Author Topic: Military Land Vehicles of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves (Read 36 times)

United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves · « **on:** January 14, 2016, 12:45:50 am »

Specifications for the
Osório 2
Main Battle Tank

Country of Origin: United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves
Manufacturer: Engesa
Initial Year of Service: 1986
Production Total: 8,500
Focus Model: Osório 2A7
Crew: 4
Armor: 3rd generation composite; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic component.
Overall Length: 31.73 ft (9.67 m)
Width: 12.14 ft (3.70 m)
Height: 8.14 ft (2.48 m)
Weight: 60.8 US Short Tons (55,150 kg; 121,585 lb)
Powerplant: 1 x MTU MB-873 Ka 501 4-stroke 12-cylinder liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel with an output of 1,500hp @ 2,600rpm.
Maximum Speed: 45 mph (72 km/h)
Maximum Range: 342 miles (550 km)
NBC Protection: Yes
Nightvision: Yes - Passive
Armament:
1 x 120mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore main gun (42 rounds)
1 x 7.62mm MG3A1 co-axial machine gun with 2,375 rounds
1 × .50-caliber (12.7 mm) heavy machine gun with 900 rounds
2 x 8 smoke grenade dischargers

The Osório 2A7 is fitted with additional passive armor. It offers 360° protection against RPG rounds. New side skirts were fitted. Protection of the hull floor was also increased to withstand IEDs and landmines. This MBT has a modular armor, so damaged modules can be easily replaced in field conditions.

This main battle tank is armed with a Rheinmetall 120-mm / L55 smoothbore gun. The same gun is used on the Osório 2A6. It has better fire accuracy and longer range, comparing with the previous Osório 2 tanks. The gun is loaded manually and is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition, as well as newly developed programmable HE munitions. These programmable rounds enable to engage targets behind cover and within buildings. These multi-purpose rounds can be also used against enemy troops, armored vehicles and low-flying helicopters. A total of 42 rounds are carried inside the tank. 15 rounds are stored in the turret bustle and are ready to use. Remaining rounds are stored inside the hull.

Secondary armament consists of a 12.7-mm machine gun. It is mounted in remotely controlled weapon station on top of the roof. There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

This main battle tank has a front and rear thermal image system for the driver. Commander and gunner have additional cameras for long-range surveillance. Vehicle also carries advanced command and control equipment and is fitted with battlefield management system.

The Osório 2A7 is operated by a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The Osório 2A7 retains the engine of its predecessor. It is powered by an MTU MB-837 Ka501 turbocharged diesel, developing 1 500 hp. This MBT is also fitted with Steyr auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. Despite increase in weight vehicle has increased mobility due to improved suspension components. Cross-country performance is similar to that of the 2A5 and 2A6 tanks. This main battle tank can be fitted with a front-mounted dozer blade for self-entrenching and clearing obstacles. Mine ploughs or mine rollers can also be attached.