- Yes
- No
caid’s suggestion #166
I would like to suggest a rather interesting tank, the Swiss Schützenpanzer 63 RWk-007
The Schützenpanzer 63 RWk-007 or Spz 63 RWk-007 was the Schützenpanzer 63 with the RWk-007 turret
the Schützenpanzer 63 was introduced in 1963 after a competition between Mowag, Saurer AMX, and FMC Corporation. While less advanced than the other competitor, it was FMC who won the important contract with their M113. about 1,475 M113 was ordered by the Swiss army. this tank became by far the most numerous tanks to ever see service in the Swiss army.
during the early 80s, Switzerland was trying to market the RWk-007 turret. To show that the turret was capable of being mounted on multiple chassis, the Swiss had mounted the turret on one of the Spz 63 which was an American M113. the M113 has been exported massively in many countries allowing the Swiss to get a high chance of drawing attention with this turret. however, they had no success.
Firepower
This version of the Tornado was armed with a RWk-007 turret. this turret was an MLRS that was carrying 81mm SNORA rockets. These Swiss rockets were also used on the aircraft (notably on the Swiss P-51) and were capable of direct fire and fire support. while the direct fire was more a secondary use, the indirect fire was providing the vehicles a high fire-support capacity which was close to the artillery tanks. the turret has a good elevation and depression that allow it to fight in long-range and close combat. the rockets are fairly fast, about as fast as the regular tank’s shells. it also features a good penetration with the HEAT rounds. having a maximal range of 9 km, the effective range was closer to 2.5 km which made it a close artillery support.
Depending on which BR Gaijin would want this tank, some of his ammunition may not be available on this tank the HE alone can make it fit for the game already and all of his ammunition can take this tank in a very different BR.
Mobility
The tank was powered by a Detroit 6-cylinder 6V-53 engine which provided 215 hp. this engine is a bit weak in comparison to the engine found on other tanks but it’s all relative as this tank only weighs 12.36 tonnes (10.950 kg for the chassis and 1.410 kg for the turret). this gives the tank a power-weight of 17.39 hp/tonnes which is more than enough to make the tank feel good on the battlefield. the tank has a top speed of 64 km/h which is pretty good in any rank and a reverse speed of 15 km/h. That makes the tank capable of moving around easily in all terrain including the soft ground. the tank is also amphibious with a top speed of 6 km/h in the water.
Protection
The armor of this tank is nothing to be crazy about. despite the decent thickness on the front and side, the armor is made of aluminum for the whole chassis which makes it quit weak against anti-tank rounds. about anything better than a Heavy machine gun will penetrate it quite easily. The turret is not any better. while made of steel, the thickness is still not enough to take a hit from HMG safely. the tank is still all enclosed and capable of taking LMG fire from about all sides. the crew of probably 3 men should include a driver at the front, a gunner, and a commander at the rear in what was normally the passenger compartment. the tank has the engine at the front right of the tank which can help to absorb AP round without injuring the crew but at the cost of the engine that would be breaking down. the tank is fairly big and flat making it hard to hide and easy to penetrate.
Sources
- SPz 63/73
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/magazine/magazine2/Spz_63.pdf
- Kdo Pz 63/73 - Kettenfahrzeuge der Schweiz - IG RC Panzer Schweiz
- Spz 63 M-113 A1 mit SE-412 - Schützenpanzer - Raupenfahrzeuge | militärfahrzeuge.ch
- M113 armored personnel carrier - Wikipedia
- Variants of the M113 armored personnel carrier - Wikipedia
- M-113 - Armee Schweiz
Armament
- https://ia800901.us.archive.org/34/items/Oerlikon81mmRockets/Oerlikon 81mm rockets.PDF
- SNORA and SURA-D rockets - Wikipedia
Spoiler
The Switzerland supporter discord is open to everyone
If you like to see some wacky tanks if you want to see unique aircraft, if you want to see something about a new nation that could make it to the game. Switzerland is for you
the Swiss Discord is dedicated to researching Swiss military material and support. no qualification is needed. if you want to help or have a look around, follow this link and we would be happy to welcome you
this link is valid for the first 100 persons
the 50 first to join get an automatic membership
