After several years of finding the right candidate, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS), the Canadian division of general Dynamics from the United States, has received a $10 billion contract from Saudi Arabia for armored vehicles. With options included, the contract increases by another $3 billion.
The vehicles are to be a new design, but in order to enter production in 2016, the vehicles will likely have to make use to a certain extent of existing designs. GDLS currently manufactures the eight-wheeled Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) for Canada, which is derived from the Swiss Piranha family of armored vehicles.
In addition, GDLS manufactures parts for the American Stryker, which in turn is based on the LAV. The four-wheeled Ocelot is produced for the United Kingdom. The vehicles can be fitted with a range of weapons such as the TOW missiles which Saudi Arabia will have in large quantities.
Regardless, the vehicles will be designed and developed to meet Saudi Arabia's specific needs and local conditions. To cover the vast distances of flat, open and undeveloped terrain, the vehicles will need to be fast and relatively light with good off-road capability, sufficient range and able to deal with hot, dusty desert conditions.
Showing posts with label APC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label APC. Show all posts
Friday, February 21, 2014
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
First Five T-84 Oplot-M / BM Main Battle Tanks From Ukraine Ready For Thailand
The Malyshev Plant in the Ukraine has finished the first five Oplot-M / BM Main Battle Tanks (MBT) for Thailand. A total of 49 tanks were ordered in 2011 for about 7.2 billion Thai baht or $230 million.
The T-84 is a derivative of the T-80 developed during Soviet times, which replaces Russian components with Ukrainian versions and several other upgrades such as a welded turret, Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor and a Shtora-1 countermeasures suite.
The Oplot version features a host of changes such as a western style turret with compartments for both the crew and ammunition to improve crew survivability. This version retains the 125 mm KBA-3 smoothbore gun, but it has a bustle-mounted autoloader. A 120 mm gun compatible with NATO rounds is available an an option.
The latest version of the Oplot is the Oplot-M or Oplot BM which features even more improved armor and various upgraded electronics. The Oplot-M MBT will replace the M41 tanks in Thai service and up to 200 Oplot tanks may eventually be acquired.
The T-84 is a derivative of the T-80 developed during Soviet times, which replaces Russian components with Ukrainian versions and several other upgrades such as a welded turret, Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor and a Shtora-1 countermeasures suite.
The Oplot version features a host of changes such as a western style turret with compartments for both the crew and ammunition to improve crew survivability. This version retains the 125 mm KBA-3 smoothbore gun, but it has a bustle-mounted autoloader. A 120 mm gun compatible with NATO rounds is available an an option.
The latest version of the Oplot is the Oplot-M or Oplot BM which features even more improved armor and various upgraded electronics. The Oplot-M MBT will replace the M41 tanks in Thai service and up to 200 Oplot tanks may eventually be acquired.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Germany Approves Indonesian Purchase of 100 Leopard 2 Tanks and 50 Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Germany has approved the sale of 100 used Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tanks and 50 Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting vehicles (IFV) to Indonesia. The German National Security Council must approve all large arms sales to other countries.
Indonesia had earlier selected to buy the Leopard 2 tanks from Germany's Rheinmetall over the option of buying them from the Netherlands. Russia had also offered its T-90 tanks to Indonesia.
Indonesia had earlier put the cost of the 100 refurbished Leopard 2A6 tanks, including related equipment, support vehicles and services, at $280 million. Delivery is expected to be complete by 2014.
The purchase are part of the $15 billion, which Indonesia plans to spend to upgrade its army. Currently, Indonesia only has outdated British Scorpion and French AMX13 tanks, which are much smaller and lighter than the heavy Leopard 2 tanks.
The Leopard 2 tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with a crew of 4 and weighs over 60 tons. The tracked Marder IFV is armed with a 20 mm cannon with a crew of 3 and can carry 7 soldiers.
Unlike Indonesia, a decision on whether or not to proceed with the sale of Leopard 2 tanks to Saudi Arabia has been postponed by Germany until after the federal elections in September 2013.
Saudi Arabia is interested in purchasing several hundred new Leopard 2 tanks and other armored vehicles. Qatar has already purchased 62 Leopard 2 tanks and 24 PzH2000 Self-Propelled Howitzers recently.
