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Forums - Research / Post-WW2 |
This Post WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to any time after WW2 (1945+) subjects. |
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| Subject: | Re: New British tank unveiled |  |
| Date: | Nov 16, 2006 |
| From: | Jason Bobrowich | |
The British Army Engineer Tank System (ETS) is not all that new. The first two prototypes of the Trojan have been around since 2003. It is based on the Challenger 2 chassis. 33 Trojan Breacher Vehicles and 33 Titan AVLB are being built. They are scheduled to be in service with British forces in 2008.
Here's the description from Jane's Defence:
"The TROJAN ETS, or obstacle/mine clearance vehicle, as it is also referred to, is based on a much-modified Challenger 2 MBT chassis, with the crew compartment at the front and the power pack at the rear.
It has the same level of armour protection as the Challenger 2 MBT that provides a very high level of protection against direct-fire weapons and it will have enhanced protection against mines. The add-on armour is of a modular design so new packs can be fitted if the threat changes.
The driver and operator are seated at the front of the vehicle. Each is provided with a hatch cover above their position that opens to the rear and periscopes for observation to the front and sides.
The commander is seated in a raised position, to the rear of the driver and operator and is also provided with a single piece hatch cover that opens to the rear and periscopes for all round observation. There is also an emergency escape hatch in the rear of the superstructure.
The TROJAN will be able to clear battlefield obstacles and clear a path through minefields. On the right side is a Caterpillar excavator arm with thumb that can take a number of attachments.
The bucket attachment has a capacity of one cubic metre and the arm has a lift capacity of 6.5 tonnes. Other attachments include an impact hammer/earth auger. These are run from a hydraulic power take-off that operates at 140 bar.
The excavator arm can be used for a number of roles, including unloading and placing fascines, grabbing and removal of obstacles as well as its main role of digging.
Electronic sensors monitor slew, boom and stick position to prevent contact with the hull and mine plough. The hoses are routed for maximum protection from sagging during cross-country operations.
TROJAN can be rapidly fitted with a Pearson Engineering front-mounted dozer blade or a full-width mine-plough system and can also clear mines using a trailer-mounted Python rocket-propelled mine clearance system.
The cleared mine breach can then be automatically marked using the on board Obstacle Marking System. It can also be fitted with a vehicle signature duplicator to neutralise anti-tank mines fitted with magnetic or other advanced fuzes.
TROJAN can also carry fascines to drop into ditches up to 8 m wide and tow various types of engineer trailer, including one with the Python rocket proplelled mineclearing equipment.
Standard equipment on both vehicles includes an auxiliary power unit, climate-control system and an advanced NBC regenerative filtration system, developed by Domnick Hunter. The latter continually purifies air as it enters the vehicle.
It is also provided with direct and indirect vision devices with low light, image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities, which will allow operation in most conditions.
Armament comprises a Thales 7.62 mm SWARM Lite weapons station, electrically operated smoke grenade launchers and hand-held, light anti-tank weapons. SWARM Lite is mounted to the left of the commander's position and can be aimed and fired with the commander under complete armour protection.
With the eventual introduction of the Titan and TROJAN ETSs, the British Army will have a common, heavy-platform family, with the other members being the Challenger 2 MBT, Challenger Driver Training Tank and the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle."
"Titan can lay the in-service No 10 bridge in two minutes, enabling gaps of up to 24 m to be bridged, and can also carry two 13.5 m No 12 bridges, which are launched over the front of the vehicle in just 90 seconds." |
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