Overview of armored transporters and infantry fighting vehicles (Part of 4)
FNSS PARS 8 x 8 with a single Sharpshooter tower installed. A modification of this BMP with the Denel 30 tower, which is still under development, was sold to Malaysia.
Turkish wheeled cars
The Turkish industry is very active in the field of armored wheeled vehicles, although at the moment none of them have yet been accepted by the national customer. If the Turkish army is not ready to buy a 8 × 8 machine, Otokar and FNSS will turn towards the export customers of their Arma and Pars 8 × 8 machines.
While Arma has not yet found its customer for the 8 × 8 configuration, this cannot be said about the Pars car, which Malaysia accepted for service in its modification of the AV-8. The contract worth 559 million dollars was signed in February 2011 year with the company DefTech for the development, production and logistics of 257 combat vehicles.
Malaysia is testing its first prototypes equipped with a single tower FNSS Sharpshooter 25 mm, while AV-8 with a double tower Denel 30 mm completes the qualification tests in Turkey. FNSS is also closely following a couple of applications from the Middle East. Since the Pars and Arma families have also been supplemented with the 6 × 6 variants (although the Pars 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 variants have many differences, the most striking thing is the lack of a hydrostatic suspension installed on the 8 × 8), we smoothly move here to a six-wheel machine.
In the short term, Turkey does not plan to buy 8x8 cars and, in this regard, Otokar strongly "pushes" its Arma for export.
Turkey - 6 × 6 machines
As already mentioned, orders from Turkey for the 8 × 8 configuration are not expected. Turkey is expected to open a tender for the 6 × 6 reconnaissance vehicle at the end of 2013, in addition to another tender for 76 weapons installations, opened at the end of June 2013. Requests for proposals have been sent to Otokar and FNSS, although they may also include the 4 × 4 configuration. In the near future, a command and staff vehicle, a mobile radar and an OMP reconnaissance vehicle may also enter the requirements.
Otokar has already entered foreign markets with its Arma 6 × 6 machine. At least two contracts were signed with unnamed customers; the second (the country of the Persian Gulf) worth 63,2 million dollars. Another machine in the 6 × 6 configuration that entered the overseas market is Nurol Makina Ejder. Georgia bought 76 of such machines and soon another order could come from it. For the Middle East market, Nurol Makina has developed an upgraded version, equipped with additional armor with an unbreakable level of protection and a Nexter Dragar single-seat turret armed with a dual-feed 25-mm cannon. Other turrets with cannons up to 811 mm can be installed. The Middle East version weighs a ton of 90, while the base machine Ejder II weighs 21 tons.
Ejder II will not take part in the competition, which will soon be announced by Turkey. Nurol is a subsidiary of FNSS and it was decided that only FNSS Pars 6 × 6 would compete for this contract. It will compete with the Otokar Arma 6 × 6, as well as with the new machine of the same category currently being developed by Hema.
At IDEF 2013, the layout of the machine presented by the Emirates-based Streit Group was shown at Hema’s booth, although the Streit 6 × 6 machine, known as Veran, was shown at IDEX a few months earlier. The length of the machine is 7 meters, the width of the 3 meter and the height of the 2,25 meter, the combat weight is 18 tons (also the 16 is proposed - the 17 ton amphibious version). The power unit consists of a six-cylinder 8,9-l ISL 400 engine with a turbocharged horsepower 500. and Allison 3200 SP transmissions. Independent suspension consists of coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, the level of ballistic and mine protection brought to Level 4. Veran car differs double bottom with ground clearance 365 mm. The crew of the vehicle is three people, and 10 paratroopers are stationed inside, landing through the aft door, which can be replaced with a ramp.
Veran layout was presented at IDEF mainly to show cooperation between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The real Hema machine developed by the two companies will be quite different from the layout. Hema is a well-known engineering company that manufactures undercarriage subsystems for many foreign customers and participates in the development of a power unit for Turkish military vehicles and MBT. This allows it to produce most of the components at its facilities and thus keep prices under control, valuable quality for upcoming contests. However, Hema has no experience in the field of booking and therefore Streit will provide a security solution for the new car.
