- Yes
- No
TL;DR: Type 59-I with Marksman turret.
Hello, and welcome to my suggestion. Today I would like to present a tank, that does not fit with the rest of its family, but is just as effective as its relatives.
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. Type 59-I was one of the hulls used for tests and demonstrations. Some people might be confused, as to how UK acquired Type 59 hull. This vehicle was bought by RO in early 80s from Pakistan, and was used as a development/demonstration vehicle. Fitting of the turret took place in 1986, followed by a series of trials. 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.
Engine: Model 12150L V-12 Diesel producing 520hp
Gearbox: Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Suspension: torsion bar
Max speed: 50km/h
Crew: 3 Driver, Gunner and Commander/Radar Operator
Protection:
Hull: Identical to Type 59
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: 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°
SAGEM Type VS 580-VISAA
Dual FOV: 5°/x10, 18°/x3
Integrated LRF in the gunner sight
Stabilized: Yes, Two-plane
2 x 35mm Oerlikon KDA Autocannons
Ammunition:230xAA + 20xAPDS per gun
Shell types: 35x228
HEI
HEI-T
SPAHE-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
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