TKS
In service 1934 - 1939
The improved production tankette of the Polish army, and in its rare 20 mm autocannon form the only Polish tracked vehicle of 1939 that could reliably kill a German tank.
Built byPanstwowe Zaklady Inzynierii (PZInz)
Development history
The TKS refined the TK-3 with thicker frontal plate, a better driver's position, a periscopic sight and a stronger Polski Fiat engine. Roughly 280 were delivered and by 1939 they formed the backbone of Polish armoured reconnaissance. The army knew the machine gun armament was inadequate and ordered a rebuild programme fitting a 20 mm FK-A autocannon; only about twenty-four were converted before the invasion. One of them, commanded by Roman Orlik during the fighting around Pociecha in September 1939, is credited with destroying several German tanks in a single action, the best-documented success of the type. Surviving vehicles were captured and used by Germany for training and police duties.
Variants
One canonical record, 2 recorded variants.
TKS
1934Standard machine-gun version with thicker frontal armour and periscopic sight.
TKS with 20 mm FK-A wz.38
1939About 24 rebuilt with a 20 mm autocannon, the only Polish tankettes able to destroy German tanks.
Notable actions
- Invasion of Poland (1939)
- Battle of Pociecha