- Yes
- No
Background
Altay is a third-generation Turkish main battle tank based on South Korean K2 Black Panther. Design and development of the tank was undertaken by Otokar with assistance and technology transfer from Hyundai Rotem. Project started in 2008 with agreement between Otokar and Hyundai Rotem for development, assistance, and technology transfer for a main battle tank to be produced in Turkey. After approximately 10 years of design and development, Otokar submitted their final offer for serial production, subsequently refused by Undersecretariat of Defence Industry. Within the same year, BMC awarded with contract for mass produce of Altay.
Design and Development
Altay is product of The National Tank Production Project (MİTÜP) which was initiated in late 1990s to establish independent tank production and maintenance capabilities also acquire know-how for “National Tank”. Undersecretariat for Defense Industries approached Otokar as local partner, and an agreement signed between them in 2007. Otokar quickly set out to seek help from experienced foreign partner for design and development. In 2008 Otokar and South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem reached an agreement in 2008 and development started.
Otokar during Phase-I (Design and Prototype Production) produced five prototypes with ASELSAN electronic sub-systems, ROKETSAN armor package and MKE tank gun. Otokar also produced private venture prototype. In 2012, first two prototypes FTR and MTR rolled out from production facility and revealed to public in Sakarya. In 2015 two more prototypes, PV1 and PV2, produced for extensive mobility, firing and weather tests, which shows satisfactory results. Sometimes between 2012 and 2015, BHT prototype was produced and used in ballistic tests. In 2017, Otokar showcased last two of their Altay prototypes in 2017 IDEF defense fair, Altay AMT and Altay AHT. AHT was based on PV2 prototype and was pinnacle of Otokar’s design. AHT was produced with the experiences gained from Operation Euphrates Shield to create a tank fitting in urban and close-quarter engagements. AHT supports heavier armor, a dozer blade and sub-system which aims to increase overall survivability and situational awareness of the tank. Otokar’s prototypes are as follows:
● MTR, Mobility Test Rig
● FTR, Firing Test Rig
● BH&T, Ballistic Hull, and Turret
● PV1&2, Prototype Vehicle ⁽ˀ⁾
In 2010, Otokar signed contract with MTU and RENK for EuroPowerPack for 5 units. Further engine acquisition block by German arms embargo on Turkey. With BMC’s acquisition of program, Otokar handed over 4 remaining prototypes, barring AHT, to BMC. BMC upgraded PV1 based prototype with ASELSAN’s AKKOR APS and revealed it alongside Leopard 2A4 mated with FTR turret during the visit of Minister of National Defense, in 2021. Withing same year at IDEF 2021 both vehicles were presented to public eye.
Altay T1 (2023)
Altay T1 is the first production version of Altay Main Battle Tank, currently developed and designed by BMC with experiences of earlier designer Otokar. BMC’s prototype are more refined version of Altay as it expected to be production vehicles while Otokar’s prototypes were built so as to test its capabilities. First T1 was revealed in IDEF 2019, it featured new turret armor scheme, additional hull armor and long awaited AKKOR APS. T1 showcased in 2021, this version received improvement to its turret armor scheme and new arrangement of sensors. Newest prototype of Altay T1 revealed very recently, this time with more deep modifications. Altay T1 is fitted with Korean PowerPack consisting of Doosan Infracore DV27K Diesel and SNT Dynamics EST15K transmission system, more refined sensor system ÖRÜMCEK (SPIDER) 360° YAMGÖZ360 Close Range Surveillance and Laser Warning System, replacing TLUS and YAMGÖZ, and MOCAS camouflage system. Number of indigenous parts and systems also increased in this prototype although much of them are not relevant in War Thunder. Relevant parts of this increased indigenousness, is secondary armaments. T1is now armed with indigenous Machine-Guns, although specifics are not given, Co-Axial Machine-Gun is likely 7.62mm PMT-76T/57A and RCWS is likely armed with 12.7mm CaNiK M2 QCB.
