Argentine Army has unveiled upgraded model of TAM 2IP medium tank

[Zarvan]

TAM 2IP prototype. Photo by Jorge Baez zona-militar.com
The new prototype of upgraded model of TAM 2IP medium tank was shown on «Day of the Argentine Army» in the Military School of the Nation.

According to zona-militar.com, the new TAM 2IP medium tank developed by Israel Military Industries Ltd and Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense companys.

TAM 2IP is an new variant of upgraded version of the TAM light tank with add-on armor kit, new fire control system and new sights. The ballistic profile of the applique armor was improved and includes extra protection for the turret on all sides, as well as the sides and front of the chassis.

The TAM or Tanque Argentino Mediano (Argentinean medium tank) is considered a light tank. In early 1970s a contract was awarded to German Thyssen-Henschel to develop a 30-tonne tank, armed with a 105-mm gun and an infantry fighting vehicle (VCTP) with as much common components as possible. Production commenced in 1976 in Argentina. Out of 500 TAMs and VCTPs initially planned only 256 tanks and 94 IFVs were built due to budget cuts.

Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic was planned to upgrade all 235 surviving TAM tanks to the new standard.


TAM 2IP prototype. Photo by Jorge Baez zona-militar.com

TAM 2IP prototype. Photo by Jorge Baez zona-militar.com

http://defence-blog.com/army/argentine-army-has-unveiled-upgraded-model-of-tam-2ip-medium-tank.html

 

[Penguin]

The Argentine Army has unveiled a prototype for its TAM medium tank modernisation programme, for which it is working with Israel Military Industries (IMI), Elbit, and Tadiran.

An initial prototype, TAM 2C, was unveiled in March 2013. In 2015, after a proposal by IMI and Elbit, a second prototype called TAM 2IP was developed that added armour to increase the tank's protection (and giving it an appearance similar to that of a small Merkava tank).

The new armour, based on IMI's Iron Wall design, could be added to any TAM tanks, modernised or not, without any modification and includes extra protection for the turret on all sides, as well as the sides and front of the chassis.

The prototype was displayed for the first time during the Argentine Army Day celebrations on 29 May, and the army said it is now starting tests.

The current installation is to check fittings and the tank's basic performance with the extra armour, and more tests will be conducted throughout the year to determine the extra weight's impact on suspension and performance, as well as the level of protection it provides.

Army officials declined to provide information regarding the weight and capabilities expected of the extra armour.

http://www.janes.com/article/60849/argentina-unveils-tam-tank-prototype-with-added-armour

 

[Natan]

The shape of the gun turret and the skirts resemble Magach 7 and Sabra.

 

[Penguin]

In 2010, a second modernization (TAM 2C) program taken in hands by the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. The upgrade consisted in a 3-axis gyro-stabilization for the main gun and a thermal sleeve for the L7A2 105 mm, while a L44 120 mm cannon was proposed to replace the previous weapon. Smaller upgrades consists of LAHAT missile-launching capacity, electric Honeywell FCS with BMS for C4i – including laser designator, thermal camera, panoramic periscope, and new APU among others. The prototype was delivered and tested in March 2013, however since then no order upgrades have been funded yet.

http://www.taringa.net/posts/notici...mente-el-tanque-argentino-mediano-TAM-IP.html (more interesting pics)

 

[Bossman]

In the 1970s, Pakistan was considering TAM for local production. It was a Bhutto family kick-back scam. I am glad we did not opt for it. Totally unsuitable for Pakistan