Stingray (tank)
| Stingray | |
|---|---|
|
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 4 men (commander, driver, gunner, loader) |
| length | 9.35 m |
| width | 2.71 m |
| height | 2.54 m |
| Dimensions | 19 t |
| Armor and armament | |
| Armor | secret |
| Main armament | 105mm L7A cannon |
| Secondary armament | 7.62mm machine gun (coaxial), 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, 8 smoke launchers (4 per side) |
| agility | |
| drive | V8 diesel engine (Detroit Diesel Allison 8V-92TA) 535 hp (393 kW) |
| suspension | Torsion bar |
| Top speed | 69 km / h |
| Power / weight | 28 hp / t |
| Range | 483 km |
The Stingray is an American light main battle tank with a 105 mm cannon and two machine guns .
history
Cadillac had been the manufacturer of the armored 4 × 4 Commando vehicles since the 1960s . In the 1980s, attempts were made to use the experience gained in wheel armor construction to construct a “light battle tank”. It was assumed that there was a market for such military vehicles. The Stingray should be cheaper and much lighter than the Leopard 1 or the M60 , and thus air transportable. At the same time, it should have comparable firepower.
In the 1980s, it was next to the CCV-L one of two light tanks that took part in the Armored Gun System (AGS) competition of the US Army. The AGS (Armored Cannon System) was intended to replace the M551 Sheridan in the 82nd Airborne Division . The Stingray failed in this comparison test and the development contract went to FMC Corporation and their CCV-L.
Its successor, the Stingray II , was also introduced in the early 1980s. The main differences lie in the improved armor protection and an improved fire control system. The only user to date is Thailand , which ordered around 100 vehicles between 1988 and 1990.
technology
The Stingray has a support roller drive with six rollers and three support rollers per side. It can reach a speed of 80 km / h on the road.
The armor is secret, but it is significantly weaker than that of modern battle tanks. The front armor should only withstand fire from 14.5 mm weapons, the side turret armor even only against fire from light handguns. Cadillac, however, keeps the option open to increase the level of protection through additional armor. The main focus of the Stingray was placed on high mobility and maneuverability.
The Stingray is equipped with an NBC protection system and weapon stabilizers from British Marconi.
The main weapon of the Stingray is the British Royal Ordnance 105 mm Low Recoil Force gun , which is based on the proven Royal Ordnance L7 cannon. All types of NATO ammunition are fired. A stabilization system allows precise firing even at full speed. The fire control system consists of a fire control computer and a laser target range finder. Initially only optional, later standardized, the gunner also has a night vision device.
A 7.62-mm machine gun is mounted parallel to the axis of the main weapon; Turret mounts a 12.7 mm machine gun. 36 105 mm projectiles and 2400 or 1000 cartridges for the 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns are carried.
Further technical data
- Gradeability: 60%
- Trench crossing ability: 2.13 m
- Specific ground pressure : 0.69 kg / cm²
- Climbing ability: 0.76 m
- Ford depth: 1.22 m
literature
- David Miller, Christopher F. Foss : Modern combat weapons . Stocker-Schmid Verlag, Dietikon 1989, ISBN 3-7276-7092-4 .
- Philip Trewhitt: tanks. The most important combat vehicles in the world from World War I to the present day . Neuer Kaiserverlag, Klagenfurt 2005, ISBN 3-7043-3197-X , ( Worth knowing - Technology ).
Web links
- Stingray at fas.org (engl.)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Stingray light tank. fas.org, accessed January 12, 2017 .