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| The PL-01 concept vehicle at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in 2013 |
In 2013, the Polish company OBRUM, with support from BAE Systems, unveiled a unique concept for a stealth tank – the PL-01. This light tank was based on the chassis of the Swedish Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90120-T) and was designed to provide a high level of protection to its crew while also being able to engage and destroy enemy targets effectively.
The PL-01 was showcased at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, and immediately caught the attention of military experts and enthusiasts alike. However, despite its impressive design and capabilities, the PL-01 project was scrapped in 2015.
Design and Protection
The PL-01 was designed with a modern, standard main battle tank layout. The driver sits at the front of the vehicle's hull, with the commander and gunner located in the hull and the unmanned turret mounted at the rear. The vehicle can also accommodate four soldiers in a rear compartment within the hull.
The tank's armor is made up of a modular ceramic-aramid shell that provides protection in accordance with NATO standards. The PL-01's armor is designed to provide level 5+ protection across the front portions of the hull and turret, with additional armor panels mounted on the hull and turret for full protection against various projectiles. The hull also provides protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines. The entire vehicle is covered with radiation-absorbent material to create a stealth ground vehicle.
Engine and Performance
The PL-01 is equipped with a powerful 940 horsepower diesel engine coupled to an automatic gearbox, torque converter, and driving assistance mechanism. The tank's suspension is based on seven wheels, with active damping of torsion bars mounted on the first and last two pairs. The tank can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on paved roads and 50 km/h in rough terrain with a maximum range of 500 km. The PL-01 can climb an inclination of 30 degrees, cross ditches and trenches up to 2.6 meters wide, and cross water obstacles with a depth of up to 1.5 meters without preparation and up to 5 meters with preparation.
Weapons and Equipment
The PL-01 is equipped with a 105mm or 120mm cannon mounted within the unmanned turret, in accordance with NATO standards. The tank's cannon can fire both conventional projectiles and guided anti-tank missiles, with an automatic loader ensuring a fire rate of 6 shots per minute. The vehicle carries 45 rounds, 16 of which are stored within the turret and ready to fire, with the remainder stored within the chassis compartment. The tank is also armed with a 7.62mm UKM-2000C machine gun with an ammunition supply of 1,000 rounds.
The PL-01 also has a remote-controlled module that can be equipped with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher with a supply of 8,000 rounds of 7.62mm, 400 rounds of 12.7mm, or 96 rounds of 40mm grenades. The turret also features an active protection system that intercepts incoming missiles and smoke grenade launchers.
Video: PL-01 Futuristic Stealth Tank
The tank's observation and sighting systems come with laser rangefinders, day-night cameras, and third-generation thermal imaging, with visual data displayed on a screen. Additionally, the PL-01 is fitted with a fire extinguishing system in the turret and hull, an internal radio communication system, an active anti-projectile protection system, a battlefield management system, a cooling exhaust system, a thermal masking system, and air conditioning filters. The crew is provided with special seats to minimize the physical effects of nearby explosions. The vehicle was also capable of being configured for various roles, including as a command vehicle, mine clearance vehicle, or armored vehicle repair.
Conclude
While the PL-01 project was ultimately cancelled, it represents an important milestone in the development of modern light tank technology. Its advanced armor, high mobility, and formidable weaponry would have made it a valuable asset on the modern battlefield. It is possible that some of the innovations and technologies used in the PL-01 will be utilized in future military vehicles, as militaries around the world continue to seek the most advanced and effective equipment to ensure their success in combat.