|
Entered service |
? |
|
Crew |
2 men |
|
Personnel |
8 - 10 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight |
up to 11.2 t |
|
Length |
5.35 m |
|
Width |
2.5
m |
|
Height |
2.19 m |
|
Armament |
|
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7-mm |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
Perkins 210 Ti diesel |
|
Engine power |
210 hp |
|
Maximum road speed |
100 km/h |
|
Range |
660 km |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Vertical step |
0.45 m |
|
Fording |
1 m |
|
The Simba
has many automotive features in common with the
Saxon APC, but it
was designed as a light armored vehicle for a low profile internal
security roles. It was developed as a private venture with a view to
local manufacture in less developed countries.
The Simba
has been selected by Armed Forces of the Philippines, who have
ordered 150 units, most of local assembly from knock-down kits.
Philippines are the only user of the Simba APCs. These vehicles,
most of which are general purpose armored personnel carrier, are
operated in the internal security situations. They have an armored
steel hull, armed by a 12.7-mm machine gun in a one man turret.
Single or twin 7.62-mm machine guns were optional. Also vehicle is
sometimes seen with a mounted 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. TOW
or HOT anti-tank guided missile launchers can be fitted.
Up to 10
troops can be carried, but a more comfortable load is 8. A fully
dedicated APC could seat up to 12 troops. Troops enter or leave the
vehicle via side or rear doors. The driver has a separate roof hatch
and is protected by bullet-proof screens.
Vehicle is
powered by a Perkins diesel engine, developing 210 hp.
The basic
Simba 4x4 can be configured to suit many military and para-military
functions, from an armored personnel carrier, to a fire support
vehicle, mounting a 90-mm gun in a turret (the FSV variant has been
trialed). The hull can be converted to carry a turntable mounted
81-mm mortar, firing through opened roof hatches.
An infantry
fighting vehicle variant with 20-mm or 25-mm turret-mounted cannon
has also been proposed. There is also an internal security vehicle,
fitted with a barricade removal device, a turret mounted anti-riot
agent projectors, a riot agent filtration system for the vehicle
occupants, side mounted riot screens and loudspeakers.
|