2CA2 medium tank

• The ambitious project plans to progressively upgrade the existing TAM 2C and 74 TAM units.
• The TAM 2CA2 will also integrate a sophisticated hunter-killer system.
• The TAM 2CA2 will be outfitted with a state-of-the-art gunner’s sight.

The TAM 2CA2 tanks, which are part of a larger plan to upgrade 74 units, have undergone significant enhancements to meet the evolving needs and requirements of the Argentine Army. These enhancements include the integration of more powerful weaponry, improved protection systems such as advanced armour plating and reactive armour, and state-of-the-art targeting technology, ensuring that the tanks maintain their effectiveness and superiority on the modern battlefield.

The TAM 2CA2 modernisation program is a crucial component of the Argentine Army's broader initiative to modernise its military equipment and enhance its combat capabilities. The modernised tanks are anticipated to be strategically deployed across various locations in the country, bolstering national defence and contributing to overall stability and security.

Design

The TAM 2CA2, a modernised version of the Argentine medium tank TAM, is the result of a comprehensive modernisation project undertaken in collaboration with the Israeli company Elbit Systems. This ambitious initiative aims to upgrade a total of 74 tanks over five years, with plans for an additional phase to modernise 30 more units, bringing the total to over 100 modernised tanks. 

The modernisation efforts encompass a wide array of enhancements, including the installation of state-of-the-art technological components in the tank's turret. Moreover, the Argentine Army is tasked with the refurbishment of the vehicle hulls, involving the replacement of many mechanical components and spare parts to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

In terms of armament, the TAM 2CA2 is equipped with a main 105 mm gun, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the roof. These formidable weapons are complemented by a sophisticated fire control system, an advanced optical sight and rangefinder, and a high-precision ballistic computer, all of which contribute to the tank's exceptional combat capabilities. Additionally, the TAM 2CA2 features an air filtering device, a highly effective fire suppression system, and a cutting-edge battle management system integrated with smoke grenades. The tank's communication systems are equally impressive, with an intercom system and an advanced communication system ensuring seamless connectivity.

Designed for a crew of four, the TAM 2CA2 boasts formidable armour capable of withstanding small arms fire, shell splinters, and armour-piercing ammunition up to 20 mm. Weighing 30,000 kg, it exhibits remarkable agility, capable of reaching a top speed of 75 km/h and demonstrating an impressive operational range of 940 km. These features collectively underscore the tank's exceptional manoeuvrability and operational efficiency across diverse terrain conditions.

The TAM 2CA2's advanced systems further enhance its combat capabilities, including a new fire control system, thermal imaging for both the gunner and commander and a highly precise laser rangefinder. Notably, the tank is also equipped with a modernised communication system and a crucial air conditioning system, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal performance, especially in hot climates.

Powering the TAM 2CA2 is an MTU MB 833 Ka-500 diesel engine, delivering an impressive 720 horsepower, which allows the tank to achieve a top speed of around 75 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the tank's mobility is further enhanced, while its operational range of approximately 500 kilometres, made possible by an efficient fuel capacity of 1,200 litres, ensures extended operational capabilities without frequent refuelling.

In terms of armament, the TAM 2CA2 is armed with a potent 105mm L7A3 gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, in addition to a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun. The tank can conveniently carry up to 50 rounds for the main gun and 2,000 rounds for the machine guns, underscoring its formidable firepower and combat readiness.

Conclusion

The Modernization Project of the Medium Argentine Tank (TAM) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at upgrading the TAM 2C to the TAM 2CA2 version, which serves as the primary armoured vehicle of the Argentine Army. This upgrade involves integrating cutting-edge systems that will enable Time Combat (ATC) capabilities and significantly enhance shooting precision through the utilisation of an advanced digitised fire control system. Furthermore, the TAM 2CA2 will feature a revamped turret movement system, replacing the original hydraulic mechanism with an electric one to achieve higher movement speed and agility.

This technological advancement is of paramount importance as it aligns the TAM 2CA2 with the state-of-the-art technology utilised in the most modern tanks across the globe, equipping it with the operational capabilities necessary to meet the demands of contemporary conflicts. The initial phase of the project aims to modernise a total of 74 units with these advanced systems, marking a significant step forward in the Argentine Army's armoured capabilities.

The TAM 2CA2 will be outfitted with a state-of-the-art gunner’s sight inspired by the COAPS (Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight) developed by Elbit Systems. This innovative equipment promises exceptional visibility during both day and night operations, superior long-range target engagement capabilities, improved sensor performance, and enhanced thermal sights, among other cutting-edge features, thereby significantly enhancing the tank's combat effectiveness in various operational scenarios.

In addition to these enhancements, the TAM 2CA2 will also integrate a sophisticated hunter-killer system for the commander, empowering commanders to autonomously track targets independent of the gunner’s actions. This groundbreaking feature further elevates the operational functionality of the TAM 2CA2, providing the Argentine Army with a formidable asset for future missions and operations.

Looking ahead, the ambitious project plans to progressively upgrade the existing TAM 2C and 74 TAM units to the advanced TAM 2CA2 model over the next seven years, with the completion of the upgrade program slated for 2030. This comprehensive modernisation initiative represents a significant stride forward in bolstering the Argentine Army's armoured capabilities and ensuring its readiness for the challenges of modern warfare.