Military Vehicles Forecast

ARCHIVED REPORT
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Vickers Tanks - Archived 1/2005

Outlook 10 Year Unit Production Forecast

2004 - 2013
 Serial production of the Mark 3 remains dormant
Units


12
Mark 3(I) program is dormant; the Mark 5 and Mark 7 programs 10
never advanced beyond the demonstrator stage 8

 Apart from the Vijayanta, there are no major modernization or 6

4
retrofit programs for this series
2

 Production forecast (at right) is for the Mark 3M model only 0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
0 0 9 10 2 0 0 0 0 0
Years

Orientation
Description. Tanks Licensees. The Avadi Company of India had a license
to produce the Mark 1.
Sponsor. The primary contractor, Vickers Defence
Systems, privately funded development of this tank Status. In 1994, Vickers completed the latest Mark 3
series. FMC Corporation (now United Defense Limited production run, filling a 1990 Nigerian order. Since
Partnership) provided some support for the Mark 5 then, the production line has remained dormant. The
development program. basic Mark 3, Mark 3(I), and Mark 3M models are
available for further production orders. The Mark 1
Contractors
(also as the Vijayanta) and Mark 3 are currently in
Primary Contractor. Vickers Defence Systems Division
service.
(Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom) –
since 2002, a component of Alvis-Vickers. Total Produced. Vickers has produced the following
total quantities of tanks covered in this report: 162
Major Subcontractors. Avimo, Boeing (formerly
Mark 1s (including the first 90 tanks configured as the
McDonnell Douglas Helicopters), British Leyland
Vijayanta, delivered to India); 2,187 Vijayantas; 222
Motors, Curtis-Wright Anstriebstechnik, General
Mark 3s; two Mark 3(I)s; two Mark 4s; two Mark 5s;
Dynamics Armament Systems, David Brown Defence
and two Mark 7s.
Equipment (formerly Self-Changing Gears), Detroit
Diesel Corporation, Graviner, Horstman Defence Application. Armored mobile weapon systems,
Systems, Marconi Command and Control Systems, optimized for high-speed offensive and break-through
NANOQUEST, Officine Galileo, Perkins Engines, operations, as well as for defensive fire support.
Philips, Raytheon Systems, Renk AG, RO Defence
Price Range. In equivalent 2003 U.S. dollars, the
(Royal Ordnance), Societe de Fabrication d’Instruments
Mark 3M carries a unit price of $5.006 million; the
de Measure, Thales Optronics (formerly Pilkington PE),
price of the Mark 3(I) was $4.107 million in equivalent
and Vickers Instruments.
1996 U.S. dollars.

January 2004
Vickers Tanks, Page 2 Military Vehicles Forecast

Technical Data
Mark 1
Design Features. Vickers designed the Mark 1 as a Armor. The Mark 1 has conventional armor with a
cost-effective tank with a good level of firepower for maximum thickness of 80 millimeters (3.15 in) on the
the export market. turret face and front of the hull.
Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader, driver.
Dimensions. The following data are for the last production standard of the Mark 1:
SI units U.S. units
Length: 9.73 m 31.92 ft
Width: 3.17 m 10.4 ft
Height: 2.64 m 8.66 ft
Combat weight: 38.6 tonnes 42.55 tons
Fuel capacity: 1,000 liters 265.96 gallons

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 48.3 kph 30.0 mph
Maximum range: 480 km 298 statute miles
Step: 91.4 cm 2.99 ft
Trench: 2.44 m 8.0 ft
Slope: 30% 30%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.14 m 3.74 ft

Engine. Leyland L60 Mark 4B six-cylinder, liquid- fume extractor and (usually) a thermal sleeve. Elevation
cooled, multi-fuel engine. This engine generates 484.71 (+20°), depression (-7°), and turret traverse are
kilowatts (650 hp) at 44.5 revolutions per second (2,670 electrically powered, with manual backup provided. The
rpm), with a power-to-weight ratio of 12.56 kilowatts Mark 1 carries 44 rounds of 105mm ammunition.
per tonne (15.28 hpt). The Mark 1 24-volt electrical sys-
Secondary Armament. One 12.7x99mm (.50 caliber)
tem consists of four six-volt, 115-ampere-hour batteries.
ranging machine gun; one 7.62x51mm NATO (.308
Gearbox. David Brown (then Self-Changing Gears Winchester) L8A2 coaxially mounted machine gun; one
Ltd) TN12 semi-automatic gearbox. This gearbox has 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) L8A2 pintle-
six forward and two reverse gear ratios; it also mounted machine gun on the turret roof. Each side of
incorporates the Merritt steering system. the turret features six electrically operated smoke
grenade launchers.
Suspension and Running Gear. Torsion-bar
suspension system with six dual-tired roadwheels and Fire Control. The fire control suite of the Mark 1 is
three track return rollers on each side. The first, second, rather austere. The gunner uses a sighting telescope with
and sixth suspension units mount secondary torsion bars an integral ballistic reticle, as well as a GEC-Marconi
and hydraulic shock dampers. gun control system; this can operate in non-stabilized,
stabilized, and emergency modes. The commander uses
Armament
a 10-power sight and six periscopes. Periscopes and
Main Armament. RO Defence (Royal Ordnance) L7A1
vision blocks are available for all crew stations.
105mm rifled tank gun. This 51 caliber gun features a

