Fiat 6614

   The Type 6614 wheeled APC was a joint development between FIAT and Oto Melara and was designed to meet the requirements of the many military and para-military organizations where some form of mobile armored protection is required for personnel not necessarily operating under front line conditions.

   Thus the Type 6614 APCs in service with Italian Air Force are used for airfield patrol while the few issued to the Italian Army are operated by alpine units. Others are employed by various Italian police forces and are equipped accordingly. When production ceased in Italy 1 160 vehicles had been manufactured. Export sales were made to Argentina, Peru, Somalia, Tunisia and Venezuela. The Fiat 6614 is license produced in South Korea.

   The Fiat 6614 is basically an armored hull set on a 4x4 chassis which is shared by the Fiat 6616 armored reconnaissance vehicle - the two vehicles have many automotive components in common. Primary mission of the 6614 is troop transportation.

   The main armament, if fitted, is usually a 12.7-mm MG mounted, sometimes with side protection, over the commander's cupola (which is the same as fitted to the M113 APC - a small turret can be fitted if required.

   The passengers enter via a large powered rear ramp, which covers most of the rear hull wall, or side doors. Two roof hatches are provided through which mortars can be fitted if required. Once inside, most troop positions are provided with a vision block and a firing port for personal weapons. Optional equipment included a recovery winch, night vision equipment, smoke grenade dischargers an an air conditioning system.

   This APC is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 160 hp. The Fiat 6614 is fully amphibious if the need arises with propulsion once in the water provided by the road wheels. This armored personnel carrier can be airlifted by the C-130 Hercules tactical transport airplane.

   The Fiat 6614 is license produced in South Korea, where it is employed by the South Korean Army. The South Korean APC is known as the KM900, while locally introduced variants, known as the KM901 include an armored ambulance, mortar carriers and command vehicles.