mi)

Speed 53 km/h (33 mph)

The Type 95 (PLA military designation: PGZ95 - Chinese: 95式 自 行 高 射 炮; pinyin: 95 shi zixing gaoshepao, "Type 95 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery") is a Chinese self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle. It is armed with four 25 millimeter cannons and optionally four fire-and-forget QW-2 infra-red homing missiles. It was first displayed publicly at the Beijing Military Parade in 1999. Earlier in development the system was designated

Type 95 SPAAA 106

Type 90-II and Type 90-III.

DescriptionThe vehicle uses a tracked armoured chassis with six road wheels, a drive sprocket, an idler and three return rollerson each side. The vehicle has a crew of three: driver, commander, and gunner. The engine is located at the front ofthe vehicle, with the driver sitting on the left side. The driver is provided with a hatch and three vision blocks forvisibility when buttoned up. Behind the driver sits the commander, who is provided with a raised hatch, also fittedwith three vision blocks. Towards the rear of the hull is the large powered one-man turret.Mounted on the front of the turret in an armoured box is the electro-optical tracking equipment which consists of aTV tracking camera, and infra-red tracking camera and a laser rangefinder. The tracking cameras have a day range ofapproximately 6,000 meters and a night range of 5,000 meters. The laser rangefinder has a range of between 500 and5,500 meters with an accuracy of 5 meters. Mounted on either side of the turret are two 25 millimeter Type 87cannons, which eject spent shell casings to either side of the vehicle. The 25mm cannons have a rate of fire of600-800 rpm each,and are gas-operated. About 1,000 rounds are carried. The cannons are used to engage targets outto a range of 2,500 meters and at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters. Additionally two QW-2 infra-red homing missilescan be mounted above the cannons on each side. The QW-2 missiles are based on a shoulder launched missile andcan engage targets flying between 10 and 3,500 meters in altitude at a slant range of between 500 and 6,000 meters.To the rear of the turret is the CLC-1 S-band pulse-doppler search radar which has a reported range of 11 kilometers,and is optimized to detect low-flying targets. Finally, an array of four electrically fired smoke grenades are mountedon either side of the turret, aimed to fire forward and to either side of the vehicle.

Detail of the turret. Note the missiles in positionabove the guns.

A large door which opens to the left is provided in the rear of the hull.The system can automatically optically track targets and provide thegunner with an alert when the target is within range. The gunner canalso manually aim the guns, using either the optical system or anexternal backup ring sight provided on the outside of the turret. Thesystem has a reaction time of around 10 seconds when in radar searchmode, and six seconds in optical mode. The vehicle also provides asimulator function for training.A battery control vehicle using the same chassis is also built. It has acrew of five people. It uses a S-band CLC-2 surveillance radar with amaximum range of 45 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters. The communication system in the vehicleallows it to communicate digitally to a range of up to 5 kilometers and via a normal radio link up to 15 kilometers.Additionally it can use signal wire to communicate up to 500 meters. An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) providespower for the electronics. A single 12.7 mm heavy machine gun is provided for self-defense.A typical Type 95 battery consists of six SPAAA vehicles, and a single command vehicle. Additionally, be threeammunition re-supply trucks, a test/repair truck and a power supply truck support each battery.

Type 95 SPAAA 107

Comparable Systems•• Tunguska-M1•• ZSU-23-4•• Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard•• Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun

References• PGZ95 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Artillery on Sinodefence [1]

• James C O'Halloran. Jane's Land Based Air Defence 2005-2006.

References[1] http:/ / www. sinodefence. com/ army/ antiaircraft/ pgz95. asp

Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 108

Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Mitsubishi Type 87

Type 87 SPAAG at Camp ShimoshizuType Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Place of origin  Japan

Production historyDesigner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan Steel Works

Designed 1982

Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Produced 1987

Number built 52 (2012)

SpecificationsWeight 44 t

Length Hull: 6.7 m (20 ft)

Width 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)

Height 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)(radar up)

Crew 3

Armor steel, classified

Mainarmament

2 × 35 mm KDA autocannon

Secondaryarmament

2 × 3 smoke grenade dischargers

Engine Mitsubishi 10ZF Type 22 10-cylinder air-cooled dieselengine750 hp (560 kW)

Power/weight 17 hp/ton

Suspension hydropneumatic

Operationalrange

300 km (190 mi)

Type 87 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 109

Speed 53 km/h (33 mph)

The Type 87 SPAAG (self-propelled anti-aircraft gun) (87式 自 走 高 射 機 関 砲

hati-nana-shiki-jisou-kousya-kikan-hou) is a Japanese air defense weapon built around the Oerlikon 35 mm twincannon system used on the Gepard tank. The system uses a modified Type 74 tank chassis. It is also nicknamed byfield officers as Guntank after the similar looking mobile suit in the Mobile Suit Gundam series.[1]

HistoryAs the JSDF began to seek a replacement for the M42 Duster SPAAGs provided by the United States, the JapaneseDefense Agency began to issue requirements for the production of a local SPAAG unit to replace the M42.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had been eventually awarded the contract to produce a SPAAG unit to replace its oldM42s.

DevelopmentIt had been developed in 1987, given the Type 87 designation status, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries providing thechassis and Japan Steel Works providing the cannon system. Initially, the chassis of the Type 61 tank would be used.Later, it had been rejected and had the chassis of the Type 74 tank used instead as a basis for producing the Type 87SPAAG.Prior to its development, tests had begun underway in 1982 with a prototype SPAAG unit manufactured in 1983.

A Type 87 prototype at the JGSDF publicinformation center.

Status

In 2010, it was reported that the Japan Self-Defense Forces had 52 ofthese vehicles in service.

References[1] ガ ン タ ン ク と か87AWと も 呼 ば れ る 。 (http:/ / www.

hyperdouraku. com/ event/ jgsdf_soukaen1008/ index. html) Also called Guntank or87AW.

• "87式 自 走 高 射 機 関 砲" (http:/ / rightwing. sakura. ne. jp/equipment/ jgsdf/ airartillery/ type87aw/ type87aw. html).

• "87式 自 走 高 射 機 関 砲" (http:/ / www. mod. go. jp/ gsdf/ equipment/ ve/ 1_23. html).• "87式 自 走 高 射 機 関 砲" (http:/ / www. masdf. com/ spec/ land/ japan/ 87aw. html).

External links• Type-87 self-propelled anti-aircraft machine-gun (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ world/ japan/

type-87-aaa. htm) at GlobalSecurity.org

ZSU-23-4 110

ZSU-23-4

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"

ZSU-23-4V at the Technical Museum in Togliatti, Russia

Type Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun

Place of origin  Soviet Union

Service historyIn service 1962–present

Used by See Operators

Wars See Combat history

Production historyDesigned 1957–1962

Manufacturer Mytishchi Engineering Works (MMZ)

Produced 1964–1982

Number built About 6,500[1]

SpecificationsWeight 19 tonnes[2][3]

Length 6.535 m[3]

Width 3.125 m[3]

Height 3.572 m (3.572 m with elevated radar)[2][4]

Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, radar operator)

Armor welded steel, 9.2 mm turret, up to 15 mm hull[5]

Mainarmament

4 × 23 mm 2A7 autocannons (AZP-23 "Amur" quad automatic anti-aircraft gun), ammunition 2,000 rounds

Engine V-6R, 8-cylinder 6-stroke airless-injection water-cooled 20 litre diesel280 hp (209 kW) at 2,000 rpm[6]

ZSU-23-4 111

Power/weight 14.7 hp/tonne (11.0 kW/tonne)

Suspension individual torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers of 1st, 5th left and 6th right road wheels

Ground clearance 375 mm[3]

Fuel capacity 515 l[7]

Operationalrange

450 km (road), 300 km (off-road)[8]

Speed 50 km/h (road), 30 km/h (off-road)[8]

The ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" is a lightly armored, self-propelled, radar guided anti-aircraft weapon system (SPAAG).The acronym "ZSU" stands for Zenitnaya Samokhodnaya Ustanovka (Russian: Зенитная Самоходная Установка),meaning "anti-aircraft self-propelled mount"; the "23" signifies the bore diameter in millimeters; the "4" signifies thenumber of gun barrels. It is named after the Russian Shilka River. Afghan soldiers nicknamed it (sewing machine)due to the sound of firing guns and because of the similarity of the name "Shilka" to the Russian word "шить"(Russian pronunciation: [ʂitʲ], meaning "to sew"). It is also referred to by its nickname of "Zeus."

HistoryThe previous Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG), the ZSU-57-2, was armed with two 57 mmautocannons; it was aimed optically using a basic tracking and lead calculating system. The ZSU-57-2 was notparticularly successful despite its very powerful autocannons; it could only carry a relatively small amount ofammunition, was inaccurate as it lacked radar and could not fire while on the move.The ZPU series armed with 14.5 mm heavy machine guns carried on a towed mount for stationary, point air defencehad a much higher rate of fire. The 23 mm version of this weapon system was known as the ZU-23-2, a towed mountcarrying two 23 mm cannons.The development of the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" began in 1957 along with ZSU-37-2 "Yenisei"[9] and the vehicle wasbrought into service in 1965, replacing all ZSU-57-2s in air defense units toward the beginning of the 1970s. TheZSU-23-4 was intended for AA defense of military facilities, troops, and mechanized columns on the march.Initially, tank regiments should have had the anti-aircraft artillery battalion of "Shilka" (consisting of two batteries,four ZSU-23-4s in each). At the end of 1960s, one battery was equipped with ZSU-23-4s and the other withZSU-57-2s. Motorized rifle and tank regiment standard anti-aircraft batteries consisted of two platoons later (oneplatoon was equipped with four ZSU-23-4s and another with four mobile surface-to-air missile systems 9K31Strela-1 or 9K35 Strela-10). The ZSU-23-4 combined a proven radar system, the non-amphibious chassis based onGM-575 tracked vehicle, and four 23 mm autocannons. This delivered a highly effective combination of mobilitywith heavy firepower and considerable accuracy. The ZSU-23-4 outclassed all NATO anti-aircraft guns at the time,and it is still regarded as posing a major threat for low-flying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.The system was widely fielded throughout the Warsaw Pact and among other pro-Soviet states. Around 2,500ZSU-23-4s, of the total 6,500 produced, were exported to 23 countries. The Soviet Union's successor states continueto manufacture and supply variants of the ZSU-23-4, notably the Ukrainian "Donets" and Polish "Biala" variants.

ZSU-23-4 112

ZSU-23-4 graphic.

ZSU-23-4 at Yad la-Shiryon Museum, Israel.

ZSU-23-4 units saw active service in the Yom Kippur War (1973) andother Arab-Israeli conflicts, the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), and theFirst Gulf War (1990). During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the systemwas particularly effective against the Israeli Air Force. Israeli pilotsattempting to fly low in order to avoid SA-6 missiles were often shotdown by ZSU-23-4s as in Operation Doogman 5. During theSoviet-Afghan War ZSU-23-4 units were used widely and to greateffect against mujahideen positions in the mountains, the ZSU-23-4'sguns being able to elevate much higher than the weapons on BMPs,BTRs, T-55s, or T-62s.[10] They were also used to suppress defensivepositions around the presidential palace during the initial coup inKabul at the start of the Soviet-Afghan war. The Russian Army usedthe ZSU-23-4 for mountain combat in Chechnya.