The PARS 8x8 machine is distinguished by a computerized semi-automatic air suspension that allows you to compensate for lateral roll
Nurol is a subsidiary of FNSS and therefore Ejder will not compete in the competition of the Turkish army on the machine configuration 6x6
After two successes in the overseas market, Otokar offers its Arma car for Turkey’s upcoming bid for 6x6
Project VBTP-MR Guarani 6 × 6
Guarani status
On the other side of the globe in Brazil, Iveco in June 2013 opened a new plant for the production of military vehicles worth 46 million dollars. The new plant is the main link in the production process of VBTP-MR Guarani 6 × 6 for the Brazilian army. The volume of production of this machine is determined by 100 units per year, if necessary, the plant is able to produce twice as many cars (the total number that Brazil has to order is 2044 machines for 20 years). More than 60 percent of Guarani’s value is made up of Brazilian components. In August, 2012 began making the first batch of 86 machines, which the Brazilian army uses to evaluate the doctrine before starting full-scale production. The guarani combat weight is 18 tons, the machine is equipped with a Cursor 9 diesel engine with an 383 horsepower, and the dimensions allow it to be transported in a new KC390 Embraer aircraft. Iveco Defense Vehicles has launched a marketing campaign throughout Latin America, especially in Chile, Ecuador and Colombia. The first order came from Argentina. After testing a prototype of a new car rented from the Brazilian army, roughly 14 Guarani machines were purchased by the Argentine army. VBTP-MR machines are shipped to Argentine units deployed in UN peacekeeping missions.
Titus from france
During the DSEi 2013 exhibition, a completely new machine in the 6 × 6 configuration appeared with fanfare at the booth of the French company Nexter. Titus - a new proposal for the military, who need a combat vehicle or armored personnel carrier to participate in mixed conflicts. Nexter claims that its new 6 × 6 machine can perform all BTR and 85% BMP tasks in mixed situations.
At DSEI 2013, Nexter showed the new Titus 6x6 based on Tatra chassis with independent swing bridges. It offers a high level of protection and mobility at an affordable cost.
Although it can be taken for Mrap, the characteristics of the car are much closer to the characteristics of wheeled armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, since Nexter engineers took into account several factors, namely the evolving operational space, experience gained in Afghanistan and the cost of the entire life cycle. That and the plus good driving performance is paramount. The choice fell on the company Tatra, which is known for its chassis, consisting of a central carrier tube (ridge frame) and independently swinging semi-axes. Torque transmits the longitudinal shaft, passing inside the frame, and the main gear consists of two bevel gears, mounted on the end of this shaft and entering into engagement with the crowns of the gears of each axle shaft. This chassis allows you to install an independent suspension with a big stroke. Nexter asked the Czech company to develop a new high performance chassis based on the 6 × 6 chassis, on which heavy trucks are based. In order to maximize mobility, the French wished to change the layout of the bridges. The second axle, usually located closer to the third axle, was installed exactly midway between the first and third axles, the wheelbase between each axle was 2,55 meters, which implies steering the rear axle (which also sharply reduces the turning radius). The angles of rotation of the wheels to the speed of 10 km / h are the same as those of the front axle, with an increase in the speed they gradually decrease, and when 45 km / h is reached, the rear axle is blocked and becomes uncontrollable.
The power unit is installed in front and consists of a Cummins engine with an 440 horsepower. and Allison transmissions, but Nexter is already considering an 550 hp engine. to further improve cross on sandy terrain. Wheel dimensions also affect mobility, so the Titus is shod in 16.00R20 wheels. The width of the vehicle is limited to 2,55 m, which not only conforms to European standards for vehicle dimensions, but also makes it airborne on board the A400M aircraft.
The entire crew capsule is made of steel and provides basic protection. Level 2; the car features a solid windshield, the driver and the commander / gunner have their own door with armored glass. Glass provides basic protection. The 1 level, the same engine hood protection. Immediately behind the two front seats in the center is the commander of the landing force; this allows him to maintain a full direct view in the sector over 120 ° and control the battle management system screen and the auxiliary screen. Each board can accommodate four or five paratroopers (depending on configuration) in energy-absorbing seats. The commander of the vehicle and the commander of the assault force have hatches above their heads, while the combat module is installed in the front part to the left of the vehicle's commander's hatch (the machine can accept weapons with a caliber up to 20 mm, for example Nexter ARX20). The height along the entire machine is 1,37 m, the total internal volume of the 14,4 m 3, the landing party has an additional volume 2,4 m 3 behind its seats. The front windshield allows the landing force to have a certain situational awareness, although on each side of the Titus troop compartment three windows can be cut through, as well as openings for firing. Two rear hatch in the corners of the machine allow you to install light machine guns for self-defense. Access to the car is through a stern ramp with a mechanical drive with a step for a smooth landing and disembarkation. Three boxes on each side provide another 1,5 m 3 volume for external storage.
