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TH200
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The Henschel Wehrtechnik TH-200, TH-400, and TH-800 are a family of wheeled armoured fighting vehicles by Thyssen-Henschel. Their development was loosely related to the Spähpanzer Luchs.[1]
Key Information
All three were capable of undertaking a variety of battlefield roles, although the TH-400 was primarily tested as a fire support vehicle due to its exceptional firepower to weight ratio. The latter was able to carry a wide range of heavy armament, including a modified Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore tank gun, despite its relatively light six-wheeled chassis.[2]
Development
[edit]Henschel Wehrtechnik GmbH, now bought over by Rheinmetall DeTec AG, had been developing, as private venture, a family of wheeled Armoured fighting vehicles since the early 1980s that can undertake a wide range of roles on the battlefield. These were the TH200(4X4), TH400(6X6) and the TH800(8X8).
These vehicles have a hull of all-welded steel armour construction that provides guaranteed protection from small arms, shrapnel and medium machine gun fire. However, they are vulnerable to anti-tank weapons such as LAWs, RPGs and ATGMs. For improved protection, passive and active add-on armour can be added on.
All vehicles have power steering and incorporate a new type of suspension consisting of a double trailing arm independent wheel suspension, the kinetic properties of which give considerably improved mobility in rough terrain. The negative lead angle of the springing reduces the vertical and horizontal acceleration when driving rapidly across obstacles so that the physical load on the crew is lower compared to vehicles equipped with rigid axles.
Description
[edit]TH200(4X4)
[edit]This vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of turrets with weapons up to a maximum of 90 mm such as the 90 mm Cockerill gun system. Typical roles envisioned are armoured reconnaissance, light weapons carrier, medium weapons carrier and armoured personnel carriers with a crew of 2 and 9 troops. Independent suspension using the double trailing arms used in conjunction with wide low-pressure tires allow for high cross-country speed and improved traction on soft ground. The combat weight being at 9,250 kg allows the vehicle to be transported by heavy-lift helicopters and gives it an amphibious capability.
TH400(6X6)
[edit]A prototype of this vehicle has been built and tested armed with a 105 mm gun mounted in a three-man powered turret firing a full range of NATO ammunition including APFSDS. Heavier turrets mounting the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore can also be fitted. Typical roles envisioned are armoured reconnaissance, medium weapons carrier, heavy weapons carrier, fire support (AFSV), anti-tank and anti-aircraft using both gun and missile. Independent suspension using the double trailing arms with a central tire-pressure at each wheel allows the ground pressure at each wheel to be varied while on the move giving high cross-country speed. The powerpack is modularly mounted at the rear of the hull allowing for quick maintenance and replacement. The drive train is installed inside the vehicle for added crew protection. The combat weight is more than twice that of the TH200 at 24,500 kg due to the addition of the 105 mm gun turret and larger 435 hp engine which limits it fording at 1.2 m thereby losing the flexibility of heli-portability and amphibious movement.
The original TH400 prototype is currently owned by the History Survives Foundation in 't Harde, the Netherlands.[3]
TH800(8X8)
[edit]This vehicle has a projected weight of 35,000 kg allowing it to carry weapons stations or turrets of up to 13000 kg. Typical roles envisioned are heavy weapons carrier, armoured air defence vehicle mounting twin 35 mm guns and missile or as a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. Independent suspension using the double trailing arms with a central tire-pressure at each wheel allows the ground pressure at each wheel to be varied while on the move giving high cross-country speed. The engine is rated at 650 hp to provide the flexibility of speed for its air defence role and shoot-and-scoot for its artillery role.