Description

The radar-guided ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" SPAAG, with its four 23 mm(0.90") autocannons, was a revolutionary SPAAG, proving to be anextremely effective weapon against enemy attack aircraft andhelicopters under every weather and light condition. The ZSU-23-4 has

a very high density, rate and accuracy of fire, as well as the capability for each of the four autocannons to fire its owntype of projectile from separate belts. While it is technically possible that each cannon shoots different type ofammo, there were two types commonly used in late 1970s: OFZT incendiary fragmentation and BZTarmour-piercing tracer, which were to be loaded in 3:1 ratio—three OFZT, then one BZT, every 10th BZT roundequipped with so-called "copper remover" and marked. It was strongly recommended against shooting from a singlebarrel. The appearance of the "Shilka" caused significant changes in NATO tactics in aircraft use at low altitude overthe battlefield.

Despite its present obsolescence as a modern short-range anti-aircraft weapon, the ZSU-23-4 is still deadly forenemy light armoured vehicles, infantry and firing points as an infantry-support vehicle. With its high rate ofaccurate fire, the ZSU-23-4 can even neutralize tanks by destroying their gun sights, radio antennas, or othervulnerable parts.[2] ZSU-23-4s, especially late models, have excellent performance and good systems reliability.Based on the GM-575 tracked vehicle chassis, which used components from the PT-76 light amphibious tank, theZSU-23-4 mounts an armored turret holding four liquid-cooled 23 mm (0.9") 2A7 autocannons linked to an RPK-2"Tobol" radar (NATO designator: "Gun Dish"). The vehicle weighs 19 tonnes (late modifications up to 21 tonnes),has a movement range of 450 km (280 mi) and a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). Additional firepower of latemodifications can be supplied by a roof-mounted pod of six short-range SA-18 SAMs, or side mounted SA-16s.The crew numbers four: driver, commander, gunner and radar operator. The driver's compartment is located in thenose part of the vehicle. The fighting compartment is in the center, and the engine compartment is in the rear part ofthe vehicle.The transmission consists of a multi-plate metal-contact main clutch, a manual gearbox with five forward gears, twoplanetary two-step steering gears with locking frictions and two final drive groups. The vehicle chassis has six singlerubber tired road wheels, a rear drive sprocket with detachable sprocket rings (lantern-wheel gear) and one idlerwheel per side. The first and fifth left, and sixth right road wheels have hydraulic shock absorbers. The track is11.904 m long, 382 mm (15") wide and has 93 links.Because of a large number of different pipes and tubes to detach during maintenance, the repair procedure for some of the vehicle's mechanisms is hard (for example, replacement or repair of a starter). The electric drive of an air

ZSU-23-4 113

outlet hatch of a gas turbine engine (part of the vehicle's electric power supply system) has an inconvenient location(at the bottom of the hull) which causes overheating and sometimes, jamming of the electric drive. On the otherhand, the construction of the electric power supply system is very reliable. Changing the main engine oil and coolantis easy, as is replacement of fuel and oil filters, and sections of the air filter.[11]

The ZSU-23-4 can cross vertical obstacles 0.7 m (2.3') high, trenches 2.5 m (8.2') wide, has a 1.0 m (3.3') fordingdepth and can climb 30° gradients.[3] The ZSU-23-4 has good maneuverability and cross-country ability, but itsdiesel engine's power is insufficient for a vehicle of its weight. As a result, off-road acceleration capabilities aresub-par, and the vehicle lags behind MBTs and IFVs on up-hill terrain.[11][12]

The ZSU-23-4 is equipped with an NBC system with an air filtration unit, fire-fighting equipment, TNA-2navigational system, infrared vision device, R-123 radio set, R-124 intercom and electric power supply systemconsisting of a DGChM-1 single-shaft gas turbine engine (70 hp at 6,000 rpm) and a direct-current generator (whichprovides 27 V and 54 V direct current or 220 V 400 Hz alternate current).[13]

Weapons and fire control

Side view at Camp Pendleton.

Turret and Guns

Each water-cooled 23 mm 2A7 autocannon has a cyclic rate of850–1,000 rounds per minute for a combined rate of fire of3,400–4,000 rounds per minute. The welded turret has a race ringtransplanted from a T-54 medium tank with a 1,840 mm (6') diameter.The 360° rotating turret is fully stabilised and capable of firing on themove. The turret rotation and autocannon elevation mechanismsprovide very good speed and guidance accuracy. The hydraulicallydriven aiming mechanisms have been proven to be very reliable.Manual aim is used against ground targets. The quad automatic anti-aircraft gun AZP-23 "Amur" has a range ofelevation from -4° to +85°. The GRAU designation for ZSU-23-4 turret with 23 mm (0.9") AZP-23 "Amur" quadautomatic gun is 2A10. An armoured plate inside the turret protects crew members from fire and explosive gasduring intense firing.

AmmunitionAmmunition capacity is 2,000 rounds stowed aboard (520 rounds per each upper autocannon and 480 rounds pereach lower autocannon) loaded in 50-round or shorter belts.The water-cooled 2A7 23mm guns of ZSU-23-4 fire the same 23×152 mmB caliber ammunition as the 2A14 guns ofthe twin-barrel ZU-23-2 towed gun. While the 23mm Volkov-Yartsev VYa-23 aircraft gun used in the Second WorldWar era Il-2 Sturmovik also fired ammunition of same cartridge case dimensions, the rounds differed in loading andprimer, and are thus not interchangeable with the post-war AA gun ammunition.[14] Compared to the VYa and itsammunition, the air defence guns have slightly higher muzzle velocity, and explosive rounds also have slightlylarger HE fillings.[15] The VYa ammunition has brass cases, while 2A7/2A14 ammunition has steel cases.[14]

Three main types of 23mm anti-aircraft ammunition were manufactured post-war: API-T, HEI and HEI-T.Additionally to the original Soviet rounds, a number of ammunition manufacturers have since begun to produceammunition for what is still a widely used caliber; these include also new ammunition types such as sub-caliberarmour-piercing rounds and frangible ammunition. The following table lists the main characteristics of some of theavailable 23×152 mmB ammunition used in 23mm AA guns:

ZSU-23-4 114

Designation Type ProjectileWeight [g]

Burstingcharge [g]

MuzzleVelocity

[m/s]

Description

BZT API 190[15] ? 970 Blunt AP steel core, with incendiary charge inside windshield cap.[15]

Penetration 15 mm RHA at 100 m range and 30-degree impact angle, or25mm at 400m and 0-degree impact. Tracer burn time 5 seconds.

OFZ HE 184[15] 19[16] 980[15] HE fragmentation round with nose fuzes incorporating self-destructmechanism.[15]

OFZT HE-T 188[15] 13[16] 980[15] HE fragmentation round with a reduced HE charge due to the space taken bythe tracer; tracer burn time 5 seconds.</ref>

APDS-T APDS-T 103 none 1220 A Polish sub-caliber armour-piercing round with tracer. Penetration 30 mmRHA at 100 m range and 30-degree impact angle (from perpendicular), tracerburn time >2.5 s.

A typical loading of each ammunition belt contains 40 OFZT and 10 BZT rounds.[11] They can be fired to amaximum horizontal range of 7 km (4.3 mi), and a vertical range of 5.1 km (3.2 mi). The effective vertical range is1.5 km (0.93 mi) at a direct range to target of 2.5 km (1.6 mi) and target speed of 250 m/s (up to 500 m/s if a modernfire control system is used). The usual autocannon burst consists of 3–10 projectiles and target lead angle iscalculated for each burst (fire without adjustment) by computer.[13] In attacking targets on the ground, its effectiverange is around 2.5 km (1.6 mi). The short range of its 23 mm autocannons and relatively low explosive effect of itssmall-calibre projectiles mean it is less able to engage threats such as jet attack aircraft and cruise missiles thanmodern systems like the 9K22 Tunguska armed with more powerful 30 mm autocannons and integrated missilearmaments. A special 23 mm round with composite projectiles was developed for a modern modification of SPAAG(ZSU-23-4M4) to be used against cruise missiles.

RadarThe RPK-2 "Tobol" a.k.a. 1RL33 radar operates in the J band and can detect aircraft up to 20 km (12 mi) away. Ithas excellent target tracking capability and is relatively hard to detect by the enemy. However, the radar picks upmany false returns (ground clutter) under 60 m (200 ft) of altitude. The radar antenna is mounted on collapsiblesupports in the top rear of the turret. There is an optical alignment sight. The RPK-2 radar proved to have goodprotection against enemy passive electronic radar counter-measures. Nevertheless, the radar system of the ZSU-23-4has a short detection range during target search, depending on weather conditions (mainly dependent on rain andsnow conditions). It is hard to automatically track the target at ranges less than 7–8 km (4.3-5.0 mi) because of thehigh angular speed of the target at close distances. The radar needs to be reset quite often because of the unstableparameters of electronic cathode-ray tubes of the target selection system. The absence of an automatic laser rangefinder requires a skillful commander and gunner.[2][11]

Limitations and problemsEarly versions of the ZSU-23-4 sometimes had problems with "runaway guns": after prolonged periods of firing, the guns would get so hot that chambered rounds would "cook off" even if the operator was not pulling the trigger, discharging the weapon and chambering a new round, which would then also cook off, and continue to do so. This would sometimes continue until the entire belt of ammunition had been expended. Overheating barrels could jam and even break away from the vehicle. The problem resulted from a deficient cooling system and made the early ZSU-23-4s dangerous even to friendly troops standing nearby if this happened. Despite the fact that this seldom happened, Soviet operators learned to give these machines a wide berth.(Perrett 1987:100)[17] It was not recommended to perform continuous fire (bursts longer than 15 seconds without pause) on earlier models until the problem with autocannon reliability and overheating during intense fire was solved on ZSU-23-4M (welded tubes of

ZSU-23-4 115

coolant outlet were replaced with flexible pipes). After the autocannon cooling system was improved, theautocannons became extremely reliable.[11]

Deployment

ZSU-23-4 at the Museum of the Great PatrioticWar in Kiev.

Soviet doctrine supplied the vehicle since 1965 in an anti-aircraftartillery battalion of two, four-vehicle platoons for anti-aircraft defenceof motor rifle and tank regiments. At the end of the 1960s one platoonwas equipped with ZSU-23-4 SPAAGs while another one was stillequipped with ZSU-57-2 SPAAGs. ZSU-57-2 was completely replacedwith ZSU-23-4 by the beginning of 1970s. In the 1970s, Soviet motorrifle and tank regiments were equipped with an anti-aircraft missileartillery battery consisting of two platoons, one equipped with fourZSU-23-4 SPAAGs and the other with four 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9Gaskin) or later with four 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) short-rangesurface-to-air missile systems which cover the dead zones of 2K12Kub (SA-6 Gainful) surface-to-air missile systems belonging to the

divisional level. Since the 1980s Soviet motor rifle and tank regiments were equipped with an anti-aircraft artillerybattalion of three batteries (one was equipped with ZSU-23-4 or 9K22 Tunguska SPAAGs, the second one wasequipped with 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) short-range surface-to-air missile systems and the third battery with9K38 Igla man-portable surface-to-air missiles on IFVs or APCs.[13]

The ZSU-23-4 is very vulnerable to enemy anti-tank missiles, cannons and heavy machine guns; the armour is thin(not exceeding 15 mm) and the exposed wheels, tracks, radar, and gun barrels can easily be damaged in combat.Firing positions of ZSU-23-4 SPAAGs are typically placed near the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) butbehind the main forces, usually 600–1000 m behind objectives when on the defensive or 400–600 m behind theleading tanks on the offensive. ZSU-23-4 SPAAGs are divided evenly along the troop columns on the march.At first each ZSU-23-4 operated in combat autonomously, without target marking from regimental or divisional airdefence. In 1978, the PPRU-1 (mobile reconnaissance and control post) was passed into service of the Soviet Army.The PPRU-1 ("Ovod-M-SV") vehicle is based on MT-LBu armoured tracked chassis and it was intended for controlof motor rifle or tank regimental anti-aircraft unit equipped with ZSU-23-4 SPAAGs and 9K31 "Strela-1M" mobilesurface-to-air missile systems. The PPRU-1 is equipped with "Luk-23" radar and an automatic fire control systemassociated with the divisional air defence system.

