The “floating tank”, named Antansena, was put into production in 2016. Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryakudu stated that military equipment will go into trial operation from 2019. It is already in great demand: 100 pieces were ordered by the United Arab Emirates. The Russian Federation also plans to purchase tanks.
Purpose of the boat tank
The world community was informed about the X18 Tank Boat project (the second name is FSV) in 2015. First, the developers organized a display of a computer model of the boat. Military equipment is designed to organize land forces powerful fire support and conduct military operations with them. The advantage of the Indonesian machine is that it has a small draft. This will allow it to come almost close to the coastline. "Floating tank" is able to effectively carry combat duty on patrol.
Machine for patrolling and landing troops
Antansena is an all-composite catamaran boat. The length of the combat vehicle is 18 meters, and the width is 6.6 meters. From the technical description of the model it follows that it is equipped with two diesel engines, each of which is equipped with two water cannons. The maximum speed of the vehicle is 74 km / h (40 knots). Boat-tank (at an average speed of 30 knots per hour) can run in autonomous navigation mode up to 350 miles. If the speed is reduced to 9 knots (something like this is needed for the patrol mode), then the vehicle can go 900 miles without refueling. Antansena accommodates 26 people. This means that the boat-tank can be used for amphibious operations.
The manufacturer of the boat-tank equips the machine with a Cockerill CT-CV 105HP, 105 mm caliber. The enemy can be hit at a distance of 10 km. Auxiliary weapon will be a large-caliber machine gun on a remote control.
One of the drawbacks of the combat vehicle is weak armor. It can protect the crew only from bullets having a small and medium caliber.
Why is a "floating tank" developed in Indonesia?
It is not surprising that the boat-tank was developed in Indonesia. There is no mainland territory, but, as is known, there are more than 17,000 islands in this country. Hence the need for this kind of machines: the coast guard of the country has long been in need of "amphibious tanks". Very often local separatists hide on small islands where they are difficult to reach. With the advent of such a formidable technology, violators will have difficulty.
