Magach Marksman - A cousin from the Middle East

Would you like to see Magach Marksman in-game?
  • Yes
  • No
0 voters

TL;DR: Magach 3 with Marksman turret.

Hello, and welcome to my suggestion. Today I would like to present one of the last members of the Marksman family, but this time, with Middle East roots.

Introducing

Magach Marksman

image

History

Following a worldwide market survey into the type of air defence system required to protect armoured and mechanised formations and units from the low-level fighter ground attack aircraft and the pop-up helicopter threat, in 1983 the Marconi Command and Control Systems commenced development of a prototype of the Marksman twin 35 mm anti-aircraft turret. The principal feature of the Marksman gun turret was that it was a completely self-contained turret, which can be fitted to any Main Battle Tank hull or large Armoured Personnel Carrier hull without modification. The first prototype was completed in 1984
with a turret of mild steel, while the second, fully armoured and equipped to production standard, was completed in 1985. Following the creation of the production standard turret, a series of tests, trials and demonstrations was carried out using a bunch of different tank hulls. Magach 3 was one of the hulls used for tests and demonstrations. Fitting o this turret took place in 1986, followed by a series of trials. This turret was also demonstrated at Farnborough Air Show in 1988. The turret failed to pick up interest of the British army, but was successfully sold to the Finnish army, where it was fitted into T-55 chassis.

Now its time to talk about the specifications.

General:

Engine: Diesel producing 750hp
Gearbox: Manual, 6 forward, 2 reverse
Suspension: Torsion bar
Max speed: 48km/h
Crew: 3 Driver, Gunner and Commander/Radar Operator
Protection:
Hull: Identical to Magach 3
Turret: All around protection against 14.5 mm heavy machinegun and 155mm airburst
Horizontal limits: 360° rotation
Turret rotation speed: 90°/s
Vertical launcher limits: -10° +85°
Elevation speed: 60°/s
Stabilized: Yes, two-plane
10x 66mm smoke grenades
Radar:

Radar: Marconi S400.
Type: Symmetrical Parabolic antenna combine search and track radar
Band: IEEE: X/Ku NATO: I/J
Range: 12km search, 10km track
Tracking accuracy: <1mrad rms angle
Scan zone: 360°x15°
Scan rate: 60 rpm
IFF

Features

Multipathing solutions
Frequency agility
Monopulse
MTI
PRF stagger
Low sidelobes

Ability to cue turret in whole 360°

Gunner/Commander sight:

SAGEM Type VS 580-VISAA
Dual FOV: 5°/x10, 18°/x3
Integrated LRF in the gunner sight
Stabilized: Yes, Two-plane
Armament:

2 x 35mm Oerlikon KDA Autocannons
Ammunition:230xAA + 20xAPDS per gun
Shell types: 35x228
HEI
HEI-T
SAPHE-T
APDS-T

This sums up this suggestion. This vehicle has good protection, punchy guns and great reaction time. Combination of all those thing would make it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Media


See it move at 28:35

https://youtu.be/3ylUMKApdm4?t=1714

Sources

GEC-Marconi Marksman anti aircraft gun turret brochure
Marconi Command and Control Systems Marksman anti aircraft gun turret brochure
Marconi Radar Systems International 33
Oerlikon-Contraves 35mm x 228 Ammunition for the Automatic Cannon KD Series brochure
Janes LBDA 2003-2004
International Defense Review 6/1984

2 Likes

I think this fella might just like the marksman?

+1

6 Likes

I have no idea what made you think so.

1 Like

That would definitely be an M48 hull if I’ve ever seen one, although it’s unfortunate that this combination seems to have been a bit overshadowed by the rest.

As for implementation, there are of course many hulls to choose from, but I suppose the best case scenario would be to get the Centurion and Vickers foldered at 8.0 without APDS, representing one slow and one fast Marksman at that BR without the best AT capabilities available. Subsequently, we then see the Chieftain and Challenger Marksmans at 8.3, with APDS, one slow and one fast.

1 Like

I had no idea the Marksman turret had been used on so many platforms!

1 Like

If it could fit, marconi slapped it on it

4 Likes

The system was designed to basically be a plug and play SPAAG Turret for most nations existing MBTs

3 Likes

Oh my God, the plague, it’s everywhere. It may be more useful than the Improved Chaparral.

2 Likes

Makes sense, and honestly it’s a pretty smart idea.

2 Likes

Easily belongs in the Israeli tree, even if the hull is its only connection. I don’t care if it has more ties to Britain based on the company that gave it the turret, as they have other M48/M60 Marksman variants to offer, and Israel reeeeally needs an SPAA for 8.7/9.0 and its lineups there.

Example of an M60 fitted with a marksman turret:
Patton Tank
(Not to mention GB already has their chieftain marksman ingame).

It’s a Magach, and the best and most suitable place for it ingame is the Israeli tree. +1, but only if it appears in the Israeli tree.

4 Likes