ZSU-23-4 photo.

The guns are useful against low-flying aircraft and lightly protectedground targets. Due to its effectiveness against ground targets,ZSU-23-4s have been used in urban environments (e.g., Afghanistan,Abkhazia, Chechnya, Syria and Lebanon). This is primarily becausethe guns can elevate much higher than a tank or APC cannon, enablingarmored units equipped with ZSU-23-4s to return fire againstambushes from above.

Apart from the Russian Army, a small number of ZSU-23-4 SPAAGsare still in use by the Russian Naval Infantry (specifically the 61st and175th brigades of the Northern Fleet and the 336th brigade of theBaltic Fleet).

ZSU-23-4 116

Variants

Soviet Union• ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" (1964) - pre-production and then initial production models.

• ZSU-23-4V "Shilka" (1968): modernized variant with enhanced reliability of some details, ventilation systemcase located on the right side of the hull. Commander vision device was added.• ZSU-23-4V1 "Shilka" (1970) - modernized variant with enhanced reliability of radar system and other

details, ventilation system cases located on front bilges of the turret. Guidance-system computer wasimproved (as well as accuracy and efficiency of anti-aircraft fire on the move at 40 km/h). It is fitted with aslightly improved diesel engine V-6R-1.• ZSU-23-4M "Beryoza" (1973) - armed with modernized autocannons 2A7M. The pneumatic loading

was replaced with pyrotechnic loading (unreliable compressor was removed), welded tubes of coolantoutlet were replaced with flexible pipes which increased autocannon barrel life from 3500 rounds to4500 rounds.• ZSU-23-4MZ "Beryoza" (Z stands for "zaproschik" — "inquirer") (1977) - equipped with

identification friend-or-foe system "Luk". All ZSU-23-4M were upgraded to ZSU-23-4MZ levelduring scheduled repairs. It should be noted that army unofficially continued to use the name "Shilka"for all variants of ZSU-23-4.

• ZSU-23-4M2 (1978) - so-called "Afghan" variant. Reequipment performed during the Soviet War inAfghanistan for mountain combats. The radar system was removed and a night-sight was added.Ammunition increased from 2,000 to 4,000 rounds.

Russian Federation and Belarus• ZSU-23-4M4 and ZSU-23-4M5 (1999) - modernized variants, armed with two additional paired man-portable

air-defense systems "Igla" on each side of the turret and equipped with 81mm smoke grenade launchers, laseremission sensors, electro-optical vision devices (including television system for driver) and improved weaponradar system. The mechanical transmission was replaced with hydrostatic transmission, hydraulic boosters wereinstalled. Mobility increased to the level of main battle tanks. This upgrade was first shown during the exhibitionMAKS-99 in Zhukovsky and was carried out by the Minotor Service Enterprise and Peleng Joint Stock Companyfrom the Republic of Belarus, and the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant of Russia. The Ulyanovsk Mechancial Plant isalso offering ZSU-23-4 upgrade packages independently.[18][19][20]

Ukraine• Donets (1999) - This is a Ukrainian modernization developed by Malyshev Tank Factory in Kharkov. It has the

modified turret from the ZSU-23-4, armed with two additional paired man-portable air-defense systems"Strela-10" installed on the hull of the T-80UD main battle tank. Ammunition for 23 mm autocannons increasedtwo times.

Poland• ZSU-23-4MP "Biała" (2000) - Polish upgrade with Grom anti-aircraft missiles and fully digital passive aiming

devices instead of the radar.

ZSU-23-4 117

India• ZSU-23-4 upgrade - This version was developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) of India in cooperation with

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The upgraded systems will feature a solid-state radar and computers,electro-optical fire control systems, a new Caterpillar 359 BHP diesel engine and a new APU. The upgradedsystems must be able to operate despite enemy jamming, must be able to pick up targets more than 15 km away,and must function in temperatures between 35º Celsius and minus 40º Celsius. The gun must be able to shootdown targets flying up to 450 miles per hour up to 1,500 meters and out to 2,500 meters. The purpose of theupgrade would be to extend the life of the air defence system by 15 years. In December 2004 it was reported thatthe Indian Army awarded a USD $104 million contract to upgrade 48 ZSU-23-4 air defence systems of the IndianArmy. The Chairman of BEL, Y Gopala Rao, stated that the trials were conducted on two upgraded prototypesand the remaining 46 systems are to be upgraded by 2005. However, Defence News reported in July 2006, thatthe Indian Army rejected the upgrade, as the system was inaccurate and had insufficient range and has requestedthe Ministry of Defence to expedite the purchase of a replacement system.[21][22]

Netherlands• ZSU-23-4 upgrade (1998) - As a private venture, Hollandse Signaalapparaten company (now Thales Nederland)

of the Netherlands, obtained a number of ex-East German Army ZSU-23-4V1s and developed an upgradepackage. The main part of this upgrade is the modernisation of the radar and fire-control system. The firstprototype was completed in mid-1998. The upgraded vehicle is equipped with the ASADS Ka-band targettracking radar and the PAGE I-band surveillance radar.[23]

Combat history• 1968–1970: War of Attrition• 1973: Yom Kippur War• 1959–1975: Vietnam War, during the last stage of Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975 by battery of 237th

Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment.• 1975–1990: Lebanese Civil War• 1975–1991: Angolan Civil War, 1st Civil War• 1975–1991: Western Sahara War• 1977: Libyan-Egyptian War• 1977–1978: Ogaden War• 1979–1988: Soviet War in Afghanistan• 1980–1988: Iran–Iraq War• 1982: Lebanon War• 1990–1991: Gulf War• 1990-1994: Nagorno-Karabakh War• 1992–1993: Georgian–Abkhazian conflict• 1994–1996: First Chechen War• 1999: Second Chechen War• 2003: Iraq War• 2008: 2008 South Ossetia war• 2011: Libyan civil war•• 2011: Syrian civil war

ZSU-23-4 118

Operators

Current and former users of the Shilka

•  Afghanistan: 20 were deliveredfrom USSR.[24][25]

•  Algeria: 210 in 1995.[25][26]

According to another sources 310were delivered from USSR.[24]

•  Angola: 20+ were deliveredfrom USSR.[24][25]

•  Armenia[27]

•  Azerbaijan•  Belarus

•  Bulgaria: 30[25] (27 in active service)•  Cameroon: 200 ordered from Russia.[26]128 were delivered from Russia, but a new contrat was certified with

Russia in 2011 for 300-350.[28]

•  Congo: 8[25]

•  Cuba: 36 in 1995 (delivered from Russia).[24][25][26]

•  Egypt: 350 in 1995.[26] 330 were delivered from USSR, also a new contract was signed with Russia in2005.[24]

•  Ecuador: 34 from Nicaragua in 1997.[25]

•  Ethiopia: 60[25]

•  Georgia: 38•  Guinea-Bissau: 16 were delivered from USSR.[24]

•  Hungary: 20 in 1995.[26] 14 were delivered from USSR.[24][25]

•  India: 100 were delivered from USSR.[24][25]

•  Iran: 100+[25]

•  Iraq: 200+[25]

•  Israel: 60[25] Captured from Arab Armies over the Arab-Israeli Conflict.•  Jordan: 16 in 1995 (delivered from USSR).[24][26] 45 in 2008[25]

•  Laos: 10+[25]

•  Lebanon: ex-PLO vehicles operated by the Lebanese Army (2), Lebanese Forces (3), Al-Murabitun (3).•  Libya: 250[25]

•  Mongolia[25]

•  Morocco•  Mozambique•  Nigeria: 30[25]

•  North Korea: >100 were delivered from USSR.[24][24][25][26]"/>[25]*•  Peru 136•  Poland: 44[29] to 87.[25] 150 were delivered from USSR.[24]

•  Somalia: 4[25]

•  Russia: ~12 in active service in 2011 (Used by Marines)[30]

•  Syria: 400 were delivered from USSR.[24][25]

•  United States: the United States operates a few ZSU-23-4 for testing. (most of them are at Camp Pendleton)•  Turkmenistan: 28[25]

•  Ukraine[25]

•  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

ZSU-23-4 119

•  Vietnam: 100[25]

•  Yemen: 30[25] to 40 in 1995 (delivered to South Yemen from USSR).[24][26]

•  Zimbabwe

Former operators•  East Germany: 131 were delivered from USSR.[24]

•  Soviet Union

Notes[1] Самоходная артиллерия - Военный паритет: мобильная МБР Тополь, основной боевой танк Т-90, истребитель МиГ-29, ракета Булава,

ракеты средней дальности (http:/ / www. militaryparitet. com/ nomen/ russia/ arty/ sarty/ data/ ic_nomenrussiaartysarty/ 14/ )[2] ЗСУ-23-4 "Шилка" - Army.lv (http:/ / www. army. lv/ ?s=703& id=65& v=1#info)[3] В Боях На «Шилке» (http:/ / otvaga2004. narod. ru/ otvaga2004/ wars1/ wars_02. htm)[4] СВЗРИУ (http:/ / www. svzriu. ru/ teh. php?type=shilka)[5] ЗСУ-23-4 Шилка (http:/ / www. museum-tank. ru/ IIIwar/ tables3/ zsu230. html)[6] Зенитная Самоходная Установка ЗСУ-23-4 "Шилка" (http:/ / armoured. vif2. ru/ zsu-23-4. htm)[7] ПВЗРККУ: ЗСУ-23-4 "Шилка" (http:/ / pzaku. net/ homepage/ 15/ )[8] ZSU-23-4 'Shilka' (http:/ / airbase. ru/ hangar/ weapons/ zsu-23-4/ index. htm)[9][9] Cancelled on 20 September 1962[10] Russian General Staff (translated and edited by Lester Grau and Michael Gress) (2002); The Soviet-Afghan war: how a superpower fought

and lost; University Press of Kansas, p. 38. ISBN 0-7006-1185-1.[11] Охотники за самолетами (http:/ / www. popmech. ru/ part/ ?articleid=1828& rubricid=7)[12] Морская Пехота Балтики - ЗСУ-23-4МЗ и М2 (http:/ / belostokskaya. ru/ weapons_mp/ airdefence/ Shilka2/ )[13] ЗСУ-23-4 "Шилка" (http:/ / pvo. guns. ru/ shilka/ shilka. htm)[14] Williams, Anthony G.: "An introduction to collecting 23-28mm cartridges" (http:/ / www. quarry. nildram. co. uk/ collecting 23-28mm.

htm).[15] Russian Ammunition Page (http:/ / www. russianammo. org)[16] ORDATA: Ordnance Identification Tool, http:/ / maic. jmu. edu/ ordata[17] В Боях На «Шилке» (http:/ / otvaga2004. narod. ru/ otvaga2004/ wars1/ wars_02. htm)[18] http:/ / articles. janes. com/ articles/ jdu99/ ZSU-23-4M5-SHILKA-SPAAG-MODERNISATION. html[19] http:/ / articles. janes. com/ articles/ Janes-Land-Based-Air-Defence/ ZSU-23-4M5-Shilka-Belarus. html[20] http:/ / www. minotor-service. com/ en/ zsu-23-4-shilka. html[21] http:/ / www. defensenews. com/[22] http:/ / defense-update. com/ products/ z/ zsu23-4. htm[23] http:/ / articles. janes. com/ articles/ Janes-Land-Based-Air-Defence/

Thales-Nederland-BV-ZSU-23-4-self-propelled-anti-aircraft-gun-upgrade-package-Netherlands. html[24] ЗЕНИТНЫЕ САМОХОДНЫЕ УСТАНОВКИ (ЗСУ) (http:/ / www. militaryparitet. com/ nomen/ russia/ arty/ sarty/ data/

ic_nomenrussiaartysarty/ 14/ )[25] "ZSU-23-4" (http:/ / www8. janes. com/ Search/ documentView. do?docId=/ content1/ janesdata/ yb/ jlad/ jlad0057. htm). Jane's

Information Group. 2008-10-30. . Retrieved 2008-11-08.[26][26] The World Defence Almanac 1995-1996. Military Technology. 1996[27] International Institute for Strategic Studies. The Military Balance 2012. London: Routledge, 2012, p. 90.[28] ZSU Shilka self-propelled ADGM (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?lang=& catid=240& linkid=1569)[29] MILITARIUM - Wojsko Polskie - Uzbrojenie (http:/ / www. militarium. net/ wojsko_polskie/ uzbrojenie. php)[30] ZSU Shilka self-propelled ADGM (http:/ / warfare. ru/ ?lang=& catid=240& linkid=1569)

ZSU-23-4 120

References• Koll, Christian (2009). Soviet Cannon: A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Arms and Ammunition in Calibres

12.7mm to 57mm (http:/ / www. russianammo. org). Linz, Austria: Christian Koll. ISBN 978-3-200-01445-9.OCLC 424511896.

