T-34-85, CIS

Boffors Stridsvagn (Strv) 103A/B/C Sweden

The Strv 103 (or Bofors S-tank) is the only turretless MET in operational service in the world. The fixed 105 mm L74 rifled gun is laid in elevation/ depression by tilting the hull via a hydropneumatic suspension system and in azimuth by turning the whole vehicle using only its tracks. The ammunition types used include APFSDS-T, APDS, HESH and smoke.

Three versions have been produced to-date: Strv 103A - the original production batch with no flotation screen (to allow amphibious operations at max waterspeed of 6 km/h) nor integral under glacis dozer blade. All upgraded to Strv 103B standard. Strv 103B - standard production model with flotation screen assembly and integral dozer blade beneath the glacis plate to enable vehicle to dig its own fighting positions. Strv 103C - the Strv 103B model upgrade between 1986-1989 with new Detroit Diesel engine, modified transmission and modem computerised fire control system with a gunner's integral laser rangefinder sighting assembly. All Strv 103 models were fitted for an NBC system but do not carry one. The Strv 103C has its own dozer blade that folds back under the nose of the tank for digging defensive positions.

The only combat support version fielded to-date is a mine-clearing vehicle which is an Strv-103 fitted with the locally designed and built 6000 kg Minvalt mineroller system.

The Strv 103 is to be replaced by the Strv 121/122 Leopard 2 (Improved)/Leopard 2 MBTs.

Specification

First prototype: Strv 103 1961, Strv 103C 1982-83 First production: Strv 103A/B 1966-71 (300 buffi, Strv 103C rebuilt from Strv 103B 1986-89) Current user: Sweden

Crew: 3

Combat weight: Strv 103A 39 000 kg; Strv 103B 39 700 kg; Strv 103C 42 500 kg Ground pressure: Strv 103A 0.85 kg/can2 ; Strv 103B 1.04 kg/cm2 ; Strv 103C 1.17 kg/cm2

Length, gun forwards: 9 m

Width: Strv 103A 3.4 m; Strv 103B/C 3.6 m Height (without AA gun): 2.14 m

Ground clearance: 0.4 m

Max. road speed: 50 km/h Maximum range: 400 km Fording: unprepared 1.5m Gradient: 60% Side slope: 40%

Vertical obstacle: 0.9 m Trench: 2.3 m

Powerpack: Strv 103A/B Rolls Royce K60 diesel developing 240 hp with a Boeing 553 gas turbine developing 490 hp for combat boost, both coupled to Bofors automatic transmission; Strv 103C - Detroit Diesel 6V-53T diesel developing 290 hp with a Boeing 553 gas turbine developing 490 hp for combat boost, both coupled to a Bofors automatic transmission Armament: (main) 1 x 105 mm gun (50 rounds); (coaxial) 2 x 7.62 mm MG; (anti-aircraft) 1 x 7.62 mm MG; (smoke dischargers) 8 single; (target illumination) 2 x 71mm Bofors Lyran

Latest variant of Swedish ArmyS-tank, the Strv-103C.