Pakistans state-of-the art indigenous tank the Al-Khalid first set of tanks to be delivered to the Pak army on july 20th
Article by a member of the Armoured Corps that scares the livin crap out of the enemy.
PAK FAUJJ & PAKISTAN BAINDABAD
TANK AL KHALID-PRIDE OF PAKISTAN ARMY
Brig Muhammad Asaad
Pakistan occupies an important geo-strategic location in South Asia. A strong Pakistan brings stability to the region, but in the past relations with its eastern neighbour have not remained cordial and the country has experienced three wars and a number of border conflicts. The September 1965 war saw the greatest tank battle since Second World War when the onslaught of numerically superior Indian armour was effectively stopped by World War-II vintage Shermans and M-47/M-48 (Patton) tanks then held by the Pakistan Army. The arms embargo imposed immediately after this war left no choice for Pakistan but to look for alternate sources of defence equipment.
Soon thereafter, tanks T-59 manufactured by China were inducted. As the fleet of these tanks grew, Heavy Rebuild Factory (HRF) was established in Taxila in the late seventies to undertake rebuild and modernization of tanks. This task was undertaken under a systematic plan and the experience acquired in enhancing firepower, mobility and protection not only significantly enhanced the capabilities of HRF but since then, has helped the organization grow into a multi-factory environment renamed Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT).
Activities now include the cost effective manufacture of armoured fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and tank guns. In addition, in-house manufacture of a large array of components required has been undertaken and an infrastructure built for interacting with the indigenous industry for development of materials and components required.
Since the Pakistan Army did not visualise a change in the central role of the tank on the future battlefield, and it was abundantly clear that the existing inventory of tanks had a limited potential, the development of Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, was envisaged and specifications were drawn to meet the operational requirements for the first three decades of the next millennium.
Following an exhaustive evaluation, which included trials of foreign tanks, it was decided to collaborate with China. HIT and Chinese tank manufacturer entered into a progressive tank manufacturing programme in 1990 that included the manufacture of T-691IMP/T-85IIAP tanks, W653 Armoured Recovery Vehicles as well as the joint design, development and manufacture of tank Al-Khalid. Since then, HIT has completed the manufacture of more than almost 1000 armoured tracked vehicles (tanks, APCs, ARVs) and has completed development of the Al-Khalid which has now entered pilot production.
Development of a main battle tank - the most complex ground weapon system, is a complicated process that permits no lapses in development. R&D was completed in an unprecedented period of nine years, which included preparation of prototypes, regular trials and incorporation of improvements. With the approval of the final prototype during the trials of which reliability, maintainability, availability and other parameters of the weapon system were validated, extended live firing tests for vulnerability, survivability and lethality were also conducted.
In order to meet these requirements countries with broad technological bases take substantial time to develop a new tank. The development philosophy for the Al-Khalid was cohesive and took a total approach to the design and development, which refrained from trying to "reinvent the wheel" Total commitment was a must and helped the Al-Khalid enter pilot production within a period of nine years.
Al-Khalid is the result of the advanced technology available in the world today. It represents the ideal integration of firepower, mobility and protection. Al-Khalid has been designed with a 125mm (48 calibre) smooth bore, autofrettaged and chrome plated gun which can fire APFSDS, HEAT-FS and HE-FS conventional ammunition and missiles. It is equipped with muzzle reference system, and bi-axis stabilisation. Elevation and azimuth control is achieved by electro-hydraulic power drives. The tank is also equipped with a 7.62 mm-coaxial MG, 12.7mm externally mounted MG that can be fired with the hatch closed and grenade launchers.
The gunner is provided with a dual magnification day sight and the commander with a panoramic Hunter Killer sight for all around independent surveillance. Both sights are bi-axis image stabilised and have independent laser range finders.
The commander has the ability of acquiring a target independently while the gunner is engaging a previously selected one.
The automatic ammunition handling system, with 24 round ready-to-fire magazine further supplements the Hunter-Killer capability of the tank which can load at a rate of 8 rounds a minute. The presence of automatic target tracking system enables the tank to achieve a very high first round hit probability even while firing on a moving target while moving itself.
