Charrua II (Bofors trinity)

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Charrua II (Bofors trinity)

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Introduction:

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In the 1980s, Moto Peças S/A, in collaboration with the Brazilian Army, embarked on an ambitious program to modernize vehicles of North American origin, specifically the M-59, which had their roots in the Korean War. The initial aim was to replace the gasoline engines of these vehicles with domestic diesel engines. However, this initiative evolved into the creation of a new, entirely Brazilian vehicle, combining the qualities of the M-113 with the spacious interior of the M-59. Thus, the CHARRUA was born, an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) designed to provide greater flexibility and agility to the Brazilian Army’s Armored Infantry units, being amphibious and capable of crossing rivers and lakes with ease.

Development:

Spoiler

Initially, a family of vehicles was planned, comprising three versions: light, medium, and heavy. The light version, weighing up to 18 tons, was amphibious and intended for personnel transport, communications, ambulance, infantry combat, mortar carrier, command, and antitank defense. The medium version, weighing up to 21 tons, was also amphibious and would be equipped with a 20/25mm cannon. One variant would have a turret for a 60 to 90mm cannon, while another would be dedicated to antiaircraft defense with a cannon of the same caliber, in addition to a radar version. The heavy version, weighing up to 24 tons, was not amphibious and would house a 105mm cannon, a self-propelled 155mm howitzer, a rocket launcher system, a recovery vehicle with a rotating turret, and a cargo transport vehicle.

Although all three versions were conceived, only the light version progressed to the prototype phase. Two prototypes were built, referred to as model I and model II, each with its external distinctions. The model II was tested by the Marine Corps, indicating the possibility of meeting the requirements of the Brazilian Navy.

The CHARRUA was an amphibious vehicle with a combat weight of 18,000kg. Its transport capacity was three crew members and nine soldiers in the standard configuration, with the ability to accommodate up to twenty-two soldiers in a special configuration. The vehicle could achieve speeds of up to 70km/h on roads and 8km/h in the water, thanks to its Bellijet hydrojets.

Its design allowed for great maneuverability and the ability to pivot (rotate on its axis), providing exceptional stability and reliability. Access to its interior was facilitated by a hydraulically operated rear ramp, with two doors allowing troop embarkation and disembarkation without lowering the ramp.

The CHARRUA was fully armored, resistant to small-caliber weapons, with the option to add additional armor with ceramic plates, which could be removed during amphibious operations. Its Scania DSI 11 engine, with 394 hp, was located at the front, next to the driver’s compartment. The vehicle also had a small turret for a .50 caliber machine gun or 20/25mm cannons, as well as periscopes, hatches, and smoke grenade launchers.

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Bofors trinity turret:

Bofors trinity turret

The main armament of the vehicle is the 40mm Bofors Trinity L/70. This weapon is an improved version of the 40mm L/70 found on a few vehicles in the game. It features a Solothurn muzzle brake that significantly reduces recoil, enhancing the gun’s accuracy at longer ranges. The turret is highly advanced, equipped with various sophisticated features:

  1. Search Radar: The turret features a search radar with a detection range of 20km. This radar is capable of tracking objects with speeds ranging from 0 to 4320 km/h.
  2. Lear Siegler Muzzle Velocity Radar: This radar measures the velocity of the projectile upon firing, providing valuable data for accuracy.
  3. Laser Rangefinder: The turret is equipped with a laser rangefinder, which helps in determining the distance to the target accurately.
  4. Night Vision: Night vision technology is integrated, allowing the crew to operate effectively during low-light conditions.
  5. Thermal Imager: The turret features a thermal imager, enhancing the crew’s ability to detect and engage targets, even in adverse weather conditions.
  6. Digital Computer: The turret is equipped with a digital computer that can program the proximity fuze of the ammunition while engaging a moving target. This maximizes the chances of a successful hit.
  7. Ammunition Magazine: The turret is equipped with a magazine that holds 100 rounds. These rounds are arranged in rows of 9 rounds each, with the 100th round ready to be loaded into the barrel.
  8. Elevation and Rotation: The gun has an impressive elevation capability, ranging from -5° to +85°. This extensive range is quite suitable for various combat scenarios. It also offers a horizontal rotation of ±180°.

