From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
TAM (tank)
TAM Suspension Torsion-bar
Operational 590 km, 800 km with auxiliary fuel tanks
range
Speed 75 km/h (47 mph)
The Tanque Argentino Mediano ("Argentine Medium
TAM,
Tank"), or TAM is the main battle tank in service with
the Argentine Army. Lacking the experience and re-
sources to design a tank, the Argentine Ministry of De-
fense contracted German company Thyssen-Henschel.
The vehicle was developed by a German and Argentine
team of engineers, and was based on the chassis of the
German Marder infantry fighting vehicle.
Argentine Army TAM The TAM met the Argentine Army’s requirement for
a modern light-weight and fast tank with a low silhouette
Type Main battle tank
and sufficient firepower to defeat contemporary ar-
Place of origin Argentina mored threats. Development began in 1974 and resulted
Germany in the construction of three prototypes by early 1977
and full-scale production by 1979. Assembly took place at
Service history the local 9,600-square-meter (103,000 sq ft) TAMSE plant,
In service from 1983 founded for the purpose by the Argentine government.
Economic difficulties halted production in 1983, but man-
Used by Argentina ufacturing began anew in 1994 until the army’s order of
Production history
200 tanks was fulfilled.
Unit cost 1,500,000 USD (1983 export price)
Produced 1979–91, 1994–95
Number built 280
Specifications
Weight 30.5 tonnes
Length 6.75 m
Width 3.25 m
Height 2.42 m
Crew 4
Argentine TAM VCA 155 Palmaria
Main 105 mm FM K.4 Modelo 1L
armament
The TAM series includes seven different variants, such
Secondary 2×7.62 mm machine gun as a 155 mm (6.1 inch) self-propelled howitzer and a self-
armament
propelled mortar vehicle. In total, over 280 such vehicles
Engine MTU-MB 833 Ka-500 6-cylinder 22.4 l were built, including armored personnel carriers, ar-
diesel tillery and mortar pieces. The TAM and VCTP were man-
720 hp (537 kW) ufactured for the Peruvian Army, only to be integrated
Power/weight 24 hp/tonne into the Argentine Army when Peru canceled the con-
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
the goal of designing and developing a tank for the Ar-
gentine Army. Lacking the experience and the necessary
technology, the Argentine government sought collabo-
ration with a foreign company, resulting in a contract
with the German company Thyssen-Henschel. The con-
tract agreed to a transfer of technology resulting in a
program to develop a tank in line with the government’s
requirements and under a technical team that included
both German and Argentine engineers. It was decided to
use the hull of the German Marder armored personnel
carrier,[2] and the chassis was strengthened to support
the increased weight of the TAM.[3] Two prototypes were
manufactured in late 1976 and early 1977,[4] which were
put through extensive testing for two years and over a
A TAM VCTP, May of 2008. road range of 10,000 km (6,200 mi). Simultaneously, an-
other prototype was manufactured to further the investi-
tract. The TAM also competed for other export orders, gation of the new vehicle[2] and complete the three pro-
but the TAM was ultimately not exported. totypes as agreed in the contract.[5]
The TAM has never seen combat, although 17 VCTP The new tank’s firepower requirements were met by
(Infantry Fighting Vehicles based on the TAM chassis) fitting a British Royal Ordnance L7A1 105 mm (4.13 in)
were deployed to Croatia for the United Nations main gun. This gun was later replaced by the modified
UNPROFOR peacekeeping mission. L7A2 and finally by Rheinmetall’s Rh-105-30 105 mm
(4.13 in.) gun. This gun is manufactured in Argentina as
