FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş, one of the leading companies in the Turkish land vehicles sector,  has delivered the first “Pars-III” 8x8 Armored Vehicles within the scope of the program that is being carried out for the Oman Army.

FNSS CEO & General Manager Mr. Nail Kurt, officials of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries and the senior delegation from Oman were present at the ceremony held in Ankara for the delivery of the first Pars vehicles manufactured for the Oman Army. Within the scope of the contract, a total of 172 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles are planned to be manufactured for the requirements of the Oman Armed Forces.

Pars III 8x8 Features Outstanding Capabilities 

Pars III 8x8 is the new generation of wheeled armored combat vehicle (WACV) designed and developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. Pars III 8x8 has been developed with a special emphasis on mobility, protection, payload and growth potential. The vehicles employ the latest designs and technologies with a focus on the performance and durability of modern military operational requirements. The vehicles are available in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 configurations. The Pars family of vehicles takes its name from the “Anatolian Leopard”.

The Pars III 8x8 combat weight is 30,000 kg and is powered by a diesel engine. The power pack consists of a water-cooled diesel engine, coupled with a fully automatic transmission which generates a maximum road speed of up to 100 km/h. Pars III 8x8 is capable of maneuvering on a 60% vertical and 30% horizontal gradient, climbing 70 cm-high obstacles and crossing 200 cm-wide trenches. Thanks to the engine layout and favored balanced design, the vehicle has almost equal axle loads. This design approach gives the vehicle the ability to move comfortably even on loose and soft terrain, providing increased road-holding at high speeds and short braking distances. The vehicle has 8x8 driving characteristics, and its axles can be locked when necessary. The central tire inflation system allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure and to negotiate different types of obstacles and terrain.

Boasting the Highest Steering Swing on Wheels and Lowest Turning Radius 

The fully independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system gives the vehicle the highest wheel travel of its class, and ensures the best road grip under different road conditions. The Pars III 8x8 all-axle steering system gives the vehicle the lowest turning radius in its class at 8 m. The ability to gradually decrease steer by wire to rear axles and the ability to lock at certain speeds, together with the ABS system and the engine brake all contribute to enhanced driving safety.

The two-man driver’s cab at the front of the vehicle offers a 180° horizontal field of vision and a high level of driving safety and comfort. Large glass periscopes, and front diving and maneuver cameras with thermal cameras located at the front and rear of the vehicle provide the driver and commander with a wider field of vision.

With a range of over 800 km, the Pars III 8x8 has fuel tanks incorporating special measures to protect against explosion and puncture, and a reserve fuel tank under the armor which can be called upon during emergencies. Clip on run-flat system enables Pars III 8x8 to continue its mission during emergency cases.

The Pars III 8x8 hull can be brought up to the level of protection required by the user due to the modular design of the armor system. The hull form, underbelly structure, base plates and specially developed mine-resistant seats are designed to protect personnel against high-level mine threats. Pars III 8x8 has the protection level of mine-resistant vehicles produced for personnel transport as well while differentiating itself through the provision of superior capabilities that are expected of a modern armored combat vehicle.

The Pars III 8x8 has an integrated air-conditioning system, and the main difference of this system that makes it stand out from its counterparts is that even in desert conditions, the vehicle’s internal temperature can be kept at +25 °C.

The modular connection of the vehicle subsystems to its mine-resistant hull ensures ease of maintenance and replacement, and it is this ease of maintenance, replacement of moving parts and power transmission systems in particular, that make it superior to its counterparts. The power pack architecture, which can be disassembled and reassembled in less than 60 minutes, allows the user to replace the engine on the field, which is an additional benefit.

The Pars III 8x8 can be transported by air (A400, C17 & C5), sea, train or land