The Spähpanzer SP I.C. (also known as SPIC)[a] was the experimental model of a West German reconnaissance scout light tank with anti-tank components. It was developed from 1956 in order to increase the anti-tank capabilities of reconnaissance tank battalions, but the project eventually declined. There are two blueprint prototype versions of the SP I.C.[citation needed] The single tank built can be seen in the Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung Koblenz.

Spähpanzer SP I.C., PT1 & PT2
The Spähpanzer SP I.C. PT2
TypeLight tank
Place of originWest Germany
Service history
In serviceNever saw service
Production history
DesignerHotchkiss; Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz
Designed1956 ~ 1962
ManufacturerHotchkiss; Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz
Unit costClassified (possibly around 3million credits at the time)
Produced1962
No. built1
Specifications
Mass8.92 t (8.78 long tons)
Length4.42 m (14 ft 6 in)
Width2.3 m (7 ft 7 in)
Height2.39 m (7 ft 10 in)
Crew3 (commander/gunner, driver, loader)

Armor10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in)
Main
armament
1 × 90 mm Mercar (Mecar) or 1 x 90 mm Mercar mit "Mehrladeeinrichtung"
18 rounds AP and/or HE
Secondary
armament
1 x MG42 machine gun or coaxial smoke grenade launchers
EngineHotchkiss-Brandt 6-cylinder petrol 195/164/154 PS
195/164/154 hp
Power/weight30 PS (hp)/tonne
SuspensionHydropneumatic;
Traverse speeds:
PT1=40; PT2=44
Ground clearance400 mm (16 in)
Fuel capacity270 litres; 85 litres reserve
Maximum speed 58 km/h (36 mph)

Specifications

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Spähpanzer SP I.C.[1]
Muzzle velocity AP: 630 m/s (2,067 ft/s)
HE: 338 m/s (1,109 ft/s)
Maximum ammunition load 18

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ 'SP' is short for Spähpanzer, German for "Scout Tank"

References

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  1. ^ Silentstalker (13 February 2021). "About the tier 8 German LT alternatives – Spähpanzer SP I.C | For the Record". wot-news.com. Retrieved 2016-08-25.