The first eight Flakpanzer Gepard Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) to Brazil are due for delivery later this year. Brazil ordered 34 used Gepards in April 2013. They are armed with two 35 mm guns for short-range air defense.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/03/germany-arms-indonesia-saudi-idUSL6N0DK2II20130503
Indonesia had earlier selected to buy the Leopard 2 tanks from Germany's Rheinmetall over the option of buying them from the Netherlands. Russia had also offered its T-90 tanks to Indonesia.
Indonesia had earlier put the cost of the 100 refurbished Leopard 2A6 tanks, including related equipment, support vehicles and services, at $280 million. Delivery is expected to be complete by 2014.
The purchase are part of the $15 billion, which Indonesia plans to spend to upgrade its army. Currently, Indonesia only has outdated British Scorpion and French AMX13 tanks, which are much smaller and lighter than the heavy Leopard 2 tanks.
The Leopard 2 tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with a crew of 4 and weighs over 60 tons. The tracked Marder IFV is armed with a 20 mm cannon with a crew of 3 and can carry 7 soldiers.
Unlike Indonesia, a decision on whether or not to proceed with the sale of Leopard 2 tanks to Saudi Arabia has been postponed by Germany until after the federal elections in September 2013.
Saudi Arabia is interested in purchasing several hundred new Leopard 2 tanks and other armored vehicles. Qatar has already purchased 62 Leopard 2 tanks and 24 PzH2000 Self-Propelled Howitzers recently.
The first eight Flakpanzer Gepard Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) to Brazil are due for delivery later this year. Brazil ordered 34 used Gepards in April 2013. They are armed with two 35 mm guns for short-range air defense.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/03/germany-arms-indonesia-saudi-idUSL6N0DK2II20130503
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Venezuela receives 13 BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles from Russia
Venezuela has received another shipment of 13 BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) from Russia. Deliveries of the BMP-3 had begun in 2011 and are part of an order in 2009 for 123 vehicles.
The BMP-3 vehicles are part of a Venezuelan program to modernize its armed forces. Other purchases include the Su-30 fighter aircraft, and the local manufacture of AK-103 assault rifles.
In 2010, Venezuela received a $2.2 billion loan from Russia for the purchase of 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks, BTR-30 armored personnel carriers and artillery systems.
Venezuela is projected by Russia to become its second largest market for arms purchases after 2015. Only India would be a bigger market and surpassing China.
The BMP-3 is an amphibious, tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle with several variations developed by the Tula Design Bureau for Instrument Engineering. The specifications of the basic version are:
The crew of the BMP-3 consists of a driver, gunner and commander and can carry between 7 to 9 passengers. The vehicle provides NBC protection for the crew and can be fitted with reactive armor.
The BMP-3 is one of the most heavily armed IFV around. The turret is fitted with a 100 mm 2A70 low-velocity rifled gun, 30 mm 2A72 gun and 7.62 mm coaxial gun. There are usually two 30 mm machine guns at the front of the chassis.
The 100 mm gun can fire the 9M117 / AT-10 Stabber laser beam-riding anti-tank missiles. There are also grenade launchers and all weapons can be fired when the vehicle is stationary, afloat or on the move.
Depending on the BMP-3 version, the vehicle can be fitted with an automatic fire control system, including a laser range-finder, an optical sight and thermal imaging sight. The Shtora or Arena counter-measures systems may also be fitted.
http://en.rian.ru/world/20130328/180309221/Venezuela-Receives-13-Russian-Armored-Vehicles.html
The BMP-3 vehicles are part of a Venezuelan program to modernize its armed forces. Other purchases include the Su-30 fighter aircraft, and the local manufacture of AK-103 assault rifles.
In 2010, Venezuela received a $2.2 billion loan from Russia for the purchase of 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks, BTR-30 armored personnel carriers and artillery systems.
Venezuela is projected by Russia to become its second largest market for arms purchases after 2015. Only India would be a bigger market and surpassing China.
The BMP-3 is an amphibious, tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle with several variations developed by the Tula Design Bureau for Instrument Engineering. The specifications of the basic version are:
- a crew of 3
- a length of 7.1 m
- a width of 3.2 m
- a height of 2.4 m
- a weight of 18.7 tons
- a range of 700 km
- a road speed of 72 km/hr
- an offroad speed of 45 km/hr
- a speed of 10 km/hr in the water
The crew of the BMP-3 consists of a driver, gunner and commander and can carry between 7 to 9 passengers. The vehicle provides NBC protection for the crew and can be fitted with reactive armor.
