Main Battle Tank
"Osorio"
ModificationEE-T1EE-T2Entered service in 1988-Crew4Dimensions and weightTotal weight in combat order 41 t ~ 43 tOverall length ?10 100 mmChassis length 7 130 mmOverall width 3 200 mm Overall height 2 370 mmArmamentMain gun 105-mm rifled gun L7A3120-mm smoothbore gunMachine guns2 x 7.62-mm1 x 7.62-mm, 1 x 12.7-mmTraverse range 360 degrees Combat loadMain gun45 rounds38 roundsMachine guns5 000 cartridgesMobilityEngine power 1 040 h.p.Maximum road speed 70 km/h Autonomy on roads 500 km 550 kmManeuverabilitySlope 30°Vertical step 1.15 mDitch 3 mFord (unprepared)1.2 m
The EE-T1 "Osorio" Main Battle Tank was developed in the middle of 80-ties by "Engensa" - the largest Brazilian weapon developer. Companies technical politics is based on a wide usage of other companies providing military technologies scientific strides. Furthermore if some component production license price is too high, "Engensa" usually buys already produced and completes it's products with such, or offers job for specialists who took part designing one or another product. In this way "Engensa" resolves two main problems: it's production is at a high technology level and it's price is suitable even for a third world countries. The EE-T1 "Osorio" Main Battle Tank is a good such technical politics example. It has classical arrangement for a main battle tank and a usual number of crew members. It was developed in
1985 and in 1988 it entered service with Brazilian armored forces.
Hull and turret are differentially armored. Rear part is armored with a multi-layer armor which is made with included composite materials and is similar to British "Chobhem" armor. Frontal armor plates are placed with a high inclination level providing better defense.
"Osorio" armament is placed in three-seat turret. As well as EE-T1 is intended not only for Brazilian armored forces, but for export as well, it is produced with two armament variants. EE-T1 intended for Brazilian armored forces is armed with British L7A3 105-mm rifled gun, while export modification EE-T2 is fitted with French 120-mm smoothbore gun. It can be also completed with Soviet/Russian 2A46 125-mm smoothbore gun.