Specifications
[edit]| Model | TH200 | TH400 | TH800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2+9 | 4 | 4~6 |
| Configuration | 4x4 | 6x6 | 8x8 |
| Combat weight | 9,250 kg (20,390 lb) | 24,500 kg (54,000 lb) | 35,000 kg (77,000 lb) |
| Length | 5.8 m (19 ft) | 6.203 m (20.35 ft) | 7.1 m (23 ft) |
| Width | 2.795 m (9 ft 2.0 in) | 2.98 m (9 ft 9 in) | |
| Height | 1.755 m (5 ft 9.1 in) | 2.083 m (6 ft 10.0 in) | 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) (without turret) |
| Suspension | Independent double trailing arms | ||
| Maximum speed | 110 km/h (68 mph) | 115 km/h (71 mph) | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Operating range | 800 km (500 mi) | 1,000 km (620 mi) | |
| Primary armament | 90 mm cannon | 105 mm cannon | 155 mm cannon |
| Secondary armament | 7.62 mm machine gun | ||
| Gradient | 80% | 60% | |
| Trench | 0.9 m (2 ft 11 in) | 1 m (3 ft 3 in) | 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Engine | 225 hp | 435 hp | 650 hp |
| Power/weight | 24.32 hp/t | 17.75 hp/t | 18.57 hp/t |
| Fording | Amphibious | 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) | 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) |
References
[edit]- ^ Christopher F. Foss (2000). Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide (2000 ed.). Harper Collins Publishers. pp. 402–403. ISBN 978-0-00-472452-2.
- ^ Haugh, David (15 July 2006). "Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Federal Republic of Germany" (PDF). War Wheels. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Collectors > Museum History Revives - Collectors - Sindorf". www.sindorf.nl. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
Jane's Armour and Artillery 1997/1998
TH200
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The TH-200, TH-400, and TH-800 are a family of prototype wheeled armoured fighting vehicles developed by Henschel Wehrtechnik (now part of Rheinmetall) as a private venture in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Intended as modular platforms for various battlefield roles, including reconnaissance, infantry transport, and fire support, the vehicles were designed based on experiences from the Spähpanzer Luchs project.[1]
Development began in 1975 with the first TH-200 (4×4) prototype completed in 1978, followed by the TH-400 (6×6) in 1981 and TH-800 (8×8) in 1983. The program was halted in 1984 without entering production. The vehicles feature a monocoque all-welded steel hull providing protection against 7.62 mm armour-piercing rounds at 30 m and 10 kg anti-tank mines, with full amphibious capability (water jets for smaller variants, propeller for TH-800) and NBC protection. Armament and mission modules vary by variant and role, such as a 20 mm autocannon or TOW missiles.[2][1]
The primary armament consists of a 105 mm rifled gun, with provisions for upgrading to a 120 mm variant, complemented by a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and optional anti-tank guided missiles for versatile engagement options.[3] It carries 40 rounds for the main gun, sufficient for sustained fire support in reconnaissance scenarios.[5] The vehicle accommodates a crew of 4, including the driver and turret personnel, optimizing operational efficiency.[3]
The TH-800's armament suite prioritizes modularity, allowing integration of heavy artillery or anti-tank systems to enhance its role in combined arms operations.
Development
Historical Background
The development of the TH200 family of wheeled armored vehicles was initiated by Henschel Wehrtechnik GmbH, a subsidiary of Thyssen-Henschel, as a private venture in the early 1980s.[3] This self-funded project aimed to produce a modular series of vehicles capable of fulfilling diverse battlefield roles, including reconnaissance, fire support, and troop transport, without initial government backing from the Bundeswehr or other entities.[1] The effort reflected the company's strategy to expand its portfolio within the broader Thyssen-Henschel lineup of military vehicles, positioning it for both potential domestic adoption and international sales.[4] Amid the Cold War tensions of the era, the TH200 series was conceived to address NATO's emphasis on highly mobile, versatile forces to counter Soviet armored threats in Europe.[4] Conceptual work focused on creating a scalable family—encompassing 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations—to provide flexible, cost-effective alternatives for rapid deployment scenarios.[3] Unlike state-sponsored programs, the initiative prioritized export markets, leveraging the vehicles' adaptability to meet global demands for wheeled platforms that could integrate into various military doctrines.[1] The strategic rationale centered on filling perceived gaps in lightweight, amphibious, and air-transportable options that were more economical than traditional tracked vehicles, enhancing operational agility for modern armies.[4] By the late 1980s, prototypes had emerged, but the program evolved amid shifting defense priorities, with development of the TH-200 and TH-800 halting in early 1998 and the TH-400 completing development that year, though none entered production; following the 1999 acquisition by Rheinmetall, resources were redirected.[3] This private endeavor underscored Henschel Wehrtechnik's proactive role in advancing wheeled armor technology during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.[1]Design and Prototyping
