Replacement for Singapore's AMX-13SM1 light tanks??
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Do you think Singapore should seek a replacement for its AMX-13SM1 light tanks? its practically a target practice object for enemy tanks and artillery in times of war..
So should SAF get new light tanks? If yes, than what should they be? If not, then what are the other options available? (anti tank guns on wheeled chassis?)
Also, i heard ST Engg is developing a tank with Bionix chassis. Anyone know whats the latest on that Bionix tank? -
MINDEF sources say a replacement for the AMX-13SM1 light tank will be considered within the next five years. "We are looking at whether we should replace this with a similar class of vehicle, or introduce a new concept fulfilling the basic function of a tank but not necessarily looking like one," a source explained. "The USA has looked at the Future Combat System [FCS] and we find that to be an attractive idea. We can explore along a similar line." Though as the FCS is only just on the drawing board (Jane's Defence Weekly 13 June), a similar system for Singapore is some time away.Originally posted by laser51088:Do you think Singapore should seek a replacement for its AMX-13SM1 light tanks? its practically a target practice object for enemy tanks and artillery in times of war..
So should SAF get new light tanks? If yes, than what should they be? If not, then what are the other options available? (anti tank guns on wheeled chassis?)
Also, i heard ST Engg is developing a tank with Bionix chassis. Anyone know whats the latest on that Bionix tank?
Source : Jane's Defence Weekly Vol 35 Issue 26 - 27 - Friday, 22 June, 2001
As to what replaces the SM1, well....we just have to wait lor. -
Jane's also reported this year that ST Engg is designing a new light tank (presumedly for SAF and based on the Bionix chassis). It was on their website a few months ago.Originally posted by wombat:MINDEF sources say a replacement for the AMX-13SM1 light tank will be considered within the next five years. "We are looking at whether we should replace this with a similar class of vehicle, or introduce a new concept fulfilling the basic function of a tank but not necessarily looking like one," a source explained. "The USA has looked at the Future Combat System [FCS] and we find that to be an attractive idea. We can explore along a similar line." Though as the FCS is only just on the drawing board (Jane's Defence Weekly 13 June), a similar system for Singapore is some time away.
Source : Jane's Defence Weekly Vol 35 Issue 26 - 27 - Friday, 22 June, 2001
As to what replaces the SM1, well....we just have to wait lor.
Well, like the Bionix project, the pictures or info about light tank for SAF is not going to appear in public domain for the next 2 to 3 years until SAF is happy with the vechicle and mass production begins.
There are also a couple of threads in this forum on this topics already. There are even discussion about what tanks are the most suitable replacement for the 60+ SAF Centurions.
Anyway, my gut feeling says that we will soon see 105mm armed Bionix and Terrix variants.
..and I am hoping that SAF will also consider the 120mm armed CV90 as the centurion replacement.
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I would forseen the new light tank will be based on BIONIX chassis. The only question is will it be a conventional 105mm gun turrut or new concept missile based launch platform (probably couple with chain cannon or AGL)?!?
For MBT, most probably it will be 2nd hand thick armour Makera MBT (Mk 2 or 3) at dirt cheap price to replace the Centurions. -
Originally posted by bigballs11:
A missile based launch platform will theoretically be called a tank destroyer rather than a (light) tank. Are you thinking of the USMC Sheridan M551 alike?
I would forseen the new light tank will be based on BIONIX chassis. The only question is will it be a conventional 105mm gun turrut or new concept missile based launch platform (probably couple with chain cannon or AGL)?!?
I personally think that a M8 AGS, Stingray type light tank should be acquired. However, I don't think SAF needs to replace SM1 with the new light tank on a 1 to 1 basis.
Furthermore, I see that the Bionix 25mm armed version can add anti-armour missiles as part of its armament. Two individual launch tubes can be mounted each on the side of the turret like that of the LAV-25 Tow armed version. Given Sg can license build Spikes, I think it will not be too difficult to integrate the Spikes unto the Bionix turrets.
