The TAM met the Argentine Army's requirement for a modern, lightweight and fast tank with a low silhouette and sufficient firepower to defeat contemporary armored threats. Development began in 1974 and resulted in the construction of three prototypes by early 1977 and full-scale production by 1979. Assembly took place at the local 9,600-square-meter (103,000sqft) TAMSE plant, founded for the purpose by the Argentine government. Economic difficulties halted production in 1983, but manufacturing began anew in 1994 until the army's order of 200 tanks was fulfilled.
The TAM series includes seven different variants, such as a 155mm (6.1-inch)self-propelled howitzer and a mortar carrier vehicle. In total, over 280 such vehicles were built, including armored personnel carriers, artillery and mortar pieces. The TAM and VCTP (Infantry Fighting Vehicles based on the TAM chassis) were manufactured for the Peruvian Army, only to be integrated into the Argentine Army when Peru canceled the contract. The TAM also competed for other export orders, but the TAM was ultimately not exported.
The TAM has never seen combat, although 17 VCTPs were deployed to Croatia for the United Nations UNPROFOR peacekeeping mission.
Development
Left view of a TAM
During the 1960s Argentina sought to replace its aging fleet of tanks, which included BritishSherman V Firefly tanks and American M3A1 half-tracks dating from shortly after the Second World War. In their attempts to procure equipment from the United States, Argentina could only secure 50 M41 Walker Bulldogs (undelivered) and 250 M113 armored personnel carriers. When the United States turned down requests for further equipment, the Argentine government turned to the other side of the Atlantic, putting their "Plan Europa" (Plan Europe) into action. It was hoped that European technology could stimulate Argentine industry so the country could produce its own armaments in the future. Argentina procured 80 AMX-13 light tanks, as well as 180 AMX-VCIs and 24 AMX-155 F3s, from the French government, manufacturing around 40 AMX-13s and 60 AMX-VCIs at home. The French AMX-30 and German Leopard 1 were also examined as possible replacements for the Argentine Sherman fleet.[1]
In 1973 the Argentine Ministry of Defense drew up a series of requirements for a tank to enter service in the 1980s. The armored vehicle would weigh no more than 30 tonnes (29.5 long tons; 33.1 short tons), move at a maximum speed of 70km/h (43mph), and cover at least 500km (310mi) on roads. It would be armed with a modern 105mm main gun, two machine guns, and grenade launchers. The tank designers also had to take into account Argentina's existing infrastructure, including railroad capacity, bridges and road capacity, as well as the country's varied terrain. In late 1973 the Proyecto de Tanque Argentino Mediano (Argentine Medium Tank Project) was founded with the goal of designing and developing a tank for the Argentine Army. Lacking the experience and the necessary technology, the Argentine government sought collaboration with a foreign company, resulting in a contract with the German company Thyssen-Henschel. The contract called for 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. The hull of the German Marder armored personnel carrier was used,[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 road range of 10,000km (6,200mi). Simultaneously, another prototype was manufactured to further the investigation of the new vehicle[2] and complete the three prototypes as agreed in the contract.[5]
TAM with its snorkel installed during an Argentine Army exposition
The new tank's firepower requirements were met by fitting a British Royal Ordnance L7A1 105mm (4.13-inch) main gun. This gun was later replaced by the modified L7A2 and finally by Rheinmetall's Rh-105-30 105mm (4.13-inch) gun. This gun is manufactured in Argentina as the FM K.4 Modelo 1L.[6] The Rh-105-30's advantages include low weight, compact size and increased lethality.[7] Unlike the Rh-105-30, the FM K.4 does not have a muzzle brake.[6] The locally built cannon can be elevated to 18 degrees or depressed to -7 degrees on the TAM.[8] The gun's hydraulic recoil mechanism has an extended length of 580mm (22.8 inches) to absorb the 34-tonne (33-long-ton; 37-short-ton) recoil force.[9] It is designed to fire the M735A1 armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot, which can penetrate a maximum of 370mm (14.6 inches) at 1,000 meters (1,100yd). It can also fire high-explosive anti-tank rounds, high-explosive squash head and smoke rounds.[10] The tank's secondary armaments include a co-axial7.62mm (0.30-inch)FN MAG 60-40 general purpose machine gun and a second FN MAG 60-20 mounted on the TAM's turret roof[11] as an anti-aircraft machine gun.[8] The fire control system includes a Nd:YAG laser with a range of 9,900 meters (32,480ft) and a FLER-HG ballistic computer to compute the gun's fire solutions—helping the gunner aim and hit the target. The tank commander uses a Zeiss PERI-R/TA panoramic periscope, with a 2x and 8x zoom.[12]
