Kaplan MT Debut at 72nd Indonesian National Armed Forces Day
As of 2014, the partnership negotiations were conclude between PT Pindad and FNSS for the development and production of the Modern Medium-Weight Tank, under the auspices of the defense ministries of the two countries and the definitive contract was signed with participation of the Undersecretariat of Defense Industry, Indonesian Delegation, PT Pindad and FNSS at IDEF 15’, which included the Intellectual and Industrial rights for the design, production, integration, certification and certification of two prototype medium weight tanks belonging to Turkey and Indonesia and the production of one Modern Medium Weight Tank.
The production process was initiated in the last quarter of 2016 after a one-year preliminary preparation period. The first prototype, with the participation of PT Pindad engineers, was manufactured at the FNSS facilities in 2017 and the first prototype was unveiled and demonstrated for the first time throughout IDEF 17’ by FNSS. Within the program schedule, the second prototype is to be manufactured by PT Pindad in Indonesia, according to the 37-month development phase last quarter of 2017.
Following the production of the two prototypes, the vehicle test is expected to be commenced in the last quarter of this year and the testing and qualification process will be completed within the first half of 2018 at the latest. Following completion of the test and qualification process, the aim is to begin serial production negotiations between the parties in line with the requirements of the Indonesian army.
Within the scope of the program, FNSS also provided PT Pindad with technology transfer for vehicle design, integration, body production, testing and verification.
The “Kaplan” MT is powered by a power pack at the rear of the vehicle, which delivers a power-to-weight ratio of about 20 HP/ton. The engine transfers this power to the drive system, which has a six-wheel, anti-shock suspension system with double-pinned tracks mounted on torsion bars. The vehicle’s firepower is provided by a CMI Cockerill 3105 turret, integrated with a high-pressure 105 mm Cockerill gun and an advanced autoloader. Thanks to this turret, the “Kaplan” MT has high firepower power despite its relatively low weight.
The interior of the vehicle was carefully engineered by taking into account the ergonomics of the crew and the different tactical and battlefield conditions, including driving, firing and ammunition loading and unloading. Special type of driver seat enables the operator to have adequate field of view, and to access all cabin equipment. The “Kaplan” MT is also equipped with a battlefield management system and laser warning system that provides tactical awareness to the vehicle commander.
With high-end mine and ballistic protection for its class, the “Kaplan” MT provides adequate firepower against battlefield threats with great speed of response and within a short period of time. This, in turn, ensures superior survivability and mobility on the battlefield.
