Tosan | |
Origin: | Iran |
Type: | Light tank |
Is Vehicle: | yes |
Is Uk: | yes |
Service: | 1997–present |
Used By: | See Operators |
Designer: | Alvis |
Production Date: | 1997 |
Number: | Few made. Actual numbers unknown[1] |
Crew: | 3 |
Length: | 4.9 m |
Width: | 2.2 m |
Height: | 2.1 m |
Weight: | ~ 8 tonnes |
Armour: | 12.7 mm |
Primary Armament: | 90 mm gun or 30 mm 2A42 autocannon |
Secondary Armament: | Toophan |
Engine: | Diesel |
Suspension: | Torsion bar |
The Tosan (sometimes known as Towsan,[1] meaning "wild horse" or "fury"[2]) is an Iranian light tank. Iran calls it a "Quick Reaction" tank because the tank is said to be capable of rapid response and is built for strategic missions.
Production started in 1997,[2] but the tank was only produced in small numbers.[1] Colonel Nasser Arab-Beigi, head of the self-sufficiency unit of the IRGC ground forces, announced the mass-production of the Tosan on June 30, 2008, as part of the country's campaign for defense self-sufficiency.
In July 2020, Tosans were deployed to the northwestern borders of Jolfa and Khodaafarin due to escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.[3]
The Tosan's design is based on the British FV101 Scorpion;[4] the tank is fitted with a 90 mm gun, Toophan missile launchers (some were mounted),[5] and improved firing and targeting systems. The tank can drive long distances on its tracks and does not need to be carried on trucks.[2]
Iranian sources reported that the Tosan's front armor is armored against bullets up to 12.7 caliber. It is equipped with a diesel engine.