AFV of the week

[Lt DeFault]

:eek2:

h_L_czeHVZ8

[DarkLabor]

This is what you get when you don't have the right track tension.

Most likely a problem with the component between the steering wheel and the seat.

[Gibsonm]

Here's the rest of it:

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It goes for 45mins and consists of a recovery vehicle and about 10-15 extra people (I think the tank crew were whisked away for the investigation or loss of face) messing around in front of the crowd that seemed to hang around to watch the unscripted entertainment.

Despite having a recovery vehicle most of the work seemed to be done by people and the on tank tools and the end result was the vehicle dragged off and the track not even back on the vehicle.

About half the video is spent untangling the track when it gets caught up on itself, when they could have used the recovery vehicle (or a bunch of the guys with a rope) to keep it clear, or even put the track back on and driven off (albeit slowly).

The recovery vehicle wasn't even needed apart from the tow away at the end as the tank itself could have removed the broken track by just driving forward.

Maybe it was a case of having the recovery vehicle there anyway and wanting to put on a show?

[DarkLabor]

It's kinda like paleontology, follow the agony trail of the horseshoe crab and you'll find the dead body :

[mpow66m]

How much does a track weigh?

[Gibsonm]

Well it looks like they removed the rubber to accentuate the skid effect (the tank doesn't have track pads, the recovery vehicle does)

M113 track with pads and trackpins is about 12Kg, per link.

Leopard 1 track with pads and end clips is about 20kg, per link.

M1 track with pads and end clips is about 25kg, per link.

So when it gets fouled up there's maybe 160-200Kg or so of dead weight (less if they are some sort of high tech Japanese alloy track link).

In this situation we'd normally get a bunch of guys and a nylon tow rope. Run the rope over the drive sprocket attach the rope to the track and pull (one person with a crow bar would ensure the track wasn't caught).

If you don't want to pull too much, wrap the rope around the drive sprocket and use it as a winch.

Then when you get the track to the drive sprocket you wrap it around the drive sprocket, change positions so the rope team is now pulling forward (with the rope coming off the lower side of the sprocket) to keep the tension on the track (so it doesn't pop off the sprocket).

If you have a recovery vehicle, then same process except the engine replaces the sweat.

[12Alfa]

Type 10

The Type 10 tank is powered by water-cooled, four-cycle, eight-cylinder diesel engines coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. The engine generates a power of 1,200hp.

The tank is equipped with hydro pneumatic active suspension and offers superior mobility. It can accomplish a speed of about 70km/h forward as well as reverse. It has an operational range of about 440km.

The Type 10, is the replacement of the Type 74, not the Type 90, as the Type 10 is smaller than the 90, so fits on trains and light enough to weight under 50 tons and can be transported on roads by truck. This is achieved by the use of modular armour associated with 4th generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

Modular armour are boxes that can be added and removed from the steel surfaces of the skin of a vehicle. The basic box works as a form of stand off armour that prematurely detonates shape charged weapons (HEAT & anti-tank missiles) stringing out the copper jet and reducing its effectiveness. The modules also mean that various ceramics and other tiles can be inserted in the modules and removed with ease, allowing the operator to equip their vehicles with the appropriate level of protection for future threats.

Its these modules and there inserted ceramics that can weight a vehicle down and by removing them and transporting them on a second vehicle, then the Type 10 can weight in under 50 tons. The exact ceramic composition inserted in the modules AKA composite armour is classified.

https://chivethebrigade.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/type-10-japan-tank-920-3.jpg?quality=90&strip=info&w=600

https://chivethebrigade.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/type-10-japan-tank-920-4.jpg?quality=90&strip=info&w=600

https://chivethebrigade.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/type-10-japan-tank-920-29.jpg?quality=90&strip=info&w=600

It’s called the “Hitomaru-shiki“ (Kanji: 一〇式), literally meaning “One-Zero Type”. The reason for this is that Japan has many counting systems, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force chooses to use “Hitomaru-Shiki” instead of “Jū-Shiki”, because it is more clearly understood to mean 10. Because the Japanese language has many homophones where “Jū” (Common way of pronouncing “10”), in the military context could just as easily be understood to mean “銃” (Gun), as they have the same pronunciations.

