Saurer 4K 4FA-G2

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Specifications:

Crew:

2x man + 8x troopers;

Top speed:

65 km/h

Armament:

1x 20mm Oerlikon Contraves M204 GK autocannon;

Brick count:

735

Cost:

4,177u

History of Saurer 4K 4FA-G2:

Unlike many other European Countries, the bulk of the Austrian tracked APC force during the Cold War was not based on US-supplied M113. Instead, the Austrians used a locally-produced model designed in 1956. At that time, Osterreichische Saurer-Werke from Vienna started development of an Armored Personnel Carrier. This first prototype was presented two years later as the 3K 3H. The following year, the improved 4K 3H was developed. Both were propelled by a Saurer 3H 200 hp diesel engine. The next 4K 2P prototype had a revised torsion bar suspension and a 250 hp 2P engine.

The final prototype was the 4K 4F in 1961. This is the vehicle which entered production. The 4K 3FA and 4K 4FA series only differed by their engine. No less than 445 vehicles in various versions were delivered by OSW, and production lasted until 1969. The 4FA entered service in 1961 and rapidly equipped Austrian mechanized infantry divisions, grenadier and specialized units. These were gradually decommissioned in the 1990s and are now retired.

The vehicle was relatively similar to the contemporary West German Schutzenpanzer 12-3. The hull was prismatic, made of RHA welded steel and presented a low profile. It could withstand 20 mm (0.79 in) projectiles on the frontal arc, while the sloped sides andrear could protect against small arms fire. The driver sat in the front part of the vehicle, on the left, with the engine on the right. The driver’s hatch had a two-piece cover, with three periscopes in front of it. The central one could be swapped for a night vision device.

The IFV version (Grenadier-Schutzenpanzer) armed with a belt-fed 20 mm (0.79 in) Oerlikon Contraves Model 204 GK autocannon housed in a one-person turret (+70° -12° elevation/depression) replacing the commander’s cupola. 100 rounds in storage.