• Perrett, Bryan (1987). Soviet Armour Since 1945. London: Blandford Press. ISBN 0-7137-1735-1.OCLC 19847519.

• Shirokorad, A. (February 1998). Bronekollektsiya: "Shilka" i drugie otechestvennye ZSU ("Shilka" and OtherNative SPAAGs). Issue of a Russian journal.

• Zaloga, Steve [Steven J.] (1993). ZSU-23-4 Shilka & Soviet Air Defense Gun Vehicles. Hong Kong: ConcordPublications. ISBN 962-361-039-4. OCLC 48683481.

External links• Federation of American Scientists page (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ row/ zsu-23-4. htm)• GulfLINK: Soviet air defence vehicles (http:/ / www. gulflink. osd. mil/ irfna/ irfna_refs/ n28en143/ airdef. html)• In Russian. Description and photos (http:/ / armyinrussian. narod. ru/ suhoputnie/ shilka. htm)• In Russian. Short info and several photos (http:/ / pvo. guns. ru/ shilka/ shilka. htm)• In Russian. Description, specifications, photos (http:/ / oficery. ru/ 2007/ 11/ 20/

zenitnaja_samokhodnaja_ustanovka__zsu234_shilka. html)• In Russian. ZSU-23-4 during the Soviet War in Afghanistan (http:/ / otvaga2004. narod. ru/ otvaga2004/ wars1/

wars_02. htm)

M3 Half-track 121

M3 Half-track

Carrier, Personnel Half-track M3

M3 half-track with .30 (7.62 mm) Browning M1919 machinegunType Half-track armored personnel carrier

Place of origin  United States

SpecificationsWeight 9.3 t

Length 6.18 m

Width 2.22 m

Height 2.26 m, wheelbase 135.5 in (3,440 mm)[1]

Crew 3 + 10 troops

Mainarmament

1 x 0.5 in (12.7 mm) M2 machine gun

Secondaryarmament

2 x 0.3 in (7.62 mm) M1919A4 machine guns

Engine White 160AX, 386 cu in (6,330 cc),[1] 6 cylinder, petrol, compression ratio 6.3:1,[1]

147 hp (110 kW)

Power/weight 15.8 hp/tonne

Suspension half track, vertical volute springs; front tread 64.5 in (1,640 mm) to 66.5 in (1,690 mm)[1]

Fuel capacity 60 US gal (230 l)[1]

Operationalrange

175 mi (282 km)[1]

Speed 45 mph (72 km/h)[1]

The Carrier, Personnel Half-track M3 was an armored vehicle used by the United States, the British Empire andthe other Allies during World War II and the Cold War. Nearly 43,000 were produced, and supplied to the U.S.Army and Marines, as well as British Commonwealth and Soviet Red Army forces, serving on all fronts throughoutthe war.

M3 Half-track 122

History

On display in Ursel (NW of Ghent), Belgium

Between the world wars, the US Army sought to improve the tacticalmobility of its forces. With the goal of finding a high-mobility infantryvehicle, the Ordnance Department had evaluated the half-track designby testing French Citroën-Kégresse vehicles. The White MotorCompany produced a prototype halftrack using their own chassis andthe body of the M3 Scout Car.

The design, using as many commercial components as possible toimprove reliability and rate of production, was standardized in 1940and built by the Autocar Company, Diamond T Motor Company, andthe White Company.

Offered with a choice of White 160AX or IHC RED DIAMOND 450 engines, the M3 was driven through a manualconstant-mesh (non-synchromesh) transmission with four forward and one reverse gear,[1] as well as a two-speedtransfer case.[1] Front suspension was leaf spring, tracks by vertical volute spring.[1] Braking was vacuum-assistedhydraulic,[1] steering manual, without power assist.[1] The electrical system was 12-volt.[1]

The M3 was the larger counterpart to the M2 Half Track Car. The M2 was originally intended to function as anartillery tractor. The M3 had a longer body than the M2 with a single access door in the rear and seating for a13-man rifle squad. Ten seats were arranged down either side of the vehicle, with three in the cab. Racks under theseats were used for ammunition and rations; additional racks behind the seat backs held the squad's rifles and otherstowage. A small rack for mines was added on the outside of the hull just above the tracks. In combat, most unitsfound it necessary to stow additional food, rucksacks and other crew stowage on the outside of the vehicle. Luggageracks were often added in the field, and very late vehicles had rear-mounted racks for this crew stowage.Early vehicles had a pintle mount just behind the front seats mounting a .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Browningmachine gun. The later M3A1 adopted a raised, armored 'pulpit mount' for the .50-caliber, and .30-caliber (7.62 mm)machine guns could be used from mounts along the sides of the passenger compartment. Many M3s were latermodified to the M3A1 standard. The body was armored all around, with an adjustable armored shutter for theengine's radiator and a bulletproof windscreen.The halftracks were initially extremely unpopular and dubbed "Purple Heart Boxes" (a grim reference to the USArmy's decoration for combat wounds) by American troops.[2] Chief complaints centered around the complete lackof overhead protection from airbursting artillery shells and that the armor was inadequate against machine gun fire.[2]

Total production of the M3 ran to nearly 41,000 vehicles. To supply the Allied nations International Harvesterproduced several thousand of a very similar vehicle, the M5 half track for Lend-Lease.

M3 Half-track 123

Variants

Armored personnel carriers

M5 personnel carrier

• M3 - White Half-Track with White 386 cu in (6,330 cc) 160AXengine. Fitted with either an M32 anti-aircraft machine gun mountor a pedestal mount, both featuring an M2HB machine gun.

• M3A1 - Any vehicle with the improved M49 machine gun ringmount over the right hand front seat. Between 1942 and 1943 allM3 Half-Tracks (standard and A1s) were continually upgraded.These improvements included a number of drive train, engine,and stowage improvements.

• T29/M3A2 - Developed in 1943 to combine features such thatexisting M2 and M3 production could be switched to a commonvehicle. Came at a time where the need for additional half tracks turned out to be not as great as projected. TheM3A2 was, therefore, not produced.

• M3E2/M5 - International Harvester Half-Track, externally virtually identical to the M3, but with 450 cu in(7,400 cc).[1][3] IHC RED-450-B engine, different drive train and fuel and electrical system.[3] In fact, only thechassis, bogies, track, idler and drive sprockets, wheels, winches, transfer case, rollers, and machine gun mountwere interchangeable.[3] The M5 is heavier than the M3, due in part to heavier armor.[3] Its rear body sides werein one piece, rather than bolted.[3] The M5 was primarily for Lend-Lease, to Britain, Canada, France,[3] and theSoviet Union.• M5A1 - As for the M3A1, an M5 with the M49 machine gun mount. It could fit one .50-caliber (12.7 mm) and

two .30-caliber (30.06) machine guns.[3] The IHC models had a slightly lower top speed (only 42 mph(68 km/h))[1] and lower range (125 mi (201 km))[1] as well.

• T31/M5A2 - Similar in principle to the M3A2, a vehicle developed by the US Ordnance Department tocombine the production of the M5 and M9 into a single vehicle. As with the M3A2, the projected need wasnever seen, and this version was never produced en masse.

• M9 - Same as the M5, with stowage arranged as in the M2 halftrack, with access to radios from inside (asopposed to outside) and rear doors, plus pedestal MG mount.[3]

• M9A1 - Same as M9, with ring mount and three MG pintles.[3]

Self-propelled guns

A T48 57 mm Gun Motor Carriage in front of thePolish Army Museum.

• T12/M3 75mm GMC - M3 based Gun Motor Carriage equippedwith the M1897A5 75 mm gun. These guns were fitted with thegun's M2A3 ground carriage and its gun shield. Later variantsfeatured a purpose-built gun shield (59 rounds).

• M3A1 75 mm GMC - The M2A2 gun carriage was substitutedfor the A3, as stocks were exhausted. Later variants featured apurpose-built gun shield.

• T12 HMC - M3 based Howitzer Motor Carriage equipped with the75 or 105 mm Pack Howitzer by the US Marine Corps.

• T48 57 mm GMC - M3 based Gun Motor Carriage equipped withthe M1 57 mm gun, an American copy of the British QF 6 pounderanti-tank gun. A total of 962 T48s were produced during the war. Of these, 60 were supplied under lend lease toBritain, and 650 to the USSR - who called it SU-57 (99 rounds)

M3 Half-track 124

• T30 75 mm HMC - M3 based Howitzer Motor Carriage equipped with the M1A1 75 mm howitzer in a simplebox mount (60 rounds). Used by the US Army. Also provided to the Free French Army, later used in Indochina.

• T38 105 mm HMC - M3 based Howitzer Motor Carriage equipped with the M3 105 mm howitzer. Cancelledwith the success of the T19.

• T19 105 mm HMC - M3 based Howitzer Motor Carriage equipped with the M2A1 105 mm howitzer (8 rounds).• T19/M21 81 mm MMC - M3 based Motor Mortar Carriage equipped with the M1 mortar (81 mm)(97 rounds),

designed to allow the mortar to be fired from within the vehicle.• T21 - M3 based mortar carrier fitted with a 4.2 inch mortar. Never adopted.

• T21E1 - The T21's mortar could only fire rearward as with the M2 based M4 MMC. The T21E1 reoriented tothe mortar to fire forward.

Anti-aircraft variants• T1E4/M13 MGMC - M3 based Multiple Gun Motor Carriage equipped with the Maxson M33 mount with 2

M2HB machine guns (5,000 rounds). The T1E4 prototypes had the hull sides removed for easy of working withthe mount. These were reintroduced on production M13s. This was a development of previous T1s that had allbeen based on the M2 Half-track Car.• M14 MGMC - M13 MGMC variant, based on the M5 chassis. Supplied under lend-lease to Britain (5,000

rounds).

M16 MGMC in action in Korea, 1953.

• M16 MGMC - M3 based Multiple Gun Motor Carriage equippedwith the Maxson M45 Quadmount (more specifically the M45D)with 4 M2HB machine guns (5,000 rounds).

• M16A1 MGMC - Standard M3 Personnel Carriers converted toMultiple Gun Motor Carriages by removing rear seats andinstalling a Maxson M45 mount (more specifically the M45F,which featured folding "bat wing" gun shields on both sides ofthe mount over the machine guns). These vehicles are easilyidentified by the lack of the folding armored hull panels found onpurpose-built M16s.

