In the mid-90s, 24 American M48A2G tanks, of which the gun turrets were dismantled, were equipped with so-called “attack” anti-mine sweeps. In the working position, they fall and begin to rotate when moving.
Suspended from a chain, special rods hit the ground with force, destroying or activating anti-personnel or anti-tank mines installed at a depth of up to 25 cm.
Working on the ground, they leave passages 4.7 meters wide. It is true that experts have criticized this technique for its lack of efficiency: in some cases, it does not detect up to 30 percent of explosive devices embedded in the ground.
An interesting option is the presence in the stern of a device that sets signals indicating the direction of movement.
The mass of the “wild pig” is quite large – 53 000 kg, almost like the first versions of the Leopard 2 main battle tank.
It has a 1112 horsepower diesel engine. At the same time, during operation, a third of the power is directed to the drive of the working elements of the trawl.
The maximum speed on the highway is not impressive – 48 km / h, while trawling is only 4.5 km / h. The vehicle is disarmed. Only sixteen mortars were installed, firing smoke ammunition. Crew – two people.
The appearance of Keiler further unifies the fleet of tracked vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Various modifications of the T-64, T-72 are already being used. T-80BVs are also operated. More and more military and engineering equipment on the chassis of the German Leopard 1: self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, repair and recovery equipment, bridge layers. It is also possible the appearance of the tanks themselves of this type.
There are samples based on the T-54/55 (tractors, Polish Newa SC air defense systems). The Slovenian M55S, although created on the basis of “fifty-five”, but has significant differences in weapons, fire control systems, engines and chassis. The appearance of the British Challenger 2, the German Leopard 2, as well as equipment on these platforms are also expected.
As for the M48 A2G, in the 90s they were withdrawn from service with the Bundeswehr as obsolete and mostly phased out.
