Armored cars HAMZA MCV (Pakistan)
Pakistan regularly tries to develop promising models of weapons and military equipment, including those intended for entry into the international market. Most of our own Pakistani projects cannot be called fully successful, since they do not advance further than trials or small-scale production. A striking example of this result of work can be considered the family of armored cars HAMZA MCV. The company-developer in recent years has presented two cars of this line, as well as a number of their modifications, but none of the new models has yet become the subject of a real contract.
New projects of armored vehicles were created by Blitzkrieg Defense Solution, a member of the Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. Both the company and its parent organization work in Islamabad. The development of a prospective model began several years ago, and subsequently led to some desirable results. In mid-November, the company-developer 2016 removed from the assembly shop and sent for preliminary tests the very first prototype of a new type.
The prototype of the HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored car in the 2016 year. Photo Defence.pk
A few days after that, the HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored car became one of the exhibits of the IDEAS-2016 military technical exhibition in Karachi. At that time, it was argued that in the near future the tire would have to go through tests and refinement, after which it could be offered to potential buyers. Last October, at the BIDEC-2017 exhibition in Bahrain for the first time showed an experienced car HAMZA MCV 6x6. It was based on the design of the existing sample, but differed recycled chassis.
HAMZA MCV 8x8
To date, the designers of Cavalier Group have created a whole line of projects for various applications of equipment, based on common ideas and a unified chassis. Its basis is the armored vehicle HAMZA MCV 8x8, presented two years ago. This armored vehicle is positioned as a multipurpose combat vehicle (Multirole Combat Vehicle) capable of carrying people and cargo, weapon, special equipment, etc.
The HAMZA MCV 8x8 project is based on the curious idea of combining the functions and capabilities of an MRAP-class vehicle with a multi-axle wheeled chassis like an armored personnel carrier. Due to such a combination of solutions, the armored vehicle gets a good cross in combination with a high level of protection. In recent years, such approaches are gaining popularity, and the Pakistani project has become another result of their use.
Four-axle chassis HAMZA MCV. Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
The HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored vehicle is built on the basis of a four-axle chassis and is equipped with an armored hull layout. The project uses a modular approach, so that the composition of the power plant or weapons can be selected by the customer in accordance with its requirements. In addition, there are various options for equipping the internal volume of the hull, so that the armored car can be either a protected vehicle or a weapon carrier.
The base chassis is built on the basis of a rectangular frame with seats for all the necessary components. In its front part it is proposed to mount the engine of the required model. According to the 2016 information of the year, an experienced armored car was completed with a six-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 600 hp. In the current promotional materials indicates the possibility of using 450-strong engine. The car gets an automatic transmission based on a six-speed gearbox. Power output is provided to all four bridges. In this case, the two front can be disabled.
The chassis includes four axles with independent wheel suspension. A spring mounted vertically above the semi-axis is used as an elastic element. Each wheel also has its own hydraulic shock absorber. The chassis is equipped with wheels with 395 / 85 R20 tires. The wheels are equipped with hard inserts that provide movement with punched tires. Also used centralized swap wheels.
Armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8 received a recognizable body with a relatively high protection performance. The body is divided into motor and habitable compartments, separated from each other. A combination of metal sheet based protection is used that can provide protection against bullets, fragments and mines. Machine protection is compliant with the STANAG 4 standard 4569b level. This means that the armor can withstand the hit of 14,5-mm bullets or undermining 10 kg of TNT under the bottom.
Chassis bridge Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
The body of the armored car is assembled from a large number of relatively large flat panels that are installed at different angles to each other, which gives it a recognizable angular look. Also on the exterior of the bonnet layout affects the car. The engine compartment is covered with a casing with a polygonal front wall and an inclined lid. In the latter there are grilles for air supply to the engine. The sides of the engine compartment consist of two parts placed at angles to the vertical.
A similar design of the board is used on the manned compartment, but in this case, the upper elements have an increased height. The frontal projection of the habitable volume is covered by the engine cover and a small inclined frontal sheet with glazing. To reduce the negative impact of the shock wave of the explosion, the hull received a bottom with a V-shaped cross section. Above, the crew and troops are covered with a horizontal roof, at the back - with an inclined stern detail with a large opening under the door.
A prototype of a promising armored vehicle, built two years ago, received a combat module of a tower assembly with machine-gun armament. The pursuit for installing a module with a weapon is placed in the central part of the roof and allows the use of different systems. Thus, in the configuration of an armored personnel carrier, the machine can carry a machine gun of a normal or large caliber or a module with an automatic cannon.
