Photos Blast From The Past
- Thread starter BravoZulu
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A series of very compact submachine guns - possibly better described as personal defense weapons - was made in Britain at the end of World War Two under the name Viper (as an interesting aside, snake names were popular - the EM-1 and EM-2 were code-named Cobra and Mamba during the same timeframe). The first was a simplified take on the Sten, but the No.3 Viper here is a wholly new gun made from the ground up. Designed to hang under the arm and be used either with or without the detachable shoulder stock, it is chambered for standard 9x19mm ammunition. Oddly, the No.3 Viper uses MP40 magazines, instead of what should have been ubiquitous Sten magazines.
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A blast from the past indeed. You could fly those in the ancient "LHX Attack Chopper" video game from the early 1990s. Apart from the Comanche's ridiculous airspeed however, the Apache was always superior in the game for being tough as a tank and carrying a sh!tload of armament.
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In 1977, the Austrian ÖAF company developed a prototype wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle armed with a 30 mm Rarden cannon. The project was not successful though as the Austrian army chose to procure the Pandur APC instead.
Image by JonnyBrazil, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
Image by JonnyBrazil, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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Engesa EE-T1 Osório (main battle tank)
he Osorio main battle tank was developed during the mid-1980s by Engesa both for Brazilian Army and export customers. This MBT was developed as a private venture, with only little support from the government. Engesa invested over US $100 Million of its earnings into the project. This main battle tank was named "Osorio" in honor of Manuel Luis Osório, the founder of the Brazilian Army's cavalry branch. A total of two prototypes were built. The first prototype was completed in 1985, the second followed in 1986. Generally it was a successful design, however due to the lack of funding it was not accepted to service with the Brazilian Army, which at one time had a requirement of 300 new main battle tanks. This MBT also received no production orders from export customers. Eventually the Osorio project was abandoned and Engesa went bankrupt. Currently Brazilian Army operates ageing M60 and Leopard 1 main battle tanks.
The Osorio was designed especially to accommodate the limited infrastructure of Brazil. The combat weight of 43 tonnes was settled upon, as it was within the load capacity of the road bridges and overpasses in Brazil; likewise, the size constraint into which the Osorio was built allowed it to drive or be transported through Brazil's existing road and rail tunnels, as well as to fit onto available tank transporters and rail cars. As this infrastructure was comparable to that of much of the Developing World in the 1980s, it was thought that the Osorio would be ideal for export to these nations.
The Osorio tank is fitted with composite armor at the front of the hull and turret. This armor is broadly similar to the British Chobham. It includes steel, aluminum, carbon fibers and ceramics. Though the Osorio's armor is very light, it is extremely strong, and was rated to defeat any anti-tank projectile over the frontal arc that was in service in 1986. Vehicle has automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. However it is considered that protection of this tank was inferior to most western MBTs of that time.
The EE-T1 Osorio MBT, intended for Brazilian Army, was armed with a British Ordnance L7A3 105 mm rifled gun, and carries a total of 45 rounds of ammo for it. It fires APFSDS, HE, HESH, HEAT, APERS, WP, and canister rounds. The EE-T2 was intended for export customers and was armed with a more powerful French GIAT G1 120 mm smoothbore gun, but the ammunition is reduced to 38 rounds. It fires APFSDS and HEAT rounds. Both of these guns are fully-stabilized and manually loaded. The EE-T2 main battle tank has a hit probability of 80% at 2 km range against moving target.
Secondary armament of the EE-T1 consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially, while another is placed on top of the roof. The EE-T2 is completed with coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and 12.7 mm roof-mounted anti-aircraft machine guns.
Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The Osorio main battle tank is powered by Dutch MWM TBD 234 diesel engine, developing 1 040 horsepower. It is coupled with the German ZF LSG300 automatic transmission, which is also used in the Leopard 2, K1, and C-1 Ariete. Engine and transmission are mounted in a single block and can be replaced within 30 minutes in field conditions. There is also an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. Vehicle has a British Dunlop hydropneumatic suspension system, which is also used in the Challenger 1 and Challenger 2. The Osorio uses tracks of the Leopard 2 MBT.
In August of 1989, it was formally announced by the Saudi Arabian government that the EE-T2 Osorio had won a tank competition held that year, defeating the M1A1 Abrams, AMX-40, and Challenger I. A contract for 340 Osorio’s worth US$7.2 Billion was written in that year. These tanks were to receive minor refits for improved performance in harsh desert environments, and were to be named the "Al Fahd" in Saudi service. However, the contract was apparently never signed by both parties. This dilemma was worsened for Engesa in 1990, when it was forced to lay-off 3 000 employees and declare bankruptcy, but even this was dwarfed by a greater misfortune. In 1991, Saudi Arabia went back on their agreement, and ordered the M1A2 Abrams instead - a combination of positive media exposure of the M1A1, coupled with an already close relationship with Washington and a sizable war debt to the US, made the Saudi procurement of an M1 Abrams inevitable.
