Turkey has contracted local automotive manufacturer BMC to supply Altuğ 8×8 armored combat vehicles to its land forces.
Under the terms, the İzmir-based company will provide 29 hulls of the system along with corresponding integrated logistics support services for the military.
Each platform in this deal is expected to be fitted with a 35-millimeter turret system as part of Ankara’s ongoing project to enhance the air and ground defense weaponry of the armed forces’ tactical vehicles.
This award followed a similar contract awarded to the Turkish industry partner FNSS earlier in February to supply its proprietary PARS Alpha armored platforms for the modernization effort.
BMC’s Altuğ Vehicle
The Altuğ is an 8-meter (26-foot) system offered in both infantry fighting vehicle and armored personnel carrier variants.
It is typically armed with a double-fed automatic gun, a grenade launcher, and support machine guns.
The vehicle is operated by a three-man crew and can accommodate up to nine troops.
Additional features of the hull include high-level ballistics and mine armor, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection system, fire extinguisher and explosion suppressor technology, and warning and detection systems for enemy and weapons identification.
The Altuğ is powered by a six-speed Allison transmission, a 711-horsepower Caterpillar C13 engine, and a 24-volt electrical system.
It has a maximum speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour, a range of more than 800 kilometers (497 miles), fording capability through 220 centimeters (87 inches) of water depth, and a vertical climb capability of 60 centimeters (24 inches).
