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Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

Did any tracked Saurer vehicle ever entered service with Austrian Army?

Yes, the 4K3FA and the 4K4FA, in many variants, too: APC, mortar carrier, ambulance, signals, command and let's not forget the SK-105 and the Greif ARV. They were built by Steyr, but they were of Saurer design.
And the Oerlikon 80mm rocket launcher turret has been applied mostly experimentally to a variety of vehicles: Tornado, Saurer, Piranha, Grenadier, VXB, HS-30, and the list goes on. The US Navy even trialed it on a Nasty PTF in Vietnam.

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

- Costas_TT

Yes, the 4K3FA and the 4K4FA, in many variants, too: APC, mortar carrier, ambulance, signals, command and let's not forget the SK-105 and the Greif ARV. They were built by Steyr, but they were of Saurer design.

I see now, I assumed they were from Steyr, never realized before they were designed by Saurer. Thanks!

Massimo

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:36 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

Ex-Canadian Centurion with pretty cool camo:

Centurion Mk III by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:37 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

Fliegerabwehrpanzer 68 M-0888

Two prototypes built, mounting a Gepard's turret over a Pz 68 chassis. It never entered in active service. This is the only survivor

Fliegerabwehrpanzer 68 M-0888 by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

M31 by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

M7 Priest by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:40 am Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

M4A4 by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

zemsi · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

- Massimo_Foti

Ex-Canadian Centurion with pretty cool camo:

Centurion Mk III by Massimo Foti, on Flickr

... Massimo, are you sure this is an ex-Canadian tank? However, if it is, it didn't serve in the Swiss Army. According to my source all South African and Canadian Centurions were either sold outside Switzerland or scrapped.

Greetings
Chris

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

- zemsi

... Massimo, are you sure this is an ex-Canadian tank? However, if it is, it didn't serve in the Swiss Army. According to my source all South African and Canadian Centurions were either sold outside Switzerland or scrapped.

The Museum's info plate says it's one of the 20 ex-canadian Centurions that were acquired in 1978 for spare parts.
That's all the info I have.

Massimo

zemsi · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:02 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Centurions

... hmm, there were 12 Canadian Centurions (Mark 7, with reinforced front plate), starting number (most likely) M+78900.

In the official tank museum brochure is written (page 63), that as you said, 20 were bought in 1978 for spare parts. 4 turrets were salvaged for the shooting simulator ELSAP.

I didn't know some were bought for spare parts too. I'll ask my friend.

Greetings
Chris

zemsi · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject: Re: Canadian Centurions

... according to "Die Panzer der Schweizer Armee 1920 - 2008" twelve Canadian Centurions Mark 12 were bought in 1971. Numbers M+78900 to 11.

If any Swiss Panzer-Aficionado wants a copy of that book (German only, loads of pics and technical data), let me know. I know the book writer/publisher.

Greetings
Chris

L.Delsing · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 10, 2006 Posts: 960

The Centurion mk.3 had registration 6-4512 which looks like a Canadian registration.

Regards
Lesley

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

- zemsi

If any Swiss Panzer-Aficionado wants a copy of that book (German only, loads of pics and technical data), let me know. I know the book writer/publisher.

I, for one, would certainly appreciate a copy. Even though I speak no German, I can understand a lot of the terminology. But in order not to hijack the thread, I suggest we continue the discussion via private messages.
Costas.

Massimo_Foti · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Thun. Panzermuseum

Since the thread is gaining traction. Here is the Mowag Pirat mentioned by Costas. It was evaluated by Swiss Army but in the end the M113 was adopted.
It was evaluated by Italian Army too but, once again, the M113 was acquired instead.
Hope the "pole" shot gives a better idea of the top layout

Mowag 3M1 Pirat 18 by Massimo Foti, on Flickr