VCTP

   Although allocated under Argentina the TAMSE VCTP was originally a German development, the firm of Thyssen having been awarded a 1974 contract by the Argentinean government for the development of a 105-mm gun tank and an IFV using the same basic chassis and hull. It resulted in the TAM light tank and VCTP infantry fighting vehicle.

   Argentinean development and production of the VCTP IFV and it's variants was erratic due to the state of the local economy, to the point when production in Argentina was terminated after 350 examples (of all types, including the tank variant) out of planned 500 plus had been completed.

   The basic VCTP IFV is essentially similar in layout to the German Marder but simplified and modified to meet Argentinean Army requirements and has a more powerful 720 hp MTU diesel power pack.

   The main armament is carried in a two-man power-operated turret armed with a 20-mm Oerlikon cannon and an externally mounted 7.62-mm MG for air and local defense.

   A further 7.62-mm MG is located in a remotely controlled mounting over the hull rear. This MG is controlled from within the troop compartment which can accommodate up to ten soldiers and their personal equipment. The troops enter and leave the vehicle via a door in the hull rear and there are also roof hatches.

   Firing ports and vision devices are located around the troop compartment for use by the occupants. Four smoke grenade launchers are mounted each side overhaull. An essentially similar command post variant has provision for only sic in the troop compartment and lacks a turret, as does a 120-mm mortar carrier version (the VCTM) which has a crew of five.

Variants

   TAM light tank;

   VCA 155-mm self-propelled howitzer;

   VCTM 120-mm mortar carrier;

   VCPC command vehicle;

   VCLC multiple launch rocket system, prototype only;

   VCRT armored recovery vehicle, prototype only.