Zielfahrzeug 68
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| Zielfahrzeug 68 | |
|---|---|
 Zielfahrzeug 68 at Military Museum Full | |
| Type | Target Tank |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1974 - 2007 |
| Used by | Switzerland |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1972 |
| Manufacturer | Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte Thun |
| Produced | 1972 - 1974 |
| No. built | 10 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 36.0 tonnes |
| Length | 9.49 m (374 in) |
| Width | 3.14 m (124 in) |
| Height | 2.72 m (107 in) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Armour | up to 80 mm Steelpanels |
Main armament | No |
Secondary armament | No |
| Engine | 8 cylinder V90 ° engine four stroke MTU MB837
auxiliary motor 4 cylinder engine Mercedes Benz OM 636 660 hp, 38 hp |
| Suspension | cup springs in swing |
| Maximum speed | 55 km/h (34 mph), off-road 35 km/h (22 mph) |
The Zielfahrzeug 68 ("Target tank 68") was a decommissioned Panzer 68, which was converted to the target vehicle role. A total of ten of these vehicles were in use.
The Swiss Army ordered from the company Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette "K + W Thun" ten of these vehicles, which were produced between 1972 and 1974. The turret was removed and replaced by a steel tower with additional welded steel plates. Wheels and tracks came from the Panzer 61. The tracks were protected by easily replaceable steel side protection plates, which were fixed with screws. As extra protection, steel aprons were attached on the side. The surface was provided with a welded-steel thickening, the drivers hatch was strengthened and provided with 360 ° slotted sights. The whole tactical equipment was removed, under the tower a platform made from aluminum was installed. The tower had a hatch of the same type as the driver's hatch. The tank was usually only used with one crew member, the driver, although there was enough space for an observer or a commander. Tower and driver positions were connected, so in case of a jammed driver's hatch, the driver could exit the tank through the hatch in the tower.