General Specifications
Firepower
Altay T1 Main Battle Tank is equipped with 120mm L/55 smoothbore cannon, developed by MKE and based on the Hyundai WIA CN08. MKE tailored the design to meet needs of the Altay Project. Main difference being that MKE’s version doesn’t have an autoloader mechanism, unlike Hyundai’s design, however, an autoloader is planned for future versions of the Altay. MKE 120mm L/55 Cannon is fully compatible with NATO-Standard 120mm ammunition. For secondary armament, Altay features PMT-76T/57A Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun and M2 QCB 12.7mm Heavy Machine-Gun mounted on SARP Remote-controlled Weapon Station. Altay T1 equipped with VOLKAN 200/120 Fire Control System, developed by ASELSAN for Altay, providing first-hit capability and high-precision targeting
MKE 120mm L/52
MKE 120mm L/55 Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 3103 kg
- Length: 6600 mm
- Width: 640 mm
- Height: ? mm
- Operational Details
- Caliber: 120mm
- Shell: 120×570mm, NATO Standard
- Muzzle Velocity:
∙ 1705m/s with MOD 290 Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) Stated
∙ 1786m/s with MOD 290 Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) Theoretical* - Maximum Firing Range
∙3000 m with Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)
1705m/s Figure Seems to be for L/44, In Theory L/55 Might Have Higher Velocity
SARP Remote Controlled Weapon Station
SARP is a compact, remotely operated stabilized weapon platform with high-precision surveillance capabilities and superb firepower. It can be integrated onto vehicles or fixed posts to provide firepower against air, ground, and asymmetric threats. SARP has ability to mount 7.62mm machine-gun, 12.7mm heavy Machine-Gun and 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher in accordance with the operational needs.
Main Features
• Laser Range Finder
• Day and Night Imaging
• Gyro Aided Stabilization
• Automatic Target Tracking
• Automatic Ballistic Calculation
• Shoot-On-the-Move Capability for Stationary and Moving Targets
Brochure with More Information
ATS-70 Electro-Optic Sensor System
ATS-70 is a compact and rugged electro-optic sensor system mainly designed for main battle tanks, armored vehicles and remote weapon system to provide enhanced precision and vision capability in harsh battlefield conditions.
Main Features
• Thermal Imager
• Laser Range Finder
• Day and Night Imager
• Multi Sensor Capability
• Compact and Rugged System
Brochure with More Information
PMT-76T-57A
PMT-76T-57A Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 12 kg
- Length: 1250 mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: 280 mm
- Operational Details
- Caliber: 7,62mm
- Shell: 7.62x51mm
- Feed System:
∙Belt-Fed - Muzzle Velocity:
∙ 840m/s - Rate of Fire
∙ 650 - 950 Rounds in 60 Seconds - Maximum Firing Range
∙Maximum Range; 3800 m
∙Effective Range; 850 m
Mobility
German Federal Arms Embargo on Turkey affected Altay Project severely as embargo blocked any sort of access to MTU engines. BMC went to search for suitable replacement for German power pack, In 2022 Turkey and Korea signed an agreement for Korean power pack which consisted of Hyundai Doosan Infracore’s V27K Diesel Engine and SNT Dynamics’s EST15K transmission system. Although Korean power-pack chosen for serial production, BMC Power currently develops indigenous engine for Altay. BMC Power revealed their new engine named “BATU”, it is 1500 horsepower and coupled with Cross Drive transmission system. In 2021, BATU was ignited for the first time without any problems. At the moment, BATU stays experimental and no Altay is equipped with it.
In 30 January 2023 agreement signed between SNT and BMC for export of SNT’s transmission system. It is also revealed that BMC tested an Altay with Korean power pack for eight months, there were no footage or photographs of this prototype at the time of announcement. In March 2023, Altay with Korean PowerPack was revealed to press, this power pack consists of Doosan Infracore DV27K 1500hp Diesel Engine and SNT Dynamics EST15K 9-Speed Transmission. Korean PowerPack is slightly less powerful than EuroPowerPack of earlier prototypes, but difference is not substantial. Korean PowerPack will be used until BMC Power’s engine and transmission will be ready, this transition is planned in two steps: First BMC Batu and EST15K will be integrated and later once the BMC’s transmission system becomes available, fully indigenous power pack will power Altay.
Doosan Infracore DV27K 1500hp Diesel Engine
SNT Dynamics EST15K 9-Speed Transmission
BMC Power BATU V12 1500 hp Diesel Engine
Protection
Armor package of Altay Project is based on K2’s KSAP. Armor package modified and developed by ROKETSAN with Boron Carbide elements to meets specifics of Altay Project. It is said to offer better ballistic protection than the original armor package though further information about protection levels is stays classified. Armor tests was done with prototype designated as BH&T, Ballistic Hull and Turret, and presumed destroyed during tests, there are no photographs of armor rig. ASELSAN’s AKKOR APS is also fitted which further enhances overall survivability of the tank.
