Python main battle tank

The Python (Tipsprek: Pyton), officially the "Python" Armored Battle Crawler (Tipsprek: Panserestridkruper «Pyton») abbreviated as '''Psk. Pyton''', is a Tiperyn that was introduced in 1982. It is the second most modern main battle tank in Tiperyn service, alongside the new Taipan main battle tank and more numerous but older Black Mamba main battle tank.

Conceived as Tiperyn's high capability tank for the modern battlefield, the Python was intended to be introduced as new and supplemented by upgraded Black Mambas featuring the same gun and similar advances in optics and computerization. It featured the new 5-inch (127mm) tank gun and was the first Tiperyn main battle tank to be powered by a multifuel gas turbine engine which was licensed from Koryese manufacturer KIA.

A significantly upgraded version, the Python B, was introduced in 2003 as a response to the influx of new main battle tank designs being fielded by numerous rival nations in the 1990s.

Design
When the idea that would lead to the Python was conceptualized in the 1970s, the Tiperyn Realm Defence envisioned it as a high performance, fast, well-armed, reasonably armored main battle tank with advanced systems that would be used for deep exploitation and pursuit. It would be less numerous than a complementary low-capability tank that would be based on an pre-existing design, but with improved armor, armament, and electronics. The latter would be used for most tank functions, including general infantry support, while the Python would in theory be used for high intensity conventional operations and amphibious breakouts.

Armament and autoloader
The main armament of the Psk. Python is the Frk. 5/75 5-inch (127mm) L/48 rifled tank gun, replacing the smoothbore FrK. 4/40 L/54 4-inch (102 mm) tank gun used on the legacy Mamba main battle tank. Both the gun and gunner's sight are stabilized along two axes to increase accuracy and decrease correction time when on the move. This hydroelectric stabilizer was designed with the requirement of guaranteeing reliable hits against targets out of 1.5 kilometres while travelling cross country with less reliable capability out to 2.25 kilometres. The Tiperyn Realm Defence fields a variety of tank rounds, including 127mm APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE smoke, and canister. In the Psk. Python B, 127mm gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles with tandem HEAT warheads are also useable. Ammunition for the Frk. 5/75 is one piece and loaded via a crescent carousel autoloader with 28 ready rounds vertically loaded. After firing, spent cases are ejected out the rear of the turret through the bustle and over the chain rammer. The crew is separated from this autoloader — which is situated completely on the left side of the turret basket — by a firewall that prevents ammunition explosions from burning out the crew. Blow out panels are located over the ammunition stowage to channel a blast out of the tank. In addition to the 28 ready rounds, 8 rounds are held in reserve in the bustle. These rounds are not accessible by the crew during combat, but rather are intended to give the crew an immediate ammo reserve to reload the autoloader during lulls in combat.

Variants

 * Psk. Python A (1982) - Initial production variant.
 * Psk. Python B (2003) - Upgraded production variant. All Python As in Tiperyn service are currently being converted to Python Bs
 * Python B1 - Added a remote weapon system controlled by the commander; an independent thermal site for the commander; a Forward-Looking Infra-Red gunsight; upgraded optics and target solution equipment for the gunner; increased turret armor from the front aspect; provisions for slat armor to defeat HEAT munitions; and the ability to fire gun-launched laser beam riding anti-tank guided missiles. Also improved autoloader reliability and replaced original production engine with a newer and higher power gas turbine engine to cope with the increased weight.
 * Python B2 - Added a hard-kill and additional provisions for add-on explosive reactive armor to counter man-portable light anti-tank weapon hits from the side.
 * Pstk. Python (1984) - Command and assault gun variant of the Python equipped with additional radios and armed with a 152mm gun-launcher. Issued to company and battalion headquarters at a one-to-one ratio with a Psk. Python. Colloquially referred to as the Storm Python. Designation is modified by the chassis it is based off of. Thus, Pstk. Python As are assault/command tanks based on the Python A main battle tank.

Current operators

 * Agrana y Griegro - Operates the Python A1 and Python B2.
 * Selengeria - Operates 51 Python A1s.
 * Tiperyn - Operates all variants up to the Python B2. Currently in the process of converting Python As to Python Bs.

Failed bids

 * Austrasia - Python A took part in a tender for a new main battle tank in the early 1990s, but lost to the Panzer Valens.

Tanks of comparable role, performance and era

 * H90-Kastellax
 * Panzer Valens
 * Type 84 Dougram
 * M/96 Hulthas
 * VrdK 90.M Râs
 * M.97 Chevalier