BMC Unveiled its Mine Protected Armored Vehicles at EUROSATORY
Being one of the biggest military and commercial vehicles manufacturer of Turkey, BMC unveiled its new 4x4 mine protected armored personnel carrier named "KİRPİ" and 6x6 more strengthened version of this model at EUROSATORY, which aim to ensure secure, reliable and rapid transport of weapons, materials and personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces.
"KİRPİ" 4X4 MRAP as a Walking Fortress
KİRPİ, the mine protected armored vehicle, which is actively used by Turkish Armed Forces at hot spots of terrorism attacks, has 350 PS engine, fully automatic transmission and 4x4 or 4x2 wheel drive capability according to the road conditions. KİRPİ can be run at a maximum speed of 105 km/h with a maximum range of 800 km with 13 soldiers. It can power-up steep gradients and even cling to 60% steep slopes. Running between -32 and + 55 Ctemperature, the bottom part of KİRPİ is protected against grenades and land mines and rapidly repairable when exposed to mines. Passing severe mine and ballistic tests according to the NATO standards, KİRPİ has a run-flat system which enables 40-meter moving away in case of blowout and a central tire inflation system (CTIS) activated by a single button that allows cross country mobility. KİRPİ uses a V-shape chassis to increase vehicle and crew survivability by deflecting an upward directed blast from a landmine away from the vehicle, while also presenting a sloped armor face KİRPİ features the latest technologies of shock absorber seats and interior accessories, as GPS system, rear view camera and automatic fire suppression system. The soldiers can enter and leave the vehicle through a large hydraulically operated ramp at the rear of the hull. KİRPİ has five firing ports and four bulletproof windows in either side of the troopcompartment.
BMC 6X6 MRAPis preparing for new missions
The new version of 4x4 KİRPİ, named 6x6, which was unveiled at EUROSATORY, is expected to take place in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces for new missions in operational regions. Having the same ballistic protection and equipment with 4x4 model, the personnel as well as useful load carrying capacity is planned to be increased in 6x6 versions. With a rubber suspension and third shaft mounted to 4x4 versions weighing at nearly 20 tons, the payload is planned to be increased to 25 tons. The 6x6 KİRPİ, the prototype of which is planned to be concluded at the end of 2012,will be able to execute critical missions such as transportation of heavy ammunition, ambulance and command control vehicle. Besides, it would become an armored combat vehicle with a machine gun system, mortar and a guided missile system mountable at the top of 6x6 model.