The TH-200, TH-400, and TH-800 family of wheeled armored fighting vehicles was developed by Thyssen-Henschel as a private venture to offer a modular range of platforms for reconnaissance and combat roles.[5] The design emphasized commonality in components, allowing for interchangeable power packs and weapon systems across variants to facilitate production and maintenance.[3] Prototyping efforts focused on constructing functional demonstrators to validate the modular concept, with the TH-400 serving as a key testbed for subsystems developed by Rheinmetall, the successor to Thyssen-Henschel.[5] Testing phases included evaluations of mobility in diverse environments and integration of armament options, though specific challenges such as achieving air transport compatibility and balancing protection with weight were inherent to the wheeled design approach. The prototypes ultimately highlighted the family's high mobility potential but encountered export limitations due to lack of military adoption.[3] One TH-400 prototype has been preserved since the 1990s at Sindorf Trading Holland in 't Harde, Netherlands, serving as a historical artifact of the program's engineering innovations.[6]Design and Features
Chassis and Mobility
The TH200 family of wheeled armored fighting vehicles employs an all-welded steel monocoque chassis, providing a robust and scalable structural foundation that supports modular adaptations across its variants. These prototype designs from the early 1980s utilize a 4×4 wheel layout in the base TH-200 configuration, which can be extended to 6×6 and 8×8 arrangements in the TH-400 and TH-800 models by incorporating additional axles, enabling versatility in payload and mission roles while maintaining a unified design philosophy.[3] The suspension system features independent double trailing arm mechanisms with torsion bars on all wheels, enhancing cross-country performance by absorbing terrain irregularities and reducing crew fatigue during extended operations. This setup contributes to the family's high mobility, with road speeds reaching up to 105 km/h and the capability to negotiate vertical obstacles of 0.6 m, alongside a 60% gradient climb.[5] Powertrains are rear-mounted and designed for modularity, facilitating rapid field maintenance through complete power pack removal; for instance, the TH-400 integrates a 435 hp diesel engine coupled with an automatic transmission and power steering for precise control in diverse environments. Smaller variants like the TH-200 include amphibious features, such as propellers for propulsion and bilge pumps for water operations, extending operational flexibility in wet terrains.[5] Key mobility enhancements encompass a central tire inflation system, allowing on-the-move pressure adjustments to optimize traction on varying surfaces, along with a fording depth of 1.2 m to support riverine crossings. The design emphasizes road and off-road versatility, with the TH-200's lighter configuration enabling helicopter transport under platforms like the Chinook for rapid deployment.[5]Protection and Armament
The TH200 family of wheeled armored fighting vehicles is designed with a base armor configuration consisting of an all-welded steel hull, providing fundamental protection against small arms fire up to 7.62 mm caliber and artillery shell splinters.[3] For missions requiring elevated survivability, optional add-on armor kits—encompassing passive composite modules and explosive reactive armor—are available to upgrade the vehicle's anti-tank defenses without significantly compromising mobility.[3] Additional protective measures across the family include defensive smoke systems, typically comprising eight 76 mm electrically operated grenade launchers mounted on the turret (four per side), enabling rapid deployment of obscuring screens to break enemy targeting during engagements or retreats.[3] The modular chassis design supports the attachment of these protection elements, ensuring adaptability for reconnaissance or combat roles. Armament integration emphasizes modularity, accommodating a range of primary weapons such as 90 mm or 105 mm rifled guns and autocannons in the 20–105 mm class, often fitted with fume extractors and thermal sleeves for sustained fire.[3] A coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun provides suppressive fire support, mounted to the left of the main weapon for coordinated engagement of infantry threats. Larger variants feature expanded rings to handle heavier ordnance, promoting role flexibility from fire support to anti-armor duties. The base electronics suite focuses on essential fire control, including a gunner's roof-mounted telescopic sight aligned coaxially with the primary armament and a commander's stabilized panoramic periscope for 360-degree observation.[3] Day/night capabilities are enabled via replaceable passive night periscopes for the driver and compatible optics in the turret, though prototypes lack integrated laser rangefinders or advanced command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) networks. This straightforward setup prioritizes reliability in prototype testing over networked warfare integration.Variants
