Turkish manufacturer FNSS Savunma Sistemleri has publicly unveiled a new armoured vehicle concept it is pitching to the Turkish Armed Forces and export customers.
The design is in response to a proposed Turkish Army requirement for a new armoured reconnaissance vehicle, but the company also sees prospective sales among its traditional customer base in the Middle East and South East Asia.
The Kaplan light tracked armoured vehicle is being exhibited at IDEF 2013 in the STA-Px anti-tank configuration.
Under development for the past six to eight months, the prototype 10-tonne vehicle on display features rubber tracks, Rocketsan OMTaS missiles and a 12.7mm calibre heavy machine gun.
The Kaplan is powered by a four-stroke, 350hp diesel engine, which is located at the rear of the vehicle allowing the commander and driver to sit side-by-side in the front section. The crew enter and exit via a door at the rear.
‘Under the normal configuration, the commander would be situated behind the driver, restricting his view. This configuration includes eight periscopes, providing more than 180 degrees field of view for both the driver and commander,’ a company spokesman told Shephard.
He said the rubber tracks lowered the vehicle’s noise signature, allowing it to be used in the reconnaissance role, while the positioning of the engine at the rear lowered its thermal signature.
The Kaplan can be equipped with either ballistic steel or ceramic armour and provides protection to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4. The company is offering two engine options for the vehicle while the STA-Px anti-tank configuration can carry a maximum of five crew members.
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