• Type : Main Battle Tank
• Designer : Thule Motoren Werke
• Manufacturer :
  
  
  
  • TMW-Maschinenfabrik Klesinger
  
  
  • Odermetall-Heer-Panzerwerk No. 9 Hümsel (assembly)
  
  
  • Maschinenbau Helsbord
  
  
  • MAS (Maschinenfabrik Anmach-Seydlitz) Morheim
  
  

The Kampfpanzer 48 Griffon is a main battle tank developed by TMW for the Teutonian Army (TN Heer) in the 1990s. It was introduced as a replacement for the earlier KPz 40 Manticore and remains in active service.
The KPz 48 Griffon emphasizes mobility as its primary design feature. It is powered by a 1,700 hp TMW twin-turbo diesel engine, which, combined with its combat weight of slightly over 50 tonnes, gives the tank a high power-to-weight ratio. This allows it to achieve high speeds and maneuverability, making it one of the fastest tanks in its class.
The tank is equipped with a modular armor system, which provides flexibility in configuration. The armor can be adjusted for specific operational requirements, allowing for reduced weight and simplified transport when necessary.
The Griffon’s main armament is the 130 mm Odermetall KwK-130/52 smoothbore gun, capable of firing a wide range of ballistic projectiles, including certain anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

Technical Datasheet - Technisches Datenblatt (Serie 1998)

• Dimensions and Crew

  • Length : 10.8 m (gun forward), 8.4 m
  • Width : 3.7 m
  • Height : 2.5 m
  • Weight : 48 tonnes (basic), 52 tonnes (standard), 55 tonnes (full)
  • Crew : 3 (driver, gunner, commander)

• Firepower

  • Odermetall 130 mm KwK-130/52
  • MG3 7.62 mm LMG

• Munition

  • DM53 130×620 mm APFSDS
  • DM21 130×620 mm HEAT
  • ARKTOS 105 mm ATGM

• Armor and Protection

  • IRCA [Improved - Radium Composite Armor] protection, designed by TMW and Holden-Baumann. Considerably lighter than Chobham with minimal protection reduction.
  • IRCA-integrated AMPRO [Advanced Modular Protection] module consisting of several upgrade packages: Standard AMPRO A1and AMPRO Turret Protection Module.

• Propulsion

  • TMW G-289M multi-fuel V12 twin-turbo diesel engine (1,700 hp)
  • Fischer-Weisz Heat Signature Reduction System (HESRES)
  • Transmission : Hertzel M-14A automatic, 6-speed forward, 2-speed reverse
  • Operational Range : 600 km, 700 km with external fuel

• Electronic System

  • Fischer-Weisz GFS-X BattleWatch Situational Awareness Suite
    Holden-Baumann 15B-A4 LWR
  • Fischer-Weisz EL-24K Optoelectronic Suite
  • Schumann NEXTRAC Ballistic Targeting Computer / Fire Control System and VCU (Vehicle Computing Unit) based on the Vortex VXZ-29938 computer
  • Holden-Baumann 787H ultraviolet detection system

• Active Protection Systems: -

An upgraded variant will be made soon.