TKS-D and Pz Inz 160
The later, more sophisticated self-propelled gun model on the tankette base, was the TKS-D. Its development process was not typical, because it was first conceived as an armoured tractor for a modern 37mm wz.36 Bofors anti-tank gun, which was accepted as a basic Polish anti-tank weapon. It was planned, that the gun could be dismounted from its carriage and mounted on a tractor as well. The tractor could tow the gun-carriage then and fire the gun from the tractor in need. Judging from photos, however, TKS-D prototypes were only used with a gun mounted, which allowed to utilize tactical advantages of the self-propelled gun. Despite it was considered as a tractor at first, it became one of the world's first tank destroyers. Its advantage was very small silhouette and size, especially its small height (see a comparision sketch of small tank destroyers).
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The further fate of TKS-D prototypes is not sure. Until recently it had been a mystery, but the newest publication [4] says, that both TKS-D were still present in an anti-tank platoon of the reconnaissance unit of the 10th Cavalry Brigade, along with 4 car-towed 37mm Bofors guns. Provided this is true, both TKS-D took part in an intensive fighting of the Brigade from 1 September 1939 in Beskidy mountains against two German armoured divisions. One of the vehicles was supposedly destroyed on 5 September in Skrzydlna village, the second on 9 September at Albigowa town.
Tank destroyer PZInz.160
The tank destroyer PZInz.160 (correctly: PZInż.160, with Polish characters) was designed in Panstwowe Zaklady Inzynierii (State Engineering Works) as an alternative for the TKS-D, using the same gun 37mm wz.36 Bofors. It based on a modern chassis from a vehicle family developed by Edward Habich, used in prototypes of the light tank 4TP (PZInz.140), amphibious tank PZInz.130 and the artillery tractor PZInz.152. The tank destroyer design was given a factory designation PZInz.160. There is no information, if a prototype was ever built - probably it remained on a drawing board only.
PZInz.160 was armed with the anti-tank gun 37mm wz.36 Bofors, mounted low in front of the vehicle, and two 7.92mm machine guns. One machine gun was to be mounted in the front sloped plate, above the gun. The second was to be anti-aircraft one.
C7P Artillery Tractor
The artillery tractor C7P was based on 7TP tank chassis. The production began in 1935 and about 150 were completed.
C7P tractors were used in heavy artillery for towing 220mm wz.32 Skoda heavy mortars (towed in three units); also in light tank units as recovery vehicles and in engineer units.
After the conquest of Poland, the Germans redesignated them
C7P(p) and used them.
PzInz 130
The main designer of both tanks was the chief of the PZInz. Studies Section, engineer Edward Habich. The design and the documentation of the amphibious tank was ready in the autumn of 1936. Apart from a general inspiration by the Carden-Loyd layout, the new design was entirely Polish. It utilised some of the world's newest conceptions, and also Polish ideas, for example a modern suspension on a torsion bars and reversible periscopes. The engine (PZInż.425) was Polish-constructed as well. The amphibious tank shared the same layout, as tank 4TP, with many shared components, like engine, transmission and suspension. The roadwheels and tracks were lighter in order to improve floating. A watertight hull had a shape fit for swimming; for a better stability on water the mudguards were floats with balsa inside. Under the rear hull section, there was a propeller in a ring cover. The ring cover was movable, fullfilling the role of a rudder. In an initial project the engine was placed transversally in the rear, but eventually it was placed on the right (in both tanks).
PZInż.130 during the first swimming test, going out of water
A prototype of amphibious tank, designated PZInż.130 (factory designation), was finnished in the summer of 1937. After short factory trials, on 15 August 1937 it was given to the Army, along with a prototype of light tank PZInż. 140 (4TP). During a demonstration in Beniaminowo, on 2 October, the tank showed the ability of swimming in the lake, driven by the designer. Since 5 November it took part in a trial called "Autumn 1937", on a route of 1861 km. Also other prototypes were proved in this trial, among others the light tank PZInż.140 and the tractor PZInż.152. The swimming tests were carried out as well in Lubiaz lake and in the Pina near Pinsk. The general evaluation of the tank was high. The tank had good power-to-weight ratio, it was fast and it rode wery well off-road and on swampy terrain. It showed big reliability, and its maintenance was easy. After the trial it was sent back to the PZInz. workshops to apply some repairs and improvements. The trials revealed only few faults of a gearbox and water pumps, and a bad quality of return rollers and tracks. Too soft suspension caused rocking of the tank, and was making impossible a relatively efficient fire on the move. All these faults, however, were insignificant and easy to be eliminated. After improvements, the tank took part in another trial in May 1938, and in manoeuvres in August. It negotiated 1500 km without any series faults.
The last trials of the prototype took place in May 1939. During all the test programme, it rode over 3500 km without major breakdowns (or 4200 km - according to the source [2]). In the meantime, however, Polish Main Staff gave up the idea of developing an amphibious tank, and thus the programme of PZInż.130 was canceled. Despite it appeared to be a succesfull design of a modern light amphibious tank, but it was right decision, that such a special tank was not necessary for Polish forces, lacking of funds. Its swimming capabilities would be rarely useful, while its thin armour would be vulnerable against most anti-tank means. Anyway, PZInz.130 remained one of the most interesting Polish-designed armoured vehicles. The prototype was sent to the Experimental Workshop in Ursus, its further fate is not known.
Polish Icons (Hypothetical and Real)
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