BMP "Hunter" in the ranks. "Hunter" in service with the Singapore Army
In the recent past, Singapore has shown its ability to design and manufacture light armored vehicles of various classes. Work in this direction continues, and a few days ago a new model of an infantry fighting vehicle entered service. Prospective BMP Hunter will soon begin trial operation, and then go into a series.
BMP Hunter in the current configuration. Photos of Straitstimes.com
The Hunter project (“Hunter”) was developed by ST Kinetics and the DSTA science and technology department. The first data about it appeared 2017 year, and to the public showed the finished prototype. In the future, he several times participated in other exhibitions, and his configuration changed. A few days ago, festive events took place in Singapore, during which they announced the adoption of the machine, and also revealed its immediate future.
The equipment is planned to be transferred to one of the infantry units for trial operation. In the future, the Singapore industry will deploy a full-fledged batch production and re-equip all parts in need of such equipment.
It is noted that the development of a promising BMP took a minimum time - just over two years. In this case, the resulting sample in its basic characteristics, at least, is not inferior to modern foreign BMP. A characteristic feature of the Hunter BMP is the widespread use of electronic systems that simplify the solution of all the basic tasks.
The serial "Hunters" in the army will replace the M113 armored vehicles of later modifications. Despite a number of successive upgrades, M113 Ultra does not meet all modern requirements and needs to be replaced. It is expected that BMP Hunter will provide not only a direct replacement of outdated equipment, but also an increase in infantry capabilities.
The ceremony of adoption. Singapore's Secretary of Defense Ng Eng Hen sets a BMP license plate. Photo of the Singapore Ministry of Defense / mindef.gov.sg
In terms of overall architecture, the Singapore Hunter BMP differs little from other modern machines of its class. Used armored body with the front engine compartment and troop amphibious compartment. On the roof mounted tower with rocket, cannon and machine gun weapons. At the same time, various electronics are widely used in the project, which simplifies the work of the crew.
The level of protection provided by the armor case and the overhead protection elements is unknown. Probably, the frontal projection of the BMP is protected from bullets, splinters and small-caliber shells. There is no dynamic or active protection. At the same time, there are 76-mm smoke grenade launchers.
The BMP with a combat mass of 29,5 t is capable of speeds up to 70 km / h and has a cruising range of 500 km. Responsible for mobility diesel engine power 700 hp. Chassis includes six rollers on board with the front drive wheel. As part of the power plant and transmission used electrical control system. It simplifies the work of the driver, and in addition, allows the commander or gunner-operator to take on his duties and control the machine from their seats.
Weaponry "Hunter" is mounted on a full revolving armor turret. In the current configuration, it includes an 30-mm M242 automatic cannon, a twin machine gun and a launcher for two Spike missiles or similar. The tower is uninhabited and has a remote control. The fire control system is built on modern digital components and ensures the effective use of weapons. Integrated communications and control facilitates target acquisition.
The main features of the new BMP. Figure of the Ministry of Defense of Singapore / mindef.gov.sg
The crew of the BMP Hunter consists of three people, located only inside the body. In the feed bay are eight paratroopers. Crew members and infantry have a set of hatches in the roof and can use a stern ramp or a door in the latter. Inhabited compartments are equipped with a collective system of protection against weapons of mass destruction and air conditioning.
An important feature of the project "Hunter" is the wide use of various electronics of Singapore or imported. In this regard, Hunter is called "the first fully digital combat vehicle of Singapore."
Modern radio-electronic components are used as part of the OMS and for engine control. The machine as a whole is controlled by an onboard information management system that collects data on the operation of all units. There are radiation warning means, a set of video cameras with a complete overview of the surrounding terrain, a collision warning system, etc. Information is displayed on liquid crystal touch screens.
Declared the possibility of using airborne unmanned systems with ground or aircraft. Such systems should increase situational awareness of the crew and landing force.
The length of the prospective infantry fighting vehicle does not exceed 7 m, its width and height are less than 3,5 m. The combat weight is determined to be 29,5 tons. There is sufficient mobility on roads and rough terrain, water barriers intersect ford. Possible transportation of military transport aviation.
Driver's workplace. Photo Channelnewsasia.com
To date, an experienced model of the new model has passed the necessary ground tests and was officially adopted for service. Now it is planned to check it in the conditions of real army service. Trial operation will begin soon. "Hunter" in the near future will transfer 42-th battalion of the Singapore armored regiment. After completion of the trial operation of the first machine, a decision will be made on further serial production and re-equipment. Apparently, the complete set of new BMP Hunter will be built specifically for the 42-th battalion. After that, perform the re-equipment of other parts.