The Titus is designed as a modular design that allows you to accept functional kits and additional armor. In a standard combat configuration, armored glass and a hood have protection 3 Level, and the rest of the vehicle protection 3 Level or 4, protection against VCA withstands undermining on 150-kg charge.
With its own mass of 17,5 tons and the maximum gross mass of 27 tons, as we see, the potential for increasing the mass is very significant. Nexter offers several functional kits for the BTR version in order to adapt the machine for order policing, riot control, normal combat, counter-insurgency tasks, and urban combat. The mass in the latter case increases to 24 tons. Auxiliary options are also planned, for example, sanitary, command post, engineering, supply, light evacuation and artillery surveillance, all of which are based on a standard chassis. Only a heavy mortar installation with an 120-mm Thales 2R2M rifled mortar set installed will be based on a deeply upgraded machine.
The customer will not only be provided with a wide range of functional sets, but he will also be able to decide how much modularity he needs and thus receive only what is needed. The Titus Nexter with its 6 × 6 configuration fills the gap between Aravis and VBCI, since it has mobility and characteristics similar to those of 8 × 8 machines, but at a significantly lower acquisition cost and life cycle, although Nexter did not provide figures in this regard. Currently, a second prototype is being manufactured, which will include many minor modifications as a result of the first operational tests conducted by the former military. The company aims Titus at armies that need to replace their armored personnel carriers and see market size in about 1000 units. The machine will be ready for mass production at the start of the 2014 of the year.
The Turkish company Hema is focused on the upcoming competition for the BNR 6x6 and offers its new car, created in cooperation with the Streit Group from the UAE. Veran layout shown by Streit Group at IDEX 2013; This 6x6 will weigh about 18 tons and carry up to 13 soldiers
Typhoon-K from Russia
Among the latest 6 × 6 in the world, KAMAZ-63969, a three-axis machine designed and manufactured by a Russian company under the Typhoon program, which also includes the 4 × 4 version, can be mentioned. The new armored personnel carrier accommodates two crew members and 10 paratroopers, all have protection 4 level, anti-mine protection level 3a / b. The electric motor vehicle developed by Electromachine is installed on the roof of the vehicle and can receive either an 7,62-mm PKT machine gun or an AGS automatic grenade launcher. KAMAZ-63969 has a monocoque design with independent suspension and is distinguished by frontal armored glass, providing a wide view, while the troop compartment does not have a direct review system. Access inside is through the starboard door and aft ramp.
Russian KAMAZ 63969 has a wide windshield. The BTR is based on a monocoque body with independent suspension; it can accommodate up to 10 soldiers and the crew of a 2 man
Fuchs story continues
The success of the Rheinmetall Fuchs 6 × 6 armored personnel carrier seems to never end; The last contract on his account includes the TPZ25A1 8 machines for the German army. This is the latest contract in a series of modernization contracts issued from 2008 of the year and aimed at providing German military vehicles with a level of protection sufficient to counter Afghan threats. A booking kit has been added, increasing the level of protection to 4, as well as the operational management system of the German army. The last contract was issued in April 2013 of the year, but this contract was preceded by another one concerning Fuch KAI 7 machines (Kampfmittelaufklärung und Identifikation - combat intelligence and identification tool). This route clearing option is equipped with an 10-meter manipulator arm, and deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2014. Under the contract, Rheinmetall currently has TPz177Z1 8 machines, including 52 standard machines ordered by Algeria. This country has shown interest in acquiring a much larger number of these machines.
The legacy of the Cold War - Fuchs TPz1 machine is still in service. The Bundeswehr is modernizing its many machines, and the updated Fuchs 2 has already entered the foreign market.
