The CV90105 TML Turret (aka CV90105-T) is a former medium tank (as described by the manufacturer) demonstrator utilizing “off-the shelf” components, which were the French Giat (now Nexter) TML Turret and the Swedish Hägglunds Mk0 Strf 9040 (Combat Vehicle 90 aka CV90) hull.

The first and only demonstrator was completed in 1994. It served a number of purposes, firstly to show how adaptable the CV90 was for potential export clients as well as offering them a family of variants. Secondly Giat could demonstrate how its turret could be fitted to yet another vehicle as well as the hope that any future CV90 export clients would buy their turret.

CV90105 TML Turret Legacy

Sadly this was not the case and the CV90105 TML was not purchased by any of the current CV90 operators, but it did influence a trend towards the debate that medium tanks would replace the Main Battle Tank during the 1990’s and in to the early 2000’s.

BAE Systems AB (formely Hägglunds) has continued with the CV90105 medium tank legacy and developed a 120mm smoothbore version, the CV90120. The company has been working on the medium tanks main weakness, its armor. BAE have developed a new camouflage technology called ADAPTIV, which has been installed on a  demonstrator, called CV90120 “Ghost”.

A more recent CV90105 model was unveiled in 2014 as a separate project to the CV90120, using the Cockerill XC-8 105HP turret, called CV90105 XC-8.

CV90105 TML Turret Description

The 105mm main gun is the rifled CN 105 C2. Fitted with a muzzle brake, it is capable of firing several Giat (now NEXTER) rounds, including Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot, High Explosive and HEAT. The barrel is covered in a thermal sleeve to regulate its temperature so as to improve accuracy.

The turret has a 3 man crew, the Gunner sits front right with the Commander behind him and the Loader to their left with the breach in between them.

1. Gunners Sight (1 either side of the main gun in the mantle
2. Front Smoke Grenade Launchers
3. Rear Smoke Grenade Launchers
4. Commanders Sight
5. Loaders Sight (non-zoom)
6. Main Gun Pivot Point

The TML 105 turret has also been trialed on the VEXTRA 8×8, AMX-10RC 6×6, MARS 15 and Piranha 10×10, each time with some minor changes to the turret, mostly to the added external armor resulting in different shapes.

CV90105 TML Turret Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun	105mm rifled CN 105 C2 Elevation -6 to +15
Secondary Weapons	x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG
Ammunition Storage	x? 105mm, x? 7.62mm
Mobility
Engine	Scania DS14 550hp Diesel
Transmission	Perkins X300 Series x4 speed forward/x2 reverse
Top Road Speed	70 km/h
Road Range	600km
Fuel Capacity	525 litres
Vertical Obstacle	1m
Water Capability	1.4m
Trench Crossing	2.4m
Gradient	60%
Side Slope	40%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward	?m
Length Hull	6.6m
Width	3.003m
Height	?m (Turret Top)
Ground Clearance	0.45m
Weight	25,000kg aka 25 tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected	Yes
Armor Type	Steel
Active Protection Systems	No
Crew
Commander	Yes
Gunner	Yes
Loader	Yes
Driver	Yes
Additional Crew	—
Troops Carried	N/A

References:

See Also:

• CV90105 XC-8
• CV90120-T
• Combat Vehicle 90