BMP Hunter was created as a replacement for the outdated M113 family of vehicles. To date, about fifty such vehicles remain in the Singaporean army, and in the foreseeable future they should be removed from service because of obsolescence and physical obsolescence. These facts point to the future role of the Hunter BMP and the required amount of such equipment.
Obviously, Singapore will be the starting customer for Hunter. At the same time, we cannot exclude the possibility of the appearance of orders from third countries. Some samples of military equipment from the Singapore industry attracted the attention of foreign customers, but the number of export contracts is small. Whether Hunter can become an export model - time will tell.
In its current form, BMP Hunter is of some interest. It combines a number of current ideas in the field of armored vehicles, and the resulting sample looks quite successful. However, some features of the machine can be ambiguous or even harmful.
Monitor the driver with a signal from the cameras of the circular review. Photo Channelnewsasia.com
From the point of view of general architecture and basic capabilities, the Singapore “Hunter” is not very different from other modern machines of its class - it is obvious that it was created with an eye on foreign designs. At the same time, in foreign projects we looked at the most daring ideas. First of all, it concerns the wide use of various electronics of one or another purpose.
At the expense of developed SLA and communication systems, as well as thanks to rocket-gun and machine-gun armament, Hunter becomes a full-fledged combat unit, capable of acting both as part of a unit and independently. This expands the range of tasks in a known manner. Automation of processes simplifies the work of the crew.
Based on borrowed decisions, the Hunter BMP has protection and armament equivalent to modern foreign models. However, this fact makes it difficult to combat them. Effective counteraction to more serious opponents in the form of tanks becomes extremely complex and depends only on missile weapons.
It should be noted that the Hunter BMP has very limited prospects in terms of the number of future serial equipment. In the best case, the Singapore Army will order no more than a few hundred of these machines, and the receipt of foreign contracts is questionable. In this regard, Hunter risks repeating the fate of a number of other interesting Singaporean developments.
In the near future, the Hunter BMP prototype will arrive in one of the army units for military tests. After this, the launch of the series and the start of full rearmament are expected. Singapore will be able to replace outdated armored vehicles, and at the same time demonstrate its technical and technological potential.
BMP Hunter in the current configuration. Photos of Straitstimes.com
Quickly and efficiently
The Hunter project (“Hunter”) was developed by ST Kinetics and the DSTA science and technology department. The first data about it appeared 2017 year, and to the public showed the finished prototype. In the future, he several times participated in other exhibitions, and his configuration changed. A few days ago, festive events took place in Singapore, during which they announced the adoption of the machine, and also revealed its immediate future.
The equipment is planned to be transferred to one of the infantry units for trial operation. In the future, the Singapore industry will deploy a full-fledged batch production and re-equip all parts in need of such equipment.
It is noted that the development of a promising BMP took a minimum time - just over two years. In this case, the resulting sample in its basic characteristics, at least, is not inferior to modern foreign BMP. A characteristic feature of the Hunter BMP is the widespread use of electronic systems that simplify the solution of all the basic tasks.
The serial "Hunters" in the army will replace the M113 armored vehicles of later modifications. Despite a number of successive upgrades, M113 Ultra does not meet all modern requirements and needs to be replaced. It is expected that BMP Hunter will provide not only a direct replacement of outdated equipment, but also an increase in infantry capabilities.
The ceremony of adoption. Singapore's Secretary of Defense Ng Eng Hen sets a BMP license plate. Photo of the Singapore Ministry of Defense / mindef.gov.sg
Design features
In terms of overall architecture, the Singapore Hunter BMP differs little from other modern machines of its class. Used armored body with the front engine compartment and troop amphibious compartment. On the roof mounted tower with rocket, cannon and machine gun weapons. At the same time, various electronics are widely used in the project, which simplifies the work of the crew.
The level of protection provided by the armor case and the overhead protection elements is unknown. Probably, the frontal projection of the BMP is protected from bullets, splinters and small-caliber shells. There is no dynamic or active protection. At the same time, there are 76-mm smoke grenade launchers.
The BMP with a combat mass of 29,5 t is capable of speeds up to 70 km / h and has a cruising range of 500 km. Responsible for mobility diesel engine power 700 hp. Chassis includes six rollers on board with the front drive wheel. As part of the power plant and transmission used electrical control system. It simplifies the work of the driver, and in addition, allows the commander or gunner-operator to take on his duties and control the machine from their seats.