Development the FM K.4 Modelo 1L.[6] The Rh-105-30’s advantages in-
clude low weight, compact size and increased lethality.[7]
During the 1960s Argentina sought to replace its aging Unlike the Rh-105-30, the FM K.4 does not have a muzzle
fleet of tanks, which included British Sherman V Firefly brake.[6] The locally built cannon can be elevated to 18
tanks and American M3A1 half-tracks dating from short- degrees or depressed to -7 degrees on the TAM.[8] The
ly after the Second World War. In their attempts to pro- gun’s hydraulic recoil mechanism has an extended range
cure equipment from the United States, Argentina could of 580 mim (22.8 inches) to absorb the 34 tonne recoil
only secure 50 M41 Walker Bulldogs (undelivered) and force.[9] It is designed to fire the M735A1 armor piercing
250 M113 armored personnel carriers. When the United fin stabilized discarding sabot, which can penetrate a
States turned down requests for further equipment, the maximum of 370 mim (14.6 inches) at 1,000 meters
Argentine government turned to the other side of the At- (3,280.8 ft). It can also fire high explosive anti-tank
lantic, putting their "Plan Europa" (Plan Europe) into ac- rounds, high explosive squash head and smoke
tion. It was hoped that European technology could stim- rounds.[10] The tank’s secondary armaments include a
ulate Argentine industry so the country could produce co-axial 7.62 mm (0.3 inch) FN MAG 60-40 general pur-
its own armaments in the future. Argentina procured pose machine gun and a second FN MAG 60-20 mounted
80 AMX-13 light tanks, as well as 180 AMX-VCIs and 24 on the TAM’s turret roof[11] as an anti-aircraft machine
AMX-155 F3s, from the French government, manufactur- gun.[8] The fire control system includes a Nd:YAG laser
ing around 40 AMX-13s and 60 AMX-VCIs at home. The with a range of 9,900 meters (32,480 ft) and a FLER-HG
French AMX-30 and German Leopard 1 were also exam- ballistic computer to compute the gun’s fire solu-
ined as possible replacements for the Argentine Sherman tions—helping the gunner aim and hit the target. The
fleet.[1] tank commander uses a Zeiss PERI-R/TA panoramic
In 1973 the Argentine Ministry of Defense drew up a periscope, with a 2x and 8x zoom.[12]
series of requirements for a tank to enter service in the The TAM’s engine requirements included low weight
1980s. The armored vehicle would weigh no more than and volume, but with a fast rate of acceleration and high
30 tonnes (33 short tons), move at a maximum speed of reliability. The program chose MTU’s MB-833 Ka 500
70 km/h (43 mph), and cover at least 500 km (310 mi) on diesel engine, producing 720 horsepower (540 kW) at
the roads. It would be armed with a modern 105 mm 2,400 rpm.[3] This gives the TAM a power-to-weight ratio
main gun, two machine guns, and grenade launchers. The of 24 horsepower per tonne and a maximum speed of
tank designers also had to take into account Argenti- 75 km/h (46 mph) on road and 40 km/h (25 mph) off-
na’s existing infrastructure, including railroad capacity, road.[13] With a 680-liter internal fuel tank, the TAM can
bridges and road capacity, as well as the country’s varied travel 500 km (310 mi). Its range is extended to 900 kilo-
terrain. In late 1973 the Proyecto de Tanque Argentino Medi- meters (560 mi) if the vehicle is equipped with two
ano (Medium Argentine Tank Project) was founded with 200-liter external fuel tanks (44 gal).[14] The TAM’s trans-
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
Combate Transporte de Personal (Personnel Transport Com-
bat Vehicle), or VCTP.[2] The VCTP is able to transport a
squad of 12 men, including the squad leader and nine ri-