Though Engesa continued to market the Osorio over the following years, the subsequent end of the Cold War resulted in sudden torrent of second-hand MBTs onto the global market, as the Industrialized World suddenly disgorged reserves of older tanks. Many of these could be had at scrap value, and even some Leopard 2s in storage were sold in the 1990s for as little as US$1 Million. Unable to compete in this environment, the Osorio project effectively ceased to exist before 1995.
The Unit Cost of an EE-T2 Osorio is approximately $3.8 million, but it is no longer offered, and a future production run is likely impossible anyway.
he Osorio main battle tank was developed during the mid-1980s by Engesa both for Brazilian Army and export customers. This MBT was developed as a private venture, with only little support from the government. Engesa invested over US $100 Million of its earnings into the project. This main battle tank was named "Osorio" in honor of Manuel Luis Osório, the founder of the Brazilian Army's cavalry branch. A total of two prototypes were built. The first prototype was completed in 1985, the second followed in 1986. Generally it was a successful design, however due to the lack of funding it was not accepted to service with the Brazilian Army, which at one time had a requirement of 300 new main battle tanks. This MBT also received no production orders from export customers. Eventually the Osorio project was abandoned and Engesa went bankrupt. Currently Brazilian Army operates ageing M60 and Leopard 1 main battle tanks.
The Osorio was designed especially to accommodate the limited infrastructure of Brazil. The combat weight of 43 tonnes was settled upon, as it was within the load capacity of the road bridges and overpasses in Brazil; likewise, the size constraint into which the Osorio was built allowed it to drive or be transported through Brazil's existing road and rail tunnels, as well as to fit onto available tank transporters and rail cars. As this infrastructure was comparable to that of much of the Developing World in the 1980s, it was thought that the Osorio would be ideal for export to these nations.
The Osorio tank is fitted with composite armor at the front of the hull and turret. This armor is broadly similar to the British Chobham. It includes steel, aluminum, carbon fibers and ceramics. Though the Osorio's armor is very light, it is extremely strong, and was rated to defeat any anti-tank projectile over the frontal arc that was in service in 1986. Vehicle has automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. However it is considered that protection of this tank was inferior to most western MBTs of that time.
The EE-T1 Osorio MBT, intended for Brazilian Army, was armed with a British Ordnance L7A3 105 mm rifled gun, and carries a total of 45 rounds of ammo for it. It fires APFSDS, HE, HESH, HEAT, APERS, WP, and canister rounds. The EE-T2 was intended for export customers and was armed with a more powerful French GIAT G1 120 mm smoothbore gun, but the ammunition is reduced to 38 rounds. It fires APFSDS and HEAT rounds. Both of these guns are fully-stabilized and manually loaded. The EE-T2 main battle tank has a hit probability of 80% at 2 km range against moving target.
Secondary armament of the EE-T1 consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially, while another is placed on top of the roof. The EE-T2 is completed with coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and 12.7 mm roof-mounted anti-aircraft machine guns.
Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The Osorio main battle tank is powered by Dutch MWM TBD 234 diesel engine, developing 1 040 horsepower. It is coupled with the German ZF LSG300 automatic transmission, which is also used in the Leopard 2, K1, and C-1 Ariete. Engine and transmission are mounted in a single block and can be replaced within 30 minutes in field conditions. There is also an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. Vehicle has a British Dunlop hydropneumatic suspension system, which is also used in the Challenger 1 and Challenger 2. The Osorio uses tracks of the Leopard 2 MBT.
In August of 1989, it was formally announced by the Saudi Arabian government that the EE-T2 Osorio had won a tank competition held that year, defeating the M1A1 Abrams, AMX-40, and Challenger I. A contract for 340 Osorio’s worth US$7.2 Billion was written in that year. These tanks were to receive minor refits for improved performance in harsh desert environments, and were to be named the "Al Fahd" in Saudi service. However, the contract was apparently never signed by both parties. This dilemma was worsened for Engesa in 1990, when it was forced to lay-off 3 000 employees and declare bankruptcy, but even this was dwarfed by a greater misfortune. In 1991, Saudi Arabia went back on their agreement, and ordered the M1A2 Abrams instead - a combination of positive media exposure of the M1A1, coupled with an already close relationship with Washington and a sizable war debt to the US, made the Saudi procurement of an M1 Abrams inevitable.
Though Engesa continued to market the Osorio over the following years, the subsequent end of the Cold War resulted in sudden torrent of second-hand MBTs onto the global market, as the Industrialized World suddenly disgorged reserves of older tanks. Many of these could be had at scrap value, and even some Leopard 2s in storage were sold in the 1990s for as little as US$1 Million. Unable to compete in this environment, the Osorio project effectively ceased to exist before 1995.