TH200C
The TH200C is a variant of the base TH200 transmission introduced in 1979, featuring an electrically controlled lock-up torque converter to improve fuel efficiency on highways by reducing slippage during cruising speeds.[7] It retains the three-speed configuration and lightweight aluminum case of the original but includes modifications to the torque converter and valve body for the lock-up function, activated via an electrical connector on the left side of the transmission.[8] The TH200C was primarily used in GM's intermediate and full-size rear-wheel-drive vehicles with V6 and smaller V8 engines, such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac LeMans, helping meet stricter emissions and economy standards post-1970s oil crisis. Like the TH200, it shares compatibility with earlier bellhousing patterns but addressed some early reliability concerns through refined hydraulics.[7]TH200-4R
The TH200-4R, introduced in 1981 as a four-speed overdrive evolution of the TH200 family, adds a 0.67:1 fourth gear for improved highway fuel economy while maintaining the 2.74:1 first, 1.57:1 second, and 1:1 third ratios.[8] It incorporates an updated valve body, overdrive planetary gearset, and optional lock-up torque converter (standard in later models), with a distinctive 16-bolt oil pan featuring 13 mm bolt heads and dual sumps for greater capacity.[7] Designed for broader application in GM's lineup, including performance models like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, the TH200-4R weighs approximately 100 pounds dry and uses a 27-spline output shaft, facilitating direct swaps with the TH200 and TH350. Production continued through the 1990 model year, after which it was succeeded by the related TH700R4 (later 4L60). Despite initial shift quality issues, aftermarket reinforcements have made it popular for hot rods and racing.[8]Specifications
TH-200 Specifications
The TH-200 is a 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle featuring the following key specifications. Dimensions:- Length: 5.8 m
- Width: 2.795 m
- Height: 1.755 m (hull)
- Combat weight: 9,250 kg
- Engine: 225 hp diesel
- Maximum speed: 110 km/h (on-road)
- Operational range: 800 km
- Primary: 90 mm low-recoil gun
- Secondary: 7.62 mm machine gun
- Ammunition capacity: 30 rounds for main gun
- Crew + passengers: 2 + 9
- Fording depth: 1 m (amphibious capability)
- Air transportable: Yes
TH-400 Specifications
The TH-400 is a 6×6 wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle developed by Thyssen-Henschel, featuring a combat weight of 24,500 kg that balances mobility and protection for mid-weight operations.[3] Powered by a 435 hp diesel engine, it achieves a maximum road speed of 115 km/h and an off-road speed of 80 km/h, with an operational range of 1,000 km to support extended missions.[5] Its performance includes a gradient capability of 70% and a side slope of 35%, enabling effective traversal of challenging terrain.[5] Key dimensions of the TH-400 include a length of 6.203 m, width of 2.98 m, and height of 2.083 m, providing a compact footprint suitable for reconnaissance roles while accommodating its armament and crew. Ground clearance stands at 0.4 m, and it can ford water up to 1.2 m deep without preparation, enhancing its cross-country versatility.[5]| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Armament | Primary: 105 mm rifled gun (optional 120 mm); Secondary: 7.62 mm machine gun, optional ATGMs; Ammunition: 40 rounds for main gun |
| Crew & Capacity | Crew: 4; Ground clearance: 0.4 m; Fording: 1.2 m |
TH-800 Specifications
The TH-800 variant represents the heaviest configuration in the TH series, designed as an 8×8 wheeled armored platform optimized for demanding operational environments, with enhanced load-bearing capacity and firepower integration capabilities. Its robust construction supports heavy armament systems while maintaining mobility across varied terrains, making it suitable for roles requiring superior payload and protection.[9] Key dimensions of the TH-800 include a length of 7.1 m, width of 2.98 m, and height of 1.9 m (hull, no turret), providing a stable base for mounting substantial weapon turrets and equipment. The combat weight is 35,000 kg, reflecting its heavy-duty design for carrying payloads up to 13,000 kg in turret configurations.[9] Performance characteristics emphasize versatility in mobility, powered by a 650 hp diesel engine that enables a maximum road speed of 120 km/h and an off-road speed of 85 km/h.[9] The operational range extends to 1,000 km, with capabilities to handle a 75% gradient and 40% side slope, supported by optimized ground pressure for soft terrain traversal and a fording depth of 1.5 m.[9]| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Armament | Primary: Up to 155 mm howitzer or 120 mm gun; Secondary: Twin machine guns and missile launchers; Ammunition: 25-50 rounds for main gun |
| Crew & Capacity | 4-6 personnel; Optimized for command and fire support roles |