Zielfahrzeug 68

Target Tank 68

Target Tank 68 at Military Museum Full
Type Target Tank
Place of origin Switzerland
Service history
In service 1974 - 2007
Used by Switzerland
Production history
Designed 1972
Manufacturer Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte Thun
Produced 1972 - 1974
Number built 10
Specifications
Weight 36.0 tonnes
Length 9.49 m (374 in)
Width 3.14 m (124 in)
Height 2.72 m (107 in)
Crew 1
Armour up to 80 mm Steelpanels
Main
armament
 No
Secondary
armament
 No
Engine

8 cylinder V90 ° engine four stroke MTU MB837

auxiliary motor 4 cylinder engine Mercedes Benz OM 636
660 hp, 38 hp
Suspension cup springs in swing
Speed 55 km/h (34 mph), off-road 35 km/h (22 mph)

The 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

Zielfahrzeug 68 moving target tank

The target 68 tanks were used as moving target for the training firing of the anti-tank guided weapon "M47 Dragon" American-made anti-tank missile . The vehicles carried the identification numbers (M-numbers) "M77870" - "M77879" and were from 1974 to 2007 in the service of the Swiss Army. The tank with the number "M77876" was stationed on the shooting range Les Rochat and is now in the Military Museum Full.The vehicles were driven usually by members of the Army motor vehicle park (civilian employees of the Military), not from Military tank troops. It was used together with the Mowag 4x4 armored reconnaissance vehicle (armored dummy)

References

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