- Yes
- No
History and design
By the late 1970s, the M-41 tank had been retired by most modern militaries; however, the Spanish Army was not yet prepared to phase out its fleet. This reluctance prompted several companies to propose modernization projects, both to upgrade the tank’s capabilities and to convert it into a potential tank destroyer. In 1980, Chrysler Spain independently developed a modernized M-41 prototype with the intent of offering it to the Army. The modernization primarily focused on upgrading the engine, replacing the original with a Detroit Diesel 8V-71T, a water-cooled 8-cylinder engine that produced 500 HP at 2,800 rpm, coupled with an Allison CD-500-3 automatic transmission. This upgrade resulted in a more reliable vehicle with lower fuel consumption, allowing it to achieve a range of 500 km and a top speed of 72 km/h.
Additional modifications were less significant, including new air filters, updated electrical and heating systems, and redesigned fenders. The main cannon was retained, but the original Browning coaxial machine gun was replaced with an MG-42. The turret also received a new drive system to enhance its performance. The prototype underwent testing at the Cavalry Academy in Valladolid, but it did not meet the Army’s expectations, and no further units were produced.
The modernization project was initially aimed at revitalizing the Spanish Army’s fleet of around 150-160 M-41 light tanks, which were becoming increasingly outdated. In 1982, another prototype was developed, featuring more extensive modifications. The original turret was replaced with a TUA (TOW Under Armor) turret, an American design from 1976 originally developed for the M-901, an anti-tank missile launcher variant of the M-113. This new turret was armored, retractable, and capable of rotating 360 degrees. It was equipped with two TOW missile launchers, along with advanced optical systems including a 13x daytime sight, an infrared sensor, and a thermal viewer.
The vehicle’s layout included the commander and driver positioned at the front on the right and left sides, respectively. The gunner was centrally located under a cupola with eight vision blocks, and the loader, responsible for reloading the missile launchers, was positioned at the rear. Despite these extensive upgrades, the Army was ultimately not persuaded to move forward with mass production of the prototype.
Specifications
CHARACTERISTICS M41E TUA “HUNTER”
Crew: 4 men.
Combat weight: 23 Tm.
Engine: GMC Detroit Diesel 8V-71T, 450 HP at 2,500 rpm.
Transmission: GMC-Allison CD -500-3.
Maximum speed: 80 km/h.
Autonomy: 560 km.
Maximum slope: 60 by 100.
Max. vertical obstacle: 0.71 m.
Maximum trench: 1.83 m.
Armament TUA twin-tube tower launcher, TOW missiles, portable launcher, 7.62 mm machine gun,
Ammunition: 12 TOW missiles, 2,000 7.62 mm shots.
Observation and aiming optics.
Observer: 3500 M.957 rotating periscope, two M-17 periscopes.
Shooter: day: acquisition scope, tracking scope; night: AN/VVS-2 intensifier.
Driver: 3 M-17 periscopes.
Protection:
Smoke generator: TEESS System (smoke generator) 4X2smoke grenade launcher
anti-NBQ protection.
Communications equipment: AN/VRC-45.
Why it should be in war thunder
El Cazador guarantees effective anti-tank defense to armored units given its mobility and effectiveness of the missile while assuming its own survival and protection, since it can operate from positions with a complete defiling of the hull, leaving only the upper part of the launcher visible, which can be raised, fired and loaded under the protection of the M41E TUA Cazador´s shell.
Sources
Proyectos Blindados Frustrados Nacionales - El Gran Capitán
Cazacarros M41 E TUA Cazador - Noticias Defensa En abierto
Foro de Armas.es
Un programa al traste. El M41 E TUA.
Foro sobre armas, tiro, caza, defensa, policial y militar con sección de compra-venta de armas y accesorios. Foro de arma corta, arma larga y armas de fuego.
El País – 16 May 83