HIFV Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle for the Emirates

The first prototype heavy infantry fighting vehicle Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle based on components tank OF-40 with a mounted tower from the Russian BMP-3

At the end of 2005, the Belgian company SABIEX received a 12 contract worth millions of euros from the United Arab Emirates to develop a heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle (HIFV) based on the components of the Italian main battle tank (HBT) OF-40.

Italian tank OF-40

The UAE at one time purchased a total of 36 MBT OF-40 plus a small number of armored evacuation vehicles ARV based on the same chassis. The first deliveries took place in the 1981 year, all 40 machines, including the ARV variant, were delivered. To date, they have all been replaced in combat units by the French MBT Leclerc.

The first prototype of the HIFV machine was made in Belgium in the 2007 year. The company then conducted advanced testing of the machine in the UAE, but the HIFV machine did not begin mass production.

Work on the finalization on the main production line was planned to be carried out at the facilities of the UAE Al Badie Group (ABG), Defense Division.

The new Emirate car HIFV consists of a new hull, welded from sheets of armor steel and components taken from the OF-40 tank, including the complete power unit from the company MTU completely the entire chassis.

According to the company SABIEX, the chassis has a ballistic protection that corresponds to the fifth level of protection according to the STANAG 4569 standard, while the bottom provides protection against anti-tank mines of the Russian TM-57 development.

In the original MBT OF-40, the power unit was installed in the stern, but in the HIFV car it was moved forward, which made it possible to make room for it in the fighting compartment.

The roof of the hull from the first HIFV was modified to install a complete tower (combat compartment) from the Russian BMP-3, which in the 90-s was purchased by the UAE in large quantities.

The twin turret is armed with a 100-mm cannon, a twin-30-mm cannon and a paired 7,62-mm machine gun. When installing this tower in the troop compartment can accommodate only four people.

The assault landing and landing through a large powered ramp with a power drive. It also cuts a spare door that opens to the right.

The suspension is of the torsion type, the drive wheel is located in front, guiding the rear, seven rubberized road wheels and five supporting rollers are installed on each side.

According to SABIEX, the total weight of this machine was 45 tons, which included the payload capacity of 10 tons, that is, a turret with weapon systems, crew and ammunition.

It should be noted that the total mass of the HIFV depends on the type of tower installed and it turns out that with a double turret from BMP-3 weighing approximately 3850 kg (depending on the reservation set) this option is the hardest.

Optional equipment includes an auxiliary power unit, an air-conditioning system, a set of protection against weapons of mass destruction and a video system that provides all-round visibility and increases the level of situational awareness.

The basic version of HIFV can be adapted for a wide range of specialized tasks with minimal modification.

Although the HIFV prototype was equipped with a complete tower from the Russian BMP-3, it is clear that another combat module or weapon system can be installed on the serial variants of the HIFV BMP.

One possible candidate is a compact turret armed with an 30-mm automatic cannon and an 7,62-mm machine gun paired with it. It is significantly lighter than the Russian tower and therefore allows you to increase the number of seats in the troop compartment.

The chassis of the OF-40 tank, modified by the UAE company Al Badie Group

Specifications of Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Crew: 2 + 12
Length Overall: 8,50 M
Width, overall: 3,35 m
Height, overall: 2,10 m
Weight
standard: 35000 kg
combat: 45000 kg
Undercarriage configuration: tracked
Maximum speed: 60 km / h
Cruising range: 600 km
Rise: 60%
Side slope: 30%
Engine: MTU MB838 Ca M501, diesel, 830 hp
Transmission: ZF4HP250, automatic
Suspension: torsion bars
Armament: Turret with 100 mm smoothbore gun - 2A70 launcher;
twin 30-mm gun 2А72;
twin 7,62-mm machine gun
Tower Drives: Electric / Manual
Commander: have
At the gunner: there is
Horizontal guidance angles: 360 °
Elevation angles (armament pointing forward): +75/-5°
Stabilization tools: vertical / horizontal
Night vision devices: yes
The system of protection against weapons of mass destruction: there is
Reservation
case: steel + mounted
tower: steel + mounted

Materials used:
www.sabiex.com
www.albadiegroup.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.army-guide.com

Comments

[gla172]

But do you need such a colossus weighing 45 tons? What tasks does she have to fulfill ...?

[KKND]

I don’t want to think that I’m smarter than the General Staff, but all over the world there has long been a tendency to increase the mass and, accordingly, armoring the BMP. Even here they fussed and rolled around the Kurganets. Or would you prefer the soldiers to ride in BMP-1 \ 2.
And what is mobile, cheap and cheerful. True from DShK breaks through ...