flemen. The squad leader is situated in the turret of the
vehicle; one rifleman sits behind him and another six are
seated in the chassis, the eighth manning the hull ma-
chine gun and the ninth situated in the turret with the
gunner. All personnel can fire their weapons from inside
the vehicle, and the VCTP’s turret is armed with Rhein-
metall’s Rh-202 20 mm (.79 inch) autocannon. The VCTP
holds 880 rounds for the autocannon, including subcal-
iber armor-piercing DM63 rounds. It is also armed with
a 7.62 mm FN MAG 60-20 machine gunmounted on the
turret roof. Infantry can dismount through a door on the
TAM with its snorkel installed during an Argentine Army expo- rear of the hull.[21] The commander has a day sight and
sition seven observation periscopes, while the gunner has a day
sight and three observation periscopes.[22]
mission is a Renk HSWL-204 automatic, with a hydrody-
namic torque converter.[13] A double brake system in-
cludes hydraulic disk brakes on the roadwheels, and the
suspension is a torsion bar.[15]
The TAM’s survivability is dependent upon its low
profile turret, based on that of the Leopard 1A4s and
the Leopard 2,[16] and its physical armor arrayed. It has
50 mm (2 inches) at 75 degrees on the glacis plate and
32 degrees on the vehicle’s sides. This offers protection
against anti-armor shells from up to 35 mm (1.4 inch)
guns.[17] The turret front is protected by 50 mm of steel
armor at an angle of 32 degrees.[18] Although the tank’s Argentine VCTPs during the peacekeeping in Croatia
weight and armor protection are light compared to other
main battle tanks, it has the advantage of better tactical Variants also include the Vehículo de Combate de Ar-
mobility over the nation’s terrain.[19] tillería de 155 mm (155 mm Artillery Combat Vehicle), or
As a private venture, Rheinmetall Landsysteme built VCA 155, and the Vehículo de Combate Transporte de Mortero
a fourth prototype. Completed in 1978, it added a PERI (Mortar Transport Combat Vehicle), or VCTM. The
R12 periscope, originally designed for the Leopard 1A4, VCA-155 is an elongated TAM chassis fitted with Oto Me-
for the tank commander. The gunner and loader each re- lara’s Palmaria 155 mm (6.1 inch) self-propelled howitzer
ceived a day periscope as well. To enable the crew to fire turret.[23] It carries 28 projectiles, 23 of which are stored
effectively at night, a low light level television (LLLTV) in the turret bustle.[24] The VCTM carries an AM-50
camera, which moved in elevation with the main gun, 120 mm (4.72 inch) internal mortar, which has a range
was fitted to the mantlet. Furthermore, the tank was giv- of 9,500 meters (31167.98 ft) and a rate of fire of 8 to 12
en a more powerful 750 metric horsepower (551.62 kW) shots per minute. Based on the TAM chassis, the Vehícu-
engine.[15] The improvement program also made provi- lo de Combate Puesto de Mando (command combat vehi-
sions to increase the thickness of the armor for addition- cle), or VCPC, is another variant designed in 1982.[25] The
al protection.[8] Vehículo de Combate Lanzacohetes (Rocket launcher com-
In 2010, a modernization program was announced. bat vehicle), or VCLC, designed in 1986, is also based on
Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems was chosen to the TAM chassis and can be fitted with both 160 mm
provide 3-axis gyro-stabilization, and most probably the (6.3 inch) and 350 mm (13.8 inch) rockets.[23] A combat
L7A2 105mm cannon will be replaced with a more power- ambulance, Vehículo de Combate Ambulancia (VCA), and an
ful 120mm cannon, like the L44 120mm Cannon.[20] armored recovery vehicle, Vehículo de Combate de Recu-
peración (VCRT) are other combat variants of the tank.