VAB - the return to life
Replacing such medium and multitasking armored vehicles, such as VAB, M113, BTR, Fahd, etc., and offering a new light infantry fighting vehicle — this was the goal of Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) when it began working on its VAB MkIII. The MkII variant, shown in 2010, attracted some interest. The car had an increased internal volume, but it soon became clear that RTD had to move the development to the next stage in order to really convince the market. Thus, the MkII remained at the prototype stage and was supplanted by the MkIII variant, the maximum combat mass of which increased from 16 to 20 tons. In addition, while MkII was offered in 4 × 4 and 6 × 6 configurations, the MkIII option is only available in the 6 × 6 configuration. Compared with the original layout of the VAB 6 × 6, the rear wheels are shifted back to simplify the design and reduce the cost. Only the front axle is controlled, although at the request of the customer the rear axle can also be controlled.
The system of protection against weapons of mass destruction was transferred to the rear left sponson, the right sponson is designed for stacking equipment. The payload capacity of 7,5 tons allows you to install a single or remotely controlled tower of medium caliber to 30 mm. A variant of the combat vehicle carries a crew of three people and seven paratroopers. It also provides for a mortar 120-mm installation with a crew (two plus two) and 40 rounds of ammunition along with a mobile installation of anti-tank and / or anti-air missiles, a command post with a crew of two plus four, a sanitary option with two crew members (two seats and four stretchers ). A hypothetical version of intelligence and information gathering will have a crew of two plus four plus a telescopic mast day / night optic-electronic system on the telescopic mast, a laser target designation system, a surveillance radar, a miniBPLA with a communication channel, a satellite communication system and, undoubtedly, a battle management system. In order to cope with all these systems and functional kits, the VAB MkIII is equipped with RTD's Battlenet Inside architecture and a 300 amp generator, although a generator with an even higher rating is being considered.
The newest version of the VAB MkIII accommodates 10 paratroopers plus crew. The internal volume is 13 m3, ballistic protection - 4 level and anti-mine - Level 3b
The chassis was extended from the front axle on the 500 mm forward and backward. And now the front doors are wider. The engine, as before, stands behind the driver, leaving a passage on the starboard side between the front cockpit and the landing party. The standard power unit consists of a Renault Dxi7 Euro 5 engine with an HP 340 power. (320 hp for Euro III version) and automatic transmission. Thus, the power density is 17 hp / t. On request, an 400 hp engine can be installed. The entire power unit, including the engine, transmission and cooling system, can be replaced in two hours thanks to the redesign of the engine compartment. MkIII with independent suspension can cross to 1,5 meters, slopes 47%, side slopes 40%, overcome trenches 0,9 meters wide and vertical ledge 0,5 meters high. The base case has a ballistic protection of the P4 level, however, as a rule, an additional reservation kit is installed that can raise the protection to the 4 STANAG 4569 Level. The windshield is divided into two halves by a narrow stance, which does not obstruct the view of the crew; The scheme with two separate glasses allows you to keep an overview when one of them is damaged and simplifies the installation of armored glasses with a high level of protection. According to RTD data, mine protection with an additional sheet under the bottom is Level 3В (standard Mrap), the minimum ground clearance is 370 mm. Protection against RPGs can be added, in this direction RTD cooperates with the Israeli company Plasan Sasa. The VAB Mk III's protected volume is 13 m3, the crew member’s 2 plus 10 infantrymen in the BTR configuration are placed in the car. The width of the machine is limited by the 2,55 meter to facilitate movement in urban environments. The assault force has access to the vehicle through the aft door without a drive, although an electric ramp is available as an option. Three windows on board provide good situational awareness for the landing.
Due to the increased combat weight, the VAB MkIII variant is produced only in the 6x6 configuration. Renault Trucks Defense offers numerous options for this model.
