The CV90120 light tank was developed by the BAE Systems Hagglunds as a private venture. The CV90120 uses modified CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90, Stridsfordon 90) infantry fighting vehicle chassis. The CV90120 has been developed to meet a specific demand – firepower comparable to an Main Battle Tank, in a lighter, more mobile vehicle. The vehicle fires all standard NATO 120mm smooth bore ammunition from the battle-proven platform of the CV90. This delivers a level of mobility that provides the crew with the tactical and strategic edge. It also provides forces with a cost-effective route to gaining battle-winning firepower.
The light tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 120 mm high-pressure low-recoil smoothbore gun. The light tank is fitted with a computerized fire control system and stabilized day/night sights. Vehicle’s integrated battlefield management system ensures situational awareness. It fires modern NATO ammunition. Mounted co-axial to the left of the main armament is a 7.62 mm machine gun and mounted either side of the turret is a bank of electrically operated smoke grenade launchers. The gunner has a roof mounted stabilised Celsius Tech Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft System (UTASS) sighting system which is also fitted to the CV 9030/CV 9040 vehicles with day/thermal channels and a laser range-finder.
The CV90120 integrates a modular Defensive Aid Suite, including laser, radar and missile approach warners. This provides outstanding survivability for highly fragmented, multi-spectral battlefields. Additional passive armor package can be fitted. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing projectiles. Furthermore explosive reactive armor can be fitted for even higher level of protection. Survivability of the CV90120-T light tank is further enhanced by the tank’s Defensive Aids Suite, including laser, radar and missile approach warning systems, multi-spectral aerosol active countermeasures system. A top attack radar can identify precision guided anti-tank munitions.
The vehicle is powered by the Scania DI16 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 670 hp. Suspension is of the torsion bar type with rotary dampers. Tracks are of the forge steel single pin type with detachable rubber pads, each track having 24 shoes. The track has a pitch of 152 mm and a width of 533 mm. A semi-active hydraulic track tensioning system is fitted as standard and operated by the driver. Suspension is of the torsion bar type with rotary dampers. Each side has seven road wheels, drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track return rollers. The upper part of the track is covered by skirts. Running and life cycle expenses on this light tank are considerably lower comparing with modern main battle tanks.
