"Objekt 16" / "O-16" CWS XVII
The O-16 tank, also known as "Objekt-16" / "Object-16" in Croatian and English respectively. Was a medium tank developed in mid 1942. During the July Munjava demonstration, where many vehicles and guns were tested and showcased, there were 3 O-16s and 1 O-16A.
A British scientist came down to test these vehicles out and see what they would be worth, however, during the testing of the O-16A, it was shown how unreliable the engine was, as the tank kept breaking down every so often, and it didn't carry that much speed.
Within a day, the Croatian designers fitted a new, stronger and smarter engine into the tank, which resulted in the "O-16B" variant. This tank proved successful in its tests, and one was ordered to the UK for further testing.
Variants
- O-16: Prototype / Demonstration, no turret.
- O-16A: First produced tank with the intent of becoming active service. It was equipped with a 75 mm hull cannon, as well as 2 7.92×54 mm machine gun turrets on the back and front. It had a default engine installed, which proved to break down every so often.
- O-16B: Was the exact same as the O-16A, however, the engine was swapped with a Diesel Engine, proving to perform better and did not break down.
- O-16BUK: Export variant of the O-16B.
- O-16BP: Flamethrower variant of O-16B.
- O-16C (Also referred to as O-18): A variant where the overall hull was remade to fit a 75 mm turret, this however, removed the hull cannon slot. It was made in late September of 1942.
Additional info on variants
O-16BUK
The O-16B managed to do 500 miles from the port of Fraserburgh, down to Cornwall, without breaking down once. It proved extremely successful in the Scottish highlands, and Britain shortly after ordered 20 tanks to be made. Croatian and British designers also sat up HQ in Plymouth, where further extensive research into the O-16B will be made. The O-16s sent to the UK would be referred to as the "O-16BUK"
O-16BP
The O-16BP was first tested after Croatia purchased flamethrowers from Germany on August 2nd, 1942. Croatian designers removed the original 75mm hull gun, and replaced it with the new flamethrowers. This tank was designed to clear trenches and deal with infantry.