• M16A2 MGMC - M16 MGMC variant, basically M16s broughtup to M16A1 standard and with the addition of a rear door to the hull compartment. For existing M16s, thisessentially meant a replacement of the M45D mount for the M45F mount.

• M17 MGMC - M16 MGMC variant, based on the M5 chassis. Sent under lend-lease to USSR (5,000 rounds).• T58 - Similar to the M16/M17, the T58 featured the Maxon quad-mount fitted to a special electric powered turret.

Prototype only.• T28E1 CGMC - M3 based Combination Gun Motor Carriage equipped with one M1A2 37mm autocannon (240

rounds) flanked by 2 M2WC machine guns (3,400 rounds). The original T28 had been based on the shorter M2Half-Track Car chassis.[4]

• M15 CGMC - T28E1 variant, equipped with an armored superstructure on the turreted mount to provide crewprotection, and switched to M2HB machine guns.

• M15A1 CGMC - Reorganization of the weapons, with the M2HB machine guns being fitted under the M1A237 mm autocannon instead of above as on the M15.

• T10E1 - Variant to test the feasibility of mounting US made copies of the Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20 mm cannonon modified Maxson mounts. All were later rebuilt as M16s. The original T10 was based on the shorter M2Half-Track Car chassis.

M3 Half-track 125

• 40 mm Experiments - Various attempts were made to mate the 40 mm Bofors L/50 gun to the M3 chassis. In allcases the weapon's recoil was too severe or the mounting too heavy, and the attempts were finally stopped withthe adoption of the M19 MGMC on the M24 light tank chassis.• T54/E1 - Tested in 1942, the gun mount quickly proved to be unstable when fired, and the improved T54E1,

which also added a circular armored shield and rear armor to the vehicle, could not fix the inherent problem.Prototype only.

• T59 - A development of the T54/E1, fitted with outriggers to help stabilize the vehicle during sustained firing.Still proved to be too unstable for anti-aircraft use. Prototype only.• T59E1 - T59 fitted with the T17 fire control system. Prototype only.

• T60/E1 - Similar to the T54 and the T59, but featured two .50 caliber M2 machine guns flanking the 40 mmcannon (the mounting's designation was T65). The T60E1 featured an armor configuration similar to that ofthe T54E1. Suffered from the same stability issues of previous attempts. Prototype only.

• T68 - Perhaps the most radical of the experiments, the T68 featured two 40 mm cannons, one mounted on topof the other, plus a stabilizer on top of the two guns. The recoil force proved to be too much for the mount, andthe idea was abandoned. Prototype only.

• M15 "Special" - Field conversions by US Army depots in Australia of standard M3s, not M15s, fitted withturreted 40 mm Bofors L/50 guns. These were the only successful mating of this weapon to the M3 chassis,and were used more for direct fire support than for anti-aircraft purposes.

Post-war Israeli variants

Israeli modified M3 Half-track, armed with20 mm cannon.

• M3 Mk. A - M5 APC. Israeli Half-Tracks were all designated M3,even M2/M9 variants and known as Zachlam זחל"ם in Hebrew. TheMk. A APCs are identified as IHC M5s by the use of RED-450engines for the most part. While the M49 mount was retained, avariety of machine guns were used.

• M3 Mk. B - M5 converted as a command carrier with extra radiosand a front winch bumper. Mk. Bs featured M2HB machine guns.

• M3 Mk. C - Essentially an M21 MMC, an M3 type (assumed fromthe common use of the White 160AX engine) Half-Track with anM1 81 mm Mortar.

• M3 Mk. D - Another M3 based mortar carrier, fitted with the 120mm Soltam mortar. Entered service in 1960.

• M3 TCM-20 - M3/M5 Half-Tracks fitted with the Israeli TCM-20 armament turret with two 20 mmHispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon fitted to old Maxson turrets. The right hand vision port was often replaced with aball mount for a machine gun. They proved to be very effective fighting anti-tank missile teams, their cannonswould at least keep the teams under cover or bother them so they could not use their missiles effectively.

M3 Half-track 126

Former operators•  United States - U.S. Army•  United Kingdom - British Army•  France - French Army•  Greece - Greek Army•  South Korea - South Korean Army•  South Vietnam - Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN)•  Soviet Union - Soviet Army•  Spain - Spanish Army•  Cambodia - Khmer National Army (FANK)•  Canada - Canadian Army•  Czechoslovakia•  Cuba• Kingdom of Laos - Royal Lao Army•  Pakistan - Pakistani Army• Philippines - Philippine Army and Philippine Constabulary•  Portugal - Portuguese Army•  Poland•  Israel - Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)•  Italy - Italian Army•  India - Indian Army•  Lebanon - Lebanese Army•  Australia - Australian Army•  Argentina•  Brazil•  Chile•  Mexico•  Nazi Germany - Used captured vehicles in the north African and western fronts during World War II.•  New Zealand•  Peru - Still in service, fitted with "Eyal" crane, supplied by Israel.•  Norway•  Yugoslavia - Yugoslav People's Army•  Belgium - Belgian Army•  Denmark - Danish Army•  The Netherlands - Dutch Army•  Thailand - Royal Thai Army•  Turkey

M3 Half-track 127

Non-state operators• Lebanese Forces - supplied by Israel.• South Lebanon Army (SLA) - supplied by Israel.• Amal Movement - captured from the SLA.• Hezbollah - captured from the SLA.

Citations[1][1] Berndt 1993, p. 152.[2][2] Zaloga 2004, p. 8.[3][3] Berndt 1993, p. 147.[4] "Hit-Run Ack-Ack Guns Mounted on Half-Track" (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=S9YDAAAAMBAJ& pg=PA7& dq=Popular+

Science+ 1935+ plane+ "Popular+ Mechanics"& hl=en& ei=Uu44TpGOEquGsgLepeUC& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwADgU#v=onepage& q& f=true) Popular Mechanics, December 1943 and "cover artwork" (http:/ / books. google. com/books?id=S9YDAAAAMBAJ& pg=PA0& dq=Popular+ Science+ 1935+ plane+ "Popular+ Mechanics"& hl=en&ei=Uu44TpGOEquGsgLepeUC& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=1& ved=0CCgQ6AEwADgU#v=onepage& q& f=true)

References•• TM 9-2800• Berndt, Thomas (1993). Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN

0-87341-223-0.• Janda, Patryk (2009). Half-Track vol. I. Gdańsk, Poland: Aj-Press Publishing. ISBN 978-83-7237-207-9• Mesko, Jim (1996). M3 Half-tracks in Action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications.• United States, War Department (1944). TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).

Washington, DC: War Department.• Zaloga, Steven J. (2004). M3 Infantry Half-Track 1940-73. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing.

External links• AFV Database (http:/ / afvdb. 50megs. com/ usa/ halftrackm3. html)• Half-track Gets Farm Job (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=hCQDAAAAMBAJ& lpg=PA151& dq=m3

half-track& as_brr=1& pg=PA151#v=onepage& q=& f=false)• WWII Vehicles - US Half tracks (http:/ / www. wwiivehicles. com/ usa/ half_tracks/ halftracks. html)• US half-tracks photo gallery at ww2photo.mimerswell.com (http:/ / ww2photo. mimerswell. com/ tanks/ usa/ half/

half. htm)• FM 17-71: Crew Drill for Half-Track Vehicles (http:/ / www. lonesentry. com/ manuals/

fm17-71-halftrack-crew-drill/ index. html)• (French) The various versions of Israeli Half-track (http:/ / www. tsahal-miniature. com/ halftrac. html)(Armored Command Field Manual, War Department, September 1943)

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 128

Assault Amphibious Vehicle

AAVP7A1 RAM/RS

US Marine Corps AAV in Fallujah, IraqType Armoured personnel carrier

Place of origin  United States

Service historyIn service 1972–present

Used by See Operators

Wars 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands, Gulf War, Operation Restore Hope, Iraq War

Production historyDesigner FMC Corporation

Manufacturer FMC Corporation

Produced 1972

SpecificationsWeight 29.1 tons

Length 7.94 m (321.3")

Width 3.27 m (128.72")

Height 3.26 m (130.5")

Crew 3+25

Armor 45 mm

Mainarmament

Mk 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (864 rounds) or M242 Bushmaster 25mm (900 rounds)

Secondaryarmament

M2HB .50-caliber (12.7 mm) machine gun (1200 rounds)

Engine Detroit Diesel 8V-53T (P-7), Cummins VT 400 903 (P-7A1)400 hp (300 kW)VTAC 525 903 525 hp(AAV-7RAM-RS)

Power/weight 18 hp/tonne

Suspension torsion-bar-in-tube (AAV-7A1); torsion bar (AAV-7RAM-RS)

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 129

Operationalrange

480 km (300 miles); 20 NM in water, including survival in Sea State 5

Speed 24–32 km/h (15–20 mph) off-road, 72 km/h surfaced road, 13.2 km/h water (45 mph, 8.2 mph)[1]

The Assault Amphibious Vehicle[2] (AAV)—official designation AAV-7A1 (formerly known as Landing Vehicle,Tracked, Personnel-7 abbr. LVTP-7)—is a fully tracked amphibious landing vehicle manufactured by U.S. CombatSystems (previously by United Defense, a former division of FMC Corporation).The AAV-7A1 is the current amphibious troop transport of the United States Marine Corps. It is used by USMCAssault Amphibian Battalions to land the surface assault elements of the landing force and their equipment in asingle lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives and to conduct mechanizedoperations and related combat support in subsequent mechanized operations ashore. It is also operated by otherforces. Marines call them "amtracks," a shortening of their original designation, "amphibious tractor."

Development

Two U.S. Marine Corps Assault AmphibianVehicles emerge from the surf onto the sand of

Freshwater Beach, Australia

U.S. Marines landing from an Assault AmphibianVehicle in Djbouti

The LVTP-7 was first introduced in 1972 as a replacement for theLVTP-5. In 1982, FMC was contracted to conduct the LVTP-7 ServiceLife Extension Program, which converted the LVT-7 vehicles to theimproved AAV-7A1 vehicle by adding an improved engine,transmission, and weapons system and improving the overallmaintainability of the vehicle. The Cummins VT400 diesel enginereplaced the GM 8V53T, and this was driven through FMC'sHS-400-3A1 transmission. The hydraulic traverse and elevation of theweapon station was replaced by electric motors, which eliminated thedanger from hydraulic fluid fires. The suspension and shock absorberswere strengthened as well. The fuel tank was made safer, and afuel-burning smoke generator system was added. Eight smoke grenadelaunchers were also placed around the armament station. The headlightclusters were housed in a square recess instead of the earlier roundtype. The driver was provided with an improved instrument panel anda night vision device, and a new ventilation system was installed.These upgraded vehicles were originally called LVT-7A1, but theMarine Corps renamed the LVTP-7A1 to AAV-7A1 in 1984.

Another improvement was added in the form of a Cadillac Gageweapon station or Up-Gunned Weapon Station (UGWS) which wasarmed with both a .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2HB machine gun and a Mk-1940 mm grenade launcher.

Enhanced Applique Armor Kits (EAAK) were developed for theAAV-7A1 in 1989 and fitted by 1993, and the added weight of the new armor necessitated the addition of a bowplane kit when operating afloat.The Assault Amphibian Vehicle Reliability, Availability, Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (AAV RAM/RS) Program has provided for a replacement of both the engine and suspension with US Army M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) components modified for the AAV. The ground clearance has returned to 16 inches and the horsepower to ton ratio has changed from 13 to 1 back to 17 to 1. The AAV RAM/RS rebuild encompassed all AAV systems and components in order to return the AAV back to the original vehicle's performance specifications and ensure acceptable Fleet Marine Force (FMF) AAV readiness ratings until the EFV is operational. Introduction of the

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 130

BFV components and the rebuild to standard effort is expected to reduce maintenance costs for the remaining life ofthe AAV through the year 2013. Though due to the cancellation of the EFV the AAV will remain in service muchlonger.