[gla172]

If the DShK is already working for you, then you won’t stick it out of this trough of the nose .... but the task of the BMP is not the same as that of the tank .....

[KKND]

EMNIP BMP task is just a joint action with tanks (caterpillar mover), infantry fire support, as well as covering infantry with armor during enemy fire. Do not confuse with an armored personnel carrier!
In the context of the end of the ideology of mass tank battles and the beginning of the wars against "terrorism", it is the BMP with armor that turns out to be preferable.

[gla172]

Well, not 45 tons then .... it's too much .... don’t twist .... it won’t save you from ptur ... from RPG too ... the same grave box ...

[cast iron]

Why do Arabs have floating light troughs? Look at Israel. They don’t need to cross the river - hence the masses of their armored personnel carriers and tanks.

[castle]

We were processed from DShK. We freely left our Pandur II 8x8, ready to clean. But there, already, there was nothing to clean from. The combat module, from our machine, cleared everything.

[cast iron]

Why stick out? You turn the tower in the direction of the DShK and work on it with a 30mm autocannon. At the same time, DShK cannot do anything to you. But with BMP2 such a trick is harder to carry out. Her armor from the DShK does not save.

[avdkrd]

Quote: KKND

I don’t want to think that I’m smarter than the General Staff, but all over the world there has long been a tendency to increase the mass and, accordingly, armoring the BMP. Even here they fussed and rolled around the Kurganets. Or would you prefer the soldiers to ride in BMP-1 \ 2.
And what is mobile, cheap and cheerful. True from DShK breaks through ...

Trends are trends, but there is still such a thing as a theater of war and the concept of using a particular technique. BMP-1/2 were created not as vehicles for storming cities and fighting an irregular army, but primarily as a means of delivering infantry, with the possibility of fire support and protection from weapons of mass destruction. It was planned to bypass cities (craters from cities), to overcome rivers of the European theater of operations by swimming, a low silhouette and ATGM as a means of fighting enemy tanks. By the way, the concept is not completely exhausted, at least in the case of a "big" war, if the conflict after the exchange of "megaton" courtesies goes into a normal phase, non-floating technology will have very limited capabilities. The BMP-1/2 certainly does not meet all modern requirements, but the BMP-3 is quite enough. Pennies and deuces can and because of their massiveness need to be modernized, but heavy BMPs of the Russian army are needed in limited quantities (for CTO and local conflicts, when you can rely on logistics not affected by the war). In the Emirates, on the contrary, there are practically no water obstacles and a heavy infantry fighting vehicle with a chassis capable of overcoming deserts is a priority. It is not clear that the choice of OF-40 (nee Leopard-1) as a base is not clear - it will not give tank-level protection (like the Armata T-15 or Namer). The only explanation is the desire of the UAE to dispose of the previously purchased 36 cars in this way.

[Private Zhukov]

Comrade, learn the mat part! https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Т-15_( BMP) GS, nevertheless, it will be smarter than you)))

[self-propelled]

Quote: gla172

But do you need such a colossus weighing 45 tons? What tasks does she have to fulfill ...?

why not? Considering that hostilities are being conducted in settlements (the so-called "cleansing"), a well-armored infantry fighting vehicle will not be superfluous (still better than a "tin can" (I mean light BMPs)) as an example, the Israeli "Namer" - use and do not know grief. + armament (after all, more serious than just a small-caliber cannon) ...

it may turn out to be a good vehicle for transporting infantry and support it with fire.
they wanted to do something similar in Ukraine (but did not find the money ...)

[cast iron]

Just do not need to remember the running model from Ukraine, welded from sheet iron 10 cm thick))) These attempts to create a BMP based on the T-64 were already thoroughly considered on the topwar several years ago. The layout of the Ukrainians turned out to be of such poor quality that it’s not even funny. In the case of a real reservation, its characteristics would be many times worse than those advertised.

[GRAY]

Quote: gla172

What tasks does she have to fulfill ...?

So far, judging by the video materials, towelheads use BMP-3 as self-propelled guns. Now they want to use it also as a tank.

[gla172]

No ... here we need to talk about the differences in booking ... which we don’t know what

[Yozhik]

Quote: sanya.vorodis

EMNIP the task of the BMP is just a joint action with tanks (tracked mover), support with infantry fire, as well as covering the infantry with armor during enemy fire. Do not confuse with armored personnel carriers! In the context of the end of the ideology of mass tank battles and the beginning of the wars against "terrorism", it is the BMP with armor that turns out to be preferable.

