The 2012 Altay MBT is the representative name of the Turkish outlook main battle tank. It is named after the well-known leader of the Turkish Cavalry Corps. It will be Turkey's first original MBT development program since 1943. First prototype 2012 Altay MBT was publicly revealed in 2011. This 2012 Altay MBT strength enter service in 2015-2016. Turkish Army requirement is for at least 250 new main battle tanks.The 2012 Altay MBT tank is projected to have a 120 mm smoothbore gun and will be protected against chemical, biological and radioactive attacks. The planned maximum speed is set at 70 kilometers per hour, thanks to a 1,800 hp 1,300 kW engine the first two batches will have 1,500 hp engines and the MBTs will be able to function under 4.1 meters of water.The 2012 Altay MBT will be fitted with a state-of-the-art Volkan fire control system and battlefield management system, indigenously developed by Aselsan. This company supplies fire control systems to the Turkish Army upgraded Leopard 1 MBTs. It is expected that the Altay MBT will have a hunter-killer capability.The 2012 Altay MBT tank will have a conventional layout. The 2012 Altay MBT power pack will be in the rear, driver seating in the front and fighting compartment in the middle. The 2012 Altay MBT loader will be on the left side of the turret, while the commander will sit on the right side of the turret. The 2012 Altay MBT gunner will sit on the same side as the commander but in a more forward and lower position.The 2012 Altay MBT front side of the tank will have special modular reactive composite armour protection. The 2012 Altay MBT tank will be designed to resist chemical, biological and radiological attacks.Both the 2012 Altay MBT gunner and the commander will be provided with stabilised day thermal tourist attractions.
