M41 DK-2 Completion:In the late 1950s, Denmark took delivery of 53 M41 light tanks from the US representing some of Cadillac’s final production run of M41s. The Danes used them quite successfully in the armoured reconnaissance role, however, by the early-1980s it was obvious that the standard M41A3s were showing their age. Consequently, in 1984, Denmark decided to upgrade its M41 fleet in order to extend their lives and usefulness well into the 1990s and, possibly, until the end of the century. Two developmental avenues were considered, although both would see a fundamental overhaul of the base vehicles.
The M41 DK-1 would keep the 76mm main gun, albeit firing a new APFSDS-T round which would have a significant increase in armour penetration characteristics over the existing ammunition. The overall layout would not change but some 70 improvements would be carried out including the replacement of the original petrol engine with a more fuel-efficient US Cummins VTA-903T diesel developing 465 hp.
The M41 DK-2 represented a more comprehensive - and expensive - proposition, the most noticeable change being the removal of the existing 76mm turret in its entirety and replacing it with the turret from the US M2/3 Bradley. Given the Dane’s continued intent to use their M41s in the reconnaissance role, the Bradley turret would deliver a tried and tested weapon combination ideally suited to its scouting function. (Note: While very satisfied with the TOW missile, the Danes were less impressed by the 25mm Bushmaster, selecting the 30mm variant in its place.) The same Cumming VTA-903T diesel engine proposed for the DK-1 would be installed but its power output would be increased to 600hp requiring a slight change in the rear hull to accommodate the new air filtration, turbo chargers and exhaust systems.
Of note, both the DK-1 and DK-2 were to have side skirts similar to those fitted on the Leopard 1 MBT installed giving them a very unique and characteristic look.
Although more expensive, the Danes quickly selected the M41 DK-2 as the preferred upgrade candidate as it significantly outperformed the DK-1 in all aspects whilst also representing a future-proofed capability. All 53 vehicles were duly converted to the M41 DK-2 standard with final deliveries being made in 1988. The M41 DK-2 were allocated to the 5th Bn Jutland Dragoons (Divisional Recon to the Jutland Division) with 18 x M41 DK-2, 12 M113 and 9 x M125; 3rd Bn Guards Hussar Regiment (Zealand Command Recon) with 18 x M41 DK-2, 12 M113 and 9 x M125; and the Bornholm Dragoons (Bornholm Force) with 10 x M41 DK-2.
The model represents a vehicle from the 5th Bn Jutland Dragoons and is made from parts of an old Tamiya M41, A Tamiya M2 Bradley, an after-market 30mm Bushmaster, a Tamiya Leopard 1A5, plastic card and some home-make decals.
Interestingly, the M41 DK-2 was not to be the Dane’s final iteration of this venerable vehicle. On 25 November 1993 the formal decision was made to form the Danish International Brigade (DIB) - also sometimes known as the Danish Reaction Brigade. The brigade was formed with the staff and all subunits from the disbanded 2nd Zealand Brigade on 1 July 1994. The M41 DK-2 was selected as the preferred AFV for the armoured elements of the new brigade as this would complement both the rapid deployability of the new brigade and the recent decision to replace the M41 with the Leopard 1A5 in the Divisional/Command Recon role. In all, 50 M41 DK-2 would be assigned to the DIB, 30 in the Armoured Bn and 10 each in the 1st and 2nd Mech Infantry Bns. Whilst the M41 DK-2 proved effective within the Armoured Bn - providing effective AT and recon functions - its usefulness to the Mech Bns was less impressive where its inability to provide direct HE-support was more telling. At much the same time, both the US and Canadian Armies were pondering much the same issues in providing direct fire support to their own light mechanised forces following the cancelation of the M8 Armoured Gun System. What was being proposed was a lightweight, 105mm automated turret capable of being fitted to a wide series of wheeled and tracked IFVs. The Danes were immediately interested and bought into the development program. Unfortunately, the march of time waits for no man and so it was that by the time the 105mm Mobile Gun System (MGS) was ready for evaluation in 2004, the M41 DK-2s were already nearing the end of their usefulness. Indeed, the delay in providing effective fire support to the DIB had already seen Leopard 1A5s allocated to its Mech Bns. Nevertheless, the initial trial went ahead and 3 MGS turrets were shipped to Denmark and installed onto M41 DK-2 hulls. The trial was not particularly conclusive and highlighted continuing problems with the autoloader - something that would plague the MGS throughout its career. For the Danes, the writing was on the wall. They quietly pulled out of the MGS program, retired all their remaining M41s and replaced them with leopard 1A5s and eventually the Leopard 2A5.
The model (really just the turret) represents the 3rd vehicle from the Dane’s inconclusive 2004 MGS trial.