[RogueSnake79]

Maybe it was a case of having the recovery vehicle there anyway and wanting to put on a show?

I'm just going to give the tank crew/ARV crew the benefit of the doubt. And say that had it not been on what looks to be a major exercise stocked full of major brass, they would have probably gotten the thing handled a little faster.

That guy who stepped in and started ordering them around, who knows who he is. He got the job done, but the tank crew and ARV crew likely didn't have much a say in the matter.

With the vehicle itself being equipped with a hydro pneumatic suspension, its very possible that this was a result of equipment failure, not excessive track tension set by the crew itself.

[outontheop]

looks like a CR2,M1A2,Leo had a kid.Looks like a beast.

Huh. Personally, I think the turret looks decidedly Leclerc-ish

[12Alfa]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmdTGZqPCto

[12Alfa]

Huh. Personally, I think the turret looks decidedly Leclerc-ish

I do also, might have to do with the auto-loader setup. And the modular type amour on the turret, either way it's most likely the most advance MBT in the west as far as tech goes, nano amour??:luxhello:

[D u k e]

Servus,

If you want to see and read more about the tank, Tankograd published a book this year.

cheers

D u k e

[outontheop]

And the modular type amour on the turret, either way it's most likely the most advance MBT in the west as far as tech goes, nano amour??:luxhello:

You're probably right. I bet they fold the mantlet over 10,000 times in a special tatara forge :luxhello:

...but in all seriousness, hard to gauge. The Japanese have proven extremely adept in some technologies, but they haven't much practical experience in a lot of the military aspects. Without real, hard intel, anyone's guess how sophisticated (and more importantly: effective) the setup is.

Curious that they're going for a lightweight, easily-transported model, though. Japan's not exactly known for expeditionary warfare, and their rail system should be more than capable of bearing 70+ ton designs.

[Gibsonm]

Japan's not exactly known for expeditionary warfare ...

Well they have sent contributions to ISAF (and elsewhere) and they are now looking at adjusting their Constitution to remove the "Self defence" focus.

[Grenny]

Japanese tanks a esp. designed to fight giant reptiles, so we can not apply western standards to them :-D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_%28franchise%29

[dejawolf]

interior pictures of type 10:

TC:

Gunner:

[12Alfa]

Nice!:luxhello:

[outontheop]

Well they have sent contributions to ISAF (and elsewhere) and they are now looking at adjusting their Constitution to remove the "Self defence" focus.

Sure, but sending a company team or two, via someone else's transportation system, supported largely by someone else's logistical tail, is not exactly the same thing as having an army with the organization, equipment, lift assets, logistics, and doctrine to fight expeditionary. Georgia sent forces to Iraq. Estonia sent forces to ISAF. So did Slovenia, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Jordan... and none of those are nations with significant expeditionary capability, either.

The Japanese *have* picked up a few amphibious landing craft lately, too, so perhaps they are looking to move toward expeditionary capability, but if so, they have a long, LONG way to go. (and I suspect their neighbors would have some significant complaints if they do)

[12Alfa]

This weeks AFV...AMX 10RC

The AMX 10RC is a medium-weight reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 105mm cannon. The vehicle, supplied by Nexter Systems (formerly Giat), has been in service with the French Army (300) since 1980 and is also in service with Morocco (108) and Qatar (12).

The AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicle was designed from September 1970 at the Atelier de Construction d'lssy-les-Moulineaux to meet a French Army requirement for a vehicle to replace the Panhard EBR (8 x 8) heavy armoured car. The first of three chassis was completed in June 1971.

Many of the automotive components of the AMX-10RC are identical to those used in the tracked Giat Industries AMX-1 OP IFV.

The AMX 10RC has been deployed in Chad during Operation Manta in 1983/84, during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in 1991 and in support of UN operations in Kosovo.

http://drawingdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/amx-10rc.png

[12Alfa]

AMX 10RC

The all-welded aluminium hull and turret provides the crew with protection from small arms fire, flash burns and shell splinters. The driver is seated at the front of the vehicle on the left side and is provided with an adjustable seat and a large single-piece hatch cover, that opens to the right. There are three day periscopes. the centre one of which can be replaced by a passive OB-31A periscope for night driving.