January 2004
Military Vehicles Forecast Vickers Tanks, Page 3

Vijayanta
Design Features. The Vijayanta is essentially a Mark Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader, driver.
1, modified to meet Indian Army requirements.
Armor. Same as the Mark 1.
Dimensions. The following data are for the basic production standard Vijayanta:
SI units U.S. units
Length: 9.79 m 32.11 ft
Width: 3.17 m 10.4 ft
Height: 2.71 m 8.89 ft
Combat weight: 40.39 tonnes 44.52 tons
Fuel capacity: 1,000 liters 265.96 gallons

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 48.3 kph 30.0 mph
Maximum range: 412 km 255.9 statute miles
Step: 91.4 cm 2.99 ft
Trench: 2.44 m 8.0 ft
Slope: 30% 30%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.3 m 4.27 ft

Engine. Same as the Mark 1, with the addition of an The gunner uses a single Number 30 Mark 1 sighting
auxiliary power unit based on a three-cylinder diesel telescope with an integral ballistic reticle for day use.
engine, providing electrical power when the main The gunner’s night sight is the IR 102C infrared
engine is shut down. periscope. The commander uses a periscope-binocular
for day use and an IR 101A infrared periscope for night
Gearbox. Same as the Mark 1.
use. The loader has a Number 23 Mark 1 periscope. The
Suspension and Running Gear. Same as the Mark driver uses an AFV101A periscope for day use and an
1. IR 101A infrared binocular for night use. The Vijayanta
features the same GEC-Marconi gun control system as
Armament. Same as the Mark 1. the Mark 1.
Fire Control. Like the Mark 1, the fire control suite of
the Vijayanta as originally supplied is rather austere.
Mark 3
Design Features. Vickers designed the Mark 3 to Armor. The Mark 3 conventional armor protection is
offer a high degree of firepower and protection in a tank the same as the Mark 1’s. In addition, the Mark 3M
optimized for the export market. The latest version, the places explosive reactive armor (the Royal Ordnance
Mark 3M, incorporates fire control and survivability ROMAR A or Vickers Defence Systems Varma
improvements designed to keep the tank competitive in series 2) on the forward portion of the turret, the
the market. forward half of the hull and glacis plate, and the side
skirts.
Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader and driver.
Dimensions. The following data are for the Mark 3M, which has essentially the same dimensions as the original
Mark 3. The height figure is with a machine gun mounted on the turret roof; the height to the turret roof is 2.47
meters (8.10 ft).
SI units U.S. units
Length: 9.78 m 32.08 ft
Width: 3.17 m 10.4 ft
Height: 3.10 m 10.17 ft
Combat weight: 40.0 tonnes 44.09 tons
Fuel capacity: 1,000 liters 265.96 gallons

January 2004
Vickers Tanks, Page 4 Military Vehicles Forecast

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 50 kph 31.1 mph
Maximum range: 530 km 329 statute miles
Step: 83 cm 2.72 ft
Trench: 3.0 m 9.8 ft
Slope: 30% 30%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.14 m 3.74 ft