Variants

An AAVR-7A1 attached to the 31st MarineExpeditionary Unit splashes into the Pacific

Ocean from the well deck of USS Juneau beforeheading to the beach.

• LVTP-7: Original series introduced from 1972. Originally armedwith a M85 .50cal machine gun and Mk-19 Grenade launcher.

•• LVTP-7A1: 1982 upgraded. Renamed to AAVP-7A1 from 1984.•• AAVP-7A1 (Personnel): This is the most common AAV, as it

carries a turret equipped with an M2HB .50 caliber heavy machinegun, and a Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher. It carries fourcrew radios as well as the AN/VIC-2 intercom system. It is capableof carrying 25 combat equipped Marines in addition to the crew of4: driver, crew chief/vehicle commander, gunner, and rear crewman.

• AAVC-7A1 (Command): This vehicle does not have a turret, andmuch of the cargo space of the vehicle is occupied bycommunications equipment. This version only has two crew radios,and in addition to the VIC-2, it also carries two VRC-92s, aVRC-89, a PRC-103 UHF radio, a MRC-83 HF radio and the MSQ internetworking system used to control thevarious radios. This AAV has a crew of 3, and additionally carries 5 radio operators, three staff members, and twocommanding officers. Recently, the C7 has been upgraded to use Harris Falcon II class radios, specifically thePRC-117 for VHF/UHF/SATCOM, and the PRC-150 for HF.

•• AAVR-7A1 (Recovery): This vehicle also does not have a turret. The R7 is considered the "wrecker", as it has acrane as well as most tools and equipment needed for field repairs. It is by far the heaviest of the three, and sitsconsiderably lower in the water. Crew of three, not including the repairmen.

Many P7s have been modified to carry the Mk 154 MCLC, or Mine Clearance Line Charge. The MCLC kit can firethree linear demolition charges to breach a lane through a minefield. MCLCs were used in the 1991 Persian GulfWar and again in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.In the 1970s, the US Army used an LVTP-7 as the basis for their Mobile Test Unit (MTU), a ground-basedantiaircraft high energy laser. After several successful test firings at Redstone Army Arsenal, the laser was reportedlytransferred to NASA.

Combat history

Firing smoke grenades in training.

Twenty U.S.-built LVTP-7s were used by Argentina during the 1982invasion of the Falkland Islands with all of them returning to theArgentine mainland before the war ended. From 1982–1984, LVTP-7swere deployed with U.S. Marines as part of the multi-nationalpeacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon. As Marines becameincreasingly involved in hostilities, several vehicles sustained minordamage from shrapnel and small arms fire. On October 25, 1983 U.S.Marine LVTP-7s conducted a highly successful amphibious landing onthe island of Grenada as part of Operation Urgent Fury. It was heavily

used in the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq and has been

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 131

Argentine Marines in the Falkland Islands

criticized for providing poor protection for the crew and passengerscompared with other vehicles such as the M2 Bradley. Eight of themwere disabled or destroyed during the Battle of Nasiriyah, where theyfaced RPG, mortar, tank and artillery fire. At least one vehicle wasdestroyed by fire from friendly A-10 Warthog attack planes.[3][4][5]

AAV-7A1s were also used extensively in the Persian Gulf War and inOperation Restore Hope.

Replacement

Renamed from the Advanced Assault Amphibious Vehicle in late 2003, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)was designed to replace the ageing AAV. Able to transport a full Marine rifle squad to shore from an amphibiousassault ship beyond the horizon with three times the speed in water and about twice the armor of the AAV, andsuperior firepower as well it was the Marine Corps' number one priority ground weapon system acquisition. TheEFV was intended for deployment in 2015.[6] However, in January 2011 United States Defense Secretary RobertGates announced plans to cancel the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle. In 2012, the USMC dropped the EFV andcancelled the program. The AAV-7 is planned to remain in service for some years to come.[7] Replacement of theAAV will now come from the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program.

Training systemsThe Office of Naval Research (ONR) under the Virtual Training and Environments (VIRTE) program, led by thenLCDR Dylan Schmorrow, developed a prototype training system called the AAV Turret Trainer. The systemconsists of an actual surplus turret mounted with ISMT (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer) weapons firing ona projected screen displaying the VIRTE Virtual Environment.[8] At total of 15 systems were produced for theUSMC and one system for Taiwan.[9]

Well deckoperation training

with AAVs

Spanish Navy Marines deployingfrom an AAV-7 during an

exhibition in 2009.

Landing forcedemonstration.

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 132

Operators

Argentine Navy LVTP-7

• United States Marine Corps: 1,311

• Infanteria de Marina (Argentina): 21 LVTP7s, around 10 upgradedlocally by MECATROL with Caterpillar C7 diesel engines andminor changes to running gear and other components[10]

• Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais do Brasil (Brazil): 39 AAV-7A1, 9LVTP-7A1, 2 LVTC-7A1 and 2 LVTR-7A1. On July 31, 2012,Brazil announced their interest to buys an additional 26 AAVs at an estimated cost of $233 million.[11]

• Esercito Italiano and Italian navy (Italy): 25 LVPT7s, 35 of which have been upgraded to AAV-7A1 standard.

• Republic of Korea Marine Corps (South Korea): 162

• Republic of China Marine Corps (Taiwan): 54 and 1 AAV Turret Trainer.

• Spanish Marines (BRIMAR): 19. Upgraded to AAV-7A1 standard.

• Royal Thai Marine Corps: 36 (AAVP-7A1 +AAVR-7A1 +AAVC-7A1)

• Venezuelan Navy: 11 AAVT-7s, (1 AAVTC-7 +1AAVTR-7 +9AAVTP-7).

• Indonesian Marine Corps: 10 units (LVTP7A1) donated by South Korea

Notes[1] Eland, Ivan, Putting "Defense" Back Into U.S. Defense Policy, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001, p.150[2] "Assault Amphibious Vehicle Systems (AAVS)" (http:/ / www. marcorsyscom. usmc. mil/ sites/ aav/ ). Marine Corps Systems Command.

2009-03-19. . Retrieved 2010-08-04.[3] Deadliest battle of war so far (http:/ / news. google. com/ newspapers?id=IPEeAAAAIBAJ& sjid=G4QEAAAAIBAJ& pg=6764,5938612&

dq) Sarasota Herald-Tribune, from New York Times News Service, March 24, 2003[4] Zeigler, Martin (2006). Three Block War II: Snipers in the Sky. iUniverse, pp. 34 and 36.ISBN 0-595-38816-7[5] Final Roll Call (http:/ / www. thefinalrollcall. us/ stories/ charlie. htm#prof)[6] U.S. Marine EFV Delivery Delayed to 2015 and Costs Double (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story. php?F=2622633& C=navwar).

defensenews.com[7] Cavas, Christoper P. "Hold Off on EFV, House Leaders Ask" (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story. php?i=5530214& amp;c=POL&

amp;s=TOP). Defense News, 24 January 2011.[8] Virtual reality, real ingenuity – Marines in need of a virtual trainer create their own (http:/ / www. physorg. com/ news3678. html)[9] http:/ / www. tjinc-eng. com/ pastperformance. asp[10] http:/ / www. mecatrol. com. ar/[11] Brazil – Assault Amphibious Vehicles (http:/ / www. defense-aerospace. com/ article-view/ release/ 137426/

brazil-to-buy,-upgrade-aavs-in-$233m-deal. html) – Defense-Aerospace.com, August 1, 2012

Assault Amphibious Vehicle 133

External links• FAS AAV article (http:/ / www. fas. org/ man/ dod-101/ sys/ land/ aavp7a1. htm)• AAV Fact File at the official USMC website (http:/ / www. hqmc. usmc. mil/ factfile. nsf/ 0/

adeb1da833ced848852562b30060c5ab?OpenDocument)• Paper regarding high energy lasers and the MTU (http:/ / www. aerowebspace. com/ High_Energy_Laser/ HEL

history. shtml)• Images of the MTU (http:/ / www. redstone. army. mil/ history/ archives/ missiles/ missiles0013. html)• AAV 7A1 on Armour.ws (http:/ / armour. ws/ amphibious-assault-vehicle-aav-7a1/ )• USMC Amtrac Association Website (http:/ / www. amtrac. org/ )

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 134

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV)

General Dynamics Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV)Type Amphibious assault vehicle[1]

Place of origin USA

Service historyIn service Canceled

Used by United States Marine Corps

Production historyManufacturer General Dynamics

Unit cost US$22.3 million

Variants EFVPEFVC

SpecificationsWeight Gross vehicle weight fully loaded 79,300 pounds (35.97 metric ton)

Length 10.67 m (35 ft)

 length 9.33 m (30.6 ft)

Width 3.66 m (12 ft)

Height 3.28 m (10.7 ft) (turret roof)

Crew 3 crew

Passengers 17 fully equipped Marines (EFVP)7 command crew (EFVPC)

Armor armor panels made of ceramic, S-2 fiberglass, and a Kevlar-like woven fabric in three separate layers, armoroffers protection against machine gun and artillery fragments weighs 20 pounds per square foot, 14.5 mm APat 300 Meters, 155/152 mm fragments at 15 Meters

Mainarmament

fully stabilized and digitally controlled Mk44 Bushmaster II Mod 0 30 mm cannon (EFVP)M240 Machine Gun, 7.62 mm Coax (EFVPC)

Engine MTU Friedrichshafen MT 883 Ka-524 diesel engine2,702 hp (2,016 kW) (water), 850 hp (635 kW) (land)

Power/weight 34.48 bhp/ton

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 135

Transmission Allison X4560 six speed transmission; water propulsion through two 23-inch-diameter water jets

Suspension 14 retractable independent Hydraulic Suspension Units (HSU’s) with two nitrogen gas charges

Fuel capacity 325 gallons

Operationalrange

land: 523 km (325 miles)water: 120 km (74 miles)

Speed road: 72.41 km/h (45 mph)water: 46 km/h (28.6 mph) (water)

The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) (formerly known as the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle) wasan amphibious assault vehicle that was being developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. It is launched at sea, from anamphibious assault ship beyond the horizon, able to transport a full Marine rifle squad to shore. It would maneuvercross country with an agility and mobility equal to or greater than the M1 Abrams.The EFV was designed to replace the aging AAV-7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV),[2] which entered servicein 1972,[3] and was the Marine Corps' number one priority ground weapon system acquisition. It has three times thespeed in water and about twice the armor of the AAV, as well as superior firepower. The vehicle was planned to bedeployed in 2015;[4] however, on 6 January 2011, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that he recommendsthe EFV program be canceled.[5][6] The program, which is projected to cost $15 billion, has already cost$3 billion.[7][8]

The Marines have asked for the EFV to be canceled in favor of the Assault Amphibian Vehicle Service LifeExtension Program, the Marine Personnel Carrier and the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.[9]

HistoryIn the 1980s the Marine corps developed an "over the horizon" strategy for ocean based assaults. The intention wasto protect naval ships from enemy mines and shore defenses. It included the MV-22 Osprey, the Landing Craft AirCushion (LCAC), and the EFV.Development for the AAAV began in August 1974 with Landing Vehicle Assault (LVA) prototypes that continuedin the early 1980s at the command at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The AAAV's predecessor, the LVTP7,had its life expectancy extended in 1983–84 by use of a service life extension program, which modified andupgraded many of the key systems, creating the LVTP7A1 and re-designated it the AAVP7A1. At the time thesevehicles were released, the USMC had anticipated and communicated delivery of the AAAV by 1993. As a result ofdelays, the AAVP7A1 has received another service life extension-type upgrade in the mid 1990s while the USMCstill awaits final development and delivery of the AAAV, 14 years behind original projected time frames.[10]

