The TK family of tankettes

In 1928 Vickers of Great Britain developed the two man "Vickers Carden-Loyd Mark VI tankette". This outstanding design attracted a great deal of attention worldwide. This tiny tracked armored vehicle could be either used as a machine-gun carrier or as a light tractor and was a real plus for nations with restricted military budgets. The Vickers Carden-Loyd Mark VI tankette was sold to numerous foreign countries in one form or another as a result. Poland purchased one unit and went on to produce a domestic version based on this model. Designated TK-1, the Polish tankette was a 1.75 ton, 2-man vehicle powered by a Ford motor. The TK-2 development led to the heavier TK-3, which was accepted as the production model. The TK-3 became the first armored tracklaying vehicle manufactured in quantity in Poland. It was produced under the parentage of the state-run PZInz (Panstwowe Zaklady Inzynierii - State Engineering Works), and orders for 300 machines were fulfilled from 1931 onwards.

The development of the tankette had been continued in Poland and, through progressive steps, the TK series was gradually improved. By 1933, the TK-3 had given rise to the TKS, a slightly heavier model than its parent had been. Powered by a Polski-Fiat motor, the TKS had armor protection capable of withstanding small caliber AP bullets, optical equipment consisting of a periscope and a sighting telescope, and a strengthened suspension. The TKS had been placed into production during 1934, with a total order for 390 vehicles. Following the lines already taken by Vickers with their Carden-Loyd Patrol Tank (1932), the next stage in the Polish tankette development emerged in 1934. The design was to be known as the TKW - a turreted "midget" tank. Only a few prototypes were ever constructed. Another interesting design was the ultra light self-propelled gun fitted with either a 37mm Bofors or 47mm Polish 47mm wz.25 gun mounted in the front plate designated as the TKS-D. The TK series were finalized with the TK-S. In 1936 it was decided to investigate the adaptation of the Danish Madsen or the Swiss 20mm cannon to this type of vehicle but the trials conducted rejected the foreign weapons and a homemade weapon of this type was decided upon.

The TK-1 and TK-2

Developed based on the Vickers Carden Loyd Mark VI. First developement started in 1929. The difference between the two appears to be the placement of the transmission. Only one TK-1 and one TK-2 were produced - prototypes only.

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The TK-3, TK, wz.31

The TK series prototypes were called TK-1, TK-2, and TK-3. The TK-3 was the model that series production was decided upon. The production models were simply called TK. However, it is common to hear of the term TK-3 applied to the production model as well. The TK-3 was shown to Estonia, who purchased 6 for testing. Romania, Yugoslavia, and Spain, were also shown the tankette but no sales resulted.

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TKF

An interim model. It used a TK body with a new motor that was incorporated into the TK-S. A Polski-Fiat engine powered this vehicle and it carried two machine-guns, one of which was for anti-aircraft defense. The first tank was built in 1933 and after a series of trails production was started in 1934. Total production was 18 tanks of which 13 was mobilized in September 1939. TKF were issued to the 10th Cavalry Brigade (10 Brygada Kawalerii Zmotoryzowanej) and assigned to the Reconaissance Tank Squadron (the brigade had two tankette units:  reconnaissance squadron and 101 company). The engine designation was a Polski Fiat 122 (and it came from a truck PF-621). The TKF armor was bolted as in common TK-3.

The TKW

Considered too small, this design was unsuccessful.

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The TKD

Armed with a 37 or 47 mm cannon. Only 4 prototypes were ever produced and probably took part in the defense of Warsaw. The 37mm gun was a Bofors and the 47mm gun was a Polish 47mm wz.25. Four units were made with a 47mm gun and two were made with a 37mm gun.

TKS-B - wz.39

TKS-B was a prototype of TKS fitted with the improved chassis of 1938 (the same chassis as used by the C2P tractor).

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The TKS, wz.33

Started in 1933, 390 were built. Armor was up to 10 mm and a few were made of cast armor (1934) - revolutionary technology in that age. Between 1936/39 work was carried out to up-gun the tankette by mounting a 20 mm automatic cannon in a large ball mount.The Polish 20mm FK cannon was ready in 1938 and its mounting on TK-3 and TKS tankettes was started in 1939. Twenty three were upgraded before the events of 1939 overtook the upgrade.

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The Ursus TKS Tank Transporter

This was considered as the engineless road chassis for tankettes, so that their track wouldn't become worn out during marches. It was made using parts of the Ursus A truck. The tankette was powered the chassis with its drive sprockets and chains. It was also called "autotransport" for TK tank. A few dozen were built, but they were not used often.

The Ursus A TK Tank Transporter

In 1936 there were only 14 of tank transporters, and 2 Saurer 4BLD tank tarnsporters - and these figures rather weren't increased by 1939. There were also few PF-621 (Polski Fiat) tank transporters, but data on the PF-621 is lacking. I am not even sure if these transporters were for the TK series or for the 7TP.

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The Saurer 4BLDP TKS Tank Transporter

5 ton capacity transporter.

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Various Action Photos

5 ton capacity transporter.

Last Update: Wednesday, March 12, 2003