- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- Dutch (sub) tree
- other
- no/negative
TL;DR: The YPR 765 A1 PRAT, the MLU of the YPR-765 PRAT, armed with TOW-2 missiles
History
History
In the 1980s, the Dutch Army (KL) deemed it necessary to enhance its anti-tank capabilities, which led to the development of the YPR PRAT. The anti-tank weapon system of the YPR PRAT is completely different from the other YPR vehicles. The special turret is equipped with two anti-tank missile launch tubes for firing TOW anti-tank missiles. The desired expansion of anti-tank capabilities around 1980 was a direct response to developments within the Warsaw Pact, which still maintained a significant conventional numerical advantage over NATO. The task of neutralizing enemy tanks with TOW wire-guided anti-tank missiles fell to the anti-tank companies of the mechanized infantry. Anti-tank operations were at the core of the defensive strategy of the First Army Corps in the North German Plain. Approximately 300 units of this type of YPR were introduced, replacing the AMX light tank and the Nekaf TLV. “Y” stands for Dutch production, “PR” for Pantserrups (armored track), and “765” refers to the file number from the earlier experimental stage when the vehicle was derived from the M113. The “V” is 'Verbeterd" a.k.a. ‘improved’, which would later be replaced with the general A1 designation.
After this improvement project, the type designation “A1” was added. In the table below, the various types are listed. Where the “A1” designation is absent, the type has not been modified. Some examples of key universal modifications include:
Replacing the American T130 tracks with German Diehl tracks
- Adding luggage racks
- Installing cable cutters
- Replacing the axles in the final drive
- Sealing off three firing ports and four periscope holes
- Adding a thermal gunner and commander sight
- Applying a three-color camouflage pattern (standard NATO colors: black, moss green, and bronze brown).
The PRAT (Pantser Rups Anti Tank = Armored Anti-Tank Tracked Vehicle) can also be operated and fired from beneath the armor. The launch platform is hydraulically and electrically controlled. The PRAT can carry 12 anti-tank missiles and is also equipped with a ground mounting setup.
YPR layout with dimensions. The driver’s position is at the front left. Behind him sits the vehicle commander, with the deputy commander in reverse position next to him, followed by the gunner. The commander, driver, and gunner communicate via intercom.
It also carries the TOW (Tube-launched Optically tracked Wire-guided) missile system for elevated operations.
Specifications
Dimensions: L/W/H: 5,26 m / 2,82 m / 2,54 m (without TOW-2 launcher) 3,0 m with raised turret
Weight: 13,6 tons
Engine: Detroit Diesel Allison 6V-53T (267 hp at 2800 rpm)
Speed: 61 km/h (on-road); 6 km/h (on-water)Crew: 3 (1 Driver, 1 Gunner and 1 Commander)
Armament Gun Emerson 901 Hammerhead twin missile launcher Munition TOW-2 anti-tank guided missile Ammunition 2 + 12 Pintlemount cupola 7,62 mm FN MAG (100 rounds) Sight Daysight and Thermal night sight Active protection 1 x 6 76mm Smoke Grenades
Place in War Thunder
The YPR-765 A1 PRAT would serve as a great hull-down missile AT platform, where ambushes and holding certain zones could provide cover to allies in other vehicles. It would also be a great representation of some weird Dutch acquirement programs.
Regarding nations
BeNeLux
As the BeNeLux subtree for France has now been confirmed, France has the highest chance of recieving Dutch equipment. However an independent BeNeLux would also be very possible. For further info please go to: BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg) Ground Forces.
Pictures
Sources
Spoiler
- Blijleven, C., YPR 765 ‘Een unieke Amerikaans/Nederlandse familie
gepantserde voertuigen’, in: Mars et Historia 1966-1986, jrg 20 (1986) 87-90- Ministerie van Defensie. (2023, November 23). YPR-pantserrupsvoertuig. Materieel | Defensie.nl. YPR-pantserrupsvoertuig | Materieel | Defensie.nl
- Alfred Staarman. (n.d.). De YPR-765 in de Koninklijke Landmacht. Armamentaria.
- Ministerie van Defensie. (2023a, March 20). Onder pantser. Geschiedenis Regimenten En Korpsen | Defensie.nl. Onder pantser | Geschiedenis regimenten en korpsen | Defensie.nl
- Ministerie van Defensie. (2016, February 24). Historische canon Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene - YPR 765. Publicatie | Defensie.nl. Historische canon Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene - YPR 765 | Publicatie | Defensie.nl
- YPR-765 PRAT. (n.d.). Weaponsystems.net. YPR-765 PRAT | Weaponsystems.net
- Beeldbank Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie. (n.d.-e). D3418, Optreden van het pantserantitankpeloton YPR 765 / PRAT / V - Deel 1 Het gevechtsklaar maken. Beeldbank Nederlands Instituut Voor Militaire Historie. Foto's
- Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie. (2019, November 21). Optreden van het pantserantitankpeloton YPR 765 : PRAT : V - Deel 3: De opstelling [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPzyPyJUq6c