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Spähpanzer Ru 251

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Spähpanzer Ru 251
TypeLight tank
Place of originGermany
Production history
DesignerHanomag
Designed1960-1964
ManufacturerHenschel
Produced1963-1964
No. built2
Specifications
Mass25.3 tons
Length6.2 m (20 ft 4 in)
Width3 m (9 ft 10 in)
Height2.49 m (8 ft 2 in)
Crew4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader)

Armor30 mm MAX
Main
armament
1 × 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90/L40
Secondary
armament
1 x MG 3A1
EngineDaimler-Benz MB 837 A
630 hp
Power/weight25 PS (hp)/tonne
SuspensionHydropneumatic suspension
Ground clearance400 mm
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph)

The Spähpanzer Ru 251 is a German light tank based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer. It was proposed to replace the M41 Walker Bulldog.

History

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The 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

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The 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

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Spähpanzer RU 251 - Tank Encyclopedia". Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
  2. ^ Schmid, Wolfgang (3 July 2017). "Spähpanzer Ru 251 (Prototyp)" (in German). Die goldgelben Seiten. Retrieved 24 May 2021.