Weaponry "Hunter" is mounted on a full revolving armor turret. In the current configuration, it includes an 30-mm M242 automatic cannon, a twin machine gun and a launcher for two Spike missiles or similar. The tower is uninhabited and has a remote control. The fire control system is built on modern digital components and ensures the effective use of weapons. Integrated communications and control facilitates target acquisition.
The main features of the new BMP. Figure of the Ministry of Defense of Singapore / mindef.gov.sg
The crew of the BMP Hunter consists of three people, located only inside the body. In the feed bay are eight paratroopers. Crew members and infantry have a set of hatches in the roof and can use a stern ramp or a door in the latter. Inhabited compartments are equipped with a collective system of protection against weapons of mass destruction and air conditioning.
An important feature of the project "Hunter" is the wide use of various electronics of Singapore or imported. In this regard, Hunter is called "the first fully digital combat vehicle of Singapore."
Modern radio-electronic components are used as part of the OMS and for engine control. The machine as a whole is controlled by an onboard information management system that collects data on the operation of all units. There are radiation warning means, a set of video cameras with a complete overview of the surrounding terrain, a collision warning system, etc. Information is displayed on liquid crystal touch screens.
Declared the possibility of using airborne unmanned systems with ground or aircraft. Such systems should increase situational awareness of the crew and landing force.
The length of the prospective infantry fighting vehicle does not exceed 7 m, its width and height are less than 3,5 m. The combat weight is determined to be 29,5 tons. There is sufficient mobility on roads and rough terrain, water barriers intersect ford. Possible transportation of military transport aviation.
Driver's workplace. Photo Channelnewsasia.com
Project Perspectives
To date, an experienced model of the new model has passed the necessary ground tests and was officially adopted for service. Now it is planned to check it in the conditions of real army service. Trial operation will begin soon. "Hunter" in the near future will transfer 42-th battalion of the Singapore armored regiment. After completion of the trial operation of the first machine, a decision will be made on further serial production and re-equipment. Apparently, the complete set of new BMP Hunter will be built specifically for the 42-th battalion. After that, perform the re-equipment of other parts.
BMP Hunter was created as a replacement for the outdated M113 family of vehicles. To date, about fifty such vehicles remain in the Singaporean army, and in the foreseeable future they should be removed from service because of obsolescence and physical obsolescence. These facts point to the future role of the Hunter BMP and the required amount of such equipment.
Obviously, Singapore will be the starting customer for Hunter. At the same time, we cannot exclude the possibility of the appearance of orders from third countries. Some samples of military equipment from the Singapore industry attracted the attention of foreign customers, but the number of export contracts is small. Whether Hunter can become an export model - time will tell.
Innovation hunter
In its current form, BMP Hunter is of some interest. It combines a number of current ideas in the field of armored vehicles, and the resulting sample looks quite successful. However, some features of the machine can be ambiguous or even harmful.
Monitor the driver with a signal from the cameras of the circular review. Photo Channelnewsasia.com
From the point of view of general architecture and basic capabilities, the Singapore “Hunter” is not very different from other modern machines of its class - it is obvious that it was created with an eye on foreign designs. At the same time, in foreign projects we looked at the most daring ideas. First of all, it concerns the wide use of various electronics of one or another purpose.
At the expense of developed SLA and communication systems, as well as thanks to rocket-gun and machine-gun armament, Hunter becomes a full-fledged combat unit, capable of acting both as part of a unit and independently. This expands the range of tasks in a known manner. Automation of processes simplifies the work of the crew.
Based on borrowed decisions, the Hunter BMP has protection and armament equivalent to modern foreign models. However, this fact makes it difficult to combat them. Effective counteraction to more serious opponents in the form of tanks becomes extremely complex and depends only on missile weapons.
It should be noted that the Hunter BMP has very limited prospects in terms of the number of future serial equipment. In the best case, the Singapore Army will order no more than a few hundred of these machines, and the receipt of foreign contracts is questionable. In this regard, Hunter risks repeating the fate of a number of other interesting Singaporean developments.
In the near future, the Hunter BMP prototype will arrive in one of the army units for military tests. After this, the launch of the series and the start of full rearmament are expected. Singapore will be able to replace outdated armored vehicles, and at the same time demonstrate its technical and technological potential.
Information