Pz 68, Panzer 68 – swiss tank 70s. It was created in the second half of the 60s on the basis of the Pz 61, and was mass-produced in 1971-1984. In the early 90s, the Pz 68s still in service with Switzerland were modernized: a computerized fire control system was installed
Differences from the Pz58 tank:
- Improved transmission provides six gears forward and the same number back;
- track tracks are widened up to 520 mm and equipped with rubber pads;
- the length of the bearing surface of the caterpillar is increased from 4,13 m to 4,43 m;
- a basket for spare parts is reinforced at the stern of the tower;
- a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction was introduced, a set of equipment for overcoming water barriers up to 2,3 m deep.
In 1971-1974, the Thun plant produced 170 vehicles of this type. A few years later, the Swiss army began to modernize the Pz68 tanks. In 1977, 50 machines Pz68 AA2 (Pz68 2nd series) were manufactured. In 1968, the first sample of the Pzb8 was assembled, created on the basis of the previous Pz61 model.
Its main differences were as follows:
the gun is stabilized in two guidance planes;
The 20-mm rifle was replaced by a 7,5-mm paired machine gun;
an electronic ballistic computer, a new gunner's sight, and an infrared night sight were introduced into the fire control system;
Between the commander's and loader's turrets, a Swedish 71-mm Bofors Liran grenade launcher for lighting grenades with 12 rounds of ammunition was installed.
The next model Pz68 AA3 (also referred to as Pzb8 / 75 or Pz68 of the 3rd series) was distinguished by an increased turret volume and an improved automated PPO. In 1978-1979, 170 cars of the 3rd and 4th series were produced, which practically did not differ from each other. The modernization of another 60 vehicles to the level of Pz68 AAZ was completed by 1984. In total, the troops have about 400 Pz68 of four series. In 1992-1994, further modernization of the Pz68 tanks was carried out, during which they installed new fire control systems, PPO, and a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction. These tanks are designated Pz68 / 88. On the basis of the Pz61 and Pz68, serial ARVs and a tank bridgelayer were created, as well as an experienced 155-mm self-propelled gun Pz68 and ZSU with a paired 35-mm artillery system.
The performance characteristics of the main battle tank Pz68
Combat weight, т
39,7
Crew, people
4
Dimensions, mm:
length with gun forward
9490
width
3140
height
2750
clearance
410
Armor, mm
tower
120
corps
60
Armament:
105-mm rifled gun Pz 61; two 7,5 mm M6-51 machine guns
Ammunition:
56 shots, 5200 rounds
Engine
MTU MV 837 VA-500, 8-cylinder, four-stroke, V-shaped, diesel, liquid-cooled, power 660 hp. with. at 2200 rpm
Specific ground pressure, kg / cmXNUMX
0,87
Highway speed km / h
55
Cruising on the highway km
350
Obstacle obstacles:
wall height, м
0,75
ditch width, м
2,60
ship depth, м
1,10
Pz 68 modifications:
basic series, 170 units produced in 1971-1974
Pz 68 AA2 - the second, improved, series. 60 units produced in 1977
Pz 68 AA3 - the third series, with a new tower of increased volume. 110 units produced in 1978-1979
Pz 68 AA4 - the fourth series, with minor improvements. 60 units produced in 1983-1984
Sources:
Guunther Neumahr “Panzer 68/88 [Walk Around]”;
Baryatinsky M. Medium and main tanks of foreign countries 1945-2000;
G. L. Kholyavsky “The Complete Encyclopedia of World Tanks 1915 - 2000”;
Christopher F. Foss. Jane's Handbooks. Tanks and fighting vehicles”.