The engine at the rear of the hull is coupled to the gearbox through a hydraulic torque converter with a cut out clutch. The gearbox has three functions:

(1) Gear shifting with four ratios in both directions

(2) Auxiliary drive for the two water-jets

(3) Steering with epicyclic gears and hydraulically actuated brakes.

The AMX-10RC is skid-steered in a similar manner to the tracked AMX-1 OP.

In 1983, it was confirmed that the last production batches of AMX-10RC vehicles for the French Army would be fitted with the Baudouin Model 6F 11 SRX diesel engine which develops 280 hp, in place of the standard Renault-built HS 115 diesel that develops 260 hp at 3,000 rpm. In addition to being a more powerful engine the Baudouin is more fuel efficient, which will give the vehicle a larger operating range of 1,000 km.

By 1995, all the French Army vehicles were fitted with the Baudouin 6F 11 SRX diesel engine.

The hydropneumatic suspension system, designed and manufactured by Messier Auto-Industrie, can be quickly adjusted by the driver to suit the type of ground being crossed, this being accomplished without the driver leaving his seat.

The minimum ground clearance is 210 mm, but for road travel 350 mm is normal, with 470 mm for crosscountry travel and 600 mm for amphibious operations.

The suspension at each wheel station consists of a roadwheel arm and suspension assembly (link rod, level and cylinder with the cylinder acting as spring and shock-absorber and allowing the height to be adjusted). The suspension cylinders are supplied by a hydraulic pump. The tyre pressure can be adjusted to suit the type of ground being crossed, this being accomplished without the driver leaving his seat.

The AMX-10RC is fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by two water-jets either side of the rear of the hull. Before entering the water a trim vane is erected at the front of the vehicle, with a transparent window in the leftside to allow the driver to see ahead when afloat. The vehicles delivered to Morocco were not fitted with water-jets.

The NBC system is mounted in the rear of the turret and maintains a slight overpressure in the fighting compartment. For use in cold climates an auxiliary heater is installed.

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/476698068-french-soldiers-of-the-8e-rmat-replaces-the-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QX1nCG0QI8vhrWhzS2Oh21UX5qwPp2phPafsFfNSpLWm04zoGgRe1wVCdl9QtSFxnQ%3D%3D

[12Alfa]

AMX-1ORC

Main armament of the AMX-1ORC is a Giat Industries 105 mm F2 semi-automatic gun with a vertical wedge breech block and a barrel with a thermal jacket and a two-stage muzzle brake. The gun itself is 48 calibres long without the muzzle brake, has a recoil length of 600 mm and a recoil force of about 13 tonnes. The recoil mechanism comprises a brake on the left side and a counter-recoil mechanism on the right side of the gun. The gun fires four types of Giat Industries fixed ammunition, APFSDS, HEAT, HE and smoke. The APFSDS round uses the penetrator of the 90 mm Giat Industries APFSDS round and has a muzzle velocity of 1,400 m/s. This will penetrate a NATO triple heavy tank target at a range of 2,000 m. The new APFSDS round weighs 13.1 kg complete, the projectile weighing 3.8 kg.

Of 38 rounds of 105 mm ammunition carried, 12 are for ready use in the turret. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially to the left of the main armament. Two smoke grenade dischargers mounted either side of the turret towards the rear are electrically fired from within the vehicle. French Army AMX-1 ORC vehicles have been fitted with a roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun.

The turret is equipped with a SAMM CH49 electrohydraulic control system consisting of a servo-controlled cylinder, a flow dividing unit, a servo motor, a hydraulic power source, an electronics box, twin handles for the gunner and a single handle for the commander.

In the TK 105 turret, for daytime operations, the commander is provided with wide field episcopes and a 360° panoramic M389 sight with ×2 and ×8 magnifications. This serves to retain direct observation independently from the turret, whilst the gunner uses a ×10 magnification M504 sight with an M550 laser rangefinder.