Then maybe we will consider Armata and Abrams with landing squads? Each BM has its own niche and purpose, which in turn imposes certain restrictions on them (weight, armoring, weapons, etc.). Therefore, the tank must still be a tank, and an infantry fighting vehicle an infantry vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, etc.

[cast iron]

What can you say about the "Armata" with the troop compartment? Well, this is called "T-15", and which rode at the military parade on May 9 last year? ))

[Technologist]

And why the hell did they slap our tower on this bucephalus ???

[fa2998]

Quote: gla172

But do you need such a colossus weighing 45 tons? What tasks does she have to fulfill ...?

And you ask the Israelis how much their BMP weighs. How much can be transported "on armor" (and jumps off at the first shot), not inside.
Another question, in the technical specifications there is a 2 + 12 crew with a BMP-3 turret, although in the text there is a crew of 3 people (commander, gunner and mechwater commander and takes only 4 paratroopers?

[Professor]

Quote: fa2998

.How many troops can be transported "on armor" (and jumps off at the first shot), not inside.

The best transport for traveling on it is a cart. Easy to dismount.

PS
It’s monopenial to me how much the BMP weighs. The main thing is that she can protect me.

[gla172]

Quote: professor

It’s monopenial to me how much the BMP weighs. The main thing is that she can protect me.

That's what the conversation is about ... when your coffin weighs under a slope and stretches along the sands and dunes like moses .... so it can be thrown with grenades ....

and what trend of weight gain we can talk about .... let's follow in the footsteps of Shackelgruber !!!! .... good luck!

[Professor]

Quote: gla172

That's what the conversation is about ... when your coffin weighs under a slope and stretches along the sands and dunes like moses .... so it can be thrown with grenades ....

Yah? What speed does this "coffin" develop, and what is the Mass Grave of the Infantry. And how fast is the column moving?

Quote: gla172

and what trend of weight gain we can talk about .... let's follow in the footsteps of Shackelgruber !!!! .... good luck!

In the footsteps of Hitler, this is you, dear. And we are doing everything to protect our soldiers. Our corporal is changed to 1027 abreks. We do not consider how much iron will be used to protect the fighters. Now it’s like they make you a huge beak monster with decent protection. Welcome to the club.

[gla172]

Honestly .... The professor agrees with you on almost everything, except for the maneuverability of the "graves" ....

[Professor]

Quote: gla172

Honestly .... The professor agrees with you on almost everything, except for the maneuverability of the "graves" ....

We did not switch to "you".
How does Akhzarit’s maneuverability not suit you? Or Namera? I don’t ask about Armata. it’s not yet in the troops.

[gla172]

Quote: professor

We did not switch to "you".
How does Akhzarit’s maneuverability not suit you? Or Namera? I don’t ask about Armata. it’s not yet in the troops.

Sorry, just in quotes I forgot to take your "drove" .....
And what can be the maneuverability of a forty-five-ton fool ???? .... this recalls the recent conversation about tractors of the Red Army ....

And enti of the USSR, alterations ..... just not serious .... izzy sorry ..... (more precisely TE)

[Professor]

Quote: gla172

And what can be the maneuverability of a forty-five-ton fool ????.

1. What maneuverability do you need? Maximum speed, climbability, etc.?
2. What is the average speed of the column on the march? Tank in battle?

Quote: gla172

And enti of the USSR, alterations ..... just not serious .... izzy sorry ..... (more precisely TE)

Those who use them (alterations) think differently. The intention of the Ducs has nothing to do with the scoop at all.
What is the maneuverability of this dad?

[gla172]

Quote: professor

What is the maneuverability of this dad?

The CIA does not even know about it .... not like Tel Aviv ... excuse me ...

but seriously, the devil knows ... I think the wrong tasks are assigned to him, unlike HIFV ....

[cast iron]

So what do you think about the Russian "elephant" with an airborne squad? Does it look kosher against the background of Namer?

[the47th]

Say the word for BMP-2. She has an advantage: dynamics. It quickly accelerates to 50-60 km / h (especially on asphalt). And getting from an RPG to a small infantry fighting vehicle, which also rushes at a speed of 50 km / h (and also maneuvering it) is very difficult. Thick armor on infantry fighting vehicles will have an advantage not in the heat of battle (where the machine fires, maneuvers), but in case of an ambush attack (which is what mobile band gangs prefer to use).

[KKND]

It can get from RPGs and more complicated, only on the battlefield there is a threat to it in the form of heavy machine guns and automatic guns.

