Swiss Ordnance Enterprise Pz 68 Series The Pz 68 is the evolutionary development model of the Pz 61 design built in four differing series. Compared to its predecessor it has a full gun stabilisation system for the same rifled 105 mm main armament as the Pz 61, an improved external turret stowage arrangement, a deep fording capability (with preparation to 2.3 m), uprated MTU MB 837 diesel engine and modified transmission and running gear assemblies. A total of 56 rounds are carried and the main gun is fitted with a fume evacuator. The four series built are: Pz 68 Series 1 - as described in the text
with a total of 170 procured between 1971-74. Pz 68 Series 2 - a total of 60 built in 1977 with uprated electrical supply, improved air filter system to remove carbon monoxide and a thermal sleeve for the 105 mm gun. Pz 68 Series 3-110 built 1978-79 with a larger cast turret and all the improvements found on the Series 2 vehicle. Pz 68 Series 4 - much reduced order of 60 (from intended 170) delivered 198384. Essentially equivalent to the Series 3 batch but with several minor modifications, Pz 68/88 - all the Pz 68 Series 3 and 4
Switzerland
vehicles plus the 25 best condition Series 2 vehicles have undergone a major upgrading programme during the early nineties. This included the fitting of a computerised fire control system with a gunner's gyrostabilised sighting unit and integral laser rangefinder module (to replace the current gunner's coincidence rangefinder system), a locally designed and built Muzzle Reference System, improved suspension and a collective crew NBC system. The combat support vehicles based on the Pz 68 chassis are included in the Pz61 entry,
