Reconnaissance tank SP IC

Spähpanzer SP IC in the WTS in Koblenz

The Spähpanzer SP IC was the test model of a reconnaissance tank with anti-tank components, built on the armored personnel carrier .

Tactical concept

Experiences from the Second World War also flowed into the establishment of the Bundeswehr's tank reconnaissance troops ; Without a doubt, one was thinking of a vehicle like the Puma ( SdKfz 234/2 ), which was equipped with a main armament that was large enough for such a vehicle. For this reason, but also with the intention of adding rifle companies to the tank reconnaissance battalions as an element of infantry fighting force with a fighting style similar to that of tank grenadiers , a reconnaissance tank with the option of anti- tank defense should also be introduced.

Technical concept

The armored personnel carrier Kurz (Spz. Short), which was already intended to equip the troops, received a different tower with different main armament. The expected higher combat weight, however, made profound changes to the chassis, engine and braking system briefly necessary compared to the standard Spz. The cannon had only a short barrel return , which made it possible to install it in the small turret. The intended use of a wing-stabilized anti-tank grenade with the barrel drawn was remarkable. At that time, however, the effective range of the cannon was just sufficient, which was already seen as a deficiency, as an increase in output was no longer possible. An automatic loading system for the two-man tower was also tested, but had to be rejected as unacceptable due to serious defects.

Work on the project lasted from 1956 to 1962, then the project was discontinued.

The vehicle is currently in the Defense Technical Study Collection in Koblenz ( Langemarck barracks )

This type of combat vehicle was not pursued further, although the need to equip light wheeled or tracked vehicles with anti-tank armament certainly existed. The projects carried out in this regard in other countries (e.g. AMX-10 RC ) had proven this in retrospect.

Wing-stabilized grenade for the 90 mm MECAR tank cannon

Technical specifications

Manufacturer	Hotchkiss / Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz
Construction year	1961
crew	3
engine	Hotchkiss-Brandt 4-stroke gasoline engine
power	195 hp
cylinder	6-cylinder, in-line
Displacement	4978 cc
Combat weight	6.5 t
Power to weight ratio	30 hp / t
transmission	synchronous mechanical change gear
Top speed	58 km / h
suspension	hydropneumatic
Chain	rubber-padded hinge chain
length	4.42 m
width	2.3 m
height	2.39 m
drive	Front wheel drive
Ground clearance	400 mm
Ground pressure	0.68 kg / cm²
Climbing ability	600 mm
Climbing ability	60%
Bank	35% max.
Wading ability	1000 mm
Trench crossing ability	1.5 m
Fuel supply	270 l + 85 l reserve
coupling	Single-disc dry clutch
Corridors	5/1
steering	Cletrac differential steering gear
Brakes	hydraulic double disc brake with pump storage system
drive	Torsion bar suspension with mech. Shock absorbers
Armor	8 mm min / 15 mm max
cannon	90 mm Mercar
Pipe length	2000 mm
Pulls / twist	112 / constant right-hand twist
Types of ammunition	Wing-stabilized shaped charge projectile high explosive grenade
Muzzle velocity	Tank shell = 630 m / s High explosive shell = 338 m / s
Ammunition supply	18 shots
Secondary armament	1 machine gun MG 42/59 coaxial smoke throw system

source

• Defense technology study collection Koblenz