In 1988, defense officials authorized the concept exploration and definition phase. In 1995, the program entered intothe definition and risk reduction phase, where it won two DOD awards for successful cost and technologymanagement.[10] In June 1996, a contract was awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems to begin full-scaleengineering development of their design. Based on the aforementioned early success of the program, the MarineCorps awarded a cost-plus contract to General Dynamics in July 2001 for the systems development anddemonstration phase of the program, expected to be completed by October 2003. The AAAV was renamed to EFVin September 2003. The Government Accountability Office would later state that the development phase of threeyears was insufficient, causing delays and prototype failures, particularly in reliability.[10] After the 2006 OperationalAssessment was plagued by reliability issues and maintenance burdens, the Corps began a redesign of the EFV,requiring a new contract for an additional US$143.5 million in February 2007.[10] That June, a reset of thedevelopment phase delayed completion an additional four years.[10] Instead of initiating production as planned, theCorps asked for seven new prototypes, to address the current deficiencies, which have caused an average of onefailure for every four and a half hours of operation.[11]

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 136

On 7 April 2009, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that the EFV program will "continue as-is", pending anamphibious review in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.[12] The vehicle has recently been called "exquisite",which Gates has usually reserved for programs he intends to cancel.[13] He later questioned the EFV as the propership-to-shore platform on 3 May 2010,[14] the day before the initial prototype was rolled out at a ceremony at MarineCorps Base Quantico.[15]

The USMC has reduced the number to be purchased from 1,013 to 573 AAAVs by 2015 due to escalation in unitcost estimated at $22.3 million dollars in 2007.[10][15] The EFV might be a baseline vehicle for the Army's BCTGround Combat Vehicle Program, however it is more likely that the Army will start a new program.[16]

Low rate initial production (LRIP) was projected to begin in January 2012.[17] Projected total program developmentcost of the type until first quarter of 2010 has been estimated at 15.9 billion dollars.[18]

ControversyRobert O. Work has sketched out a future for amphibious warfare in which either the Marines will land unopposedor it will take a major effort using all the long range weapons of the United States armed forces to clear out shipkilling missiles so that amphibious ships can safely approach the hostile beach and neither scenario sees much usefor the EFV.[19][20] New families of guided anti-ship weapons have extended target ranges of well past 75 miles andthe precision to target nonstate actors, making the EFV's capabilities less of a game-changer than originally hopedfor.[21]

In a joint report the U.S. Public Interest Research Group and the National Taxpayers Union called the EFV programwasteful spending and asked for its cancellation.[22] The co-chairs of the National Commission on FiscalResponsibility and Reform have also supported the cancellation of the EFV.[23] During a Pentagon briefing, on 6January 2011, revealing budget efficiencies and reinvestment possibilities, Secretary of Defense Gates announced hisintention to cancel the EFV program.[6] In a statement released after Gates' press conference, USMC CommandantAmos said that he supports the cancellation of the EFV:

Today the Secretary of Defense announced the termination of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)program. I support his decision. After a thorough review of the program within the context of a broaderMarine Corps force structure review, I personally recommended to both the Secretary of Defense and theSecretary of the Navy that the EFV be cancelled and that the Marine Corps pursue a more affordableamphibious tracked fighting vehicle.Despite the critical amphibious and war-fighting capability the EFV represents, the program is not affordablegiven likely Marine Corps procurement budgets. The procurement and operations/maintenance costs of thisvehicle are onerous. After examining multiple options to preserve the EFV, I concluded that none of theoptions meets what we consider reasonable affordability criteria. As a result, I decided to pursue a moreaffordable vehicle.[5]

—James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine CorpsLoren B. Thompson, of the Lexington Institute, said that Amos had been ordered to give this statement, which didnot reflect his actual feelings on the issue.[24]

In an interview on 5 January 2011 with Bloomberg Businessweek, Duncan D. Hunter, a member of the HouseArmed Services Committee, anticipated the cancellation announcement by Gates. However, Hunter has predictedthat his committee will reject the cancellation.[25]

According to Lieutenant General George J. Flynn of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, the USMCwill use funding from the cancelled EFV for other tactical ground vehicles over the next five years.[26] The EFVprogram was cut from a 2012 proposed budget by the White House.[27]

General Dynamics is offering a cut down version of the EFV without the hydroplaning or weapons.[28] Ray Mabus has said that new defensive systems will allow Navy ships to close to within 12 miles off hostile shores so a 25 knot

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 137

amphibious tracked vehicle is no longer needed.[29]

Deputy commandant George Flynn has said that the analysis of alternatives to replace the EFV will be accelerated tocomplete in six to nine months.[30] In the 2012 appropriations bill, Congress ordered that the EFV be one of thealternatives considered in the study.[31]

Design

Diagram of EFVP1 variant

The EFV, designed by General DynamicsLand Systems, is an amphibious armoredtracked vehicle with an aluminum hull.The engine is a custom MTUFriedrichshafen diesel (MT883) with twomodes of operation; a high power mode forplaning over the sea, and a low powermode for land travel. It has a crew of threeand can transport 17 Marines and theirequipment. The EFV is the first heavytactical vehicle with a space framestructure.[32]

The hull has a hydraulically actuated bowflap to aid planing with a maximumwaterborne speed of 46 kilometres perhour (29 mph; 25 kn). Shrouded Honeywell waterjet propulsors are integrated into each side of the hull, which createover 2,800 horsepower. It is also outfitted with hydraulically actuated chines to cover the tracks while in seafaringmode. The rear loading ramp is not able to open while the vehicle is afloat, typical of other swimming militaryground vehicles.

The vehicle uses an Ethernet network connected by the Tactical Switch Router, based on the COTS DuraMARMobile IP router for its internal and external communications.[33]

ArmamentThe electronically powered two-man MK46 turret on the personnel variant accommodates the commander on theright and gunner on the left, a fire control system, and the main and coaxial weapons.The standard version has a Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm cannon, which fires up to 250 rounds per minute with single,burst, and fully automatic capabilities up to 2,000 metres (2,200 yd) in all weather conditions. A general purposeM240 7.62 mm machine gun with 600 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition is mounted coaxially with the main gun.

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 138

Countermeasures

EFVP1 engineering prototype undergoing shocktesting

The EFV is fitted with composite armor, mine-blast protection, and anuclear, biological and chemical defense system. The aluminum hullhas caused some concern due to protection issues.[34] However,aluminum hulls have been used for decades in military ground vehiclesand watercraft.

In June 2007 members of the House Armed Services Subcommittee onSeapower and Expeditionary Forces sent a letter to the Commandant ofthe Marine Corps urging that the EFV be redesigned to give troopsbetter protection against roadside bombs.[35] The Marines havesuggested that underbelly armor appliqué could be applied after theEFVs come ashore and before they encounter IEDs.[10] The limited protection the EFV offers is an improvement onthat offered by the AAV so the replacement is an advantage, given the current doctrine of using landing craft for landpatrols.[36]

However, tests in January and February 2010 at Aberdeen Test Center demonstrated that the EFV offers blastprotection equal to a category-2 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, including two simulated improvisedexplosive devices under its belly and tracks.[37] Tests also show that it has superior protection from direct andindirect fire. The flat hull, which has endured persistent criticism for not being the more blast-resistant V-shape, isnecessary for the EFV to plane across the surface of the water and reach its high speed, while dealing with sea statesof Category 4.[37][38]

On 13 October 2010 the Navy awarded M Cubed Technologies a contract to develop new armor for the EFV to offerbetter protection and lighter weight.[39]

MobilityGiven the increasing ranges of shore launched anti-ship missiles, the EFV's 25 nautical miles (29 mi; 46 km) rangefor amphibious landing may no longer provide the anticipated protection predicted for an over the horizon launch.[10]

The U.S. Navy has been reconsidering the over the horizon approach, and is considering 10–18 miles appropriate foramphibious launches. This shift in doctrine has made the EFV's high water speeds less necessary.[7] The EFV's needfor high water speed has resulted in an engine that is 1,200 hp more powerful than the M1 Abrams, even though theEFV weighs far less.[40]

Variants

Personnel variantThe EFVP1 with a 3-man crew would conduct the signature mission of the United States Marine Corps,expeditionary maneuver warfare from seabases by initiating amphibious operations from 20–25 milesover-the-horizon and transporting 17 combat-equipped Marines to inland objectives. The fully armored, trackedcombat vehicle would have provided lethal firepower to disembarked or mechanized infantry with its own fullystabilized MK46 weapon station with the 30 mm cannon and 7.62mm machine-gun.

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 139

Command variant

EFVC1

The EFVC1 provided the same survival and mobilitycapabilities found in the EFVP1. The EFVC1 would havebeen employed as a tactical command post for maneuverunit commanders at the battalion and regimental level. TheEFVC1 would have provided the supported commanderand selected staff with the ability to communicate, viaon-board communications, with senior, adjacent, andsubordinate maneuver units. The EFVC1 is armed withonly a 7.62mm machine gun.

References[1] Glenn W. Goodman, Jr. (2010). "EXPEDITIONARY FIGHTING VEHICLE" (http:/ / www. marcorsyscom. usmc. mil/ peolandsystems/ efv.

aspx). . Retrieved 7 January 2011.[2] "Assault Amphibious Vehicle Systems (AAVS)" (http:/ / www. marcorsyscom. usmc. mil/ sites/ aav/ ). Marine Corps Systems Command. 19

March 2009. . Retrieved 6 January 2011.[3] "Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) – Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle, USA" (http:/ / www. army-technology. com/ projects/ efv/

). army-technology.com. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.[4] "U.S. Marine EFV Delivery Delayed to 2015 and Costs Double" (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story. php?F=2622633& C=navwar).

Defense News. .[5] Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) (6 January 2011), "Statement by the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen.

James Amos on Efficiencies" (http:/ / www. defense. gov/ releases/ release. aspx?releaseid=14179), United States Department of Defense, ,retrieved 6 January 2011

[6] Garamone, Jim (6 January 2011), "Gates Reveals Budget Efficiencies, Reinvestment Possibilities" (http:/ / www. defense. gov/ news/newsarticle. aspx?id=62351), American Forces Press Service, , retrieved 6 January 2011

[7] Christopher P. Cavas (8). "Fleet will feel effects of major Corps cuts" (http:/ / www. navytimes. com/ news/ 2011/ 01/navy-marine-cuts-affect-fleet-010811/ ). Gannett Government Media Corporation. . Retrieved 10 January 2011.

[8] Megan Scully (18). "House Armed Services chairman restructures committee" (http:/ / www. govexec. com/ story_page.cfm?articleid=46892& oref=todaysnews). National Journal Group Inc. . Retrieved 19 January 2011.

[9] Kuiper, Jahn R. "EFV ousted for less costly triumvirate." (http:/ / www. marines. mil/ unit/ mcbquantico/ Pages/ 2011/EFVoustedforlesscostlytriumvirate. aspx) USMC, 22 March 2011.

[10] Feickert, Andrew (3 August 2009). "The Marines Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV): Background and Issues for Congress" (http:/ /opencrs. com/ document/ RS22947/ 2009-08-03/ ?23741). Congressional Research Service. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[11] Merle, Renae (7 February 2007). "Problems Stall Pentagon's New Fighting Vehicle – Washington Post" (http:/ / www. washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2007/ 02/ 06/ AR2007020601997. html). The Washington Post. . Retrieved 2010-05-02.