BMC’s prototypes are said to have better overall protection with enhanced/increased armor package in comparison with the Otokar’s prototype. Visually, BMC’s prototypes have bulkier design with the additional Explosive Reactive Armor units but it is unknown if overall thickness/effectiveness of armor increased or not except for the turret roof. BMC’s brochures/infographs specifically mentions increased turret roof protection. This latest prototype is confirmed to have better turret roof protection then earlier prototypes, it is said to be specifically modified to be effective against top-attacks. Altay T1 is also has option to be equipped with TDU Mobile Camouflage System
Specifications of KSAP
TDU Mobile Camouflage System Specifications
AKKOR APS
AKKOR, abbreviation of Aktif Koruma, is a soft-kill, hard-kill APS system developed by ASELSAN. AKKOR provides 360-degree coverage against incoming threats in both unconventional and regular warfare environment. Thanks to its modular structure, AKKOR can be integrated variety of fighting vehicles.
Main Features
• Hard-Kill Ability
• Soft-Kill Ability
• Fast Response Time Against Asymmetric Threats.
• High effectiveness against thermal and laser guided missiles with multi spectral smokescreen
• 360 degree protection
• Operational Against Multiple Threats
AKKOR Modules
Brochure with More Information
AKKOR Info Video
YAMGÖZ360 360° Situational Awareness System
YAMGÖZ360 360° Situational Awareness System is a high-performance day-night vision system designed mainly for Main Battle Tanks, Tracked and Wheeled Platforms. YAMGOZ provides enhance situational awareness and manoeuvring capability in harsh weather and environment. It is fully compatible with other systems such as AKKOR, LİAS, SARP and VOLKAN 200/120 Fire Control System.
Main Features
• Thermal Imager
• Day-Night Camera
• Fusion View with Day Camera + Thermal Imager
• APS, RCWS and FCS Compatibility
Brochure with More Information
Otokar’s Altay Brochure
Spoiler
Specifications
- Crew: 4
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 65 Tons
- Length: 7.3 m
- Width: 3.9 m
- Height: 2.6 m
- Armament
- Main Armament: MKE 120mm L/55 Smoothbore Cannon
- Secondary Armament:
• Co-Axial PMT-76T/50A 7.62mm Machine Gun
• SARP Remotely Controlled Weapon Station Mounted M2 QCB 12.7mm Heavy Machine-Gun - Ammunition Capacity
∙ 40 Tank Rounds
∙ 10,000 7.62mm Co-Axial Machine-Gun
∙ 3,200 12.7mm Machine-Gun Rounds ?
- Mobility
- Engine: Hyundai Doosan Infracore DV27K Diesel Engine, 1500 Horsepower
- Transmission: SNT Dynamics EST15K, 9-Speed, 6 Forward, 3 Reverse
- Suspension: Non-Active In-Arm
- Maximum Speed: 65 km/h
- Power to Weight: 23 hp/t
- Protection
- Armor:
∙ Slat Armor
∙ Explosive Reactive Armor
∙ ROKETSAN Boron Carbide Armor - Active/Passive Protection System: AKKOR
- Smoke Grenades: 16x
- Armor:
- Accessories
- Night Sight
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander
∙ Driver - Thermal Sight
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander
∙ Driver - CITV
- Spall Liner
- Laser Range Finder
- Laser Warning Receiver
- Mobile Camouflage System
- 360° Close Range Surveillance System
- Hunter-Killer Capacity (Commander’s Override)
- Night Sight
Implementation to War Thunder
Altay Main Battle Tank variants should be reserved for future Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree. Altay T1 (2023) would be perfect vehicle as Tech Tree’s top tier prize. Battle Rating wise it would fit +12.0, possibly above, at Rank VIII or future IX.
