Turkey completed the tests of the main battle tank Altay
According to previously announced plans, the first batch of Altay tanks will consist of 250 units, which should be commissioned by the Turkish army within five years. In total, the Turkish military plans to purchase 1000 new tanks, in addition, the company Otokar plan to establish their export assembly.
It should be noted that despite the readiness for mass production, the developers have not yet chosen the engine for the tank. It was originally planned to develop a new engine in collaboration with the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Then the military ordered the development of the engine of the Turkish company Tumosan. In January of this year, it became known that the company Tümosan terminated the contract with the Austrian company AVL List GmbH, which was to transfer to the Turkish contractor the technology for the production of motors. Thus, the mass production of tanks was put at risk. However, in March, a Memorandum was signed on the possibility of supplying Ukrainian diesel engines of the 6TD-3 type with a capacity of 1500 l. with. development of the Kharkov engine design bureau. Since the contract for the supply of Ukrainian engines has not yet been signed, it is not yet clear what kind of engine Altay will be equipped with.
The mass of the new Turkish tank is 60 t, while it can reach speeds of up to 70 km / h. The combat vehicle has a reservation system from Roketsan, as well as active protection and fire control systems developed by Aselsan. In addition, Altay tanks will be equipped with radiation and chemical threat detection systems. The cost of producing one unit is estimated at about $ 5,5 million, and about $ 500 million was spent on developing a new tank. According to the plans of the Turkish Defense Ministry, Altay tanks will have to be replaced by German Leopard 1A and Leopard 2A, as well as the American M48 and M60, which are in service Turkish army.
- janes.com
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