P-15 Gepard
| Panzerkampfwagen-15 "Gepard" | |
|---|---|
| File:LT.png A P-15 on display | |
| Type | Light/Medium Tank |
| Place of origin |  Volgaria |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1987-present |
| Used by | Volgaria |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Bhomern Armeewerke |
| Designed | 1987 |
| Unit cost | $2,000,000 Reichsmark |
| Produced | 1987-1998 |
| No. built | 527 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 30.5 t |
| Length | 6.75 m (22 ft 2 in) |
| Width | 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 2.42 m (7 ft 11 in) |
| Crew | 3-4 |
Main armament | 1x 105 mm rifled gun |
Secondary armament | 2× 7.62 mm machine gu 2x 71mm grenade launchers. |
| Speed | 80.47 km/h (50 mph) |
The Panzerkampfwagen 15 nicknamed "Gepard" (Cheetah) is a Light/Medium Tank developed and currently used by Volgaria. The Tank was designed by Bhomern Armeewerke in 1983 and entered service with the Volgarian Army in 1987. Although designated and called a "Light-tank", its weight is over double than that of most other light-tanks fielded by other nations, as such it can also referred to as a medium-tank. It was commissioned by the Volgarian Army due to a need for a Light-weight Tank for infantry support and reconnaissance that would be able to neutralize fortifications such as pillboxes and bunkers as well as easily destroy hostile infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. There has recently been discussion amongst the Volgarian high command about dismissing it from service as its role can be fulfilled by newer generation IFV's though it remains in service and even is even being upgraded. It is available for international export although no orders have been placed by other nations.
History
Development History
With the recent procurement of the brand new, but expensive Pzkpfw-79 the military felt it was necessary that a cheaper, lighter and faster tank must also be produced to be made readily available for roles that were low-priority for the Pzkpfw-79, such as pillboxes and lighter AFV's as well as be active in recon missions. This would in turn have the Panzer 79 be largely more focused on solely anti-armour applications.
It was decided the basis of this new tank would utilize the chassis of the GPAS-71 "Büffel" IFV and the gun of the Pzkpfw-65 (as well as a similar turret design), which were being replaced by the Pzkpfw-79. As well, the tank had to weigh no more than 30 tonnes, have a maximum speed of 80 km/h and have a maximum operational range of 800 km with auxiliary fuel tanks. Development of the project was taken up by Bhomern Armeewerke, who also upgraded and developed the local production versions of the Vielfraß tank series. The tank also was required to have extensive infantry-support capabilities, including being able to mount two 7.62 machine guns as well as two 71mm grenade launchers.
Combat History
The P-15 was adopted in 1987 but has not seen active combat as of the modern day.