The weapon control system is all electric, solid state and is provided by the now Curtiss-Wright Antriebstechnik (previously SIG) of Switzerland. The tank commander has a Galileo independent panoramic day/image intensification sight. The Mk 3(M) is fitted with a Vickers Defence Systems designed and developed fire-control computer with the gunner having a now Thales Optronics (previously Pilkington Optronics) Falcon day/thermal sight with laser range-finder. Main armament comprises a now BAE Systems, RO Defence 105 mm L7A1 rifled tank gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7 mm ranging machine gun and a 12.7 mm machine gun at the loaders station.

The side skirts are also provided with ERA. The basic hull and turret of the Mk 3 are retained but over the frontal arc an Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) package has been fitted to provide a higher degree of protection against High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) projectiles such as the Russian RPG-7. This was completed late in 1996 and subsequently underwent extensive firepower and mobility trials in the UK which were completed early in 1997.Īccording to Vickers Defence Systems, the success of this phase prompted a number of further design enhancements which are now being evaluated. In 1996, a decision was taken to rebuild an existing Mk 3 to the Mk 3(M) standard.

The standard Mk 3 was evaluated by the Malaysian Army late in 1995 it travelled over 2,000 km and fired 80 rounds of 105 mm ammunition.īecause of range limitations only HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) and SH/P (Squash Head Practice) types of ammunition were fired, with almost 100 per cent accuracy at ranges of up to 1,500 m being achieved. The Malaysian Army has a future requirement for a new MBT and Vickers Defence Systems is offering a new version of its proven Mark 3 MBT (covered in a separate entry) to meet this requirement.

Vickers main battle tank