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.

   The Fiat 6614 is basically an armored hull set on a 4 x 4 chassis which is shared by the Fiat 6616 armored car - the two vehicles have many automotive components in common.

   The passengers enter via a large powered ramp which covers most of the rear hull wall. 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.

   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 Fiat 6614 is fully amphibious if the need arises with propulsion once in the water provided by the road wheels.

   Optional equipment included a recovery winch, night vision equipment, smoke grenade dischargers an an air conditioning system.

   Export sales were made to Argentina, Peru (ten of which were mortar carriers), Somalia, Tunisia and Venezuela.

   When production ceased in Italy 1 160 vehicles had been manufactured. 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.