Engine Fire Control. The Mark 3 fire control suite is somewhat

Early-Production Mark 3. VR750 powerpack, which is more sophisticated than that of the Mark 1 series,
based on the Perkins (Rolls-Royce) Condor CV12 TCE featuring all-electric gun stabilization and control sys-
diesel engine. This engine generates 559.3 kilowatts tems and a two-axis gyroscope. A Vickers Instruments
(750 hp) at 38.33 revolutions per second (2,300 rpm). neodymium yttrium-aluminum garnet laser rangefinder
is integral to the gunner’s NANOQUEST L23 dual
Late-Production Mark 3. Detroit Diesel Corporation
magnification (1x and 10x) periscope sight; the range
12V-71T supercharged diesel engine. This engine
setting is automatic. The commander’s primary sight is
generates 536.9 kilowatts (720 hp) at 41.67 revolutions
the Thales (formerly Pilkington PE) one-to-ten-power
per second (2,500 rpm), with a power-to-weight ratio of
(day)/four-power (night) Condor. The driver’s night
13.42 kilowatts per tonne (16.33 hpt).
sight is the Thales Badger. Periscopes and vision blocks
The Mark 3 24-volt electrical system consists of four 12 are available for all crew stations.
volt, 200-ampere-hour batteries.
The Mark 3M variant retains the Marconi SFCS-600
Gearbox. David Brown V5 version of the TN12 semi- fire control suite and the Condor sight. In addition, the
automatic gearbox. This gearbox has six forward and Mark 3M gunner’s station features a day/thermal sight
two reverse gear ratios; it also incorporates the Merritt (the Avimo NVL 3200 or Thales Optronics Falcon),
steering system. with a remote display for the commander. In April
1997, Vickers selected the Officine Galileo modular
Suspension and Running Gear. Same as the Mark day/night panoramic periscopic for installation on the
1. The Mark 3 track is 52.1 centimeters (20.5 in) in Mark 3M. A Global Positioning System receiver and
width. the Avimo LIRD-2 laser warning system (linked to the
Armament. Same as the Mark 1, except the Mark 3 smoke grenade launcher system) are also part of the
carries 50 main armament rounds. Mark 3M package.

Mark 3(I)
Design Features. Vickers designed the Mark 3(I) to Armor. Same as the Mark 1 and Mark 3, except the
offer an improved version of the Mark 3, optimized for front of the chassis is cast rather than welded. The Mark
the export market. 3(I) does not feature the Mark 3M reactive armor
package.
Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
Dimensions. The following data are for the latest example of the Mark 3(I):
SI units U.S. units
Length: 9.50 m 31.16 ft
Width: 3.24 m 10.63 ft
Height: 3.02 m 9.91 ft
Combat weight: 42.1 tonnes 46.41 tons
Fuel capacity: 1,000 liters 265.96 gallons

January 2004
Military Vehicles Forecast Vickers Tanks, Page 5

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 59 kph 36.6 mph
Maximum range: 530 km 329 statute miles
Step: 83 cm 2.72 ft
Trench: 3.0 m 9.8 ft
Slope: 30% 30%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.14 m 3.74 ft

Engine. Perkins Engines CV 12 TCE supercharged mounts six dual-tired roadwheels (wider than those of
diesel engine. This engine generates 633.8 kilowatts the original Mark 3) and three track return rollers on
(850 hp) at 41.67 revolutions per second (2,500 rpm), each side of the tank. The first, second, and sixth
with a power-to-weight ratio of 13.42 kilowatts per suspension units feature Horstman Defence Systems
tonne (16.33 hpt). Engine cooling components are rotary shock dampers. The Mark 3(I) track is 55.9
improved over the original Mark 3; the engine centimeters (22 in) wide, as opposed to the 52.1
compartment also features a Graviner automatic fire centimeter (20.51 inch) track of the original Mark 3.
extinguishing system. The electrical system is the same The Mark 3(I) also features a powered steering system,
as the basic Mark 3. new brake components, and upgraded final drive
components.
Gearbox. David Brown T1200 semi-automatic
gearbox. This gearbox has six forward and two reverse Armament. Same as the basic Mark 3, with the
gear ratios; it also incorporates the Merritt steering addition of a muzzle reference system.
system.
Fire Control. Same as the basic Mark 3 except for the
Suspension and Running Gear. The Mark 3(I) driver’s station, which features a Badger night sight and
retains the torsion bar suspension system of the earlier three periscopes instead of the one periscope of the
Mark 3, but with lengthened bars. The Mark 3(I) Mark 3.

Mark 5
Design Features. Vickers designed the Mark 5 as a Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
light, cost-effective tank with high firepower and a good
Armor. The Mark 5 features welded aluminum armor,
fire control suite, suited for less affluent nations.
with additional hard steel armor in vital areas.
SI units U.S. units
Length: 8.61 m 28.24 ft
Width: 2.69 m 8.82 ft
Height: 2.62 m 8.59 ft
Combat weight: 19.75 tonnes 21.77 tons
Fuel capacity: 570 liters 151.59 gallons

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 70.0 kph 43.5 mph
Maximum range: 481 km 298.7 statute miles
Step: 76 cm 2.49 ft
Trench: 2.13 m 6.98 ft
Slope: 40% 40%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.32 m 4.33 ft

Engine. Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA supercharged diesel consists of four 12-volt maintenance-free batteries in the
engine. This engine generates 412 kilowatts (552.28 hull and two more in the turret.
hp), with a power-to-weight ratio of 20.86 kilowatts per
Gearbox. General Dynamics Armament Systems
tonne (25.37 hpt). The 24-volt electrical system
HMPT-500-3 hydromechanical gearbox with three

