Looking at this car, you will never guess that this is not an independent development, but just a variant of modernizing the T-54/55. If there was a competition for the most beautiful alteration (for this car, the definition of tuning is even suitable), then it would probably have won with a clear advantage.
But let's get back, in fact, to the project. This project was prepared jointly by two American companies - Textron Marine and Land Systems. Cadillac Gage Textron was selected as the contractor for this project. This project included the modernization of our T-54/55 and Chinese Type 59 tanks, which our Chinese managed to sell all over the world. The project was announced back in 1997, but until now there were no people willing to order this tank. Only two cars were produced in total. Apparently, this is due to the price of such modernization, which will have to cost about $ 2, 8 million.
So, what changes, besides the appearance, will be in the T-55.
The first is the engine - diesel engines of the Detroit Diesel Corporation with a capacity of 750 hp will be installed on the car. With this engine, the tank reaches a speed of 55 km / h.
This machine must be fitted with a transmission from Allison Transmission, which is part of the General Motors Group. The checkpoint, as you might guess, is automatic.
It was planned to install two suspension options on the car. A cheaper option is the usual torsion bar. If necessary, the car can be equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension Cadillac Gage Textron.
The NATO 105-mm rifled cannon should be used as a weapon on the vehicle. No changes are foreseen in the machine gun armament.
In the fire control system, everything is pretty standard. The gun is stabilized in all planes. A laser rangefinder is provided.
In the booking, in addition to the standard booking, there was one component that I did not translate - appliqué. I don’t know what it is.
The mass of the car will be in the range of 42-46 tons, depending on the configuration.
P. S. Automotive standards were transferred to the tank. But apparently nothing came of it.