The Unit Cost of an EE-T2 Osorio is approximately $3.8 million, but it is no longer offered, and a future production run is likely impossible anyway.
Osorio Main Battle Tank | Military-Today.com
The Osorio main battle tank was developed both for Brazilian army and export customers. Osorio is protected by composite armor, broadly similar to the British Chobham.
www.military-today.com
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The Korobov TKB-022PM experimental assault rifle is a highly unusual and advanced weapon, built by Russian gun designer German Korobov circa 1964. This work was a part of large R&D program, sponsored by Soviet Army and aimed at development of a more effective and less expensive weapon as a possible replacement for the 7,62mm Kalashnikov AKM assault rifle. Working at the TSKIB SOO design bureau in Tula, Korobov first designed the TKB-022P rifle, but it proved to be too awkward and unergonomic. As a result, Korobov then bult an entirely new series of weapons, known as TKB-022PM.
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TR-125 (Tanc Românesc 125 / Romanian Tank 125), currently designated P-125 (Prototip 125).
It is a locally built reverse engineered and modified T-72. The hull is longer by 1m and the weight is approximately 50tonnes. Somewhere between 3 and 10 units were built, never adopted by the Romanian Army.
It can be seen at the "King Ferdinand I" National Military Museum.
Here, next to a T-72
It is a locally built reverse engineered and modified T-72. The hull is longer by 1m and the weight is approximately 50tonnes. Somewhere between 3 and 10 units were built, never adopted by the Romanian Army.
It can be seen at the "King Ferdinand I" National Military Museum.
Here, next to a T-72
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The Bhim Self-Propelled Howitzer is a type of self-propelled artillery developed by the South African company Denel under the supervision of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization. It was designed to meet the Indian Army's requirements for self-propelled artillery units.
The Bhim artillery system was developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation in the 1990s. Trials of the Bhim artillery system were successfully conducted in 1998 and 1999, but its development remained on pause for over ten years, as Denel was blacklisted by the Indian government.
It consists of the Denel T6 turret mounted on an Arjun MBT chassis. It was developed and tested successfully and was cleared for production but was put on hold after Denel was banned from working on the project.
The Bhim artillery system has a fully automatic ammunition loading system as well as a turret-mounted auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems. The Bhim's primary armament is a Denel 155 mm howitzer gun, while its secondary armament consists of a single MAG 7.62 mm machine gun.
More info here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhim_self-propelled_howitzer
The Bhim artillery system was developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation in the 1990s. Trials of the Bhim artillery system were successfully conducted in 1998 and 1999, but its development remained on pause for over ten years, as Denel was blacklisted by the Indian government.
It consists of the Denel T6 turret mounted on an Arjun MBT chassis. It was developed and tested successfully and was cleared for production but was put on hold after Denel was banned from working on the project.
The Bhim artillery system has a fully automatic ammunition loading system as well as a turret-mounted auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems. The Bhim's primary armament is a Denel 155 mm howitzer gun, while its secondary armament consists of a single MAG 7.62 mm machine gun.
More info here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhim_self-propelled_howitzer
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Tank Ex, or MBT Ex, was the code name of the main battle tank developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 2002. It was rumored the tank would be called Karna, after one of the heroes of the Indian epic The Mahabharata. Tank Ex was developed as a second attempt after the development of the Ajeya (an upgraded T-72) by DRDO in order to capitalize on the technology developed for that project. It underwent six months of trials, but was subsequently rejected by the Indian Army. Total eight Tank Ex prototypes were built.
Weighing in at 47 tons, the Tank Ex is heavier than the T-72M1 (41 tons) and much lighter than the Arjun MBT, (58.4 tons). It has a 1,000 hp (700 kW) power plant giving a power-to-weight ratio of 21 hp (16 kW)/ton for a total weight of 47 tons. This represents an improvement over the T-72M1's 20 hp (15 kW)/ton, with a weight of 41 tons and a 780 hp (582 kW) power plant. The Tank Ex utilizes the Arjun MBT's 120 mm rifled gun firing unitary APFSDS and HESH semi combustible cartridge case ammunition. A total of 32 rounds are carried, as compared with 39 in the Arjun and 45 two piece rounds in the T-72. A global positioning system is provided for accurate navigation. This is a feature common to both the Arjun MBT and the Combat Improved Ajeya.