40mm Bofors Trinity L/70 Specifications:

  • Capacity (Magazine): 100 rounds (exact type of magazine is unknown)
  • Fire Rate: 330 rounds per minute
  • Vertical Elevation: -5° to +85°
  • Horizontal Rotation: ±180°
  • Stabilizer: Two-plane stabilizer
  • Rotation Speed (°/sec): 90.0
  • Reload Time (seconds): 10.00 seconds

Penetration Statistics:

  • HEFI-T: Penetration of 4mm at all ranges.
  • TRINITY 3P: Penetration of 5mm at all ranges.
  • AP-T: Penetration ranges from 41mm at 2,000m to 94mm at 10m.
  • APDS: Penetration ranges from 65mm at 2,000m to 120mm at 10m.

Belt Details:

  • HEFI-T: High Explosive Fragmentation Incendiary - Tracer
    • Velocity: 1,005 m/s
    • Projectile Mass: 0.145 kg
    • Fuse Delay: 0m
    • Fuse Sensitivity: 0.1mm
    • Ricochet Angles: 79°, 80°, 81°
  • TRINITY 3P: High Explosive - Vessel Target
    • Velocity: 1,015 m/s
    • Projectile Mass: 0.88 kg
    • Fuse Delay: 0m
    • Fuse Sensitivity: 0.1mm
    • Ricochet Angles: 79°, 80°, 81°
  • AP-T: Armor-Piercing - Tracer
    • Velocity: 1,025 m/s
    • Projectile Mass: 0.93 kg
    • Fuse: N/A
    • Ricochet Angles: 47°, 60°, 65°
  • APDS: Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot
    • Velocity: 1,200 m/s
    • Projectile Mass: 0.705 kg
    • Fuse: N/A
    • Ricochet Angles: 75°, 78°, 80°

Cutaway:

Cutaway

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CHARRUA II Technical Highlights:

CHARRUA II Technical Highlights

CHARRUA II Technical Highlights

Type: Armored Personnel Carrier

Combat Weight: 18,000kg

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

  • 21.9hp/ton (Inline Turbo Diesel, 394hp)
  • 21.6hp/ton (V-type Turbo Diesel, 470hp)

Maximum Speed:

  • 70km/h (Land)
  • 8km/h (Water)

Armament:

  • .50 Caliber Machine Gun (12.7mm)
  • 4 Smoke Grenade Launchers

Optional:

  • Tower with Dual Machine Guns (7.62mm or 12.7mm)
  • Tower with 20mm or 25mm Autocannon

Armored Protection:

  • Against Point-Blank Perforating Ammunition and Artillery Shrapnel
  • Optional Attachable Ceramic or Other Armor

Vision System:

  • Driver: Three Periscopes, Central with Day/Night System
  • Gunner: Five Periscopes
  • Crew: 6 Vision Blocks, Gun Ports for Rifles

Fire Suppression Systems:

  • Independent for Engine and Personnel Compartment
  • Manual or Automatic Detection and Activation

Engine:

  • Scania DSI 11, 394hp Diesel
  • Allison Transmission (2 Forward, 1 Reverse)
  • Water Propulsion: Two Bellijet Hydrojets (2 x 160CV)

Suspension:

  • Torsion Bars with Hydraulic Bump Stops
  • Ten Support Wheels
  • Tracks: Width 532mm, Ground Contact 2 x 3630mm

Range: 500km (Two 270-liter Fuel Tanks Each).

Dimensions:

Dimensions

Dimensions

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Images:

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source:

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https://www.ecsbdefesa.com.br/charrua-carro-blindado-transporte-de-pessoal/
Charrua Armred Personnel Carrier | MilitaryToday.com
Viaturas Brasil: CHARRUA - Carro Blindado Transporte de Pessoal

3 Likes

Nice!
As an example I will share the demonstration of the trinity tower

2 Likes

This would be so fun to have in a LatAm tree. +1!

1 Like