The TAM's engine requirements included low weight and volume, but with a fast rate of acceleration and high reliability. The program chose MTU's MB-833 Ka 500 diesel engine, producing 540kW (720hp) at 2,400rpm.[3] This gives the TAM a power-to-weight ratio of 24horsepowerpertonne and a maximum speed of 75km/h (47mph) onroad and 40km/h (25mph) off-road.[13] With a 680-liter (180-U.S.-gallon; 150-imperial-gallon) internal fuel tank, the TAM can travel 500km (310mi). Its range is extended to 900 kilometers (560mi) if the vehicle is equipped with two 200-liter (53U.S.gal; 44impgal) external fuel tanks.[14] The TAM's transmission is a Renk HSWL-204 automatic, with a hydrodynamic torque converter.[13] A double brake system includes hydraulic disk brakes on the roadwheels, and the suspension is a torsion bar.[15]
A TAM VCTP, May 2008
The TAM's survivability is related to its low profile turret, based on that of the Leopard 1A4s and the Leopard 2,[16] and its physical armor array. It has 50mm (1.97 inches) at 75degrees on the glacis plate and 32degrees on the vehicle's sides. This offers protection against anti-armor shells from up to 35mm (1.38-inch) guns.[17] The turret front is protected by 50mm (1.97in) of steel armor at an angle of 32degrees.[18] Although the tank's weight and armor protection are light compared to other main battle tanks, it has the advantage of better tactical mobility over the nation's terrain.[19]
As a private venture, Thyssen-Henschel built a fourth prototype designated TH301. Completed in 1978, it added a PERI R12 periscope, originally designed for the Leopard 1A4, for the tank commander. The gunner and loader each received a day periscope as well. To enable the crew to fire effectively at night, a low light level television (LLLTV) camera, which moved in elevation with the main gun, was fitted to the mantlet. Furthermore, the tank received a more powerful 550kW (750 metric horsepower) engine.[15] The improvement program also made provisions to increase the thickness of the armor for additional protection.[8]
Production began in 1979, with the intent to build a total of 512 armored vehicles (200 tanks and 312 VCTP infantry fighting vehicles). Economic problems, however, ended 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 Argentina, while the 30% manufactured in Germany corresponded to the transmission, optics and fire control system. In 1983, 20 TAMs and 26 VCTPs were delivered to the Argentine Army after an original order of 80 TAMs by Peru was canceled due to budgetary issues. In 1991, TAMSE and the TAM production line were shut down, although in 1994 TAMSE was reactivated to complete an order for 120 of both TAMs and VCTPs to replace the M4 Shermans in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Brigade of the Argentine Army. By 1995 the Argentine Army was equipped with 200 TAM tanks and 216 VCTP and VCPC armored vehicles.[20] Although 25 VCA-155s were originally planned for production starting in 1990,[21] only 19 were completed and delivered by 1995, along with 50 VCTMs.[22] No other variants of the TAM, including the VCLC, VAC and VCRT were put into production due to budget restrictions.[23]
The TAMSE plant is a 9,600-square-meter (103,300sqft) facility. The factory is completely covered, with two warehouses for storing components, quality control laboratories, a project office, an engine test room and a firing range. Also participating in the production of TAM and variant components were Argentine companies Military Factories General San Martín (manufacturing the chassis), Río Tercero (turret and armament) and Bator Cocchis, S.A.[24]
Export and combat history
Argentine VCTPs during peacekeeping operations in Croatia
The TAM has never been exported, although a number of nations were interested in buying it. In 1981, Malaysia signed a contract for 102 vehicles of the TAM family, including the tank, VCTP and VCRT (renaming these Lion, Tiger and Elephant, respectively). None of these vehicles were delivered and Malaysia chose instead to procure Poland's PT-91.[3] In mid-1983, Peru established a contract for 80 TAMs. Due to budgetary problems the order was canceled after 20 tanks had been completed. A similar order was established by Panama in 1984, and was canceled as well.[25] In 1989 the TAM competed in a tank procurement order from Ecuador, alongside the American Stingray light tank, the AustrianSK-105 Kürassier and the French AMX-13-105 light tank. The TAM achieved 950 out of 1,000 points, while its closest competitor earned 750 points, but in the end Ecuador did not procure any of the vehicles presented.[25]
In the Middle East, both Iran and Saudi Arabia expressed interest in the TAM. The Iranian deal fell through after Saudi Arabia and Iraq successfully appealed to Germany to cancel the order.[25] TAMSE attempted to sell 60 tanks through a Panamanian company, Agrometal, offering this company a commission worth 10% of the contract's price. This failed when TAMSE lowered the price of the vehicles, angering the Iranian government, which subsequently canceled the offer.[26] The Saudi Arabian deal was scrapped when Israel appealed to Germany to cancel the order.[25] Failing to export the tank, the Argentine government closed the TAMSE fabrication plant in 1995.[27]
The TAM did not participate in the Falklands War, as it had not entered service before the end of the conflict.