The BMP-3 is one of the most heavily armed IFV around. The turret is fitted with a 100 mm 2A70 low-velocity rifled gun, 30 mm 2A72 gun and 7.62 mm coaxial gun. There are usually two 30 mm machine guns at the front of the chassis.
The 100 mm gun can fire the 9M117 / AT-10 Stabber laser beam-riding anti-tank missiles. There are also grenade launchers and all weapons can be fired when the vehicle is stationary, afloat or on the move.
Depending on the BMP-3 version, the vehicle can be fitted with an automatic fire control system, including a laser range-finder, an optical sight and thermal imaging sight. The Shtora or Arena counter-measures systems may also be fitted.
http://en.rian.ru/world/20130328/180309221/Venezuela-Receives-13-Russian-Armored-Vehicles.html
Sunday, March 24, 2013
ZSL92 / WZ551 / WMZ551 / VN2 / Type 92 family of wheeled vehicles
The ZSL92 / WZ551 / Type 92 is an improved version of the original Type 90 vehicle. The vehicles can be distinguished externally by the Type 92 having evenly spaced wheels, whereas that is not the case with the Type 90.
The WZ551 was developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) comprises an extensive family of vehicles with 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled variants.
The Type 92 chassis is used in different types, such as:
The Typ 92 chassis is made of all-welded steel and fully amphibious with 2 water propellers at the rear. In the basic version, the driver and commander are seated left and right at the front of the vehicle.
Both have a forward windscreen, which can be covered during combat with vision then provided by periscopes. Both the driver and commander have rear-opening, circular roof hatches on top.
The troop compartment is at the rear of the vehicle with firing ports on each side of the vehicle. On top of the troop compartment are four oblong roof hatches with another exit at the rear of the vehicle.
This family of vehicles can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons such as:
The Type 92 continues to be used and developed in a wide range of roles. The latest versions include the WMZ551 and WMZ551B. An export version is marketed abroad as the VN2 and VN2A. Another export version of the Type 90 exist as WZ523 / ZSL93.
The vehicles are used by both military and police forces domestically and have been exported abroad to numerous countries. They have also served with United Nations peacekeeping forces in many different parts of the world.
Specifications (depending on variant)
Crew: 2 + 11 (APC) or 3 + 9 (IFV)
Length: 6.63 m
Width: 2.8 m
Height: 2.1 m
Max Weight: 16500 kg
Max road speed: 100 km/hr
Max range: 800 km
The WZ551 was developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) comprises an extensive family of vehicles with 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled variants.
The Type 92 chassis is used in different types, such as:
- Armored personnel carrier (APC)
- Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
- Self Propelled Gun / Howitzer
- Assault Gun variant
- Air Defense System variant
- Recovery Vehicle
- Ambulance variant
- Command Post variant
The Typ 92 chassis is made of all-welded steel and fully amphibious with 2 water propellers at the rear. In the basic version, the driver and commander are seated left and right at the front of the vehicle.
Both have a forward windscreen, which can be covered during combat with vision then provided by periscopes. Both the driver and commander have rear-opening, circular roof hatches on top.
The troop compartment is at the rear of the vehicle with firing ports on each side of the vehicle. On top of the troop compartment are four oblong roof hatches with another exit at the rear of the vehicle.
This family of vehicles can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons such as:
- 82 mm and 120 mm breech-loading mortars, including the PLL05
- 100 and 105 mm assualt guns, including the PTL02
- 122 mm howitzer
- 30 mm, 25 mm, 12.7 mm guns, including the ZSL92
- HJ-8 and HJ-9 anti-tank missiles, including the ZSL02
- TY-90 surface-to-air missiles, including the Yitian SHORADS
The Type 92 continues to be used and developed in a wide range of roles. The latest versions include the WMZ551 and WMZ551B. An export version is marketed abroad as the VN2 and VN2A. Another export version of the Type 90 exist as WZ523 / ZSL93.
The vehicles are used by both military and police forces domestically and have been exported abroad to numerous countries. They have also served with United Nations peacekeeping forces in many different parts of the world.