By night, the commander and the gunner are provided with a DIVT 13 low light level television camera from Thales, which is effective up to 1,200m. The upgraded vehicles are fitted with a Thales DIVT 16 Castor thermal camera, which provides observation and identification to a range of 4,000m.

The TML 105 turret has a Soptac fire control system, also from Safran, which provides automatic acquisition of targeting parameters for on-the-move firing against mobile targets. It is equipped with a range of modular day and night observation equipment, based on image intensifiers or infrared technology.

The capabilities range from firing by day against fixed targets to on-the-move firing by day and by night against mobile targets at a distance of more than 2,000m.

http://blogangels.typepad.fr/.a/6a01156f62d27e970c01156f62d8d1970c-pi

http://data4.primeportal.net/tanks/djiti_power/amx_10_rc/images/amx_10_rc_39_of_39.jpg

http://data4.primeportal.net/tanks/djiti_power/amx_10_rcr/images/amx_10_rcr_224_of_674.jpg

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/892979_506474712731592_1675760585_o.jpg

[Grenny]

AFAIK the AMX 10 had no stabilization for zhe weapon. Is that correct? Would be contrary to the "engage on the move" claim.

[12Alfa]

After some more digging I found that there were two versions of the TML 105 turret. The early version didn't have any stabilization system. The late version, which could be seen on most Vextra pics, had a Sagem SAVAN 15 day/thermal gunner's sight and fire-control system and a Sagem VIGY 15 stabilised commander's sight in order to give the vehicle full fire-on-move capability, even against moving targets (the SAVAN 15 stabilised gunner's day/thermal sight was also used in the Challenger 2E).

I think we need one of our French guys to add to this, :cool3:

[12Alfa]

AMX-10RC

The original French Army requirement was for 525 AMX-10RC vehicles, with the first production order being placed in 1976, but for a number of reasons only 337 vehicles were ordered. The 12 vehicles for Qatar were from the French Army order so another batch of 12 vehicles was built for the French Army, with final deliveries completed in 1994.

Total production of the AMX-10RC for the home and export markets amounted to 457 vehicles. Production of the turret was undertaken at Tarbes while chassis production and final assembly was undertaken at Roanne. Both these facilities are part of Giat Industries

Morocco placed an order for 108 AMX-10RC vehicles modified to meet local operating conditions in 1978 and first vehicles were delivered in 1981 for training.

Since it was first introduced into service with the French Army in 1979, the AMX-10RC has been constantly improved. A new engine, improved ammunition and additional armour protection have been introduced.

In 1994 it was revealed that a batch of improvements was under development forthe French Army including:

(1) Installation of a Giat Industries 105 mm G2 gun firing NATO standard ammunition

(2) Installation of a thermal camera

(3) Fitting of a decoy system

http://defense-update.com/images/kbcm-ir.jpg

(4) Additional armour protection

http://s.tf1.fr/mmdia/i/74/5/amx10rc-et-vab-10950745hnhgy.jpg

(5) Installation of a central tyre inflation system

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/886588_505692846143112_1163111813_o.jpg

(6) Installation of an electronic control system for the gearbox

(7) Installation of a Land Battle Management System (LBMS).

http://blogangels.typepad.fr/.a/6a01156f62d27e970c01156f62d8d1970c-pi

In December 2000, the French Army awarded a contract for the upgrade of 256 AMX-10RC vehicles. The upgrade includes: new automatic transmission, new electro-hydraulic suspension control system, additional armour protection, a battlefield management information system, the Galix self-protection system, laser warning system, IFF (identification, friend or foe) system, thermal imager for night vision and PR4G radios from Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF).

Two prototype vehicles were delivered in 2002 for trials. Deliveries of the first upgraded vehicles began in 2005 and the 100th upgraded vehicle was delivered in February 2008. Final deliveries were concluded in 2010. The upgrade will maintain the operational capability of the vehicles until 2020/2025. First operational deployment of the upgraded vehicles was in Cote d’Ivoire with the French Foreign Legion in 2006. The upgraded vehicle deployed in the French service is known as AMX 10 RC rénové.

[Lt DeFault]

(3) Fitting of a decoy system

http://defense-update.com/images/kbcm-ir.jpg

Interesting. I'm gonna have to check out how that works.