January 2004
Vickers Tanks, Page 6 Military Vehicles Forecast

speed ranges and infinitely variable output within each Fire Control. The Mark 5 fire control suite is based on
range. an integrated two-axis stabilization system for the main
armament and a Marconi computerized fire control
Suspension and Running Gear. Torsion bar
system. The gun control system is all-electric, with a
suspension with six dual-tired roadwheels mounted on
muzzle reference system. The system features a Thales
independent trailing-type road arms. Five of the six
Raven day/night sight and five periscopes for the
roadwheel stations feature linear-type hydraulic shock
commander, a Vickers Instruments 10-power telescopic
dampers.
laser sight, a GS10 auxiliary sight and a NANOQUEST
Armament. Same as the Mark 3, except the Mark 5 wide-angle periscope for the gunner, and an AFV
carries 41 main armament rounds. Also, each side of the Number 30 Mark 1 roof-mounted periscope for the
turret mounts only four (instead of six) 66mm loader. The Mark 5 can fire on the move with a high
electrically operated smoke grenade launchers. degree of hit probability.

Mark 7
Design Features. Vickers designed the Mark 7 as a Crew. Four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
more sophisticated yet still cost-effective tank with a
Armor. The Mark 7 features Chobham armor fitted
120mm main armament and a good fire control suite.
over conventional steel armor.
Vickers intended the Mark 7 as a lower cost alternative
to the Challenger, Leopard 2, or M1 Abrams main battle
tanks for less affluent nations.
Dimensions. The following data are for the last prototype of the Mark 7:
SI units U.S. units
Length: 10.95 m 35.92 ft
Width: 3.42 m 11.22 ft
Height: 2.99 m 9.81 ft
Combat weight: 54.64 tonnes 60.23 tons
Fuel capacity: 1,200 liters 319.15 gallons

Performance. The maximum speed and range figures represent use on a paved road.
SI units U.S. units
Maximum speed: 80.0 kph 49.7 miles per hour
Maximum range: 550 km 341.8 statute miles
Step: 110 cm 3.61 ft
Trench: 3.0 m 9.84 ft
Slope: 30% 30%
Gradient: 60% 60%
Fording: 1.70 m 5.57 ft

Engine. Motoren- und Turbinen-Union (MTU) MB Armament

873 Ka 501 supercharged diesel engine. This engine Main Armament. RO Defence (Royal Ordnance) L11A5
generates 1,119 kilowatts (1,500 hp) at 43.34 120mm rifled tank gun. This 55 caliber gun features a
revolutions per second (2,600 revolutions per minute), thermal sleeve. Elevation (+20°), depression (-10°), and
with a power-to-weight ratio of 20.48 kilowatts per turret traverse are electrically operated, with manual
tonne (24.90 hpt). The 24-volt electrical system consists backup provided. The Mark 7 carries 55 rounds for the
of eight 12-volt, 125-ampere-hour batteries. L11A5 gun. The Mark 7 can also mount the 120mm
Rheinmetall Rh 120 smoothbore tank gun as an option,
Gearbox. Renk HSWL 354/3 epicyclic automatic
though this reduces ammunition capacity to 38 main
gearbox with four forward and two reverse gear ratios.
gun rounds.
Suspension and Running Gear. Torsion bar
Secondary Armament. One coaxially mounted Alliant
suspension with seven dual-tired roadwheels and four
Techsystems EX-34 7.62x51mm NATO (.308
track return rollers on each side. The first, second, third,
Winchester) Chain Gun®, manufactured under license
sixth, and seventh roadwheel stations feature rotary
by RO Defence. A 12.7x99mm (.50 caliber) M2 or
shock dampers.
7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) L8A2 pintle-

January 2004
Military Vehicles Forecast Vickers Tanks, Page 7

mounted machine gun on the turret roof is optional. gyroscope-stabilized panoramic sight. A Philips model
Each side of the turret also mounts ten 66mm UA9090 gyroscope-stabilized thermal imaging system
electrically operated smoke grenade launchers. (produced by Raytheon), with dual displays for the
commander and gunner, is mounted on the turret roof.
Fire Control. The Mark 7 fire control suite is much
The gunner’s primary sight is the NANOQUEST L30
more advanced than those of the other original-
with integral laser module; this monocular sight mounts
production Vickers tanks covered in this report. The
coaxially with the main gun. The gunner also uses a
Mark 7 suite features full stabilization and a muzzle
turret roof-mounted NANOQUEST GS10 periscope
reference system for the main armament, as well as the
sight with wide-angle capability. The driver uses a
Marconi Centaur integrated fire and gun control system,
Philips night sight. The loader uses an AFV Number 30
including the EC600 ballistic computer.
Mark 1 periscope, which can rotate through 360°.
The commander uses a Societe de Fabrication Periscopes and/or vision blocks are available for all
d’Instruments de Measure VS580-10 second-generation crew stations.

