Royal Thai Army Purchased 106 Stingray Light Tank

1991

The Stingray light tank was developed by Cadillac Gage as a private venture. The first prototype was completed in 1985. It entered service with the Royal Thai Army in 1988. Thailand purchased a total of 106 Stingray light tanks.

The Stingray was developed to with increased strategic and tactical mobility in mind. This light tank is air transportable.

Cadillac Gage Stingray Light Tank (photo : Militaryphotos)

Stingray of the Royal Thai Army (photo : military today)

The stingray is very lightly armed. Front armor can only withstand 14.5-mm ammunition, however additional armor protection can be fitted. The Stingray is armed with a 105-mm Low Recoil Force gun, derived form the British L7A3. It can fire a full range of NATO ammunition. This gun is loaded manually. Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

The Stingray light tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. Vehicle is fitted with a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA diesel engine, developing 535 horsepower. Engine, transmission, suspension and tracks of the Stingray are standard components, used to reduce procurement and servicing costs.

Further development of the Stingray became the Stingray II. It has a number of improvements, including increased armor protection, mobility and improved fire control system. However the Stingray II has not entered service with any country yet.

Sumber : Military Today