DSEI Japan 2019: MHI unveils APC demonstrator for JGDSF’s Type 96 replacement programme
Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
unveiled an 8×8 armoured personnel carrier (APC) demonstrator at the 18-20 November DSEI Japan 2019 defence exhibition in Chiba.
The 8 m-long and 2.8 m-wide demonstrator will be used as the basis for the Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle
that will compete with Patria’s Armoured Modular Vehicle and GDLS’s Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 6.0 in a series of trials aimed at finding a replacement for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF’s) Type 96 8×8 APCs.
MHI’s Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle,
which will be approximately 2.2 m-high and have a gross weight of 28 tonnes, is expected to be operated by a crew of two and be capable of transporting at least nine troops in full combat gear, depending on the requirement, according to MHI.
Powered by the company’s 4MA 4-cylinder diesel engine
capable of generating more than 400 kW, the all-wheel-drive platform, which will feature an independent suspension system, is expected to reach a top speed of more than 100 km/h.
A company official
told Jane’ s that the Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle demonstrator, a model of which was first displayed at the Eurosatory 2014 defence exhibition in Paris, is meant to demonstrate the platform’s mobility and survivability,
the latter of which can be enhanced with add-on armour such as
explosive reactive net, and/or anti-mine armour.
The vehicle can also be fitted with mine protection seats and a remote weapon system, although no details of the latter were provided.
Jane’s 360