Bridge armor 68

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Bridge armor 68 (Brü Pz 68)
Bridge armor 68/88 (2015)

Bridge armor 68/88 (2015)

General properties
crew 3 (commander, driver, bridge-layer)
length with bridge 19.96 m
width 4.10 m
height 3.88 m
Dimensions 44,600 kg (Brü Pz 68/88 47,000 kg)
Armor and armament
Main armament no
Secondary armament 8x Nbw 51 8cm (Brü Pz 68/88 8x 7.6 Nbw 87)
agility
drive MTU MB 837 Ba-500, 8 cylinder V90 ° four-stroke, 485 kW (660 PS)
Auxiliary engine: MB OM 636, 4-cylinder in-line engine, 30 kW (38 PS)
suspension Swing arms
Top speed 55.5 km / h on the road
Power / weight
Range 300 km of roads, 180 km of terrain

The Brückepanzer 68 (Brückenpanzer 68/88) is a bridge-laying tank that was used in the Swiss Army.

history

After the procurement became necessary, the construction of the prototype of a bridge-laying tank based on the chassis of the tank 61 began in 1965 . This was then presented for the first time as a prototype in 1967. However, it was not until 1972 that the Federal Council approved the funds to build this bridge-laying tank , which was now built on the chassis of the tank 68 . The hull remained unchanged, only the tower was removed and the gun well closed. The bridge-laying mechanism was mounted on this chassis.

In the period from 1974 to 1977 a total of 30 vehicles were produced, which were then subjected to an increase in combat value between 1988 and 1992. The devices with the identification numbers (M numbers) M77882 – M77911 were used by the troops from 1976.

construction

The bridge consists of two track girders made of aluminum alloy, which are held together by two connecting yokes made of steel. Each track carrier consists of two end parts and two middle parts. It is not a folding bridge, it is transported in its entire length. The storage bar, which is provided with a hydraulic tilt cylinder , is mounted between the two track carriers .

The bridge is laid using the hydraulically operated laying mechanism, with which the entire bridge is advanced and laid down over the guide frame (storage bar) and sensor. For laying, the storage bar is first extended and put down with the tip. This means that no support shield is necessary. Then the bridge is tracked on the support beam, lowered and this is withdrawn.

Further technical data

  • Power-to-weight ratio : 14.79 hp / t
  • Ground pressure : 12.80 kg / cm²
  • Ground clearance: 370 mm
  • Chain support: 4430 mm
  • Chain width: 520 mm
  • Crawler : rubber padded hinged chain
  • Usable bridge length: 18.20 m
  • Load-bearing capacity of the bridge: 50 t nominal, exceptional load 60 t
  • Tank capacity: 855 liters
  • Trench crossing ability: 2.00 mm
  • Wading ability: 1.10 mm
  • Electrical system: 24 volts, 4 batteries of 6 volts 189 Ah, negative pole to ground
  • Armor: max. 80 mm
  • Radio: SE 412 / A + C
  • Engine type: MTU MB 837 Ba-500, 8 cylinder V 90 ° four-stroke, pre-chamber process with mechanical charging
Power: 660 PS (485 kW) at 2200 revolutions per minute
Bore: 165 mm
Stroke: 175 mm
Displacement : 29,900 cm³
  • Fuel: diesel
  • Drive: rear wheel drive
  • Gearbox : type SLM
Driving and steering gear
Multi-plate clutch transmission
6 forward gears
6 reverse gears
  • Fog thrower: 16 cartridges

Combat value increase

From 1989 onwards, all bridge armored vehicles 68 were converted to the AA6 armament analogous to the Pz 68/88.

  • The bridge's pick-up aid has been improved
  • The vehicles were given a camouflage (the bridge was not repainted)
  • One of the two radios fell away
  • A radio antenna has been removed from the back of the arm of the bridge-laying mechanism

16 vehicles were retired in 2005, the remaining vehicles were decommissioned in 2011. A bridge armor was given to the Military History Foundation of the Canton of Zug in Neuheim in 2012 .

literature

  • Martin Haudenschild: The history of the development of the Swiss tank 68. 2009 ( available online ; PDF; 2.16 MB)

Individual evidence

  1. Bridge armor 68/88 technical data. Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport, December 3, 2007, archived from the original on April 22, 2008 ; Retrieved April 6, 2015 .