Variants/Upgrades
Variants. Vickers has not developed any variants of four in 1978. Nigeria ordered five in 1981, and
the Mark 3(I), Mark 5, or Mark 7. Tanzania has at least two.
Mark 1 Variants. The Mark 1, produced under license Vickers Anti-Aircraft Tank. For use in trials, Vickers
in India as the Vijayanta, is available in two variants: integrated a Mark 3 chassis with the Marconi Marksman
turret, mounting twin 35mm guns. Vickers has yet to
Catapult. The Catapult 130mm self-propelled artillery
secure any sales of this variant.
system integrates the Russian M-46 130mm field gun
with a lengthened Vijayanta chassis. The main changes Retrofit and Modernization Program Overview.
in the lengthened chassis are the removal of the turret Aside from potential retrofits of the Mark 3(I)
and the fitting of an additional roadwheel on each side. improvements to the original Mark 3, Vickers has not
The vehicle carries a total of 32 130mm projectiles and developed any significant modernization or retrofit
charges. India has produced 100 Catapult systems. programs specifically for the Mark 3 tank.
Kartik. The Kartik armored-vehicle-launched bridge Since the early 1980s, India has investigated and
(AVLB) uses the same lengthened Vijayanta chassis as implemented several modernization and retrofit
the Catapult. Introduced in 1989, the Kartik features a programs for the Vijayanta, in addition to the variants
scissors-type bridge that is deployed and recovered from described above. The overall program, called Bison,
the front of the vehicle. As of 2003, India had produced effectively superseded India’s Arjun tank program in
34 Kartik AVLBs. 1993. The main features of the program include the
retrofit of the V-84 engine (as used in the T-72), a new
Mark 3 Variants. The Mark 3 is available in three
fire control suite, and additional armor protection, and
variants:
the installation of a land navigation system and passive
Vickers Armored Bridgelayer. In 1977, Vickers (including thermal) night vision equipment. Despite
developed an armored bridgelayer with a 13.41 meter some indications that 1,100 Vijayanta tanks could be
military load class 60/70 bridge. Vickers used the basic upgraded under the Bison program, our latest research
Mark 3 chassis; a crew of three operates the system. In puts the highest figure at 700. India has yet to fully
addition to the integration of the bridge, the principal implement the Bison program; the estimated Bison unit
change is the incorporation of a different engine. The cost is around US$330,000 per tank.
vehicle is available with the 596.6 kilowatt (800 hp)
Hull and Turret. The hull-related program involves
Perkins CV12 800E or the 536.9 kilowatt (720 hp)
retrofitting advanced Kanchan appliqué armor, devel-
Detroit Diesel 12V-71T engine. Nigeria ordered six in
oped by the Indian Defence Metallurgical Laboratory at
1981, and a further six in 1985.
Hyderabad. Another indigenous product, the Jackal
Vickers Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle. In armored skirt system, is also part of this retrofit
1973, Vickers began the development of an armored program. While India reportedly has no plans to retrofit
recovery vehicle. Manned by a crew of four, this explosive reactive armor, it cannot be entirely ruled out.
vehicle is available with or without a four-tonne
Turret retrofits include a new semi-automatic loading
hydraulically operated crane. Engine options are the
system and a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC)
same as for the armored bridgelayer (see above). Kenya
protection system. The driver’s station has been
ordered three in 1977, and placed a follow-on order for
retrofitted with passive night vision equipment. For the

