Image source: topwar.ru
On June 25, the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan presented the prototype D2 of the new 105 mm self-propelled gun 8x8, which should act on the battlefield as a tank destroyer and was created, apparently, on the basis of the promising BMP Clouded Leopard II.
It is assumed that after testing the D2, the D3 model will be sent for testing, the completion of which is expected next year. To date, two prototypes D1 and D2 have been manufactured between 2019 and 2023. The NCSIST Institute is responsible for the development of the tower, and the corps is the Bureau of Armaments.
Despite the satisfactory test results, the Taiwanese army demanded a number of changes, in particular, to reduce the height of the prototype from 3.3 m to 3 m. As planned, the D3 model that meets this request will pass the entire testing cycle by 2025.
Image source: topwar.ru
The caliber of the new ACS corresponds to the 105 mm of the M60A3 and CM11 tanks, which should simplify logistics. During the tests, the prototype D2 demonstrated the ability to penetrate a 500 mm thick steel plate from a distance of 2000 m with armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber projectiles. The expected life of the barrel is from 800 to 1000 rounds. Secondary armament is represented by a paired 7.62 mm machine gun and a DUMV with a 12.7mm machine gun.
The number of the crew is 4 people. The cameras provide an all-round view. The surveillance system supports operation in all weather conditions, detecting equipment at a distance of 2000 m and personnel at a distance of 1200 m. The speed will exceed 100 km/h.
Image source: topwar.ru
At the moment, the Taiwanese army is armed with a Cloud Leopard armored vehicle of its own design, presented in several versions. To replace it, the Clouded Leopard II is being created, which, most likely, acted as a chassis for the new ACS.
As the military explains, the existing tracked vehicles are unsuitable for operations in coastal areas, on beaches and in river valleys. The command believes that wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed exceeding 100 km/h will provide better mobility.