Some of the Images are High Quality, Beware
Additional Photos
Videos
Altay T1 Test Activities - 1
Altay T1 Test Activities - 2
Altay T1 Test Activities - 3
Altay T1 Test Activities - 4
Altay T1 Test Activities - 5
Altay T1 on Proving Grounds
Altay T1 on Production Line
Press Conference Video - 1
Press Conference Video - 2
News Agency's Video
Sources
Spoiler
Primary Source: Altay T1
BMC - ALTAY TANKI
Primary Source: AKKOR
AKKOR - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/AKKOR_EN.pdf
Primary Source: VOLKAN 200/120
VOLKAN 200/120 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/SST_VOLKAN_200_120_ENG.pdf
Primary Source: ATS-70
ATS-70 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/ATS70_TR-(1).pdf
ATS-72 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/ATS72_ENG.pdf
Primary Source: YAMGÖZ360
YAMGÖZ360 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/SST_YAMGOZ360_ENG.pdf
Primary Source: LİAS-400
LİAS 400 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/LIAS-400_ENG.pdf
Primary Source: SARP 100
SARP 100 - ASELSAN
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/SST_SARP_100_ENG.pdf
Primary Source: MKE 120mm L/52
120 mm 55 kal. Altay Tankı Silah Sistemi
120 mm 55 cal. Altay Weapon System | MKE USA
Primary Source: PMT-76T/57A
PMT-76-57A Platform Makineli Tüfek
PMT-76 | MKE USA
Primary Source: M2 QCB
CANiK M2 QCB | Canik Arms
Primary Source: ROKETSAN Ballistic Protection Center
Roketsan - BALLISTIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
https://www.roketsan.com.tr/uploads/docs/kataloglar/ENG/2024/1726595874_ballistic1.pdf
Primary Source: KSAP
http://samyangct.com/eng/lab/?ckattempt=1
https://archive.md/dFVf7
Secondary Source: Altay T1
BMC DEFENCE Introduces the New ALTAY to Defense Media! - Defence Turkey Magazine
BMC SAVUNMA Yeni ALTAY`ı Savunma Basını ile Tanıştırdı! - Defence Turkey Magazine
"Yeni" Altay Tankı 23 Nisan'da TSK'ya Teslim Edilecek! | DefenceTurk
https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/turk-savunma-sanayisi-2023te-ilklere-imza-atti/3095362
YENİ ALTAY TANKI TESTLER İÇİN TSK’YA TESLİM EDİLİYOR - Defence Turkey Magazine
BMC Power Opens Its Facilities at the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate to Defense Media! - Defence Turkey Magazine
BMC Power 1’inci ABFM’ndeki Tesislerinin Kapılarını Savunma Medyasına Açtı! - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: Altay T1 Tests with Korean Powerpack
Korean Powerpack Starts the Test Campaign on the ALTAY MBT - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: First Delivery of Two Units of Altay T1
Two New ALTAY Tanks Delivered to Turkish Armed Forces for Test Campaign - Defence Turkey Magazine
İlk İki Adet Yeni ALTAY Tankı Testler için TSK’ya Teslim Edildi - Defence Turkey Magazine
YENİ ALTAY TANKI TESTLER İÇİN TSK’YA TESLİM EDİLİYOR - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: Altay T1 Serial Production
ALTAY Tankı'nın seri üretimini ilk kez Anadolu Ajansı görüntüledi
https://www.savunmasanayist.com/iste-altay-tankinin-seri-uretim-hatti/
https://x.com/SavunmaSanayiST/status/1963897668523962504
Secondary Source: AKKOR Tests
https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/aselsan-shared-test-images-of-the-akkor-active-protection-system-for-the-first-time-5560
Secondary Source: Altay Approximate Protection Values
https://web.archive.org/web/20210225183035/https:/www.tdefenceagency.com/altay-tankinin-ozellikleri/
Altay Suggestions’ List
Altay MTR
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-mtr-first-prototype/11158
Altay FTR
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-ftr-one-step-further/11159
Altay PV1
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-pv1-initial-prototype/13417
Altay PV2 (2015)
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-pv2-2015-second-twin/13428
Altay PV2 (2017)
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-pv2-2017-final-prototype/13429
Altay AHT
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-aht-urban-operation-specialist/14585
Altay T1 (2019)
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-t1-2019-intermediate-prototype/15407
Altay T1 (2021)
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-t1-2021-combat-ready/40028
Altay T1 (2023)
https://forum.warthunder.com/t/altay-t1-2023-factory-new/40029
