Stridsvogn m/86

The Strv. m/86 is a development of the NISG MBT85 prototype, itself an enhanced MBT 62, drawing on lessons learned in the Sorland War, where the protective capabilities of the tanks in service at the time were found to be lacking, due to their design philosophies placing a premium on mobility over armour.

Design
The Stridsvogn m/86 is a continuation of the NISG MBT85 project and is therefore ostensibly a reengineered MBT62 fitted with a 110mm gun, improved armour and more capable fire control systems. The turret was fully stabilized and equipped with a built-in laser rangefinder and solid-state ballistic computer in order to aid in engaging targets on the move with an increased first round hit probability. The tank from introduction also featured a gyro stabilized panoramic thermal sight for the commander, vastly increasing their situational awareness, particularly in night engagements.

The original StrV. m/86s were refitted with a Thermal Observation and Gunnery Sight, replacing the original image intensifying gunners night sight, further improving night fighting capacities, these were fitted from 1990 onward.

Upgrades

 * Stridsvogn m/86: The Original model entering service in 1986.


 * Stridsvogn m/86F Improved model with a new Fire control system, communications fit, redesigned appliqué armour package and a new more powerful engine. Entered service in 1996.


 * Stridsvogn m/86M Model Exported to Mursland with nations specific adaptations and reconditioning package.

Support Variants
The support variants were largely the original variants of the MBT62 either remanufactured or migrated into m/86 hulls.

Operators
Ringerike
 * Operated by the Ringerike Army since 1986 in multiple variants, also operated by the Home Guard until 2007 when a wide scale reorganization was carried out to achieve budget cut goals. The last active MBT variants were 12 operated by the Prince Erling Island Defence Force.

Mursland
 * In 2009 the Mursland Army purchased a number of Strv. m/86s to replace the Aigókeros E71. Most of these were the ones retired in the 2007 defence cuts. They were subject to an overhaul and reconditioning program as per the sale agreement.

Theyka
 * The Ngāti Tūmatauenga (Theykan Army) Acquired 65 Strv. m/86s in 1987, They were locally upgraded in 2000, and were withdrawn for service in 2010. Some are kept in storage for reserve units.