Night vision for the gunner and commander is achieved through a dual magnification thermal imaging sight. The powerful fire control system computer processes all the firing information, which includes inputs from its ten sensors and is integrated to both sights.
The ballistic computation time is less than one second. For accurate fire control, third generation gating facility has been provided. The result of such a modern fire control system is routine first round hits on standard (8 ft x 8 ft) targets at ranges in excess of 2000 metres.
The tank with its 125mm gun has a remarkably stable platform, which is provided by a combination of soft recoil and an excellent suspension.
Wrapped around the fire control system are the ergonomic crew positions and controls. The tank commander, gunner and driver can virtually reach all their controls with little movement.
A 1200 horsepower super charged, diesel engine and semi-automatic transmission, provides mobility.
An under armour auxiliary power supply unit provides a significant reduction in fuel consumption during 'Silent Watch' and maintenance operations, as auxiliary functions can be performed without main engine power. The highly reliable suspension consists of torsion bars, hydraulic dampers and buffers that afford a high level of comfort for its crew.
Besides a low silhouette, it is considerably smaller as compared to other modern tanks. Its maximum weight of 46 tons provides a double advantage; it is strategically easily deployed and is more agile.
Its power to weight ratio, in excess of 26 HP/ton, gives the vehicle a maximum speed of around 70 km/h, acceleration from 0~ 30 km/h in less than 10 seconds.
Its low mean maximum pressure and the excellent ride given by its suspension make Al-Khalid an ideal vehicle to fight in any theatre of operation.
Al-Khalid has been designed to provide maximum protection and efficiency for its 3 men crew. Protection is afforded by use of modular composite armour and explosive reactive armour. Al-Khalid also offers enhanced protection through NBC, an effective Thermal Smoke Generation, Automatic Fire Extinguishing and Explosion Suppression Systems.
The submerging system allows it to operate 5 metres under water. Navigation is assisted by the use of Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems.
Pakistan's economic conditions do not allow production of a tank at luxurious costs.
Faced with challenging requirements that will meet severe desert conditions and need high performance; a balance has been achieved between specific requirements and cost. No other tank in the world with these characteristics is being produced at the price any where close to that of the Al Khalid. This has been accomplished through modern management, production and material acquisition techniques.
The main battle tank Al-Khalid has been tailored to meet the necessities and requirements of its users. Its superior qualities - firepower, mobility and protection provide an ideal system in terms of cost effectiveness, easy operation and maintenance in any type of terrain.
With inherent growth potential, which has been achieved through open system architecture, modular replacements and software partitioning to simplify use of modules, it is expected to remain formidable to meet the future operational requirements and absorb emerging technologies.
Pakistan is a peace loving country and desires to improve its socio-economic conditions. At the same time it is conscious that it must take appropriate measures to safeguard its security and sovereignty. Weapon systems such as tank Al Khalid are considered essential to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Excellent info thanks alot!
But do you have a link for it?
Our's not to reason why,
Our's but to do and die:
I found this while surfing… http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=14&date1=2001-07-15
Abdali,
Thanx dost,…Good job,..
Thanks alot.
Got to check paknews more often.!!
Our's not to reason why,
Our's but to do and die:
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Tank Poll
Pakistans AL-Khalid v Ukranian T80UD
http://pub49.ezboard.com/fwarships1discussionboardsfrm7.showMessage?topicID=198.topic
Al-Khalid finally delivered, initial order is for 300 tanks only if we can increase the production it will be a good candidate for exports.
http://www.dawn.com/2001/07/20/nat5.htm
Army to get 15 Khalid tanks today
By Our Correspondent
TAXILA, July 19: President Gen Pervez Musharraf will attend a ceremony being held at the Heavy Industries Taxila on Friday in which the first batch of 15 battle tanks, Al-Khalid, will be handed over to the Pakistan Army. He will be the chief guest on the occasion.
The main battle tank, named after Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed, has been manufactured in a way that small arms and ammunition cannot damage its body. One of its unique qualities is that it can rotate, while its gun position remains stationary.
Al-Khalid can accurately hit its target since it is fitted with a modern computer system. It has a fully automatic ammunition loading system and can operate in an unclear, biological and chemical environment.
The 1,200 horsepowered tank has a multi-fuel, turbo-charged engine and can attain a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour. The power to weight ratio is 26 horsepowers per ton, enhancing the tank’s agility.
