Turkish defense manufacturer FNSS has been contracted to supply new generation PARS ALPHA armored vehicles for the Turkish Land Forces.
A total of 25 vehicles will be delivered to the service’s mechanized units in both 6×6 and 8×8 configurations.
The 6x6s will be in command post variants, while the 8x8s will be in anti-armor squad and armored recovery variants.
FNSS’ proposal was selected following intense competition, including field trials by the Turkish defense procurement agency (SSB) and the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the firm said.
“With this new vehicle, we have combined 35 years of knowledge, user experience and engineering to create the latest generation vehicle in its class,” deputy chairman of FNSS board of directors Oguz Carmikh said.
“We rightfully earned our place with superior success from field tests carried out by the SSB. And finally, we have reached the stage of launching the New Generation Vehicles Program, which will produce PARS ALPHA vehicles for our Land Forces.”
An estimated 2,000 land vehicles are being planned for procurement, with additional PARS ALPHA orders expected, the company added.
Features
The all-wheel drive features an all-axle steering system for enhanced mobility.
Its hydro-pneumatic suspension with adjustable ride height enables agility for cross-country riding while its turning radius is optimized for confined urban warfare.
Moreover, the vehicle is capable of driving on 40 percent side slopes, 70 percent gradients, 2.4-meter (8 feet) trenches and 0.8-meters (2.62 feet) verticals.
Survivability
The vehicle’s advanced protection system is resistant to mines, improvised explosive devices, artillery projectiles, and other threats.
It is equipped with mine blast attenuation seats and the position of driver and commander above the second axle behind the power pack compartment enhances crew safety.
The vehicle’s design provides kinetic and ballistic protection, particularly at the vehicle frontal arc.
Moreover, it can be integrated with additional protection measures such as a gunshot detection system, laser warning, and soft-kill and hard-kill active protection systems.
Weapons
The vehicle comes integrated with advanced mission equipment and heavy turrets.
Furthermore, its modular design allows the integration of additional payloads such as medium-caliber manned and remote-controlled turrets, missile systems, heavy-caliber turrets, and artillery.
The PARS ALPHA 8×8 is powered by a 711 horsepower diesel engine and has a weight-to-power ratio of 21 horsepower/ton.
Its maximum speed is 115 kilometers (71 miles) per hour, with a range of over 800 kilometers (497 miles).
Moreover, it can accommodate nine people, including a gunner, driver, and commander.
