Zulfiqar (tank)
Zulfiqar | |
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Zulfiqar |
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General properties | |
crew | 3 (driver, commander, gunner) |
length | approx. 7 m |
width | approx. 3.6 m |
height | 2.2-2.5 m |
Dimensions | approx. 40 tons |
Armor and armament | |
Armor | Composite armor |
Main armament | 1 × 125 mm smoothbore cannon 2A46 |
Secondary armament | 1 × 7.62mm and
1 × 12.7 mm machine gun |
agility | |
drive | 12-cylinder diesel 575 kW (780 PS) |
suspension | Torsion bar |
Top speed | 70 km / h |
Power / weight | 14.4 kW / t (19.5 PS / t) |
Range | 450 km |
Zulfiqar is the first Iranian battle tank , named after the sword Dhū l-faqār . There are currently three versions.
development
Development began in the early 1990s and the first prototypes were completed in 1993. In 1996 the Zulfiqar 1 went into series production. The first version is probably based on the T-72 and the M48 Patton or its successor, the M60 main battle tank, which Iran owns. Other sources cite the Brazilian EE-T1 Osório as a model. In the meantime, two other models have also been spotted, with the Zulfiqar 3 externally resembling the American M1 Abrams .
Most likely, all versions have the same 125mm 2A46 cannon , which is also used in the Russian T-80 tank and some models of the T-72 . It is also assumed that all models are equipped with an automatic reloading system and have a modern EFCS-3 fire control system. The latest version, the Zulfiqar 3, is currently in series production. US observers, on the other hand, doubt whether all three variants will enter series production.
See also
Web links
- globalsecurity.org, Zulfiqar (English)
- Technical description at pagesperso-orange.fr (French)
- Pictures from 2003 at ACIG.org ( Memento from April 30, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) (English)