CS-67 Żelazny Wilk

(Experimental Main Battle Tank – 1967)

Historical Background(Fictional)

In the mid-1960s, growing doctrinal debates within the Warsaw Pact and the rapid development of new HEAT anti-tank munitions in the West forced Polish military engineers to reconsider traditional armor concepts.

In 1965, a research initiative known as the “Wilk Program” was launched under the Central Armored Study Center (CSP). Unlike standard Soviet design philosophy, the program aimed to explore a tank focused on survivability through mobility, rapid repositioning, and short, decisive engagements.

The result of this initiative was the experimental prototype CS-67 Żelazny Wilk, completed in 1967.

Doctrinal concept

CS-67 was not designed as a conventional main battle tank. Instead, it was intended for:

Short, high-intensity engagements

Rapid breakthrough and withdrawal

Operations in forests, uneven terrain, and semi-urban environments

Disrupting enemy armored formations rather than prolonged direct combat

The tank emphasized maneuver dominance over brute firepower.

“Spear-type armor” concept

To counter emerging shaped-charge threats, CSP engineers developed an experimental frontal armor layout known as “Lanca Pancerna” (Armored Spear).

This design featured:

A sharply angled, wedge-shaped frontal hull

Layered steel armor with internal spacing

Geometry intended to deflect kinetic penetrators

Early disruption of HEAT jets through angular impact and standoff distance

The frontal turret section received additional modular armor reinforcement, giving the vehicle its aggressive, forward-leaning silhouette.

Auxiliary propulsion system

One of the most unconventional features of the CS-67 was its 2×6 auxiliary rocket units, which were not designed as weapons.

Officially designated:

PSI-67 — Pomocniczy System Impulsowy
(Auxiliary Impulse Propulsion System)

their sole purpose was to provide temporary thrust and maneuver assistance.

Intended functions:

Short-duration acceleration

Emergency evasive maneuvers

Rapid withdrawal under fire

Assistance in difficult terrain (mud, snow, steep inclines)

Brief directional correction during movement

The rockets used solid fuel, extremely short burn times, and were fired in controlled sequences, not salvos.
They carried no warheads and had no offensive role.

In essence:

They were designed to save the tank, not to fight with it.

Operational evaluation

Test reports praised the system’s ability to:

Break contact quickly after exposure

Reduce vulnerability to anti-tank ambushes

Improve survivability in non-ideal terrain

However, concerns were raised regarding:

Increased thermal signature

High fuel consumption

Crew training complexity

Limited usefulness outside emergency scenarios

Program outcome

By 1968, increased pressure for standardization within the Warsaw Pact and logistical incompatibilities led to the suspension of the Wilk Program.

Only two CS-67 prototypes were completed

The vehicle never entered formal service

It remained classified as an experimental research platform

In later internal assessments, the CS-67 was described as:

“A concept ahead of its time — overly aggressive in mobility philosophy, yet technically insightful.”
— CSP Experimental Vehicle Review, 1969

Booster P-67 Auxiliary Rocket Pods (2x6)

Rockets provide an extra 30 km/h speed to the tank. The duration of each rocket is only 10 seconds. After the timer expires, the rockets will not activate again.

Controls In-Game