PINDAD Ready to Launch its First Indonesian made Tank
Pindad PT (Persero) will launch a wheeled chain combat vehicles or tanks. Tanks that are planned to be released is either the light tank or medium variants.
Said the Head of Production Department II (Special Vehicle Division), Hery Mochtady to detik Finance in PINDAD Headquarters, Jalan Gatot Subroto, Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday (17/04/2013).
"We've got an early prototype for the light tank. While for the medium tank we are still trying to finalize the concept design" said Hery.
For the concept for the light tank version, PINDAD adopt the technology and design of the British-made Scorpion tank. Later, the tank will be controlled by three people that act as the commander, gunner and driver.
"If the scorpion can be compared with the light tanks, the medium tank can be compared with the marder. To get there we will try to develop it along the way. While Heavy Tank like the Leopard we still can't. It is too heavy. We are more suitable in the medium role but for the weapons we could use disposable anti-tank missiles or 105 large caliber round, "he added.
Although the tank will be develop into two types, namely light and medium. Weapons capability, can still be improved or the ability to adopt heavy barrel like the Leopard.
Marder fitted with 105 OTO-Melara cannon.
"The technology has improved, a medium tank is now capable of carrying a larger caliber weapon," he said.
For components, Hery acknowledge, in PINDAD prioritize local components. However, when these components are not sold or developed in the country, it will be bought from abroad.
"But realistically, we are still limited to the power pack, engine, transmission, and cooling. We have no supply for the large caliber weapons, we still import from another country. But we will try to develop it if we can. If forced to buy from overseas, we need to have ToT (transfer of technology). At least we can learn about the technology, concept of design and like, "he said.