KAPLAN MT is Ready for Serial Production After Successfully Passing Challenging Qualification Tests of the Indonesian Army
KAPLAN MT has demonstrated to its user that it meets the requirements laid out at the beginning of the project and is ready to render services.
Qualification tests were performed in two groups; Durability Tests and Firing Tests. The Durability tests, which tested KAPLAN MT in the toughest conditions of Indonesia, were performed on the Island of Java on August 6-16. In the tests, a route covering different terrain and climate conditions was used in the western part of the island. The route started in Bandung; then continued in Cipali Tegal, Semarang, Sarangan, Jogjakarta, Kebumen, Subang, Parompong and finalized in Bandung again.
The Firing Tests were held in Bandung on August 25-27. KAPLAN MT showed its effectiveness by hitting moving targets while on the move.
In the Qualification Tests, Indonesian Ministry of Defence and Land Forces Command officials were present. FNSS staff provided support to PT Pindad staff during the tests.
Prior to Qualification Tests, KAPLAN MT successfully completed mine blast tests with a full-scale mine blast prototype in July. With the successful completion of the Qualification Tests, KAPLAN MT became ready for serial production.
FNSS General Manager and CEO K. Nail Kurt pointed out that KAPLAN MT proved itself with qualification tests and continued: “KAPLAN MT is a highly effective solution in today’s asymmetrical warfare conditions. It meets the easy and fast deployment, high mobility, low visibility, high firepower and cost-effective requirements and also does not compromise its high performance in terms of ballistic and mine protection, which is believed to be contrary to its low weight and volume features. KAPLAN MT has the best ballistic and mine protection of its class. With the successful completion of the qualification tests, we are happy to have demonstrated all these features of KAPLAN MT. We will all see together in the coming period that KAPLAN MT will bring important innovations to the battlefield. As FNSS, we are proud to meet this critical need of our friendly and allied country, Indonesia, together with our partner PT Pindad, with the most advanced solution.”
KAPLAN MT
The medium Weight KAPLAN MT brings a new breath to the battlefield with its accurate direct fire capability, a wide selection of ammunition ranging from close fire support to anti-tank ammunition, and superior tactical and strategic mobility.
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. A special type of driver seat enables the operator to have an 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 in its class, the KAPLAN MT provides sufficient firepower against battlefield threats with great speed of response and within a short period of time. This, in return, ensures superior survivability and mobility on the battlefield.