Al-Khalid’s target range is 400 kilometres, which expands its area of operation with a minimum logistic requirement. It is mounted with a 125mm smooth bore gun equipped with a dynamic muzzle reference system.
The gun is capable of firing all types of ammunition, anti- tank and anti-aircraft rounds. The thermal night vision devices of the tank enable the crew to fight during the night as well.
According to initial plans, its serial production was scheduled in 1998, but in 1990 the arms embargo of Pressler Amendment proved as a main obstacle in the timely completion of this project.
As per earlier plan, only Chinese tank technology was to be utilized, but now it consists of integrated multi-technology, imported from Ukraine, Germany, France, the US and England.
The state of the art battle machine for which research and development had started in 1989, is considered by the military experts as one of the most modern tank.
Most extensive trials of Al-Khalid prototypes were held during peak summers of 1997 and 1998 in the desert area of Bahawalpur and Thar regions which established commendable completion of the development phase.
Every defence equipment has a development period. Pakistani defence experts completed the development period of Al-Khalid very shortly as compared to the Indians.
India spent five to 10 years on the development of its main battle tank, Arjun at a cost of $500 million, whereas Pakistan’s expenditure on Al-Khalid project was only $two million.
The reason behind this low cost was that 60 per cent of its parts had been manufactured in Heavy Industries, Taxila.
Presently, the Pakistan Army has nearly 2,050 tanks, of which nearly 1,600 are of Chinese T-59, T-55 and origin, while others are the newly-inducted TAT Ukrainian and Al-Zarrar tanks.
Pakistan requires a comprehensive multi-purpose armour wing to compete with India’s computerized armour. Now Pakistan has developed a sophisticated and ultra-modern tank that can be fielded in the battlefield right in front of India’s main battle tank, Arjun.
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I can’t believe the journalist managed to misspell the word “nuclear” to turn it into “unclear”
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Totally ruined for me what was an otherwise cheery article…
Just to point out Pakdef has an excellent thread on the military ability of the Al khalid.
As you aren't allowed to advertise other sites here - so much for freedom - anybody who wants the address please pm me.
Our's not to reason why,
Our's but to do and die:
Excellent piece of technological breakthru. Cost efficient yet effective and thanks to all those who are cheering the birth of Al-Khalid tank.
Pakistan was never short of weaponary, even when the Taxila Complex was not producing anything. The army always had one thing or another. Borrowed or manufactured. Yet we have lost three wars sooo humiliatingly and disgracefully.
Wars are not won by weapons or armours. Had this been the case the Great USA would not have lost in Viet Nam. War is won by dedication.
hehe another Indian in Paki clothes. Let me do the same
All these indians are just jealous.
Their indeginous tech is in RUSSIA, which they thing is part of INDIA!!
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This idiot i bet hasn’t heard that his own govt deemed the 1965 a war lost.
Showed i enlighten the chump?
Nah…he is much more fun as he is!!!
Our’s not to reason why,
Our’s but to do and die:
One of the guns that brought India to the table…or is it a dunda
They are jealous not just because Pakistan’s projects always work (unlike india’s i.e LCA, or Arjun
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), but also because our technological base is 100 times better than them
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. India has spent $500 million and many decades to make Arjun a reality, while Pakistan spent around $20 million and only 8 yrs. True that hard work and dedication pays off. God bless and long live Pakistan.
(Indians, you keep sleeping with your space journey dreams
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)
*
[This message has been edited by PureLand (edited July 22, 2001).]*
Another article that concludes that which is the beautiful thing about Al-Khalid it’s use of eastern and western technologies eg.
A Ukranian designed power plant (built in Pakistan)a brilliant and powerful engine with multi-fuel, turbo charged power and it’s 1200 horse power engine givin it an excellent power/weight ratio of 26.08 tons.
Fire control system is based on the excellent German system used in their main battle tanks, givin night-combat campability with thermal imagin, image stabilised sight with auto-trackin, with laser range finders.
