We Have Set the Date for the

Open House - August 26 & 27, 2023

Save the Date!!

The Swedish Stridsvagn 103C Main Battle Tank - More Commonly Known as the S-Tank

The Tank Farm acquired two S-tanks from Sweden in mid-2001. Allan, Larry, and Marc traveled to Skovde, Sweden for one week of training on the vehicles with the Skaraborg Regiment instructors - learning how to drive, maintain and load the tanks. We also took a little time after the training to visit the S-tank scrapyard and load up on few spare parts to help "keep 'em rolling" once the vehicles were added to our collection back here in the States.

Developed in the late 1950s, the Stridsvagn 103 MBT looks more like an assault gun, but in fact is a turretless tank, placing its main armament in a fixed mounting in the hull. The cannon is actually aimed by traversing the entire tank and elevated by changing the pitch of the hull.

Bofors of Sweden, better known for its antiaircraft artillery, was awarded a contract in mid-1958 to design a turretless tank with a fixed cannon, autoloader, and adjustable suspension. After prototype development and working the kinks out in ten pre-production vehicles, the first production S-tanks were completed in 1966. 300 S-tanks were built before production ceased in 1971. The Stridsvagen 103A version does not have a flotation screen or dozer blade, while the later model Stridsvagen 103B has both. The S-tank was not exported.

There are pros and cons to mounting a tank's main armament low down in the hull, versus up in the turret. The first and most obvious is that the lack of a turret dramatically lowers the profile of the vehicle, making it harder to detect and hit. The hull also has excellent ballistic shaping. The main drawback is that you have to turn the whole vehicle to aim the gun, versus just traverse a turret. This would be a problem in mobile warfare, however, Sweden's doctrine was one of general neutrality, thus, the S-tank was well suited to a defensive campaign, where it would primarily fire from ambush, or execute planned withdrawals after a brief engagement.

Drone Shot of One of Our S-Tanks

One of Our S-Tanks in the Shop for Repairs

The S-tank has a crew of three - driver/gunner, radio operator, and tank commander. The driver is seated low on the left side of the hull, while the commander is on the right side, slightly to the rear of the driver/gunner. Both are equipped with combined periscope/binocular sights and both can lay the gun. The commander also has the capability to drive the vehicle should he choose too or the need arise. The radio operator is seated to the rear of the driver and has controls to drive the S-tank backwards if necessary. Again, a unique solution to Sweden's concept of fighting a defensive campaign during the Cold War.

Let's get right to the best part of any tank - the CANNON!!! The main armament of the S-tank is a rifled 105mm tank gun that is 62 calibers long, essentially a lengthened version of the famous British L7 series cannon. The gunner is actually the driver, who lays and fires the main armament. The cannon is fed by an autoloader that holds 50 rounds, with a typical loadout being 25 armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS), 20 high explosive (HE), and 5 smoke rounds. With the autoloader, up to 15 rounds per minute can be fired. A hydraulic pump elevates the front or rear of the hull to lay the cannon on target, and the suspension locks when the gun is fired to provide maximum stability. To round out the armament, two 7.62mm machine guns are fixed on the left side of hull, while a third 7.62mm MG is mounted on the commander's cupola.

Another unique aspect of the S-tank is their powerpack. The S-tank actually has two engines, originally a Boeing gas-turbine engine and a Rolls Royce K60 diesel engine. Both engines are geared together, with the diesel used all the time, and the gas-turbine engine used only during combat.

In the late 1970s, a modernization and upgrade program was initiated for the S-tank. The Rolls Royce diesel engine was replaced by a more powerful 6V53T Detroit Diesel engine, and the transmission and fire control computer were upgraded. The upgraded S-tank was designated Stridsvagen 103C. In the 1990s the S-tank would be replaced by the German Leopard 2 seeing an end to this unique vehicle except the handful that were saved by museums.  

File Photo of the S-Tank in Sweden

In this section we introduce you to the staff and volunteers of the restoration shop. These are the people who "keep 'em running" and work so hard behind the scenes. We have asked Dr. John about his duties as a volunteer at the Tank Farm Restoration facility.

John, tell us about yourself.

I am a veterinarian and have been coming up to the farm since 1999. I've always been interested in military history and so volunteering at the tank farm was a great way to participate and learn. My wife, Janet, is very patient with my hobbies, as are my four grown children. I am also very interested in civil war history and spend as much spare time as I can hunting for civil war relics. I share my home with three Boston terriers - Grace, Ladybug, and Sophie, a mixed hound dog called Schroeder, and a black pit bull named Hank.

Describe your duties as a volunteer.

I mainly try to stay busy and accomplish something every time I'm up and learn as much as I can. I never really know what I will be doing on any given day. Some days are spent sorting through Russian tank periscopes while others involve sanding vehicles and prepping for restoration. Occasionally, when I help out with special events like the open house or private affairs, it involves getting vehicles ready to run or display.

How did you hear about Americans in Wartime and what drew you in?

I saw an article in the Richmond papers in 1999 that covered the farm and its owner, Allan Cors. He was extremely welcoming and allowed me to come up and see his collection. Just the opportunity to work on and around these vehicles was enough to attract my attention.

What started your interest in tanks and military vehicles?

My dad was an F-4 Phantom fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, so I grew up around the military and its equipment. When I was about 8 years old, we went to an amphibious exercise demonstration. I couldn't believe such massive vehicles were able to move around under their own power. I decided then that someday I would own one if I could!

What is your favorite armored fighting vehicle of all time? Why?

The T-34. It speaks for itself in so many ways. It was innovative and combined so many of the features necessary to perform. In addition, it is simple and efficient, having refined elements where necessary and basic elements that lend themselves to field repairs and the quality of being easily understandable for crew members with limited technological capabilities, like me! It is also my favorite because there is one out in my barn. Allan and Marc Sehring were extremely helpful in bringing mine home about 20 years ago. It has been the focus of my attention in much of my spare time.

What is your favorite vehicle in the AWE collection? Why?

I guess it would have to be the pair of T-34's that reside in the pole barn. They are dirty and smelly and I love them!

What is your favorite military history book or movie? Why?

Tough question. Probably "Killer Angels". It's about the battle of Gettysburg and it tells the story really well. "Patton" has got to be my all-time fave. 

Ketchup or mustard?

Ketchup

Hamburger or hot dog?

Hamburger