Corps at the stage of painting. Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
Own crew of an armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8, depending on its configuration and purpose, may consist of two or more people. They are located in the front of the case, on the ground, equipped with the necessary devices. In particular, the driver has a set of video cameras that provide all-round visibility and simplify driving. The equipment at the site of the commander depends on the purpose and equipment of the machine. For example, it may be a remote control unit of the combat module.
In the modification of the armored vehicle, the car has a full-fledged troop compartment, under which the rear part of the habitable compartment is given. At the sides of the hull fits five "anti-mine" seats. The landing force has the ability to fire from personal weapons. For this purpose, there are a dozen embrasures with flaps in the sides. These devices are placed under small rectangular windows with bulletproof glass.
Access to the inside of the armored car is provided by several doors and hatches. A large door is on the left side, directly behind the driver’s workplace. Due to the high height of the car, a ladder is located under the door. The landing party is invited to use a stern ramp with a hydraulic drive. There are several hatches in the roof of the hull: above the commander and driver, as well as above the paratroopers.
Armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8 not compact. The length of the vehicle reaches 7,5 m, width and height - according to 2,6 m. The combat weight is determined in 21 t. If necessary, it can take on board up to 15 t cargo. The maximum allowable weight, taking into account the load and attachments, reaches 50 tons. Under normal weight conditions, the armored car can reach 105 km / h on the highway. Power reserve - up to 600 km. Overcoming various obstacles is provided. Water barriers intersect at the ford.
Experienced armored car on trial. Photo Defence.pk
In its basic configuration, the HAMZA MCV 8x8 is a secure vehicle for personnel. In this case, the company Cavalier Group offers several other specialized machines based on the existing chassis and body. Without significant restructuring of the hull, an armored personnel carrier turns into an ambulance. A more serious alteration of the aft compartment allows placing an existing and prospective mortar in it. Shooting in this case should be carried out through a large hatch in the roof.
A combat module with a cannon or machine gun can be replaced with another specialized system. In particular, the proposed modification with a launcher for anti-tank missiles. Also in the promotional materials there is an armored car with a multi-barreled cannon for air defense near zone. It is possible that in the future the company will offer other options for the use of armored vehicles. In addition, the next modifications may appear at the request of potential customers.
HAMZA MCV 6x6
Last year, at the BIDEC-2017 exhibition, Pakistani designers presented for the first time a new version of an armored car, created on the basis of an existing project. A promising sample called HAMZA MCV 6x6 has a high degree of unification with the previous machine, but it is significantly different from it. In the new project, as is clear from its name, the chassis has lost one of the axles, which led to a change in other characteristics. The resulting armored car is able to occupy another niche and is not a direct competitor to the older HAMZA MCV 8x8.
View of the board and stern. Photo Defence.pk
In terms of overall architecture, the three-axle armored car is similar to the previous car. It is also built on the basis of the chassis frame structure and is equipped with an armored body of a similar type. It was reported that the new HAMZA MCV 6x6 is equipped with a Cummins ISM 500 diesel engine and an Allison automatic transmission. At the same time, as before, all six wheels are driven with the ability to turn off the front axle.
The design of the bridges remained the same. Large wheels are mounted on moving axles with spring suspension and additional shock absorbers. The minimum amount of changes to the original project led to the fact that the bridges are uneven: there is a large gap between the first and second. Wheels with a rigid insert and a centralized paging system are saved.
The HAMZA MCV 6x6 case still has a bonnet layout, but its appearance has slightly changed. In particular, the designers reworked the engine compartment cover. Now its frontal parts are wedge-shaped, and radiator grilles have been transferred to them. Slightly changed the shape of the boards. Dimensions were also maintained, which ensured the required internal volume.
The prototype HAMZA MCV 6x6 besides its own armor showed overhead panels. Additional details were added on the forehead, sides and stern of the habitable volume, increasing the level of protection. In the basic configuration, the armored car withstands hit of 14,5-mm bullets in the frontal parts. After installing the new panels, it is likely that all-view protection is provided against such threats. Also saved mine protection that can withstand the undermining of 10 kg of TNT under the bottom.
Experienced armored vehicle HAMZA MCV 6x6. Photo Defence.pk
Like its predecessor, the three-axle armored vehicle is operated by a crew of two or three people. In the aft troop compartment, 10 fighters with weapons are transported. The possibility of firing from under the armor is now absent, because the overhead panels block the body embrasures. All available hatches, doors and ramps are kept.