January 2004
Vickers Tanks, Page 8 Military Vehicles Forecast

L7 tank gun, India is developed a new Armor Piercing Industries (IMI), and various sources in the Russian
Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot round. Federation. The weight added by this type of armor is
about 1.7 tonnes (1.87 tons). Another hull-related
Propulsion and Drivetrain
enhancement, standard in the new Mark 3M, is the
The propulsion and drivetrain programs mainly involve
installation of air conditioning in the crew compartment.
the retrofit of a new diesel engine to replace the L60
powerplant. The TN12 gearbox remains in all cases. In Fire Control. The new EFCS 600 fire control system
1983, India began investigating several engine options and the EC 620 gun control system represent a great
for the Vijayanta, before finally selecting the Indian enhancement to the fighting capability of the Mark 3.
license-produced V-84 diesel engine, as used in the As noted above, these are part of the present 3(I) and
Indian license-produced T-72 tank. The Indian Defence 3M packages; the components are also available for sale
Research and Development Organization has reportedly separately. A fire control suite is usually the greatest
developed an improved version of the Russian engine. single cost driver in any modernization/retrofit program
for tanks; the Mark 3 is no different. While the
Electronics
installation of such technology can be accomplished in-
An integral part of the Bison program is a new fire
house by a number of nations, we expect that the current
control system for the Vijayanta. India is installing the
users of the Mark 3 would most likely leave programs
Bharat Dynamics Tank Fire Control System Mark 1B
of this type to the prime contractor or one of the
(AL-4421); this system is reportedly a slightly modified
modernization and retrofit centers specializing in such
SUV-T55A, developed in the former Yugoslavia. This
work.
upgrade package includes a new ballistic computer,
improved gun control components, a muzzle reference Advanced Sight System/Laser Sight/Rangefinder. An
system, and a laser rangefinder. The program also advanced thermal sighting system or combined optic-
includes a land navigation system from Hindustan electronic sight/laser rangefinder is virtually a necessity
Aeronautics and passive (including thermal) night for any tank to be competitive with new-production tank
vision equipment. designs. Numerous firms worldwide offer such
equipment.
Opportunities. The greatest potential through the mid-
term for retrofit and modernization of the existing Passive Vision Devices. A wide variety of passive
Mark 3 inventory appears to be the integration of the vision equipment for the commander, gunner, and driver
Mark 3(I) or, more likely, the Mark 3M enhancements is currently available on the open market. As the
described above. Vickers is offering these enhance- development of such technology is proceeding at a rapid
ments (without the modified hull) as a complete pace, the integration of the next generation of these
package, with a total unit price equivalent to devices is fairly certain; this process should continue
US$387,000. Vickers is also offering individual upgrade through the near term.
components.
Vehicle Navigation System. The need to closely
The only major hull-related retrofit and modernization coordinate land forces on the modern battlefield in all
potential for the Mark 3 appears to lie in the retrofitting conditions has driven the installation of vehicle
of the RO Defence (Royal Ordnance) ROMAR A or navigation units. The premier system of this type is the
Vickers VARMA Series 2 explosive reactive armor to U.S. Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS)
the tank. Another option is appliqué armor such as that program; GPS receivers are fast becoming standard
offered by the German firm Diesenroth. Explosive equipment on a wide variety of vehicles, including the
reactive armor, in the form of boxes bolted to the Mark 3M. Numerous other vehicle navigation systems
exterior of the tank, is available from a number of other are available from manufacturers worldwide.
sources, including Giat Industries, Israel Military

Program Review
Background. Realizing that the high weight and high January 1965. Avadi subsequently produced a total of
unit price of the then-current Chieftain tank would place 2,187 Vijayanta tanks for India.
it out of the reach of many potential customers, Vickers
Shortly after the Indian program began, Vickers
developed a smaller, cheaper tank. Started in the late
modified the original design and began offering it on the
1950s, this program accelerated with India’s selection of
open market as the Mark 1. Kuwait purchased 70
the Vickers design for indigenous licensed production.
Mark 1 tanks from Vickers; deliveries were made
Following production of the first 90 tanks in the United
between 1970 and 1977.
Kingdom, the Vijayanta entered licensed production in
India at the Avadi facility near Madras, beginning in Mark 1. The Mark 1 is of conventional design, with the
driver’s compartment to the front of the tank, the

