Krait armored car

The Krait, officially the "Krait" Armored Battle Car (Tipsprek: Panserestridvein «Krait») abbreviated as '''Psv. Krait''', was a Tiperyn first introduced in 1935 as a universal armored vehicle. Late production version of the Krait remained in service until the early 1960s when it was replaced by the Mamba main battle tank in all units.

The design came about as a response to the Tiperyn Realm Defence's requirement for a universal battle car. It was conceptualized as an armored vehicle that would be able to replace armored cars in use with the heavy ruitery — who required a vehicle for exploitation and pursuit — and the light ruitery — who required a vehicle for screening and reconnaissance. It would also fill a limited infantry support role, specifically required for the initial phases of amphibious forced entry where it would provide direct fire support for marine infantry moving off a contested beach.

The Krait featured a 6×4 drive train powered by a V12 petrol engine producing 260 bhp. The initial and more numerous production variant (Krait A) was armed with a 57mm gun-howitzer mounted in the hull on the right side in addition to a small basketless turret mounted a 15 mm heavy machine gun on the left side and a 6.5mm medium machine gun on the right. Later variants included self-propelled support guns, anti-aircraft platforms, and which removed the machine gun turret and upgraded the suspension. The Krait's produced after 1941 also replaced the original riveted construction with weld construction.

Variants

 * Psv. Krait A (1935) - Basic battle car.
 * Krait A.1 - Infantry support and heavy ruitery variant with a 57mm gun-howitzer mounted in the hull and a machine gun turret.
 * Krait A.1(k) - Command variant of the Krait A.1 additional radios and optional use of either the 57mm gun-howitzer or a fake gun.
 * Krait A.2 - Light ruitery variant equipped with additional radios and armed with a 37mm infantry gun and medium machine gun in the turret and a light machine gun mount in the hull.
 * Psv. Krait B (1942) - Reworked battle car featuring an upgraded 8x8 drive train and suspension, more powerful engine, and welded construction. The second rear wheel was also shifted towards the centre of the vehicle to improve offroad performance.

Former operators

 * Kaya
 * Tiperyn