Machines without a future
Blitzkrieg Defense Solution presented its first armored vehicle, HAMZA MCV, two years ago. It was expected that this development will interest the army or police of Pakistan, as well as be able to enter the international market and become the subject of an export contract. The same hopes were pinned on the second armored car with a three-axle undercarriage, presented about a year ago. However, as is now clear, all these plans were not fulfilled. Two armored vehicles still remain exclusively exhibition samples and have not yet managed to go beyond the limits of the landfills.
Two prototypes that participated in the exhibitions attracted the attention of the military and specialists, but no expected events occurred. Not a single army has yet wished to buy the promising HAMZA MCV armored cars. As a result, the real future of two major projects and proposed developments based on them is questionable. It seems that the whole family of curious Pakistani developments will not fall into the series.
Three-axle armored car on display. Photo Defence-blog.com
It should be noted that the HAMZA MCV armored cars are of particular interest, at least at the concept level. Judging by the available data, Pakistani designers have created a technique that, in general, meets modern requirements for its class. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that these projects are not unique. The market has a huge number of other armored personnel carriers with similar characteristics. Thus, cars from Pakistan face the most serious competition.
When choosing a new model of armored vehicles for future purchases, the army of a particular country must take into account many factors, and not just the basic “table” characteristics. Among other things, great importance are the experience and reputation of the manufacturer. Pakistani enterprises cannot yet claim to be the market leader in armored vehicles, which reduces the commercial potential of their projects. In addition, not the highest production culture adversely affects the fate of machines.
As a result, the armored cars of the HAMZA MCV line are typical representatives of their class, having no advantages over their competitors. Moreover, there may be serious flaws of one kind or another. In such a situation, the potential customer is likely to prefer armored vehicles of a different type and from another country. This is what explains the fact that the equipment from the Cavalier Group for two years has not left the test stage and trips to exhibitions.
It is possible that in the foreseeable future, a Pakistani company will still receive the first order for the mass production of promising armored cars. However, the likelihood of such a development is not very high and is constantly decreasing. There is reason to believe that the two HAMZA MCV armored cars will remain exclusively exhibition samples. However, the company-developer should not be upset about this. When developing two well-known projects, she managed to get a certain experience, which can be used to create a completely new armored car.
On the materials of the sites:
http://hamza8x8.com/
https://defence-blog.com/
http://army-guide.com/
https://defence.pk/
http://paknewspage.com/
https://defence.ru/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
New projects of armored vehicles were created by Blitzkrieg Defense Solution, a member of the Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. Both the company and its parent organization work in Islamabad. The development of a prospective model began several years ago, and subsequently led to some desirable results. In mid-November, the company-developer 2016 removed from the assembly shop and sent for preliminary tests the very first prototype of a new type.
The prototype of the HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored car in the 2016 year. Photo Defence.pk
A few days after that, the HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored car became one of the exhibits of the IDEAS-2016 military technical exhibition in Karachi. At that time, it was argued that in the near future the tire would have to go through tests and refinement, after which it could be offered to potential buyers. Last October, at the BIDEC-2017 exhibition in Bahrain for the first time showed an experienced car HAMZA MCV 6x6. It was based on the design of the existing sample, but differed recycled chassis.
HAMZA MCV 8x8
To date, the designers of Cavalier Group have created a whole line of projects for various applications of equipment, based on common ideas and a unified chassis. Its basis is the armored vehicle HAMZA MCV 8x8, presented two years ago. This armored vehicle is positioned as a multipurpose combat vehicle (Multirole Combat Vehicle) capable of carrying people and cargo, weapon, special equipment, etc.
The HAMZA MCV 8x8 project is based on the curious idea of combining the functions and capabilities of an MRAP-class vehicle with a multi-axle wheeled chassis like an armored personnel carrier. Due to such a combination of solutions, the armored vehicle gets a good cross in combination with a high level of protection. In recent years, such approaches are gaining popularity, and the Pakistani project has become another result of their use.
Four-axle chassis HAMZA MCV. Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
The HAMZA MCV 8x8 armored vehicle is built on the basis of a four-axle chassis and is equipped with an armored hull layout. The project uses a modular approach, so that the composition of the power plant or weapons can be selected by the customer in accordance with its requirements. In addition, there are various options for equipping the internal volume of the hull, so that the armored car can be either a protected vehicle or a weapon carrier.