January 2004
Military Vehicles Forecast Vickers Tanks, Page 9

fighting compartment in the center, and the powerpack features explosive reactive armor; an enhanced fire
to the rear. The hull and the turret consist of welded, control suite with a thermal sight and GPS receiver; and
rolled steel. The all-welded turret features an air conditioning. We discuss these enhancements in
ammunition reload hatch on the left side and a storage Technical Data. In 1996, Vickers sent the Mark 3M to
basket at the rear. The driver’s station includes a Malaysia for a further demonstration. Despite the
single-piece hatch cover and an AFV Number 44 Mark 3M enhancements, Malaysia ultimately selected
Mark 2 wide-angle periscope. To the left of the driver is the Polish PT-91 main battle tank, a T-72M1 derivative.
a storage area for 25 rounds of ammunition. The turret
Mark 5. At the 1986 British Army Equipment
seats the commander to the left, with the gunner and
Exhibition, Vickers – along with what was then FMC
loader to the right. The commander’s station includes a
Corporation (now a component of United Defense
single-piece hatch cover opening to the rear, a 10-power
Limited Partnership) of the United States – unveiled a
sight, and six periscopes. The loader’s station includes
new tank based on FMC’s Close Combat Vehicle-Light.
a two-piece hatch cover and an observation periscope.
Actually more of a light tank due to its 19.75 tonne
Standard equipment on the Mark 1 includes a fire (21.77 ton) weight, the Mark 5 integrated an FMC hull
detection and suppression system and removable rubber with an all-new Vickers turret. We discuss the engine,
track pads. Optional equipment includes a flotation gearbox, ordnance, and fire control in the Technical
screen, night vision equipment, and a nuclear, Data section. The tank followed the generally accepted
biological, and chemical (NBC) defense system. tank layout, with the driver in the hull and commander,
gunner, and loader in the turret. The turret was
Although the Mark 1 is essentially the same as the
somewhat unusual in that it was tilted 3° forward to
Vijayanta, there are some minor differences in
allow for a greater depression. In early 1994, Vickers
equipment and internal layout, accounting for the 1.4
and FMC suspended the marketing effort for the Mark 5
tonne increased weight of the Vijayanta over the
due to lack of interest.
standard Mark 1.
Mark 7. Aside from the Challenger program, the
Mark 3. In 1974, Vickers began the development of an
Mark 7, represents the latest in the Vickers tank line.
enhanced Mark 1 tank, designated Mark 3. This tank
Although the 1982-1983 tests of the Mark 4 (Valiant) in
follows the conventional interior layout of the Mark 1.
the Middle East indicated that the Valiant tank had
Unlike the Mark 1, however, the loader sits to the left in
excellent firepower and fire control components, the
the turret, with the commander and gunner seated to the
mobility characteristics were deficient, leading to
right. We discuss the powerpack, armament, and fire
termination of the Mark 4 program. Further, the
control fits for the Mark 3 in the Technical Data
relatively light structure of the Valiant did not lend itself
section.
to the full potential of Chobham armor protection.
Mark 3(I). In 1984, Vickers began the development of
Therefore, in 1983, Vickers, in conjunction with Krauss
an improved version of the Mark 3, based on an
Maffei, began the development of another new tank –
extensive evaluation of the original design in
the Mark 7 – incorporating the universal turret of the
operational conditions. Vickers found the original Mark
Valiant and the chassis and running gear of the
3 power-to-weight ratio to be inadequate and a definite
Leopard 2. The Leopard 2 powerpack, described in the
hindrance to marketing the tank. The integration of the
Technical Data section, gave the Mark 7 a power-
Perkins CV12 TCE engine has remedied the power-
to-weight ratio comparable to that of the Leopard 2.
to-weight ratio problem; a new chassis with a cast front
The Mark 7 armor protection was probably not quite up
and a new suspension with a rotary damping system
to that of the Leopard 2, Challenger 2, or M1 Abrams.
provide a higher level of protection. While at least two
The most recent version, the Mark 7/2 prototype,
nations had investigated the Mark 3(I) for possible
mounts a new turret with improved fire control
procurement, Vickers failed to secure any orders;
components, enabling an enhanced fire-on-the-move.
Vickers terminated its Mark 3(I) marketing effort in
1994. However, politics, and not technology, killed the Mark
7 program. In July 1989, the Federal Republic of
Mark 3M. In response to a stated requirement from
Germany effectively halted the Mark 7 trials in Abu
Malaysia, Vickers sent a standard Mark 3 tank to that
Dhabi by refusing to release the Leopard 2 chassis. The
Southeast Asian nation for evaluations in 1995. While
official reason for this refusal was that the Federal
these initial evaluations were highly successful, Vickers
Republic of Germany would not release military
has attempted to improve its chances of securing the
equipment to areas of possible tension. Since that time,
Malaysian contract by offering a further-improved
the Mark 7 program has been dormant.
Mark 3(I) design. The resulting tank, the Mark 3M,

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Vickers Tanks, Page 10 Military Vehicles Forecast

Funding
The contractor, Vickers Defence Systems, funded the development of all the Vickers tanks covered in this report.

Recent Contracts
Vickers Defence Systems has not released any contract information since the 1990 Nigerian contract for an
unspecified number of Mark 3 tanks.

Timetable
Month Year Major Development
Late 1950s Concept development
August 1961 Mark 1 accepted for production in India
January 1965 Mark 1 (Vijayanta) serial production begun
Late 1968 Sale of Mark 1 to Kuwait
1974 Mark 3 development begun
May 1977 Vickers provided with details of Chobham armor
July 1977 First order for Mark 3 (Kenya)
August 1977 Design of Mark 4 (Valiant) initiated
June 1980 Mark 4 (Valiant) unveiled
June 1982 Mark 4 (Valiant) with “universal” 120-millimeter turret exhibited
Early 1983 Mark 4 (Valiant) tested in Middle East
October 1983 Mark 7 development begun
January 1984 Mark 4 (Valiant) development completed, Mark 3 (I) development begun
Early 1985 Development of Mark 5 begun
July 1985 Mark 4 (Valiant) marketing effort terminated
October 1990 Additional export order for Mark 3
Mid 1994 Production of Mark 3 dormant
1995 Mark 3 demonstrated in Malaysia
March 1996 Mark 3M revealed
Early 2003 Mark 3 and 3M available for new orders