Seventeen VCTPs were deployed with an Argentine battalion to Yugoslavia during United Nations peacekeeping operations. [22]
Variants
VCLC during the Argentine Army Exhibition in 2008
A number of variants were built on the same chassis as the TAM tank. The original program called for the design of an infantry fighting vehicle, and in 1977 the program finished manufacturing the prototype of the Vehículo de Combate Transporte de Personal (Personnel Transport Combat Vehicle), or VCTP.[2] The VCTP is able to transport a squad of 12 men, including the squad leader and nine riflemen. 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 machine 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 Rheinmetall's Rh-202 20mm (0.79-inch)autocannon. The VCTP holds 880 rounds for the autocannon, including subcaliber armor-piercing DM63 rounds. It is also armed with a 7.62mm FN MAG 60-20 machine gun mounted on the turret roof. Infantry can dismount through a door on the rear of the hull.[28] The commander has a day sight and seven observation periscopes, while the gunner has a day sight and three observation periscopes.[29]
Variants also include the Vehículo de Combate de Artillería de 155mm (155mm Artillery Combat Vehicle), or VCA 155, and the Vehículo de Combate Transporte de Mortero (Mortar Transport Combat Vehicle), or VCTM. The VCA-155 is an elongated TAM chassis fitted with Oto Melara's Palmaria155mm (6.1-inch)self-propelled howitzerturret.[30] It carries 28 projectiles, 23 of which are stored in the turret bustle.[31] The VCTM carries an AM-50 120mm (4.7-inch) internal mortar, which has a range of 9,500 meters (31,167.98ft) and a rate of fire of 8 to 12 shotsperminute. Based on the TAM chassis, the Vehículo de Combate Puesto de Mando (command combat vehicle), or VCPC, is another variant designed in 1982.[32] The Vehículo de Combate Lanzacohetes (Rocket launcher combat vehicle), or VCLC, designed in 1986, is also based on the TAM chassis and can be fitted with both 160mm (6.3-inch) and 350mm (13.8-inch) rockets. [30] A combat ambulance, Vehículo de Combate Ambulancia (VCA), and an armored recovery vehicle, Vehículo de Combate de Recuperación (VCRT) are other combat variants of the tank.
In 2002, a program for a modernised TAM 'for the 21st century' began.[34] This program sought, above all, to modernise the fire control system and other electronic systems. The TAM S 21 was equipped with an Israeli thermal sight, allowing the vehicle to better perform at night or in adverse weather conditions. The vehicle also saw the addition of a GPS, as well as extended battery performance. 20 upgraded vehicles were planned, but only 6 vehicles had been built before the project was cancelled.[34]
TAM 2C
TAM 2C on Independence Day parade
In 2010, a modernization program was announced. Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems was chosen to provide 3-axis gyro-stabilization. The first TAM unit upgraded by Elbit Systems was delivered in March 2013.[35][36] The TAM 2C was upgraded with many features, mainly revolving around electronics and other secondary features. The upgrades included a thermal imager for the gunner and commander, a thermal sleeve for the barrel, and an auxiliary power unit to provide power to critical systems when the main engine is off and reduce fuel consumption while idling. The TAM 2C also had numerous firepower upgrades, including new APFSDS shells and a new HEAT shell, and the capability to fire LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles, with over 800 mm of penetration and 8 km range. It is not known whether or not the Argentinian government will purchase such missiles. The TAM 2C also received a new turret storage basket.[37][38][39]
TAM 2IP
TAM 2IP being presented by Elbit.
In 2016, Elbit Systems unveiled a new prototype variant of the TAM, called the TAM 2IP (Improved Protection).[40][34][41] While the TAM 2IP lacked the upgraded FCS and optics as seen on the previous TAM 2C, the tank was upgraded with new passive composite armour, across the front and sides of the turret and the front hull.[34] This armour was based on the IMI Iron Wall design.[40][41]
TAM 2CIP
The TAM 2CIP is an elusive prototype, that appears to be a merger of the armour upgrades on the 2IP, with the FCS and other firepower and optics upgrades on the 2C.[41] Little else is known; it appears only 1 prototype was manufactured, possibly in 2016 around the same time of the 2IP being unveiled.