The base chassis is built on the basis of a rectangular frame with seats for all the necessary components. In its front part it is proposed to mount the engine of the required model. According to the 2016 information of the year, an experienced armored car was completed with a six-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 600 hp. In the current promotional materials indicates the possibility of using 450-strong engine. The car gets an automatic transmission based on a six-speed gearbox. Power output is provided to all four bridges. In this case, the two front can be disabled.
The chassis includes four axles with independent wheel suspension. A spring mounted vertically above the semi-axis is used as an elastic element. Each wheel also has its own hydraulic shock absorber. The chassis is equipped with wheels with 395 / 85 R20 tires. The wheels are equipped with hard inserts that provide movement with punched tires. Also used centralized swap wheels.
Armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8 received a recognizable body with a relatively high protection performance. The body is divided into motor and habitable compartments, separated from each other. A combination of metal sheet based protection is used that can provide protection against bullets, fragments and mines. Machine protection is compliant with the STANAG 4 standard 4569b level. This means that the armor can withstand the hit of 14,5-mm bullets or undermining 10 kg of TNT under the bottom.
Chassis bridge Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
The body of the armored car is assembled from a large number of relatively large flat panels that are installed at different angles to each other, which gives it a recognizable angular look. Also on the exterior of the bonnet layout affects the car. The engine compartment is covered with a casing with a polygonal front wall and an inclined lid. In the latter there are grilles for air supply to the engine. The sides of the engine compartment consist of two parts placed at angles to the vertical.
A similar design of the board is used on the manned compartment, but in this case, the upper elements have an increased height. The frontal projection of the habitable volume is covered by the engine cover and a small inclined frontal sheet with glazing. To reduce the negative impact of the shock wave of the explosion, the hull received a bottom with a V-shaped cross section. Above, the crew and troops are covered with a horizontal roof, at the back - with an inclined stern detail with a large opening under the door.
A prototype of a promising armored vehicle, built two years ago, received a combat module of a tower assembly with machine-gun armament. The pursuit for installing a module with a weapon is placed in the central part of the roof and allows the use of different systems. Thus, in the configuration of an armored personnel carrier, the machine can carry a machine gun of a normal or large caliber or a module with an automatic cannon.
Corps at the stage of painting. Photo of Cavalier Group Pvt. Ltd. / hamza8x8.com
Own crew of an armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8, depending on its configuration and purpose, may consist of two or more people. They are located in the front of the case, on the ground, equipped with the necessary devices. In particular, the driver has a set of video cameras that provide all-round visibility and simplify driving. The equipment at the site of the commander depends on the purpose and equipment of the machine. For example, it may be a remote control unit of the combat module.
In the modification of the armored vehicle, the car has a full-fledged troop compartment, under which the rear part of the habitable compartment is given. At the sides of the hull fits five "anti-mine" seats. The landing force has the ability to fire from personal weapons. For this purpose, there are a dozen embrasures with flaps in the sides. These devices are placed under small rectangular windows with bulletproof glass.
Access to the inside of the armored car is provided by several doors and hatches. A large door is on the left side, directly behind the driver’s workplace. Due to the high height of the car, a ladder is located under the door. The landing party is invited to use a stern ramp with a hydraulic drive. There are several hatches in the roof of the hull: above the commander and driver, as well as above the paratroopers.
Armored car HAMZA MCV 8x8 not compact. The length of the vehicle reaches 7,5 m, width and height - according to 2,6 m. The combat weight is determined in 21 t. If necessary, it can take on board up to 15 t cargo. The maximum allowable weight, taking into account the load and attachments, reaches 50 tons. Under normal weight conditions, the armored car can reach 105 km / h on the highway. Power reserve - up to 600 km. Overcoming various obstacles is provided. Water barriers intersect at the ford.
Experienced armored car on trial. Photo Defence.pk
In its basic configuration, the HAMZA MCV 8x8 is a secure vehicle for personnel. In this case, the company Cavalier Group offers several other specialized machines based on the existing chassis and body. Without significant restructuring of the hull, an armored personnel carrier turns into an ambulance. A more serious alteration of the aft compartment allows placing an existing and prospective mortar in it. Shooting in this case should be carried out through a large hatch in the roof.
A combat module with a cannon or machine gun can be replaced with another specialized system. In particular, the proposed modification with a launcher for anti-tank missiles. Also in the promotional materials there is an armored car with a multi-barreled cannon for air defense near zone. It is possible that in the future the company will offer other options for the use of armored vehicles. In addition, the next modifications may appear at the request of potential customers.
