TSPJ1 Uhlan Light Tank

TSPJ1 Uhlan
The Uhlan in its light tank configuration.
Type	Light tank Infantry fighting vehicle
Place of origin	Ruvelka
Service history
In service	1991 – Present
Used by	Ruvelka
Production history
Manufacturer	S & T Dynamics
Produced	1991 – Present
No. built	320 (as Light Tank) 306 (as IFV)
Specifications
Weight	23–35 Tonnes
Length	6.55 m
Width	3.1 m
Height	2.7 m
Crew	Light Tank: Commander, driver, gunner, loader IFV: Commander, driver, gunner
Passengers	8 passengers (IFV)
Main armament	40mm autocannon (IFV) 120mm smoothbore (Light Tank)
Secondary armament	1 × RDA M65 MMG (7.62×51mm; coaxial) 6 × 76mm grenade launchers
Engine	Scania DSI 16 liter V8 diesel 810 hp
Power/weight	28 hp/tonne
Transmission	Automatic
Suspension	Torsion bar
Operational range	320 km
Speed	70 km/h (road) 50 km/h (off-road)

The S & T Dynamics TSPJ1 Uhlan is a family of multirole armored fighting vehicle that serves as the primary light tank and infantry fighting vehicle of the Ruvelkan Armed Forces. It was developed specifically for the mountainous terrain and cold weather climate of the Principality and has been characterized for its high mobility in snow, wetlands, and rugged land.

The Uhlan possesses the ability of interchanging weapon loadouts to suit specific vehicle roles. In its configuration as an IFV, it is armed with a 40mm rapid firing autocannon that is used in support of Ruvelkan mechanized infantry. The light tank variant of the Uhlan is outfitted with a 120mm anti-tank smoothbore gun in addition to significantly improved reactive armor.

Development

The concept of the Uhlan originally came about in 1985 when leaders of the Ruvelkan military were looking to find a replacement for both the KT2 light tanks and GH2 infantry fighting vehicles. The program was originally envisioned to have a singular chassis capable of fulfilling multiple roles and sharing a large portion of its mechanical parts in order to simplify supply and repair.

Production

Production of the TSPJ1 began in mid-1991 with an initial order of 1000 units, 600 IFVs and 400 light tanks. As of 2020, over 600 vehicles of the original order placed by the Defense Ministry have been fulfilled with 320 currently serving the role of light tank and 306 in the IFV configuration.

Operational History

The Uhlan saw extensive combat use both in its IFV and light tank variants during the Zemplen War. Their high mobility allowed Ruvelkan Army elements to lay ambushes for invading Syaran forces and then quickly retreat before an effective response could be mounted. However, it was quickly understood that the armor of the Uhlans—while capable of protecting crew and passengers from small arms fire, shrapnel, and light anti-tank weapons—could easily be defeated by the armaments of main-line Syaran tanks. As a result, Uhlans were relegated to long-range support roles during pitched battles in which they could not be effectively used for ambushing or flanking maneuvers.

Variants

TSPJ1 IFV

The IFV variant is equipped with a 40mm autocannon equipped with gyro-stabilization, a flare mortar, and a set of grenade launchers. The grenade launchers, arranged in clusters of three on each side of the turret, are primarily used for smoke grenades but can also be loaded with combat grenades. It is capable of transporting eight fully equipped troops into combat or four troopers on stretchers.

TSPJ1 Light Tank

The light tank variation is armed with a compact 120mm smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT, ATGM, and HE-Frag ammunition. It sacrifices its transport capacity for improved standard and reactive armor.