M41C (Can 90mm 76/90M32 BR2) - the most popular tank in brazil

VEIO_da_HAVAN · September 22, 2024, 2:58am

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M41C (Can 90mm 76/90M32 BR2) - the most popular tank in brazil

Introduction

The introduction of the M41C with the 90 mm 76/90M32 BR2 cannon in Brazil stands as one of the key milestones in the modernization of the Brazilian Army’s armored fleet. Faced with the need to extend the service life of its M41 Walker Bulldog tanks and adapt them to Brazilian operational conditions, the Brazilian Army carried out a series of modifications to update the tanks’ armament and powertrains.

The 76/90M32 BR2 90 mm cannon was a central part of this modernization, replacing the old 76 mm cannon with a more effective weapon against armored vehicles and fortified positions. This upgrade allowed the M41C to gain greater firepower while standardizing the use of ammunition already employed by other Brazilian vehicles, such as the EE-9 Cascavel.

Along with the new armament, the M41C was equipped with a Scania DS-14 diesel engine, which was more efficient and better suited to Brazil’s tropical conditions, providing greater range and improved combat performance.

Process of the Engine Transformation:

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Identifying the Problem with the Gasoline Engine:
- Initially, the Continental AOS-895-3 gasoline engine had high fuel consumption, low performance, and maintenance difficulties. The cost and scarcity of high-octane gasoline were problematic, along with overheating during long-duration operations.
Decision to Replace the Engine:
- To address these challenges, the Brazilian Army decided to replace the gasoline engine with a more efficient solution: the Scania DS-14 engine, manufactured in Brazil, which offered better fuel economy and was more suited to tropical climates.
First Phase of Adaptation and Installation:
- Installing the Scania DS-14 engine required significant adaptations. The engine compartment was modified to accommodate the new V8 diesel engine. Additionally, the original cooling system was completely redesigned, including a horizontal radiator with hydraulic fans to ensure the engine would operate efficiently in high temperatures.
Adjustments to the Transmission:
- With the new engine, it was necessary to adjust the CD-500 transmission, which originally worked with the gasoline engine. The company Motopeças Transmissões S/A developed an adjustment kit to align the diesel engine with the existing transmission, ensuring the new power profile was properly distributed.
Field Tests:
- After the modifications, the M41C was subjected to extensive field tests to assess the new engine’s performance in real conditions. These included tests for range, performance on rough terrain, and the ability to operate in high temperatures. The new engine proved more efficient, with better fuel consumption and reduced maintenance needs.
- Cooling System Tests: The radiator system was evaluated to ensure it could handle the heat generated by the engine during extended operations, especially in tropical climates.
Final Adjustments and Approval:
- After testing, final adjustments were made to the traction, suspension, and cooling systems. The Scania DS-14 diesel engine was officially approved as part of the M41C, and its introduction allowed the tank to operate more efficiently in diverse terrains and over long distances.

Impact of the Tests:

The tests demonstrated an increase in the reliability and performance of the M41C, especially in combat conditions in Brazil. The diesel engine provided significantly greater range, reducing the need for frequent refueling and lowering operational costs. Additionally, overheating issues were resolved, making the tank more reliable in long operations.

Observed Aspect	M-41 C	M-41 A3
Time to reach 40 Km/h on flat terrain	12.5 seconds	13.5 seconds
Time to cover the first Km on flat terrain	77 seconds	79 seconds
Speed on 10% incline	45 Km/h	45 Km/h
Maximum speed on flat terrain	65 Km/h	72 Km/h

90 mm BR2 Cannon

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1970s - Identification of the Need for Modernization:
- During the 1970s, the Brazilian Army identified that the original 76 mm cannon of the M41 was no longer adequate for modern combat scenarios. Its penetration power and the availability of ammunition were limited, leading to the search for more modern alternatives.
Selection of the 90 mm Cannon:
- The Army decided to standardize the use of the 90 mm armament in its armored forces, as the same caliber was already in use on the EE-9 Cascavel. This provided logistical advantages, in addition to greater firepower, making the 90 mm cannon the obvious choice for the M41’s modernization.
Development of the BR2 Cannon:
- Bernardini S/A Indústria e Comércio was responsible for developing the 90 mm BR2 cannon, using the existing 76 mm cannon as the basis. The company extended the barrel to increase the range and accuracy of the weapon.
Adaptation to the M41C:
- Installing the new cannon required modifications to the M41’s turret. The turret had to be reinforced to support the additional weight and recoil of the 90 mm cannon. Additionally, the fire control system was updated to ensure greater accuracy with the new armament.
Testing and Approval:
- The BR2 cannon underwent various field tests, evaluating its combat effectiveness, penetration power, and overall performance. The results were satisfactory, leading to the final approval for its use on the M41C.

Specification	BR1	BR2
Muzzle Velocity	Approximately 900 m/s	Approximately 930 m/s
Maximum Range	Up to 2,000 meters	Up to 2,500 meters

comparative table between cannon br1 and br2 according to the book M-41 Walker Bulldog in the Brazilian Army: A Great Learning Experience by Carlos Expedito Bastos.

Start of Production and Implementation:
- After approval, the Brazilian Army began mass production of the M41C units equipped with the BR2 cannon, consolidating the modernization of its fleet and extending the service life of the tanks.

With kit “add on”

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With all the modifications that were being made, a laser sight and night vision system from the American company Kollmorgen was installed. The sight was the M-220, fully interchangeable with the future MB-3 Tamoyo, receiving data from a Ferrranti computer, which would be manufactured in Brazil by Ferranti/Casa Mayrink Veiga. At the time, they were also working for the Brazilian Navy. It is worth noting that Kollmorgen also manufactured one of the sights for the M-1 Abrams, and was still the leading manufacturer in the United States of submarine periscopes.

This unique unit appeared in Bernardini’s catalogs and was featured in several specialized publications, including the Army’s own reports. It was equipped with the Br2 cannon, manufactured domestically, and had side protective skirts, which were removed due to cost considerations, with the intention of keeping them for a future export version, in the form of ‘kits’ that never materialized.

M-41C with side panels, “add on” armor on the front. This camouflage paint was not adopted by the Brazilian army, but was used as advertising by the company, appearing in several publications.