HAMZA MCV 6x6
Last year, at the BIDEC-2017 exhibition, Pakistani designers presented for the first time a new version of an armored car, created on the basis of an existing project. A promising sample called HAMZA MCV 6x6 has a high degree of unification with the previous machine, but it is significantly different from it. In the new project, as is clear from its name, the chassis has lost one of the axles, which led to a change in other characteristics. The resulting armored car is able to occupy another niche and is not a direct competitor to the older HAMZA MCV 8x8.
View of the board and stern. Photo Defence.pk
In terms of overall architecture, the three-axle armored car is similar to the previous car. It is also built on the basis of the chassis frame structure and is equipped with an armored body of a similar type. It was reported that the new HAMZA MCV 6x6 is equipped with a Cummins ISM 500 diesel engine and an Allison automatic transmission. At the same time, as before, all six wheels are driven with the ability to turn off the front axle.
The design of the bridges remained the same. Large wheels are mounted on moving axles with spring suspension and additional shock absorbers. The minimum amount of changes to the original project led to the fact that the bridges are uneven: there is a large gap between the first and second. Wheels with a rigid insert and a centralized paging system are saved.
The HAMZA MCV 6x6 case still has a bonnet layout, but its appearance has slightly changed. In particular, the designers reworked the engine compartment cover. Now its frontal parts are wedge-shaped, and radiator grilles have been transferred to them. Slightly changed the shape of the boards. Dimensions were also maintained, which ensured the required internal volume.
The prototype HAMZA MCV 6x6 besides its own armor showed overhead panels. Additional details were added on the forehead, sides and stern of the habitable volume, increasing the level of protection. In the basic configuration, the armored car withstands hit of 14,5-mm bullets in the frontal parts. After installing the new panels, it is likely that all-view protection is provided against such threats. Also saved mine protection that can withstand the undermining of 10 kg of TNT under the bottom.
Experienced armored vehicle HAMZA MCV 6x6. Photo Defence.pk
Like its predecessor, the three-axle armored vehicle is operated by a crew of two or three people. In the aft troop compartment, 10 fighters with weapons are transported. The possibility of firing from under the armor is now absent, because the overhead panels block the body embrasures. All available hatches, doors and ramps are kept.
Machines without a future
Blitzkrieg Defense Solution presented its first armored vehicle, HAMZA MCV, two years ago. It was expected that this development will interest the army or police of Pakistan, as well as be able to enter the international market and become the subject of an export contract. The same hopes were pinned on the second armored car with a three-axle undercarriage, presented about a year ago. However, as is now clear, all these plans were not fulfilled. Two armored vehicles still remain exclusively exhibition samples and have not yet managed to go beyond the limits of the landfills.
Two prototypes that participated in the exhibitions attracted the attention of the military and specialists, but no expected events occurred. Not a single army has yet wished to buy the promising HAMZA MCV armored cars. As a result, the real future of two major projects and proposed developments based on them is questionable. It seems that the whole family of curious Pakistani developments will not fall into the series.
Three-axle armored car on display. Photo Defence-blog.com
It should be noted that the HAMZA MCV armored cars are of particular interest, at least at the concept level. Judging by the available data, Pakistani designers have created a technique that, in general, meets modern requirements for its class. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that these projects are not unique. The market has a huge number of other armored personnel carriers with similar characteristics. Thus, cars from Pakistan face the most serious competition.
When choosing a new model of armored vehicles for future purchases, the army of a particular country must take into account many factors, and not just the basic “table” characteristics. Among other things, great importance are the experience and reputation of the manufacturer. Pakistani enterprises cannot yet claim to be the market leader in armored vehicles, which reduces the commercial potential of their projects. In addition, not the highest production culture adversely affects the fate of machines.
As a result, the armored cars of the HAMZA MCV line are typical representatives of their class, having no advantages over their competitors. Moreover, there may be serious flaws of one kind or another. In such a situation, the potential customer is likely to prefer armored vehicles of a different type and from another country. This is what explains the fact that the equipment from the Cavalier Group for two years has not left the test stage and trips to exhibitions.
It is possible that in the foreseeable future, a Pakistani company will still receive the first order for the mass production of promising armored cars. However, the likelihood of such a development is not very high and is constantly decreasing. There is reason to believe that the two HAMZA MCV armored cars will remain exclusively exhibition samples. However, the company-developer should not be upset about this. When developing two well-known projects, she managed to get a certain experience, which can be used to create a completely new armored car.
On the materials of the sites:
http://hamza8x8.com/
https://defence-blog.com/
http://army-guide.com/
https://defence.pk/
http://paknewspage.com/
https://defence.ru/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
Information