Zielfahrzeug 68 Explained

Zielfahrzeug 68
Origin:Switzerland
Type:Target Tank
Is Vehicle:yes
Is Uk:no
Service:1974 - 2007
Used By:Switzerland
Design Date:1972
Manufacturer:Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte Thun
Production Date:1972 - 1974
Number:10
Weight:36.0 tonnes
Length:9.49m (31.14feet)
Width:3.14m (10.3feet)
Height:2.72m (08.92feet)
Crew:1
Armour:up to 80 mm Steelpanels
Primary Armament:No
Secondary Armament:No
Engine:8 cylinder V90 ° engine four stroke MTU MB837auxiliary motor 4 cylinder engine Mercedes Benz OM 636
Engine Power:660 hp, 38 hp
Suspension:cup springs in swing
Speed:55km/h, off-road 35km/h

The Zielfahrzeug 68 ("Target tank 68") was a decommissioned Panzer 68, which was converted to the target vehicle role. A total of ten of these vehicles were in use.

Conversion

The Swiss Army ordered from the company Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette "K + W Thun" ten of these vehicles, which were produced between 1972 and 1974. The turret was removed and replaced by a steel tower with additional welded steel plates. Wheels and tracks came from the Panzer 61. The tracks were protected by easily replaceable steel side protection plates, which were fixed with screws. As extra protection, steel aprons were attached on the side. The surface was provided with a welded-steel thickening, the drivers hatch was strengthened and provided with 360 ° slotted sights. The whole tactical equipment was removed, under the tower a platform made from aluminum was installed. The tower had a hatch of the same type as the driver's hatch. The tank was usually only used with one crew member, the driver, although there was enough space for an observer or a commander. Tower and driver positions were connected, so in case of a jammed driver's hatch, the driver could exit the tank through the hatch in the tower.

Concept of operations

References

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