TULPAR Light Tank is the latest vehicle in the TULPAR family of multi-purpose armoured tracked vehicles developed by Turkish military vehicle manufacturer Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi.
The light tank was displayed for the first time at the Eurosatory 2018 defence industry exhibition held in Paris, France, in June 2018. TULPAR can traverse through coarse terrains where main battle tanks cannot operate due to their size and weight.
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TULPAR light tank design and features
The TULPAR light tank is based on the TULPAR modular multi-purpose vehicle platform designed to meet the diverse mission requirements of users. The tracked chassis offers an ideal platform for the light tank. The vehicle is designed to offer superior protection, mobility and firepower in adverse climate conditions and challenging terrains.
The light tank measures 7.23m-long and 3.45m-wide, and weighs up to 42t. It can accommodate three crew members, including a commander, gunner and driver, in addition to two troops. The vehicle is fitted with a range of standard equipment and systems, including a navigation and positioning system, radio and intercommunication system, driver display unit, day/night cameras for driver, and automatic track-tension system.
The optional equipment and systems include an auxiliary power unit, pre-heating system, command, control, communication and information (C3I) system, and situational awareness system.
Armament aboard Tulpar Light Tank
The vehicle is mounted with a CMI Cockerill 3105 turret integrating a 105mm high-pressure gun with autoloader and a co-axial/pintle-mounted 7.62mm/12.7mm machine gun. The main gun can fire all types of 105mm NATO ammunition and Falarick gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles (GLATGM).
Falarick is a 105mm calibre missile equipped with laser beam guidance system. It can engage static and stationary armoured targets, helicopters and fortifications at a range of 5km. The missile carries a tandem hollow-charge warhead, which can penetrate into targets shielded by 550mm armour and explosive reactive armour (ERA).
The turret is manned by a crew of two members, while firing is controlled by a new-generation fire control system (FCS) equipped with fully stabilised day/night sights. The FCS ensures high first-round hit probability against fixed or moving targets, while hunter-killer capability further enables single and multiple target engagements.
Self-protection features of TULPAR light tank
The TULPAR light tank features modular armour, which can be upgraded based on the threat levels. It integrates a mine-resistant welded structure, shock-absorbing seats and bottom floor, and spall liners.
The vehicle also has signature reduction features such as low silhouette and IR reflective paint and can be integrated with nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection, automatic fire suppression system and active protection systems. Made of welded ballistic aluminium, the turret offers up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 ballistic protection. It is also installed with eight smoke grenade launchers.
Engine and mobility The TULPAR light tank manufactured by Otokar is powered by a 16l, eight-cylinder, water-cooled V8 turbo charged diesel engine with a rated power output of 720hp (530kW). The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission with six forward and four reverse gears.
The torsion bar suspension includes hydraulic dampers and seven dual rubber-tyre road wheels on each side. The running gear also includes replaceable pads and automatic track-tension system.
The track tension system assists the vehicle to tread on different roads by adjusting the tension on the tracks of the wheels.
The TULPAR light tank can travel at a maximum speed of 70km/h on road and can attain a maximum range of approximately 600km. It can pass through a vertical step of 0.8m and a trench with a maximum width of 2.6m. The vehicle can negotiate gradients up to 60% and side slopes of 40%.