[max702]

Put a modern engine on the BMP-3 (according to rumors there is one at 813 l / s) and then at a ratio of 40 l / s per ton of weight it will tear even tighter .. if it doesn’t take off at all .. BMP-2 is frankly outdated and this is alas. the side and the roof sometimes do not hold 7.62x54 with an armor-piercing bullet, the BMP-3 holds 12.7 in a circle, the network can be hung with a DZ .. It is more comfortable for infantry to move in the BMP-3 since they are sitting in the direction of travel and in the center of mass (does not cradle), We don’t need to talk about armaments, as for the mythical inconvenience of exiting, this is a very controversial issue. And how many people died from the tanks located in the rear doors .. So BMP-2 served faithfully, and it’s time to rest ..

[cast iron]

You didn’t take into account that a powerful engine will first of all tear up the old transmission along with the suspension and tracks. Those. it is necessary to strengthen the transmission and suspension, and this is an increase in mass))) Is the hint clear? )))
By the way, BMP-3 in a circle does not hold 12,7. Dot.

[max702]

Quote: cast iron

By the way, BMP-3 in a circle does not hold 12,7. Dot.

Keeps learning the materiel .. And about the transmission breaks and stuff .. It’s lying, because it was designed in the USSR, and there everything was done with a margin, it will digest a 1000hp engine ..

[cast iron]

She does not hold on board and the rear 12,7mm point. If you are considering options with additional screening, then this option is a rare guest in the Russian army. Stock BMP-3 without side screens is not able to protect against armor-piercing bullet 12,7mm from the sides and rear. It is a fact.
Nothing is done with a margin. This designer and engineers will tell you that the transmission is designed for the engine and operating conditions. Gearboxes are designed for a fairly limited torque.

[Morglenn]

“She has an advantage: dynamics.” Was this super-dynamic in Chechnya, during the assault on Grozny, helped our soldiers much? hit, it will not be possible to drive 50-60 kilometers. After all, there is a growing tendency to an increase in street fighting and wars with partisans. Yes, the fighting in the first Chechen was organized through the ass and the blame for the huge losses of equipment and people lies with the leadership. We then had well-armored BMT-based BMTs, and not "dynamic" cans, then losses during the same New Year's assault on Grozny would have been much lower and many people would have saved their lives.

[tchoni]

This once again proves the remarkable properties of the Bakhcha weapons complex. In fact, the Arabs ordered a city tank + tbtr to neem in pair. A wonderful feature of melon is the ability to pick up a 100 mm arm by more than 45 degrees. And this opportunity, judging by the reviews of the Saudis, is justified. To be honest, I expected something like this from Armata ... Not waiting ...

[dvvv]

Quote: professor

And we are doing everything to protect our soldiers. Our corporal is changed to 1027 abreks. We do not consider how much iron will go to protect fighters

- well, it started! A favorite topic was raised by all the specialists and especially the pseudo professor). If the infantry does not know how to fire from a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, it is scary to go out and fight in the presence of enemy fire, the soldiers of the Israelites need to be protected, then why should they be transported there? To shit in a mobile armored closet and earn "combat"? Although the question of the adoption of heavy Hamers in Israel somehow hung? it will be right as the Russians in Syria are trying: combat robots go and knock down everyone they spotted and no risk to the infantry! But this is if you fight with the crowd and you won't succeed with a serious enemy, although serious ones will not be going to beat each other.

[cast iron]

And how do you sing when, on the march in your favorite cardboard BMP2, you get under the shelling of 122mm or 152mm large HE shells? You do not know that the fragments of these OFSs are flashing cardboard BMP through? No? Do not know? Look at the pictures or something.

[aba]

According to SABIEX, the total weight of this machine was 45 tons.

How is she with driving performance ?! With maneuverability?

[fa2998]

Quote: the47th

. She has an advantage: dynamics. It quickly accelerates to 50-60 km / h (especially on asphalt). And to get from the RPG to a small infantry fighting vehicle, which also rushes at a speed of 50 km / h (and also maneuvering)

In the 30s of the last century, they also thought that the dynamics and maneuverability were the main thing for the tank. And they did thousands of BT. But Spain showed how not to maneuver fast-firing PTOs, they still stuff the tank with shells. And thought better! Our modern armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles are an analogue BT.A fire capabilities increased, in addition to all grenade launchers and ATGMs, even small-caliber guns (20-30-45-57 mm.) - they also shoot in bursts. You can run into!

[Zaurbek]

You listen, and heavy BMP is bad and light too. For assault brigades, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle is a necessary thing, for rapid response brigades they are a burden. It's good that we began to fill the gap in heavy vehicles. in the future, the role of simple BPM will probably be divided between wheeled vehicles and tracked BMDs. maybe not.

[tchoni]

For a quick response, it is desirable to have something wheeled ... Actively able to ride on the roads ..