TAM 2CA2
The TAM 2CA2 is a further prototype of the TAM 2C unveiled in May 2023, currently undergoing testing by the Argentine Army.[42][43] It integrates upgraded electronics and optics to the ones present on the 2C. The gunner's sight has been replaced by a system similar to the COAPS (Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight) from Elbit Systems, featuring day and night sights, greater ease for long-distance target acquisition, improved sensors and thermal sights, amongst others. The 2CA2 also adds a hunter-killer system for the commander, allowing them to automatically track targets independently of the gunner.[42] 74 TAM and TAM 2C vehicles are expected to be upgraded to the TAM 2CA2 within a period of 7 years (to 2030).[44]
The AMX-13 is a French light tank produced from 1952 to 1987. It served with the French Army, as the Char 13t-75 Modèle 51, and was exported to more than 26 other nations. Named after its initial weight of 13 tonnes, and featuring a tough and reliable chassis, it was fitted with an oscillating turret built by GIAT Industries with revolver-type magazines, which were also used on the Austrian SK-105 Kürassier. Including prototypes and export versions, over a hundred variants exist, including self-propelled guns, anti-aircraft systems, APCs, and ATGM versions.
The AMX-30 is a main battle tank designed by Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux and first delivered to the French Army in August 1966. The first five tanks were issued to the 501st Régiment de Chars de Combat in August of that year. The production version of the AMX-30B weighed 36 metric tons, and sacrificed protection for increased mobility. The French believed that it would have required too much armour to protect against the latest anti-tank threats, thereby reducing the tank's maneuverability. Protection, instead, was provided by the speed and the compact dimensions of the vehicle, including a height of 2.28 metres. It had a 105 mm gun, firing a then advanced high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead known as the Obus G. The Obus G used an outer shell, separated from the main charge by ball bearings, to allow the round to be spin stabilized by the gun without spinning the warhead inside which would disrupt jet formation. Mobility was provided by the 720 horsepower (540 kW) HS-110 diesel engine, although the troublesome transmission adversely affected the tank's performance.
An armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) is typically a powerful tank or armoured personnel carrier (APC) chassis modified for use during combat for military vehicle recovery (towing) or repair of battle-damaged, stuck, and/or inoperable armoured fighting vehicles, such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers. Most ARVs have motorized tracks, like a tank or bulldozer, enabling the ARV to operate on uneven ground. The term "Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle" (ARRV) is also used.
The ASCOD armoured fighting vehicle family is the product of a cooperation agreement between Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG and Spanish General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas. Both companies are now divisions of a unit of General Dynamics. The ASCOD family includes the LT 105 light tank equipped with a 105 mm gun, a surface-to-air missile launcher, an anti-tank guided missile launcher, mortar carrier, R&R vehicle, command-and-control vehicle, ambulance, artillery observer, and the AIFV model.
The SK-105 Kürassier is an Austrian light tank armed with a rifled 105 mm gun in an oscillating turret. It is estimated that over 700 have been produced, with initial deliveries in 1971. It shares its CN 105-57 main gun with the French AMX-13, which was widely produced and deployed.
The Nahuel DL-43 tank was a medium tank developed in Argentina during World War II. It was the Argentine equivalent of the M4 Sherman and the M3 Grant American medium tanks.
The Palmaria is an Italian self-propelled howitzer using the 155 mm (6.1″) NATO-standard artillery calibre.
Verdeja was the name of a series of light tanks developed in Spain between 1938 and 1954 in an attempt to replace German Panzer I and Soviet T-26 tanks in Spanish service.
The Lince was a Spanish development programme for a proposed main battle tank that unfolded during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The intention was to replace the M47 and M48 Patton tanks that the Spanish Army had received under the U.S. Mutual Defense Assistance Act between 1954 and 1975, and to complement the AMX-30E tanks manufactured for the army during the 1970s. Companies from several nations, such as German Krauss-Maffei, Spanish Santa Bárbara, and French GIAT, made bids for the development contract. The main priorities were mobility and firepower, with secondary priority placed on protection; the Lince tank was to have been lighter and faster than its competitors. To achieve a sufficient level of firepower and protection, the Lince was to use Rheinmetall's 120 mm L/44 tank-gun and German composite armour from the Leopard 2A4.
