EE-T1 Osorio
In service Prototype only (1985-1990) - 1993
Prototypes only. A Brazilian-designed main battle tank that performed well in Saudi desert trials, then died with its manufacturer.
Built byEngesa
Photograph pending. No clearly licensed photograph of this vehicle was found.
Development history
Engesa had built a successful export business in wheeled armoured vehicles and gambled on a full main battle tank aimed at export customers, especially in the Middle East. Two prototypes were completed: the EE-T1 P1 with a 105 mm rifled gun and the P2 with a 120 mm smoothbore in a Vickers-designed turret. Trials in Saudi Arabia in 1987 went well and the tank compared favourably with Western designs on mobility and fire control. The Gulf War then persuaded Saudi Arabia to buy the combat-proven M1A2 instead, Brazil's own army had no money, and Engesa - already in financial trouble - went bankrupt in 1993, ending the programme. Both prototypes survive in Brazil.
Variants
One canonical record, 2 recorded variants.
EE-T1 P1
1985First prototype with a 105 mm L7 rifled gun.
EE-T1 P2
1986Second prototype with a 120 mm GIAT smoothbore in a Vickers turret.