18 January 2001

FNSS Defense developed the Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) to meet the Turkish Land Forces Command's (TLFC's) operational requirement. The first production vehicles were completed in 1992.

The basic AIFV has a one-person power-operated turret armed with a 25mm cannon and 7.62mm co-axial machine gun.

FNSS Defense Systems' latest development is the Armored Combat Vehicle - New Generation which has an additional roadwheel each side. This can undertake a wider range of battlefield missions as it has greater internal volume and load-carrying capability.

The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by its tracks. Standard equipment includes passive night vision equipment, an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system and smoke grenade launchers.

Specifications

Crew: 3 + 10

Armament: 1x 25mm cannon (main); 1x 7.62 mm (co-axial)

Power-to-weight ratio: 21.92hp/t

Power pack: Detroit Diesel Model 6V-53T developing 300hp coupled to Allison automatic transmission

Length: 5.26m

Width: 2.82m

Height: 2.62m (turret)

Max speed: 65km/h

Range: 490km

Airportable: C-130 Hercules

Status

In production. The AIFV is in service with Turkey (1,698 plus additional 665) and the United Arab Emirates (136 delivered). Malaysia has ordered 211 vehicles.

Variants

Variants used by the TLFC include an advanced armoured personnel carrier (turret with 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns); 81mm mortar and anti-tank carrier with turret and Raytheon Systems Company TOW missiles. United Arab Emirates' versions include an engineering squad vehicle, repair/recovery vehicle and artillery support vehicle.

Manufacturer

FNSS Defense Systems, Ankara, Turkey

Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) (Source: FNSS)