PAK FAUJJ ZINDABAD
PAKISTAN BAINDABAD
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jul2001-daily/22-07-2001/main/main8.htm
‘HIT can manufacture 100 Al-Khalid tanks per year’
ISLAMABAD: The Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has capability to manufacture at least 100 Al-Khalid tanks per year to meet the defence needs, Chairman HIT, Lt-Gen Hamid Javaid said on Saturday. He, however, said at present the HIT has a plan to produce only 50 tanks per year.
Speaking in PTV programme “News Morning”, he said if any of our friendly countries place order to purchase the tank, we are fully capable to accommodate their demand. Hamid pointed out that some Islamic countries have already shown keen interest in Al-Khalid tank. “It is an outcome of very tough efforts made during the last eight years which gifted us with a very modern tank for Pak Army,” he added.
The tank, he said, is one of the modern tanks of the world, having capability to meet all defence requirements of the country. He said Al-Khalid tank is an ideal blend of mobility, firepower and protection and its high agility and obstacle crossing capability makes it an effective weapon that can match the tactical requirements of modern warfare.
One of the most powerful weapons of its time is mounted on the tank, which can engage targets at long stand off distances, he added. Javaid said the weapon is supported by a modern Image Stabilised Fire Control System with capabilities for day and night operations. The chairman said the tank is fortified by modular composite armour, which can effectively defeat modern ammunition.
The chairman said during the last eight years, the country has spent $20 million for the research and development of Al-Khalid tank but on the other hand India has failed to produce an indigenously manufactured tank after spending $500 million. After their failed attempts, India has made an agreement with Russia for the purchase of T-90-S tanks, which cannot be compared with Al-Khalid because it is much batter than the T-90-S tanks.
He said tanks manufactured in Western countries can be used only in cold weather, which is not suitable for countries like Pakistan. Al-Khalid tank, he added, can be used in every type of weather, which is its quality.
‘NUFF RESPEC TO THE BOYS IN GREEN’
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[This message has been edited by PJ (edited July 22, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by PJ (edited July 22, 2001).]
Look at two of its features, Image Stabilized Fire Control, and Automatic Target Tracking, its easy to see that a good deal of software engineering was involved with the Fire Control System.
It's a commendable achievement by our software engineers, MashAllah.
[quote]
Originally posted by alizadeh2000:
**Look at two of its features, Image Stabilized Fire Control, and Automatic Target Tracking, its easy to see that a good deal of software engineering was involved with the Fire Control System.
It's a commendable achievement by our software engineers, MashAllah.
**
[/quote]
One of the biggest obstacle was over heating that was a major issue. Remember 200 ~ 300 HP is used up for cooling. Specially in the theatre of operation which will be most probably Sindh and South Punjab. It gets very hot in the summer... It took them quite some time to find a solution. Remember most of the world tanks are designed to work in cold climates with the exception of few.
Indian Arjun had many problems nothing worked but one of the biggest was also over heating dispite using a 1500 HP engine v 1200 HP for AL-Khalid.
http://www.dawn.com/2001/07/22/ed.htm#2
A proud achievement
The Pakistan Army has inducted the first batch of 15 state-of-the-art, indigenously designed, high-tech, Al-Khalid main battle tanks into its armoury. The tanks are the fruit of the hard work put in by the army engineers at the Heavy Industries Taxila, who spent eight years mastering and equipping these tanks with the latest in combat technology. Fitted with a 125m (48 calibre) gun, night vision technology, auto tracking and auto loader systems, Al-Khalid matches the best features available in German, French and Ukrainian main battle tanks today. Built in collaboration with China, and improved indigenously after complete transfer of technology, Al-Khalid has a ground speed of up to 70 km an hour, it weighs only 46 tonnes and can operate even a few metres under water.
Last year in November at the ‘Ideas 2000: Arms for Peace’ international arms show in Karachi, and earlier this year at the UAE arms show in Abu Dhabi, buyers from around the world showed keen interest in the Al-Khalid tank and other such advanced weaponry and military hardware produced by Pakistan. The country’s arms industry currently exports weapons and military hardware worth some 150-200 million dollars per annum. Now with indigenously produced high-tech products at competitive prices in its inventory, there is good scope for this industry to grow. The government should seriously explore further possibilities of exports in this sector, so as to support the arms industry over the longer term, which, once profitable, can provide funding for the country’s own defence needs.