The Tank Ex utilizes the "Kanchan" composite armor, especially over its frontal arc (turret as well as glacis), giving it protection against both Kinetic and HEAT rounds. The usage of the Arjun turret design indicates that the Tank Ex may also have its "ready" ammunition stored in the bustle (as in the Arjun), separated from the crew and provided with blow-off panels. This would be a significant protective feature comparable with Western design practices. The Tank Ex retains the T-72's mobility, with a road speed of 60 km/h and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h. With a maximum gradient climb of 30 degrees, it remains in line with all variants of the T-72, like the T-72BM. The Tank Ex is better at trench crossing with a capability of crossing 2.6 meters as compared to the T-72M1's 2.28 meters. The Tank Ex can also climb vertical obstacles up to 0.85 meters tall. The tank's shallow fording capabilities are quoted as 1.2 meters. The Tank Ex should also have the capability to fire the Israeli LAHAT missile from its gun-barrel, like the Arjun.
Weighing in at 47 tons, the Tank Ex is heavier than the T-72M1 (41 tons) and much lighter than the Arjun MBT, (58.4 tons). It has a 1,000 hp (700 kW) power plant giving a power-to-weight ratio of 21 hp (16 kW)/ton for a total weight of 47 tons. This represents an improvement over the T-72M1's 20 hp (15 kW)/ton, with a weight of 41 tons and a 780 hp (582 kW) power plant. The Tank Ex utilizes the Arjun MBT's 120 mm rifled gun firing unitary APFSDS and HESH semi combustible cartridge case ammunition. A total of 32 rounds are carried, as compared with 39 in the Arjun and 45 two piece rounds in the T-72. A global positioning system is provided for accurate navigation. This is a feature common to both the Arjun MBT and the Combat Improved Ajeya.
The Tank Ex utilizes the "Kanchan" composite armor, especially over its frontal arc (turret as well as glacis), giving it protection against both Kinetic and HEAT rounds. The usage of the Arjun turret design indicates that the Tank Ex may also have its "ready" ammunition stored in the bustle (as in the Arjun), separated from the crew and provided with blow-off panels. This would be a significant protective feature comparable with Western design practices. The Tank Ex retains the T-72's mobility, with a road speed of 60 km/h and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h. With a maximum gradient climb of 30 degrees, it remains in line with all variants of the T-72, like the T-72BM. The Tank Ex is better at trench crossing with a capability of crossing 2.6 meters as compared to the T-72M1's 2.28 meters. The Tank Ex can also climb vertical obstacles up to 0.85 meters tall. The tank's shallow fording capabilities are quoted as 1.2 meters. The Tank Ex should also have the capability to fire the Israeli LAHAT missile from its gun-barrel, like the Arjun.
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M1 Abrams Block III Tank Test Bed (TTB). Designed in the 1980s and tested in the 1990s, the TTB had a remote operated turret with an autoloaded 120mm main gun. The three-man crew sat side by side in the hull.
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USN's three Strike Cruiser (CSGN) proposals from the mid 70s.
USS Long Beach conversion, was to be the testbed for the Strike Cruiser
First Configuration
Second, Modified Configuration, was to be capable of fielding VSTOL aircraft
USS Long Beach conversion, was to be the testbed for the Strike Cruiser
First Configuration
Second, Modified Configuration, was to be capable of fielding VSTOL aircraft
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Convair XFY "Pogo"
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I posted these some time ago in our Media area 
https://militaryimages.net/search/910034/?page=6&q=tank&t=xfmg_media&c[users]=Bombardier&o=date
I think I asked general dynamics for them and they sent me these
Produced in 1994 by the installation of the U.S. 140 mm XM291
gun in the Component Advanced Technology Test Bed (CATTB), which consisted of a two-man turret
with a bustle autoloader mounted on a modified M1A1 tank hull.
Built in 1985 by General Dynamics this vehicle has a transverse mounted powerpack, three man crew (all in the front hull) and a small turret with a 120mm autoloader.
https://militaryimages.net/search/910034/?page=6&q=tank&t=xfmg_media&c[users]=Bombardier&o=date
I think I asked general dynamics for them and they sent me these
Produced in 1994 by the installation of the U.S. 140 mm XM291
gun in the Component Advanced Technology Test Bed (CATTB), which consisted of a two-man turret
with a bustle autoloader mounted on a modified M1A1 tank hull.
Built in 1985 by General Dynamics this vehicle has a transverse mounted powerpack, three man crew (all in the front hull) and a small turret with a 120mm autoloader.
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(Brazil) EE-T1 Osorio -
Restoration process of the Osorio EE-T1 105mm advanced, now finishing the painting and soon we will see it shooting after years parked in the museum in Rio. photo: 03/20/2024 Regional Maintenance in Curitiba - Brazil.
Restoration process of the Osorio EE-T1 105mm advanced, now finishing the painting and soon we will see it shooting after years parked in the museum in Rio. photo: 03/20/2024 Regional Maintenance in Curitiba - Brazil.
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Most probably for color calibration of the camera used in the test. The white square is for white balancing (another kind of color calibration).
