SK-105 Kürassier image - Tank Lovers Group

Development of the SK-105 Kürassier began in mid-1960s. Production began in 1971 and a total of 600 vehicles were produced. Austrian Army ordered 234 vehicles, while remaining were sold for export customers. Foreign operators include Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Morocco and Tunisia. Despite it's age this light tank is still proposed for possible customers.
The SK-105 was referred as a tank destroyer by Austrian army, however this vehicle is rather considered as a light tank. The SK-105 Kürassier uses improved chassis of the 4K 4FA armored personnel carrier and mounts an improved French FL-12 turret of the AMX-13 light tank.
Front armor protects the crew from 20-mm projectiles, while all-round protection is against small arms bullets only. Some export vehicles were fitted with add-on armor.
Turret of the AMX-13 has an unusual oscillating design. It is made from two parts. Lower part moves horizontally, while the upper part moves with the main gun vertically. The SK-105 Kürassier is armed with a 105-mm rifled gun. This gun is completed with a semi-automatic revolving magazine type autoloader. It allowed to reduce crew to three members. Vehicle has two revolving magazines holding 6 rounds each. A total of 43 rounds for the main gun are carried. The SK-105 Kürassier has a maximum rate of fire in 12 rounds per minute. Unfortunately gun is non-stabilized and vehicle can't fire accurately on the move.
Secondary armament consists of two 7.62-mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially with the main gun, while the other is positioned on top of the roof. Some tanks lack roof mounted MG.
The SK-105 Kürassier has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
Vehicle is powered by Steyr 7FA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 320 horsepower.