NKPz

   The NKPz or Neuer Kampfpanzer was developed by Contraves in the mid 1970s to meet a Swiss Army requirement for a new main battle tank. The new MBT was intended to replace an ageing fleet of 320 Centurions, used by the Swiss Army.

   The NKPz was a very advanced MBT design at that time. However in the early 1980s Swiss government decided to build German Leopard 2 main battle tanks under license. These tanks were 15%-30% cheaper comparing with the NKPz, but also inferior.

   Layout of the NKPz was similar to Israeli Merkava. This main battle tank had a wedge-shaped hull and a front-mounted engine for better protection. The rear part of the hull was intended for ammunition storage. An NBC protection system was intended as standard.

   Vehicle was armed with Rheinmetall 120-mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an autoloader. The same gun was used on the Leopard 2. The NKPz was equipped with a very advanced fire control system. The NKPz carried 44 rounds for the main gun, stored in a compartment, that was separated from the crew.

   Secondary armament consisted of two 7.5-mm machine guns. One of them was coaxially mounted with the main gun, while the other was placed on top of the roof.

   Vehicle had a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   Vehicle was powered by Austrian Sauer 12-cylinder diesel engine, developing 1 400 hp. It also had auxiliary power unit - the VW Golf diesel engine. Tank's hydropneumatic suspension with adjustable ground clearance.