TKS
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- Alternate use: abbreviation of taijin kyofusho symptoms
The TK (TK-3) and TKS were the Polish tankettes of the Second World War.
Production History
The tankette (small reconnaissance turretless tank) TK (also known as TK-3) was the Polish design, based upon an improved chasis of the British Carden-Loyd tankette. TK was produced since 1931. The TKS was an improved model with new hull and stronger engine. The armour of tankettes was up to 8 mm thick (10 mm in TKS). In 1939, a re-arming of the tankettes with 20 mm guns was started, but only about 24 were completed before the outbreak of the war.
TKS.jpg
Variants
- TK (TK-3) - tankette of 1931, about 280 built
- TKF - TK tankette with 46 hp (34 kW) engine, about 18 built
- TKS - improved model of 1933, about 260 built
- TKS with 20 mm gun - about 24 TKS fitted with 20 mm gun in 1939.
- C2P - light artillery tractor, not armoured, about 200 built.
Experimental models:
- TK-1, TK-2 - first prototypes
- TKD - light self propelled gun with 47 mm gun, 4 made.
- TKW - light reconnaissance tank with turret, 1 prototype.
- TK-3 with 20 mm gun - only one prototype with a modified hull was completed.
- TKS-D - light tank destroyer with 37mm Bofors anti-tank gun, 2 made
Combat history
The tankettes were the bulk of the Polish armoured forces before the Second World War. Because of their armament, they couldn't fight with German tanks, but their small size made them ideal for reconnaissance. They suffered heavy losses during the Polish September Campaign, being usually used as the only tanks available. Only a handful of tankettes armed with 20 mm guns could fight the enemy tanks.pl:TKS ja:TKS