Variants
A number of variants were built on the same chassis as
Production
the TAM tank. The original program called for the design Production began in 1979, with the intent to build a total
of an infantry fighting vehicle, and in 1977 the program of 512 armored vehicles (200 tanks and 312 VCTP infantry
finished manufacturing the prototype of the Vehículo de fighting vehicles). Economic problems, however, ended
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
TAM variants[26]
VCTP VCA 155 VCTM VCPC VCLC VCA VCRT
Weight 28.2 t 40 t 26 t 25 t (27.6 tons) 32 t (35.3 tons) 28 t 32 t (35.3 tons)
(31.1 tons) (44.1 tons) (28.7 tons) (30.9 tons)
Armament 20 mm 155 mm 120 mm 7.62 mm (0.3 in.) 160 mm (6.3 in.) None 7.62 mm (0.3 in)
(.79 in) (6.1 in) (4.72 in) FN MAG 60-20 or 350 mm FN MAG 60-20
Rh-202 auto- L/41 how- mortar machine gun (13.8 in.) rockets machine gun
cannon itzer
Road range 590 km 520 km 520 km 520 km (320 mi) 520 km (320 mi) 520 km 520 km (320 mi)
(370 mi) (320 mi) (320 mi) (320 mi)
Power-to- 24 hp/t 18 hp/t ( 28.8 hp/t 28.8 hp/t 22.5 hp/t 26.7 hp/t 22.5 hp/t
weight ra- (23 hp/ton) 16.5 hp/ (25.1 hp/ (25.1 hp/ton) (20.4 hp/ton) (23.3 hp/ (20.4 hp/ton)
tio ton) ton) ton)
Maximum 75 km/h 55 km/h 75 km/h 75 km/h 75 km/h 75 km/h 75 km/h
speed on (47 mph) (34 mph) (47 mph) (47 mph) (47 mph) (47 mph) (47 mph)
road
The TAMSE plant is a 9,600 square meter (103,300 ft²)
facility. The factory is completely covered, with two
warehouses for storing components, quality control lab-
oratories, a project office, an engine test room and a fir-
ing range. Also participating in the production of TAM
and variant components were Argentine companies Mil-
itary Factories General San Martín (manufacturing the
chassis), Río Tercero (turret and armament) and Bator
Cocchis, S.A.[31]
Export and combat history
A TAM VCA155
production in 1983 with only 150 TAMs and 100 VCTPs
built. These vehicles were produced by an Argentine
company, Tanque Argentino Mediano Sociedad del Estado (or
TAMSE) founded by the government in March 1980. 70%
of the TAM’s components were manufactured in Argenti-
na, while the 30% manufactured in Germany correspond-
ed to the transmission, optics and fire control system. In
1983, 20 TAMs and 26 VCTPs were delivered to the Ar-
gentine Army after an original order of 80 TAMs by Peru
was canceled due to budgetary issues. In 1991, TAMSE
VCLC during the Argentine Army Exhibition in 2008
and the TAM production line were shut down, although
in 1994 TAMSE was reactivated to complete an order for
Although the TAM has never been exported, a number
120 of both TAMs and VCTPs to replace the M4 Shermans
of nations were interested in buying it. In 1981, Malaysia
in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Brigade of the Argentine
signed a contract for 102 vehicles of the TAM family, in-
Army. By 1995 the Argentine Army was equipped with
cluding the tank, VCTP and VCRT (renaming these Lion,
200 TAM tanks and 216 VCTP and VCPC armored vehi-
Tiger and Elephant, respectively). However, none of
cles.[27] Although 25 VCA-155s were originally planned
these vehicles were delivered and Malaysia chose to pro-
for production starting 1990,[28] only 19 were completed
cure Poland’s PT-91.[3] In mid-1983, Peru established a
and delivered by 1995, along with 50 VCTMs.[29] No other
contract for 80 TAMs. The order was, however, canceled
variants of the TAM, including the VCLC, VAC and VCRT
due to budgetary problems after 20 tanks had been com-
were put into production due to budget restrictions.[30]
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
pleted. A similar order was established by Panama in [19] Schneider, p. 59
1984, although this contract was also canceled.[32] In 1989 [20] Argentine Ministry of Defense, Garré anunció que
the TAM competed in a tank procurement order from se modernizará el tanque argentino mediano
Ecuador, alongside the American Stingray light tank, the [21] Mazarrasa, pp. 40–43
Austrian SK-105 Kürassier and the French AMX-13-105 [22] Foss, Jane’s Armour & Artillery 2004-2005, p. 277