I also think that Bionix can also carry a turret similar to the UMSC AAV7s with the CIS 40 AGL and 0.5 HMG, which gives better protection to the gunner. See pics below:
if you don't see above pic, click on the image holder area and you will get to a page that has got the drawing of the AAV7 40/50 turret...Scroll to the bottom and click on the image of the right
As for the light tank, we can marry a foreign turret to the Bionix chassis, for example, the Textron 105mm turrent:
http://www.tmls.textron.com/Programs/LAND/Turrets/turrets.htm
I doubt this will happen because the Merkava Mk2 and Mk3 are way too heavy for SAF.
For MBT, most probably it will be 2nd hand thick armour Makera MBT (Mk 2 or 3) at dirt cheap price to replace the Centurions. -
The problem is do we require a light tank armed with an underpowered gun?!?
To engage a top of the line MBT with composite layered armour plus reactive armour plates, even a 120mm round /w depleted uranium penetrator head may not warrant a kill.
To destroy a bunker/soft armour vehicle?!? might as well use a chain cannon and AGL to do the job.
It might be heavy but the average ground pressure per square inch is no more than the centurion tank, surprise, surprise...Advantage of the Merkava is a rugged/battle proven tank, simple to operate/maintain and can carry many many rounds, heavily armoured, low profile and able to carry a section of troopers, good for urban warfare or as a dig in defence weapon.Originally posted by Joe Black:I doubt this will happen because the Merkava Mk2 and Mk3 are way too heavy for SAF.
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the army is in no hurry to replace its current tanks.. the amx-13 or sm1. due to our terrain...to have a tank warfare on this island would be a disadvantage.to put it in simple terms..infantry or guards unit will be able to destory enemy tanks faster in urban areas..with spike anti tank missiles; rather than send tanks to engage them one by one.. In any warfare, bring able to defeat the enemy within a short time is one of the key factors. Wit the purchase of the AH-64D attack helicopters...there is no urgent need to replace all the tanks in saf inventory. Probably..what we need is a light mobile tank equipped with a powerful cannon... 120mm type..that should be adequate enough...
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hey can anyone tell me where did u all find all those infomation about wad sg has in their inventories... and i'm finding info on the latest anti tanks gun which was made by sg ----- i guess so... anyone >>??
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the list of weapons s'pore have are by and large hardly known to the public...unless its use for publicity purpose...and telling our neighbours we have something to be afraid off...deterence u noe..haha have a good time finding this materials...Jane's Defence Weekly does have alot on this info...
hitman 47 -
i dunno whether you consider it anti-tank, but i know Singapore developed some shoot and scoot light 155mm arty which is heli-portable and can deploy with the GuardsOriginally posted by ETboy:hey can anyone tell me where did u all find all those infomation about wad sg has in their inventories... and i'm finding info on the latest anti tanks gun which was made by sg ----- i guess so... anyone >>??
other than that and also the Terrex 81 wheeled-IFV i doubt they have developed anything else (that is known to the public)
the st engg people are also said to be developing a light tank with bionix chassis like i said above. i can't find ANY info on that other than that there is a probability they are working on it... not very helpful, sorry -
i think at this moment SG tends to be concentrating on the APache tank buster.20 apaches is consider only a small amount to begin with if the Concept is real that SAF is using Apache as a primary defence against aggressor MBT instead of 120/105 mm guns mounted on some tanks.i doubt 20 will be enough i believ at least 50 apache will be acquire in the future including the 20 heli,it might be send to brunei , thai or taiwan to coordinate with the SAF troops present in those country for training purpose.....since apache often need ground troopers coordination to take out our hidden
soldier who is carrying portable SAM which is unseen to the apache eyes.
I still think that SM1 scrap metal should thrown into the garbge dump......... -
sorry IS ENEMYs hidden soldier