[12] Bennett, John T. (7 Apr 2009). "Gates: Cutting FCS was tough" (http:/ / www. armytimes. com/ news/ 2009/ 04/defense_gates_roundtable_040709/ ). Army Times. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[13] Muradian, Vago; Osborn, Kris (28 September 2009). "USMC Battling for the Future" (http:/ / www. defensenews. com/ story.php?i=4296905& c=FEA& s=CVS). Defense News. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[14] Bennett, John T. (4 May 2010). "Gates: U.S. must rethink expensive ships, EFV" (http:/ / www. marinecorpstimes. com/ news/ 2010/ 05/defense_gates_050310/ ). Marine Corps Times. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[15] McCullough, Amy (5 May 2010). "Corps shows off long-delayed EFV" (http:/ / www. marinecorpstimes. com/ news/ 2010/ 05/marine_efv_rollout_050410/ ). Marine Corps Times. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[16] Chavanne, Bettina H.; McLeary, Paul (8 Oct 2009). "No Options Out For Ground Combat Vehicle" (http:/ / www. aviationweek. com/ aw/generic/ story_channel. jsp?channel=defense& id=news/ GCV100809. xml& headline=No Options Out For Ground Combat Vehicle).Aviation Week. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[17] USMC Anticipates EFV LRIP in 2012 (http:/ / www. aviationweek. com/ aw/ generic/ story_generic. jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/ asd/ 2010/ 05/ 28/ 04. xml& headline=USMC Anticipates EFV LRIP in 2012)

[18] Exhibit P-40, Budget Item Justification Sheet February 2007 http:/ / www. finance. hq. navy. mil/ FMB/ 08PRES/ PROC/ PMC_Book. pdf[19] Thompson, Loren B. "A Vision Of Future Amphibious Warfare That Will Not Work ." (http:/ / www. defpro. com/ news/ details/ 20166/

?SID=4c48fffcc99a816d63b9392c4f535ae5) defence.professionals GmbH, 1 December 2010[20] Robert O. Work and F. G. Hoffman "Hitting the Beach in the 21st Century." (http:/ / www. usni. org/ magazines/ proceedings/ 2010-11/

hitting-beach-21st-century) Proceedings (magazine), November 2010.

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle 140

[21] Singer, Peter W. "The Marine Corps Is All Right" (http:/ / www. brookings. edu/ articles/ 2011/ 0304_marine_corps_singer. aspx). TheBrookings Institution. . Retrieved 10 March 2011.

[22] "Left and Right Unite against Government Waste" (http:/ / www. allgov. com/ Where_is_the_Money_Going/ ViewNews/Left_and_Right_Unite_against_Government_Waste_101105). AllGov, 5 November 2010

[23] "$200 Billion IN ILLUSTRATIVE SAVINGS" (http:/ / www. fiscalcommission. gov/ sites/ fiscalcommission. gov/ files/ documents/Illustrative_List_11. 10. 2010. pdf). 10 October 2010. . Retrieved 11 November 2010.

[24] Reed, John. "The Reactions to Gates’ Spending Plans." (http:/ / www. dodbuzz. com/ 2011/ 01/ 07/ the-reactions-to-gates-spending-plans/ )DOD Buzz, 7 January 2010.

[25] Capaccio, Tony (6 January 2011), "General Dynamics Marine Transport Vehicle Terminated in Budget" (http:/ / www. businessweek. com/news/ 2011-01-06/ general-dynamics-marine-transport-vehicle-terminated-in-budget. html), Bloomberg Businessweek, , retrieved 7 January2011

[26] Tiron, Roxan (12 January 2011), "Marines Steer $2.4 Billion Toward Tactical Vehicles" (http:/ / www. bloomberg. com/ news/ 2011-01-12/marines-shift-2-4-billion-to-tactical-vehicles-in-wake-of-gates-pruning. html), Bloomberg Businessweek, , retrieved 12 January 2011

[27] "The Budget for Fiscal Year 2012" (http:/ / www. whitehouse. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ omb/ budget/ fy2012/ assets/ sustainable. pdf)"Office of Management and Budget", 14 February 2011.

[28] Beidel, Eric. "General Dynamics Makes Final Argument for Keeping EFV Alive." (http:/ / www. nationaldefensemagazine. org/ blog/ Lists/Posts/ Post. aspx?ID=292) National Defense Industrial Association, 25 January 2011.

[29] Steele, Jeanette. "Q & A with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus." (http:/ / www. signonsandiego. com/ news/ 2011/ feb/ 24/q-navy-secretary-ray-mabus/ ) The San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 February 2011.

[30] Fabey, Michael. "USMC Expedites EFV Analysis Of Alternatives." (http:/ / www. aviationweek. com/ aw/ generic/ story_channel.jsp?channel=defense& id=news/ asd/ 2011/ 06/ 10/ 05. xml) Aviation Week, 10 June 2011.

[31] Brannen, Kate. "Congress looks to wrap up budget bills." (http:/ / www. federaltimes. com/ article/ 20111216/ CONGRESS01/ 112160304/1023/ DEPARTMENTS01) Federal Times, 16 December 2011.

[32] Kelly, Kevin (4 July 2009). "Engineering A Serious Chassis" (http:/ / www. autofieldguide. com/ articles/ 090704. html).AutoFieldGuide.com. . Retrieved 6 May 2010.

[33] Case study: EFV keeps pace with Ethernet to actualize net-centric warfare (http:/ / www. mil-embedded. com/ articles/ id/ ?4142)[34] Murtha Ups F-22, Downs EFV (http:/ / www. dodbuzz. com/ 2009/ 06/ 25/ murtha-ups-f-22-downs-efv/ )[35] "House Members Urge Redesign of Land-Sea Vehicle" (http:/ / portsecuritynews. com/ news/ templates/ registered. asp?articleid=1647&

zoneid=1). .[36] Marine Corps Gazette – July 2009 (http:/ / www. marinecorpsgazette-digital. com/ marinecorpsgazette/ 200907/ ?pg=65)[37] Lamothe, Dan (2 March 2010). "EFV has MRAP-level protection, Conway says" (http:/ / www. marinecorpstimes. com/ news/ 2010/ 03/

marine_efv_030110w/ ). Marine Corps Times. . Retrieved 3 March 2010.[38] JSF Not Too Hot For Carriers (http:/ / www. dodbuzz. com/ 2010/ 03/ 26/ jsf-not-too-hot-for-carriers/ )[39] M Cubed Technologies, Inc. Wins Contract To Develop Armor For U.S. Marine Corps Fighting Vehicles (http:/ / www. prnewswire. com/

news-releases/ m-cubed-technologies-inc-wins-contract-to-develop-armor-for-us-marine-corps-fighting-vehicles-104851259. html) M CubedTechnologies, Inc. press release, 13 October 2010

[40] Craig Hooper, Proceedings, 2008 (http:/ / www. warisboring. com/ images/ Hooper Nov 08. pdf)

External links• Official USMC website for the EFV program (http:/ / www. efv. usmc. mil/ )• MTU diesel engines for military vehicles (http:/ / www. mtu-online. com/ mtu/ applications/ military-vehicles/ )• EFV profile (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ ground/ aaav. htm) on GlobalSecurity.org• on Armour.ws (http:/ / armour. ws/ pentagon-considers-the-cancellation-of-the-efv/ )

Warrior tracked armoured vehicle 141

Warrior tracked armoured vehicle

FV 510 Warrior

FV510 Warrior Infantry Section VehicleType Infantry fighting vehicle/Light Tank

Place of origin  United Kingdom

Production historyDesigner GKN Sankey / GKN Defence

Manufacturer GKN Sankey/BAe Systems

Number built 1000+

SpecificationsWeight 25.4 tonnes

Length 6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)

Width 3.03 m (9 ft 11 in)

Height 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)

Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver) + 7 troops

Armour Aluminium & Appliqué

Mainarmament

30 mm L21A1 RARDEN cannon

Secondaryarmament

L94A1 coaxial 7.62 mm chain gun7.62 mm machine gun

Engine Perkins V-8 Condor Diesel550 hp (410 kW)

Power/weight 23 hp/t

Suspension torsion bar

Operationalrange

410 miles (660 km)

Speed 46 mph (75 km/h)

The Warrior tracked vehicle family is a series of British armoured vehicles, originally developed to replace the olderFV430 series of armoured vehicles. The Warrior started life as the MCV-80 project that was first broached in the1970s, GKN Sankey/Defence winning the production contract in 1980. GKN Defence was subsequently purchasedby BAE Systems (via Alvis plc). A total of 789 FV510 and variants were manufactured for the British Army, and254 of a modified version (Desert Warrior) were produced for the Kuwaiti Army.

Warrior tracked armoured vehicle 142

DescriptionThe Warrior incorporates several design features in keeping with UK battlefield experience. In particular, there areno firing ports in the hull, in line with British thinking that the role of the armoured personnel carrier/infantryfighting vehicle (APC/IFV) is to carry troops under protection to the objective and then give firepower support whenthey have disembarked. The absence of firing ports also allows additional applique armour to be fitted to the sides ofthe vehicle, which is invariably applied to Warriors involved in active operations. The cage armour used at one stagewas replaced in 2007 by "Wrap Two" applique armour.[1] The basic armour provides all-around protection against14.5 mm armour-piercing ammunition.

FV510 Warrior in desert camouflage, withapplique armour fitted, and infantry section's

personal kit and other equipment outside.

The crew of a Warrior are the driver, seated in the front hull, and thegunner and commander who are seated in the turret. The embarkedinfantry section can number up to seven soldiers, who are seated facingeach other in the rear hull compartment. Passenger access is through asingle electric ram powered door at the rear of the hull, rather than adrop-down ramp as in the American M113 APC and M2 Bradley IFV.Warrior Section Vehicles are able to carry and support seven fullyequipped soldiers together with supplies and weapons, including anumber of anti-tank weapons, for a 48-hour battlefield day innuclear/biological/chemical conditions.

The Warrior is driven by a Perkins-Rolls-Royce V8 Condor enginethrough a four-speed automatic gearbox. It is capable of a road speed of 46 miles per hour (74 km/h). The Warriorhas the speed and performance to keep up with a Challenger 2 main battle tank over the most difficult terrain.

The vehicle is fitted with a two-man GKN Sankey turret, armed with a non-stabilized L21A1 30 mm RARDENcannon capable of destroying most modern APCs at a maximum range of 1,500 metres (1,600 yd), and a L94A1EX-34 7.62 mm Hughes Helicopters coaxial chain gun. It is fitted with two clusters of four defensive grenadelaunchers (usually used with Visual and Infrared Screening Smoke – VIRSS).All Warrior Infantry Section Vehicles are now equipped with Bowman radios, which replace the earlier Clansmanradios, for enhanced communications, command and control. When first introduced, the vehicles were fitted withpassive Image intensifier night vision sights. These have since been progressively replaced with Thales OptronicsBattle Group Thermal Imaging (BGTI) sights to upgrade night fighting capabilities. As of 2007, 350 vehicles werefitted with BGTI.

Combat history• Operation Granby (Gulf War)• United Nations duties in Bosnia with the UNPROFOR• Operation Telic (2003 invasion of Iraq)• Operation Herrick (Afghanistan with ISAF)The protection against small arms, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank mines was shown during theUN operations in Bosnia. Two Warriors were destroyed during the First Gulf War, with nine soldiers killed, in afriendly fire incident when hit by an AGM-65 Maverick launched in error by an American A-10 Thunderbolt II.As of 17 November 2008, 22 soldiers had been killed while travelling in Warrior IFVs in Afghanistan or Iraq.[2]

On 7 March 2012, six British soldiers were killed in an explosion that hit a Warrior IFV in Helmand.[3]