Specifications (depending on variant)
Crew: 2 + 11 (APC) or 3 + 9 (IFV)
Length: 6.63 m
Width: 2.8 m
Height: 2.1 m
Max Weight: 16500 kg
Max road speed: 100 km/hr
Max range: 800 km
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Russian Airborne Troops will receive GAZ-2330 Tigr armored vehicles
The Russian Airborne Troops will be mainly equipped with Russian GAZ-2330 Tigr light armored vehicles, manufactured by MIC, a GAZ Group division, at the Arzamas machine-manufacturing plant.
The Tigr family of 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles comprises many different variants for both military and police forces, such as the SPM-2 GAZ-233036 Tigr vehicle.
The Russian Defense Ministry had earlier announced that it would not acquire anymore Italian Iveco LMV M65 Lynx 4x4 light armored vehicles. The Lynx vehicle had been selected over the Tigr under the previous Defense Minister Anatoly Sedyukov.
That decision was unusual in that Russia in principle tends to buy from domestic companies. The new Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has now insisted that domestic companies must receive priority in procuring weaponry for the Russian military.
The first 57 Lynx vehicles were assembled last year with 10 percent local content at a plant in Voronezh. In 2013, the remaining 301 vehicles under the existing contract will be assembled at a new KAMAZ plant in Tatarstan. A total of 1775 Lynx vehicles are planned to be acquired by 2015 for $1 billion.
The Russian Airborne Troops may also be equipped with KamAZ 6x6 armored personnel carriers, provided the design is tailored to meet the requirements of Russian paratroopers.
http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130226/179682507/Russian-Paratroopers-to-Receive-Indigenous-Armored-Vehicles-----.html
The Tigr family of 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles comprises many different variants for both military and police forces, such as the SPM-2 GAZ-233036 Tigr vehicle.
The Russian Defense Ministry had earlier announced that it would not acquire anymore Italian Iveco LMV M65 Lynx 4x4 light armored vehicles. The Lynx vehicle had been selected over the Tigr under the previous Defense Minister Anatoly Sedyukov.
That decision was unusual in that Russia in principle tends to buy from domestic companies. The new Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has now insisted that domestic companies must receive priority in procuring weaponry for the Russian military.
The first 57 Lynx vehicles were assembled last year with 10 percent local content at a plant in Voronezh. In 2013, the remaining 301 vehicles under the existing contract will be assembled at a new KAMAZ plant in Tatarstan. A total of 1775 Lynx vehicles are planned to be acquired by 2015 for $1 billion.
The Russian Airborne Troops may also be equipped with KamAZ 6x6 armored personnel carriers, provided the design is tailored to meet the requirements of Russian paratroopers.
http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130226/179682507/Russian-Paratroopers-to-Receive-Indigenous-Armored-Vehicles-----.html
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Chinese Amphibious Type 05 / ZBD05 / ZTD05 Family of IFV / AAV
The Type 05 family of tracked Amphibious Assault vehicles (AAV) are similar in design to the now cancelled Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) of the United States. The vehicles are launched at sea from amphibious assault ships and swim at high speed to shore.
To accomplish its mission, the specially designed planing hull in the shape of a boat reduces hydrodynamic drag and is propelled by 2 water jets mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The diesel engine is located at the front with the crew behind, which can enter or exit through a rear door.
The Type 05 family comprise several versions:
The standard hull armor provides:
The ZTD05 Light Tank variant carries a crew of 4 with the addition of a loader and a turret armed with a fully stabilized 105 mm gun, which can engage targets while still at sea. It can fire several types of rounds:
To accomplish its mission, the specially designed planing hull in the shape of a boat reduces hydrodynamic drag and is propelled by 2 water jets mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The diesel engine is located at the front with the crew behind, which can enter or exit through a rear door.
