Tosan tank
Tosan | |
---|---|
Type | Light tank |
Place of origin | Iran |
Service history | |
In service | 1997– |
Used by |
Iranian Army IRGCGF |
Production history | |
Produced | 1997 |
Number built | ~ 20 [1] |
Specifications | |
Weight | ~ 8 tonnes |
Length | 4.9 m |
Width | 2.2 m |
Height | 2.1 m |
Crew | 3 |
| |
Armour | 12.7 mm |
Main armament | 90 mm gun |
Secondary armament | Toophan |
Engine | Diesel |
Suspension | Torsion bar |
The Tosan (Also written Towan, meaning Wild Horse or Fury) is an Iranian light tank, for unconventional warfare. Production started in 1997,[2] but the tank was only produced in small numbers.[1] Mass production started in 2008. Colonel Nasser Arab-Beigi, head of the self-sufficiency unit of the IRGC ground forces, announced the mass-production of this 'Quick Reaction' tank on June 30, 2008, as part of the country's campaign for defense self-sufficiency.[3] Iran calls it a 'Quick Reaction' tank because the tank is said to be capable of rapid response and is built for strategic missions. It appears to be based on the British FV101 Scorpion (where Iran has 80 in service), the tank is fitted with a 90 mm gun, Toophan missile launchers and an improved firing and targeting systems. The tank can drive long distances on its tracks and does not need to be carried on trucks.[2]
Operators
See also
Zulfiqar MBT
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://web.archive.org/web/20070216120054/http://www.tau.ac.il/jcss/balance/Iran.pdf
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Globalsecurity "Tosan". 10 July 2008.
- ↑ Press TV Iran produces 'Quick Reaction' tanks 30 June 2008
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