Originally Posted by
afv aficionado
Hi Fsttanks
Interesting, is that a 105mm?
Presumably thats a Thermal imaging sight mounted in the centre turret fwd of the hatches? Looks like it will obstruct the loaders hatch slightly? Internally it might obstruct gun depression?
NBC pack replacing the turret stowage box?
Mal
The main gun is a 105mm (Rheinmetall smooth bore as used on the Striker mobile gun carrier). Center sight is a CITS from a Challenger 2 the small sight next to it is the new gunners sight I built. The loaders hatch is not obstructed by either sight and can open past the 110 degree point and has a stop mounted to the turret to ensure it does not open further. It opens further than those on a T72/90. Both sights being digital they would have a very small foot print inside the tank and definitely not enough to interfere with any internal workings. The M41 basket was removed and replaced with one from a T90 that allow for more storage and larger mounting surfaces for additional kit. The NBC systems blister cover is mounted under the rear part of turret and not visible in the pictures shown. I will make sure to show it in some future photos.
Keep in mind this is the rough turret layout and as the project progresses the layout will be tweaked here and there.
Thanks for the questions.