The Type 05 family comprise several versions:
- the ZBD05 or ZBD2000 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
- the ZTD05 Light Tank replaces the ZTS63A amphibious tank
- command vehicle, recovery vehicle and other specialized variants
The standard hull armor provides:
- protection at the front against 12.7 mm AP round up to 100 m
- protection at the sides against 7.62 mm AP rounds
- protection at the rear against 7.62 mm AP rounds
The ZTD05 Light Tank variant carries a crew of 4 with the addition of a loader and a turret armed with a fully stabilized 105 mm gun, which can engage targets while still at sea. It can fire several types of rounds:
- Armor Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)
- High Explosive (HE)
- High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)
- laser Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) based on the Russian 9M117 Bastion
Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Chinese SET MRAP armored vehicle from Poly Technologies
Developed for police and military use, the 4 x 4 wheeled Security Enforcement Transportation (SET) Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was developed by Poly Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of China Poly Group Corporation.
The SET MRAP is part of a range of MRAP vehicles developed based on technology and know-how provided to Poly Technologies by Mobile Land Systems, an armored vehicle manufacturer from South Africa.
The armored hull has been specially designed to protect its passengers from outside threats, including from explosives such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or land mines. Its infrared signature has also been reduced in its design.
The vehicle has been exported and is currently used by the security forces of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Specifications
Length: 6837 mm
Width: 2546 mm
height: 2750 mm
Gross Weight: 14000 kg
Payload: 3200 kg
Engine: 260 hp water-cooled diesel
Ballistic Protection Level: BR-3 to BR-7 depending on customer needs
Mine Protection Level: 4 kg under belly and 7 kg under wheel
The SET MRAP is part of a range of MRAP vehicles developed based on technology and know-how provided to Poly Technologies by Mobile Land Systems, an armored vehicle manufacturer from South Africa.
The armored hull has been specially designed to protect its passengers from outside threats, including from explosives such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or land mines. Its infrared signature has also been reduced in its design.
The vehicle has been exported and is currently used by the security forces of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Specifications
Length: 6837 mm
Width: 2546 mm
height: 2750 mm
Gross Weight: 14000 kg
Payload: 3200 kg
Engine: 260 hp water-cooled diesel
Ballistic Protection Level: BR-3 to BR-7 depending on customer needs
Mine Protection Level: 4 kg under belly and 7 kg under wheel
Monday, December 24, 2012
NORINCO VN1 APC / ZBL09 IFV / PLL09 / ZTL09 Type 09 8 x 8 Family
Following in the foot steps of the worldwide trend away from 6 x 6 wheeled vehicles and towards larger vehicles such as the Stryker or Piranha, China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) developed its own wheeled 8 x 8 chassis, the Type 09. The new vehicles are expected to replace the 6 x 6 ZSL92 / WZ551 series.
The crew consists of a driver, the commander to his right and the gunner. There is room for up to seven infantry, which leave the vehicle through roof hatches or through the rear exit. The Type 09 is fully amphibious and comes with 2 water propellers at the rear.
The standard hull armor provides:
The first Type 09 variant to enter service in China was as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) with the designation ZBL09. The Type 09 chassis has since been used on a wide range of combat vehicles.
The APC variant is marketed for export as the VN1 with the following specifications:
Crew: 3 + 7
Weight: 21 tons
Length: 8 m
Width: 3 m
Height: 2.1 m
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Maximum road speed: 100 km/hr
Maximum water speed: 8 km/hr
Range: 800 km
The crew consists of a driver, the commander to his right and the gunner. There is room for up to seven infantry, which leave the vehicle through roof hatches or through the rear exit. The Type 09 is fully amphibious and comes with 2 water propellers at the rear.
The standard hull armor provides:
- protection at the front against 12.7 mm AP rounds up to 100 m
- protection at the sides against 7.62 mm AP rounds up to 100 m
- protection at the rear against 7.62 mm rounds
The first Type 09 variant to enter service in China was as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) with the designation ZBL09. The Type 09 chassis has since been used on a wide range of combat vehicles.
- the basic ZSL09 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
- the ZBL09 IFV version with a turret armed with a 30x165 mm gun, coaxial 7.62x54R mm gun and HJ-73 / HJ-8 anti-tank missiles
- the PLL09 Self-Propelled Gun Howitzer version armed with a 122 mm howitzer
- the ZTL09 Assault Gun version armed with a 105 mm gun
The APC variant is marketed for export as the VN1 with the following specifications:
Crew: 3 + 7
Weight: 21 tons
Length: 8 m
Width: 3 m
Height: 2.1 m
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Maximum road speed: 100 km/hr
Maximum water speed: 8 km/hr
Range: 800 km
Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet
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