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May 27, 2001

Belarus has unveiled one of the few new tracked armored vehicles of the year. The Stalker 2T recon vehicle exists as a prototype awaiting orders to begin production; Belarus plans to buy 30. Stalker-2T has a computerized optronic fire-control system able to detect and track targets in day, night, or bad weather. The commander and gunner occupy the turret, with two sets of optics (one or both of which can have laser and optical rangefinders). The turret mounts a variety of weapons, including: 

@ a stabilized 30mm cannon

@ a 7.62mm machinegun

@ a 30mm grenade launcher

@ two AT-6 Spiral anti-tank missiles in a retractable launcher on the left side.

@ two SA-16 Gimlet or SA-18 Grouse anti-aircraft missiles in a retractable launcher on the right side.

Combat weight is 27.4 metric tons. Maximum speed is 105km/hr (65mph). The all-welded steel hull is a new design with protection against 30mm projectiles fired from 300m. The diesel engine is linked to a hydro-mechanical transmission. The hydro-pneumatic suspension allows the driver to adjust the ground clearance from 570mm (used for full speed across country) to only 130mm (used to crouch behind terrain while moving at low speed). The vehicle has a nuclear, chemical, and biological protection system. There are laser detectors set to trigger smoke grenade launchers if an enemy weapon targets the Stalker. Unknown "stealth characteristics" are designed into the turret and hull..--Stephen V Cole