Drive power was originally centered on a French-based engine though local-license production of the West German Daimler-Benz OM-403 model (outputting at 320 horsepower) allowed for an improved vehicle variant to quickly supersede the original. Five road wheels were fitted to each hull side with the drive sprocket at front and track idler at rear under a conventional track-and-wheel arrangement. Maximum road speeds reached 65 kmh with operational ranges out to 500 kilometers. An inherent amphibious quality (requiring little preparation beforehand) allowed the vehicle to ford water sources though no more than 8 kmh (propelled through the water by the motions of the tracks). The torsion bar suspension system provided cross-country travel support and allowed the vehicle pacing with other mechanized forces.
The initial production model was known simply as the "M-80" and this offering fielded the aforementioned French-originated engine of 260 horsepower. However, these vehicles were not well-received and an improved form, the "M-80A", was quickly rushed into service after no more than a year of operating the original M-80 stock - the new variant showcased the more powerful Daimler-Benz 320 horsepower engine. The M-80A KC was developed as a company-level command vehicle while the M-80A KB followed suit as a battalion-level command vehicle - both given additional communications gear for the role. The M-80A Sn was a dedicated armored ambulance lacking the original's turret but holding room for up to four patient litters and associated medical personnel. The M-80A LT was developed as an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) carrier fielding 6 x AT-3 "Sagger" ATGM launchers. The MOS became a self-propelled minelayer. A more modern version of the M-80A IFV is the M-80AK (also known as the "M-98A") which features an all-new powered turret housing a single 30mm M86 autocannon. The armament can be replaced with a dual-feed M89 gun as needed for a higher rate-of-fire.
The M-80 was entertained as a possible air defense vehicle through the prototype "M-80A1", which mounted 2 x 30mm autocannons to the turret, and the prototype "Sava M-90", fitting SA-13 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). The SPAT 30/2 was another offshoot, this version armed with 2 x 30mm autocannons.
Most of the active stock of M-80 vehicles remain the M-80A mark. Serbia is the largest operator with some 550 on hand.
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