The Leopardo 2E or Leopard 2A6E (E stands for España (Spanish for 'Spain')) is a variant of the German Leopard 2 main battle tank (specifically the Leopard 2A6 variant), tailored to the requirements of the Spanish army, which acquired it as part of an armament modernization program named Programa Coraza, or Program Cuirass. The acquisition program for the Leopard 2E began in 1994, five years after the cancellation of the Lince tank program that culminated in an agreement to transfer 108 Leopard 2A4s to the Spanish army in 1998 and started the local production of the Leopard 2E in December 2002. Despite postponement of production owing to the 2003 merger between Santa Bárbara Sistemas and General Dynamics, and continued manufacturing issues between 2006 and 2007, 219 Leopard 2Es have been delivered to the Spanish army.
The AMX-30E (E stands for España, Spanish for Spain) is a Spanish main battle tank based on France's AMX-30. Although originally the Spanish government sought to procure the German Leopard 1, the AMX-30 was ultimately awarded the contract due to its lower price and the ability to manufacture it in Spain. 280 units were manufactured by Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the Spanish Army, between 1974 and 1983.
Tanks in the Spanish Army have over 90 years of history, from the French Renault FTs first delivered in 1919 to the Leopard 2 and B1 Centauro models of the early 21st century. The Spanish FTs took part in combat during the Rif War and participated in the first amphibious landing with tanks in history, at Alhucemas. In 1925, the Spanish Army began to undertake a program to develop and produce a Spanish tank, an upgraded version of the Renault FT, called the Trubia A4. Although the prototype performed well during testing, the tank was never put into mass production. Spain also experimented with the Italian Fiat 3000, acquiring one tank in 1925, and with another indigenous tank program called the Landesa. However, none of these evolved into a major armor program, and as a result the FT remained the most important tank, in numbers, in the Spanish Army until the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.
The Canon de 105 mm modèle F1 is a French 105 mm tank gun used with the AMX-30.
The Expeditionary Tank was a light tank developed in the 1980s initially by Teledyne Vehicle Systems. Later joined by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), the companies entered the US Army's Armored Gun System (AGS) competition with the design. Since the tank never entered service, it did not receive an official designation. Alternative names for the Expeditionary Tank include the Teledyne Light Tank and the Slammer.
The VCA-155 is a self-propelled 155mm gun/howitzer, manufactured by TAMSE which entered service in the late 1990s.
The "Patagón" tank is a light tank developed in Argentina during the early 2000s, that was expected to enter service with the Argentine Army. It is based on a SK-105 Kürassier chassis with a refurbished AMX-13 turret. The project was cancelled in late 2008 after five tanks were converted.
The Vehículo Anfibio de Exploración was an armored personnel carrier project developed by Argentina in the 1970s.
The Vehículo Anfibio Pesado de Exploración was a wheeled amphibious reconnaissance vehicle project developed by Argentina in the 1970s. Commissioned by the Argentine Army, two prototypes were developed by the French companies Renault and Panhard. On top of reconnaissance, the vehicle was also designed for direct infantry support and anti-tank warfare.
The Sabrah light tank is a configuration of system solutions added to armored fighting vehicles proposed by Elbit Systems. It is designed to complement the fleet of armored fighting vehicles operated by the armed forces worldwide. The tracked light tank configuration is based on ASCOD 2 platform, supplied by Spanish manufacturer GDELS - Santa Bárbara Sistemas. The wheeled light tank configuration is based on the 8×8 Pandur II platform supplied by the Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army. Elbit Systems received a three-year contract worth $172m to supply the Sabrah light tanks to the Philippine Army in January 2021.
The Trubia A4 was a Spanish light tank of the Spanish Civil War based on the Renault FT. Only four prototypes were produced.
Bishop, Chris (2006). The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: From World War I to the Present Day. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay. ISBN978-1-59223-626-8.
Foss, Christopher F. (2002). The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: The Comprehensive Guide to over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles from 1915 to the Present Day. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press. ISBN978-1-57145-806-3.
Miller, David (2000). The Illustrated Directory of Tanks and Fighting Vehicles: From World War I to the Present Day. Osceola, WI: MBI. ISBN978-0-7603-0892-9.
Cicalesi, Juan Carlos (2016). TAM & VCA/VCTM/VCTP. Terrestre (in Spanish). Vol.1. Argentina: Jorge F Núñez Padín. ISBN987-978-1682-40-1. Retrieved 10 July 2020.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)
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