Worldwide Distribution
Export Potential. British armored vehicles, especially tanks, enjoy a great deal of respect worldwide. Vickers
Defence Systems – as the only remaining tank producer in the United Kingdom – can offer a wide range of models
to suit any desired level of sophistication and any price range. While Alvis Vickers will continue to aggressively
market the more sophisticated (and more expensive) Challenger 2 on the international market, we expect only a
moderate level of export sales for this tank. The more moderately priced Vickers tanks discussed in this report
clearly offer more opportunities for sales on the export market.
Countries. India (2,277 Vijayanta); Kenya (76 Mark 3); Kuwait (70 Mark 1s in the inventory before the 1991
Gulf War); Nigeria (144 Mark 3).

Forecast Rationale
Our latest review of the Vickers Mark 1, Vijayanta, The Mark 3(I), Mark 5, and Mark 7 programs remain
Mark 3, Mark 3(I), Mark 3M, Mark 5, and Mark 7 tank dormant. The Mark 3M has effectively superseded the
programs has uncovered few noteworthy developments Mark 3(I). The advent of the FMC (now United
over the last year. The Mark 3M tank lost out to the Defense) M8 Armored Gun System effectively killed
PT-91 for the Malaysian contract; Vickers is continuing the Mark 5 effort, despite the U.S. Army’s rejection of
the marketing effort elsewhere in the world. the M8. United Defense continues, albeit
unsuccessfully, to market the M8 on the international

January 2004
Military Vehicles Forecast Vickers Tanks, Page 11

market. The Mark 4 (Valiant) program never went Balancing the expected marketability of the Vickers
anywhere. Its follow-on program, the Mark 7, died at Mark 3 series is the reality that Vickers has not been
the hands of strict German export laws; we do not able to sell any Mark 3 tanks since the 1990 Nigerian
expect Vickers to revive the Mark 7. contract. While the Mark 3 clearly has the potential to
do well on the international market, the current glut of
The Mark 3, while never taking the market by storm,
tanks on the market has precluded any sales.
has been a good income source for Vickers. Despite the
recent loss to the Polish PT-91 in Malaysia, the Mark 3 We base our ten-year outlook (below) on procurement
is still a viable, cost-effective tank for the export information which still indicates that at least some
market. Vickers continues to improve upon its Mark 3M export sales are possible within the forecast
marketability with enhancements, as evidenced by the period. If we uncover indications that such sales are, in
3(I) and, more recently, the 3M versions. These factors, fact, unlikely, we will consider the entire Vickers tank
plus the tank’s other well-known attributes, should program (excluding, of course, the Challenger 2) to be
ensure its continued presence in the market for some dormant. In that event, we will then drop this report
time to come. from our annual supplement, but the report would
remain archived for future research.

Ten-Year Outlook
ESTIMATED CALENDAR YEAR PRODUCTION
High Confidence Good Confidence Speculative
Level Level
Total
Vehicle (Engine) thru 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 04-13
ALVIS VICKERS LIMITED
MARK 1 (a) L60 MK4B 162 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MARK 3 (b) 12V-71T 222 0 0 9 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 21
MARK 3I (c) CONDOR V12-TCE 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MARK 4 (d) CONDOR V12-TCA 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MARK 5 (e) 6V-92TA 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MARK 7 (f) MB 873 KA 501 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Subtotal - ALVIS VICKERS LIMITED 392 0 0 9 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 21

AVADI COMPANY (Licensee)

VIJAYANTA (g) L60 MK4B 2187 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Subtotal - AVADI COMPANY (Licensee) 2187 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Production 2579 0 0 9 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 21

(a) Production includes two prototypes, one of which was sent to India, plus 90 Mark 1 tanks configured as the Vijayanta for India.
(b) Production includes two prototype/development tanks. It does not include any specialized variants. The forecast production is for unidentified export.
(c) Production through 2003 consists of the prototype/developmental tanks that were used for contractor demonstrations. Vickers no longer markets this tank.
(d) Production is for the initial prototype/developmental tanks.
(e) Production through 2003 is for the initial developmental prototype tanks that are were used for contractor demonstrations.
(f) The historical production is for the initial two prototype and developmental tanks.
(g) Production includes two prototype/developmental tanks but does not include the 90 tanks supplied by Vickers at the beginning of the program.

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Vickers Tanks, Page 12 Military Vehicles Forecast

Mark 3
Source: Vickers Defence Systems

Mark 1/Vijayanta
Source: Forecast International

January 2004