RAMTA RAM TCM-20

[PlanyKaanere 722]

Note: this suggestion was part of a larger suggestion including the RBY M40, RBY TOW, RAM V-1 TOW and RAM TCM-20. These vehicles are now suggested separately.

 

RAMTA RAM

 

RAM TCM-20 in Cameroonian service

 

In 1979 RAMTA unveiled a new vehicle derived from the RBY: the RAM. Relative to its predecessor the RAM was lengthened by 50 cm and featured new, larger wheels with increased ground clearance. The drivetrain was upgraded with a Deutz BT6L diesel engine with 132 HP and a new automatic transmission. Redundant systems for fuel pumps, brakes and steering were added. The RAM was offered in two hull variants: RAM V-1 (open top, nearly identical to the RBY), and RAM V-2 (with a fully enclosed troop compartment, side doors and a top hatch). While it never saw service with its home country, the vehicle was an export success, being bought by Zaire, Cameroon, Botswana, Gabon and Morocco. The RAM was also adapted to a variety of configurations, including radar carriers, anti-aircraft guns and TOW missile carriers. Later still, the chassis was reworked with a monocoque body and more modern equipment into the RAM Mk.3 (or RAM 2000).

 

RAM V-1 TCM-20

 

Anti-aircraft variant with two 20mm cannons in a TCM-20 turret. 360 rounds of ammunition are carried (6 drums). Used by D.R. Congo/Zaire and Cameroon.

 

The TCM-20 turret is a derivative of the American M45 Quadmount (found ingame on the M16 MGMC and CCKW M45), with two HS.404 20mm cannons substituting the four M2HB machine guns. While generally operated as a towed unit, the turret was mounted on M3 half-tracks and captured BTR-152s, and was trialed on the RAM and other truck chassis. 

 

The TCM-20 has a cyclical rate of fire of 600-700 rounds per gun on 60 round drums. The turret can traverse at 72º/s; it has a vertical range of -10º/+90º with a vertical traverse speed of 67º/s. Effective firing range against air targets is 1.2 Km and against ground targets 1.5 Km.

 

Spoiler

 

Zairean RAMs as part of a presidential convoy

 

 

Images from: army-guide.com, flickr.com, twitter.com

 

Miscellaneous images:

 

 

RAM V-2, featuring enclosed troop compartment

 

 

RAM being loaded into a CH-53 with a TCM-20 trailer

 

Specifications:

 

RAM V-1

 

Crew	2
Troops	7
Number of wheels	4
Number of drive wheels	4
Weight (kg)	5750
Length (mm)	5520
Width (mm)	2030
Height (mm)	1720
Payload (kg)	1700
Power-to-weight ratio (h.p./t)	22
Ground clearance (mm)	575
Track (mm)	1726
Wheelbase (mm)	3900
Max. road speed (km/h)	96
Fuel capacity (l)	160
Max. road range (km)	800
Fording depth (mm)	1000
Gradient (%)	64
Side slope (%)	35
Vertical obstacle (mm)	800
Engine power output (h.p.)	132
Turning circle radius (mm)	7500

Data from: www.army-guide.com

 

Why should it be added? This vehicle can serve as a fully domestic Israeli low-ish tier SPAAG and cover the anti-air gap of the tree before BR 8.0.

 

The RAMTA family:

Spoiler

RBY Mk.1:

 

RAM V-1:

 

RAM Mk3:

 

 

An RBY Mk.1 and a RAM V-1 can be visually distinguished by their hull sides: in the RBY the side troop compartment plate meets with the floor plate directly, while in the RAM a shorter vertical plate separates the two. The RAM also has differently shaped rear mudguards, and larger wheels with 6 nuts instead of 5.

 

Sources

 

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product944.html

http://www.military-today.com/apc/ram.htm

 

 

TMC-20

https://weaponsystems.net/system/750-TCM-20

https://inf.news/en/military/26d9a7b7b0a0428b80af46ee47d0e56b.html

Edited July 5, 2022 by PlanyKaanere

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

Open for discussion.

[ofekk213 251]

Just a note, seems like you did a copy&paste on the specs, and copied the specs of the base RAM and not the specs of the RAM V-1 TCM-20 specifically

 

The RAM V-1 TCM-20 has 4 crew members (driver, gunner, commander and loader), weighs roughly 7.1t (5750kg RAM V-1 base weight + 1350kg TCM-20 turret weight ~= 7100kg RAM V-1 TCM-20 weight), and has a horsepower to weight ratio of 18.59hp/t according to the correct weight.