The Spähpanzer Ru 251 is a German light tank based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer. It was proposed to replace the M41 Walker Bulldog.
| Spähpanzer Ru 251 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Light tank |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Hanomag |
| Designed | 1960-1964 |
| Manufacturer | Henschel |
| Produced | 1963-1964 |
| No. built | 2 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 25.3 tons |
| Length | 6.2 m (20 ft 4 in) |
| Width | 3 m (9 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 2.49 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader) |
| Armor | 30 mm MAX |
Main armament | 1 × 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 |
Secondary armament | 1 x MG 3A1 |
| Engine | Daimler-Benz MB 837 A 630 hp |
| Power/weight | 25 PS (hp)/tonne |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic suspension |
| Ground clearance | 400 mm |
| Maximum speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
History
editThe Ru 251 was one of the projects created by the Bundeswehr during the Cold War. In this connection, a new project began—the Europanzer, which led to the creation of the Leopard 1 for the West Germany or the AMX-30 for France.[citation needed]
In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr still used American M41s as reconnaissance tanks. In 1960, a program was launched to develop a new light reconnaissance tank. Prototypes were built in 1963 and 1964.[1]
Design
editThe Ru 251 is based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer and uses the same 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 main cannon.[1]
The Ru 251 had remarkable mobility and firepower with its 650 hp Daimler-Benz MB 837 A engine and its Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 90mm cannon, but had no significant anti-tank shell protection. In 1964, the Ru 251 prototype underwent intensive operational trials, but at the same time the Leopard 1 main battle tank with its 105 mm cannon was prepared for series production.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Spähpanzer RU 251 - Tank Encyclopedia". Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
- ^ Schmid, Wolfgang (3 July 2017). "Spähpanzer Ru 251 (Prototyp)" (in German). Die goldgelben Seiten. Retrieved 24 May 2021.