After the first prototype, shown at Eurosatory 2012, completed the 2013% of life tests by the middle of 85, RTD produced the second MkIII prototype, which was very different from the previous version. The brake system has been completely updated, the hydropneumatic system is installed in the V-shaped niche between the first and second axles on the right, from the left side this place was taken by the fuel tank on 300 liters. In addition, the ceiling of the second prototype is ready to accept heavy towers and the first candidate here is TRT-25 from BAE Systems. The chassis will also undergo ballistic and explosive tests scheduled for the end of 2013 - the beginning of 2014 of the year. By the end of 2013, RTD plans to complete numerous tests for the customer. The MkIII model is proposed for Western countries as a machine with excellent performance, and is also considered as a possible “urgent alternative” for the French VBMR program if it is stopped due to lack of development funding. On the other hand, a lower level of protection may be needed for export, so 2 Level is provided for the Middle East. RTD hopes to conclude its first deals at the end of 2013, under one of the slogans “MkIII is able to provide 80% 8 × 8 configuration options at half the cost”. Serial production is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014, and the company is already reflecting on an amphibious version with a combat mass limited to 16 tons. Work of water cannons will be carried out due to the mechanical drive from the transmission of the machine Still, it’s interesting that most VAB machines have the 4x4 configuration.
Biaxial BTR
Not so many VAB 6 × 6 machines are in operation and therefore the 4 × 4 retrofit market remains attractive for Renault Trucks Defense, considering that 5000 machines are still in service. France will keep all 1700 machines from 4000, so 2300 machines could be exported. Upgraded cars will be sold for a third of the cost of the MkIII. The highest standard for the French army is the VAB Ultima version, which includes all the improvements adopted in recent years: a V-shaped mine protection floor, energy absorbing seats for the landing party, the CCD Protector integrated with the Metravib Pilar shot detection system, etc. It was ordered around 120 Ultima, while the option on 30 machines is awaiting official notification.
The last three buyers Canada, Afghanistan and Colombia purchased Textron 4x4 Commando machines in various configurations.
Canadian Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle tactical patrol vehicle with Konsgberg Protector Dual SDM installed. It is based on the Elite version - the highest standard among Textron vehicles.
The Select option of the Commando family is the base for the Afghan Army’s Mobile Strike Force Vehicle machines, some of which are equipped with a CMI 90 tower
Textron Commando
Video presentation of armored vehicles of the COMMANDO series with my subtitles
The Commando BTR, manufactured by Textron Marine & Land Systems, is a 4 × 4 vehicle that has recently achieved significant success: winning the Canadian TAPV (Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle) competition and ordering 135 additional Mobile Strike Force Vehicles for the Afghan army. The Afghan army has already ordered 499 vehicles in four contracts: 352 with a closed turret, 142 with a gunner's protection kit and 23 ambulances. The last order brought the total number of these machines to 534. Two-thirds of the machines of the first batch have already been delivered, the remaining 135 units are planned to be delivered by the end of February 2014.
Recently, the Commando Elite armored personnel carrier was tested in the UAE, where it covered 3000 km on four different types of sand and fulfilled all the requirements 100%. According to Textron M&LS, the 4 × 4 succeeded where the 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 failed. Its excellent operational adaptability and high survivability - Elite has levels of protection against mines and IEDs of vehicles of the Mrap category and above - make it possible to position the vehicle among the bestsellers in the light armored personnel carrier category. The rear engine location does not allow for a stern ramp or door, but the side doors provide unhindered access to the car, although in this case protection is reduced compared to landing from the stern. The basic Advanced variant has a maximum capacity of two crew members and ten paratroopers. The heavily armored Elite is being developed as an armament carrier. Among the proposals - a two-man tower CMI 90 armed with a Cockerill cannon; even the installation of a 105 mm turret is currently being considered. The CMI 90 tower was chosen by the Afghan army for its Mobile Strike Force vehicle, based on the Commando Select variant. Textron M&LS is already thinking about other support vehicles (including the 155mm system), although a reconnaissance version and a mortar carrier are already available. According to Textron, negotiations are underway with two more customers, which may lead to further orders. At the end of August 2013, the Colombian army bought another 28 Commando Advanced armored personnel carriers, armed with a DBM with a 12,7-mm machine gun or 40-mm grenade launcher, in addition to 39 vehicles that have been in service there since 2010. The contract, worth $ 31,6 million, also includes the repair of two damaged vehicles. All machines are due for delivery in April 2014.
Materials used:
Armada Compendium to 5 / 2013
www.textron.com
www.fnss.com.tr
www.armored-cars.com/
www.otokar.com.tr
www.nexter-group.fr
http://kamaz.net/
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