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Revision as of 13:27, 7 June 2008

The TLAB (Tanque Latinoamericano Batalla, English: Latin American Battle Tank) is one of the world's newest main battle tanks. It is based on a British design, the Vickers MBT Mark 7, or Valiant tank (which is where the TLAB gets its name "Valeroso", which is Spanish for valiant).

The TLAB entered service in 1995, and replacing the AMX-30 in the Ejercito del los Estados Confederados.

Technical Characteristics

Firepower

The design is more or less standard. The TLAB is armed with a Rheinmetall L55 120mm gun, 1 7.62mm FN MAG co-axial machine gun, 1 FN-Browning M2QCHB 12.7mm machine gun in a remote weapon station, and 1 FN MAG 7.62mm machine gun. The tank carries a total of fifty 120mm rounds. The turret is fully stabilised and the gun can be fired at full speed. The Gunner and Commander have independent day and night sights, with the Commander having all round vision, as well as the ability to override the gunner's commands. The gun is loaded manually.

The TLAB has the usual smoke dischargers, as well as a laser warning system. For last ditch defence, the tank has racks for 2 Micro Galil rifles, or Uzi sub machine guns (the racks can be switched from one type to another depending on the personal weapons the crew possess). The tank also has storage spaces for 5.56mm, or 9mm ammunition. The loader's FN MAG has a buttstock and pistol grip and is in a quick release mounting for easy ground use (unlike the M1 Abrams M240, which uses a spade grip and is not in a quick release mounting.)

Mobility

The TLAB is powered by a 1500hp MTU diesel engine. This engine, in combination with the transmission gives the TLAB a speed of over 45 mph. The hydropneumatic suspension provides a smooth ride over rough ground. The TLAB can ford streams up to 13ft deep, can cross 10ft trenches, and climb a 3.5ft obstacle.

Protection

The TLAB is clad in Chobham armour. Thickness is classified. ERA tiles can be fitted over the skirts. The loader's FN MAG mounting is equipped with a transparent gun shield. Ammunition storage is heavily protected, and is isolated from the crew.

Command/Communication

The TLAB has the latest command and communication systems, and fits into the networked battlefield. Both voice, and data radios are fitted, and all crew members can communicate with each other via intercom. Through their headsets, all crew members can also transmit over the radio (though in practice only the commander does). Lastly, there is an infantry-tank telephone on the back of the vehicle.

Images

Variants

• VPRT (Vehiculo Pesado Recuperador Tanques) Valeroso Recovery Vehicle
• VPLI (Vehiculo Pesado Para la Ingenieri­a) Valeroso Armoured Engineering Vehicle
• VPLP (Vehiculo Pesado Lanza el Puente) Valeroso Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridge