Infanterikanonvagn 91

Infanterikanonvagn 91
Infanterikanonvagn 91 (Ikv 91)
Type	Amphibious Light Tank
Place of origin	Sweden
Specifications
Weight	16.3 tonnes
Length	6.41 m 8.85 m (including gun)
Width	3.00 m
Height	2.32 m
Crew	4
Armor	Secret (protects against 20 mm grenades)
Main armament	90 mm KV90S73
Secondary armament	Two 7.62 mm machine guns m/39 Two Lyran 71 mm light grenade launchers
Engine	Diesel Volvo Penta model TD 120 A, 4-step turbocharged straight six-cylinder; cylinder volume 11.97 litres 330 hp at 2200 rpm
Power/weight	20.2 hp/tonne
Suspension	Torsion beam suspension
Operational range	500 km
Speed	65 km/h

The Ikv 91, or Infanterikanonvagn 91, was a high mobility light tank that was developed to meet the operational requirements of the Swedish Army. It was designed and manufactured by Hägglund and Söner (now Hägglunds Vehicle AB) and employed common components with the Pbv 302 armoured personnel carrier series. The first prototypes of the Ikv 91 were completed in 1969 with production running from 1975 until 1978. The total numbers manufactured were 212.

The layout of the Ikv 91 is similar to a large light tank. The Ikv 91 is divided into three main compartments, the driver's station in the forward left hull, the fighting compartment located in the vehicle's midsection, and an engine compartment in the rear hull.

The main armament consisted of a Bofors KV90S73 90 mm L/54 rifled low pressure gun, firing HEAT and HE rounds. A sloped revolving turret gave protection against projectiles up to 25 mm in calibre. The main gun had an elevation of +15° and depression of −10°. The barrel was equipped with a fume extractor. Addition armament of the Ikv 91 included two 7.62 mm Browning machine guns; one in a coaxial mounting, and the second on a pintle attached to the commander's cupola. Two 71 mm Lyran flare launchers were mounted on the turret along with a set of smoke dischargers (usually 12). The vehicle was equipped with a laser rangefinder, nightvision and a computerised fire-control system for increased first-round hit probability. The Ikv 91 fired at a rate of 8 rounds per minute and 59 rounds of 90 mm ammunition were carried internally. The tank was also capable of firing while in water, with the water absorbing most of the recoil. The turret itself has a small hatch that can be opened by the loader to eject used cartridge cases to prevent clutter in the tank.

With wide tracks and a high power-to-weight ratio, the Ikv 91 offered exceptionally good off-road mobility. The low ground pressure enabled the Ikv 91 to operate through summer taiga and winter snow. The vehicle was fully amphibious with little preparation by the crew. Screens would be erected to stop water from entering the engine and the cabin compartment with a vane to protect from oncoming waves. The vehicle weighed 16.3 tonnes and had a crew of four. It was powered by a Volvo 12 liter, 330 hp, diesel engine. The maximum road speed was 65 km/h and the range on roads was about 500 km.