light tank. The TAM achieved 950 out of 1,000 points, [23] ^ Foss, Tank Recognition Guide, p. 11
while its closest competitor earned 750 points, but in the [24] Mazarrasa, p. 48
end Ecuador did not procure any of the vehicles present- [25] Mazarrasa, pp. 43–44
ed.[32] [26] Mazarrasa, pp. 56–63
In the Middle East, both Iran and Saudi Arabia ex- [27] Mazarrasa, pp. 16–18
pressed interest in the TAM. The Iranian deal fell through [28] Mazarrasa, p. 45
after Saudi Arabia and Iraq successfully appealed to Ger- [29] ^ Mazarrasa, p. 18
many to cancel the order.[32] TAMSE attempted to sell 60 [30] Foss, The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting
tanks through a Panamanian company, Agrometal, offer- Vehicles, p. 250
ing this company a commission worth 10% of the con- [31] Mazarrasa, p. 17
tract’s price. This failed when TAMSE lowered the price [32] ^ Mazarrasa, pp. 17–18
of the vehicles, angering the Iranian government, which [33] Garasino, Advierten que Panamá podría embargar la
subsequently canceled the offer.[33] The Saudi Arabian fragata Libertad
deal was scrapped when Israel appealed to Germany to [34] Admiten que el sirio intentó vender tanques, Clarín
cancel the order.[32] Failing to export the tank, the Ar-
gentine government closed the TAMSE fabrication plant
in 1995.[34]
References
The TAM did not participate in the Falklands War, as Primera pagina de la familia TAM: http://www.familia-
it had not entered service before the end of the conflict. tam.com/
Later, seventeen VCTPs were deployed with an Argenti- • "Admiten que el sirio intentó vender tanques" (in
na battalion to Yugoslavia during United Nations peace- Spanish). Clarín (Buenos Aires, Argentina). 3 June
keeping operations.[29] 1988. http://www.clarin.com/diario/1998/06/03/
t-01101d.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
• Bishop, Chris (2006). The Encyclopedia of Tanks and
See also Armored Fighting Vehicles: From World War I to the
• List of main battle tanks by country Present Day. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay.
ISBN 978-1592236268.
Notes • Foss, Christopher F. (2004). Jane’s Armour & Artillery,
2004-2005. Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane’s Information
[1] Mazarrasa, pp. 9–10 Group. ISBN 978-0710626165.
[2] ^ Mazarrasa, pp. 11–15 • Foss, Christopher F. (2006). Jane’s Tank Recognition
[3] ^ Foss, Jane’s Armour & Artillery 2004-2005, p. 53 Guide. London, United Kingdom: Harper Collins.
[4] Bishop, p. 218 ISBN 978-0007183265.
[5] Miller, p. 10 • Foss, Christopher F. (2002). The Encyclopedia of Tanks
[6] ^ Mazarrasa, p. 27 and Armored Fighting Vehicles: The Comprehensive Guide
[7] "105 mm Tank Guns - Rh 105-20 / Rh 105-30". to over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles from 1915 to the
Weapons and Ammunition. Rheinmetall Defence. Present Day. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press.
http://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/ ISBN 978-1571458063.
index.php?fid=1447&lang=3&pdb=1. Retrieved 6 • de Mazarrasa, Javier (1996) (in Spanish). La Familia
January 2008. Acorazada TAM. Valladolid, Spain: Quirón.
[8] ^ Foss, Jane’s Tank Recognition Guide, p. 10, ISBN 84-87314-27-9.
[9] Mazarrasa, p. 28 • Garasino, Luis (9 September 1999). "Advierten que
[10] Mazarrasa, p. 30 Panamá podría embargar la fragata Libertad" (in
[11] Mazarrasa, p. 29 Spanish). Clarín (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
[12] Mazarrasa, p. 32 http://www.clarin.com/diario/1999/09/09/
[13] ^ Mazarrasa, pp. 33–35 t-01401d.htm. Retrieved 9 October 2008.
[14] Miller, p. 11 • Miller, David (2000). The Illustrated Directory of Tanks
[15] ^ Foss, Jane’s Armour & Artillery 2004-2005, p. 54 and Fighting Vehicles: From World War I to the Present
[16] Mazarrasa, p. 24 Day. Osceola, WI: MBI. ISBN 978-0760308929.
[17] Mazarrasa, p. 36 • Schneider, Wolfgang (October 2006). "Main Battle
[18] Mazarrasa, p. 60 Tanks: A Worldwide Survey (I)". Military Technology
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia TAM (tank)
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