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Defence & Security News - Iran
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Monday, April
21, 2014 09:13 PM |
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Iran
has unveiled the latest local-made main battle tank named Sabalan. |
The
Iranian Army has unveiled another home-made main battle tank, dubbed as
Sabalan, during a ceremony in Tehran, April 20, 2014. The new main battle
tank was unveiled by the Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan. |
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The new Iranian-made
Sabalan main battle tank was unveiled during a ceremony in Tehran, April
20, 2014.
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During the latest
few years, the Iran army has upgraded version of Zulfiqar and Samsam
tanks.
The hull and the turret of the Zulfiqar
3 is made in steel armour, but include also ceramic or
composite armour. The Zulfiqar 3 is armed with a fully-stabilized 2A46M
125 mm smooth-bore cannon with autoloader, manufactured locally under
the name HM-50.
The Samsan tank is an upgraded version of the American-made M-60A1 using
a new reactive armour. The tank is equipped with new fire control system
produced locally by the Iranian defense industry.
Iran’s Sabalan tank has been designed based on the experience
and know-how gained from designing the indigenous Zulfiqar and Samsam
battle tanks.
The Sabalan is based on the American-made M-47M Patton main battle tank
equipped with a new home-made turret which has been manufactured by
the Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization of the Iranian Army Ground Force.
The main armament of the Sabalan turret includes a M68 105mm smoothbore
gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun is mounted to the right of the gun.
The Sabalan tank is motorized with M60 engine. Each side of the suspension
is protected by armour plates.
Standard equipment of the Sabalan includes new laser range finder and
communication systems.
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The Iranian-made
Sabalan main battle tank is armed with a M68 105mm smoothbore gun. |
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