A fast, lightweight, fully amphibious tank destroyer mounting a 90mm gun – which even uses its fuel tanks for armour protection.
The Swedish Infanterikanonvagn 91 (Ikv 91) is classed as a tank destroyer and infantry support vehicle. It is not a tank, despite its 90mm gun and fully rotating turret. The difference in classification comes down to the way in which the vehicle is used. A vehicle like this cannot stand and fight tanks, instead it uses speed and manoeuvrability to avoid combat with them and – as implied by its name: Infantry Cannon Vehicle in English – this vehicle is intended to work with mechanised infantry units.
Fitted with a Volvo Penta turbocharged diesel engine, the Ikv 91 could operate in arctic conditions. Like some German tanks of the Second World War, it contains a blow torch and electric pre-heater in the engine in order to help the engine start in cold conditions of up to -30C. There are also special spikes fitted on the tracks for use on ice.
Although the armour is thin, it includes some interesting features. For example, there are two layers of armour along the sides, of which the inner one is thickest and diesel fuel is stored between the two, which gives additional protection against High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition.
The Ikv 91 was used exclusively by the Swedish Army, despite some interest from the US and Indian armies. It is no longer in service.
