As a follow-up to the cooperation between the Indonesian and Turkish governments that agreed on a collaboration in May 2015 to jointly develop the 'Modern Medium Weight Tank', with costs (reportedly) of US $30 million. The development phase of the program takes up to 37 months, with the first prototypes produced in Turkey, and the second in Indonesia.
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| The Indonesian's Harimau Hitam tank in the parade commemorating the 72nd anniversary of Indonesian National Armed Forces on October 5, 2017 in Cilegon, Banten. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2N6fsLt) |
This tank was developed by PT. Pindad (Persero) in collaboration with a Turkish defense system company called FNSS Savunma Sistemleri for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).
The result is a new Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) with the name Kaplan MT (Turkey) and Harimau Hitam or Black Tiger (Indonesia) which was introduced for the first time at Indo Defense 2016 and later its first prototype was shown at IDEF 2017. |
| Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT was shown at IDEF 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MGDuO0) |
This tank uses the Cockerill 3105 modular turret system developed by the Belgian company CMI Defense which can be manned by 3 crew members (consisting of Commander, Gunner and Driver). The turret system features the main armament system of a Cockerill XC-8HP 105mm cannon, which is capable of firing various projectiles with an automatic loader system and second armament is 7.62mm co-axial machine gun.
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| Left side view of Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PQQqi9) |
These medium tank is also equipped with a battlefield management system and a laser warning system that provides tactical awareness to the tank's commander. To engage in a stationary and moving target using the probability of a high round shot, a computerized control system. The commander and gunner are both equipped with stabilized sights combining a laser rangefinder. Beside that the tank commander is also equipped with a panoramic observation system to enable hunting and destroying targets.
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| Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT while on maneuvering action. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wzGBfK) |
These medium tank able to move, due it uses a high-performance diesel engine, combined with an electronically controlled automatic transmission system. So that makes the tank which has a weight of 35 tons has a maximum speed of about 70 kph, and cruising range up to 450 km with a power to weight ratio of 20 hp/ton. The hull baseline made of welded steel with an appliqued armor package can be installed for a higher level of protection, mine protection is also installed. Beside that, these tank able to operate in a high temperature environment due to there's a cooling system installed into it.
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| Harimau Hitam or Kaplan MT currently being on test in several areas in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2N2yjqN) |
The tank's interior is carefully engineered taking into account the crew's ergonomics and different tactical and battlefield conditions, including drivers, gunners and loading and unloading ammunition. The special type of driver seat allows the operator to have a very adequate field of view, and to access all cabin equipment. As the standard equipment in this tank includes an AC system, camera for situational awareness and an additional power unit that allows all subsystems to be run if the main diesel engine turns off or does not function properly.
The tank can also be used to support infantry in the direct close fire situation, with a 105 mm cannon used to fight pillboxes and other battlefield obstacles. With its lighter and lower profile, allows it to be used in areas that are not accessible by traditional MBT, which currently weighs more than 70 tons. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA]
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