By: Mike Yeo
MELBOURNE, Australia — Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled a prototype eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) as part of a research project for a new class of modular vehicles.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled a prototype eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) as part of a research project for a new class of modular vehicles.
The project, known for now as the Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (Improved), will eventually lead to a new vehicle type to replace the Type 96 eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier in use by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
The new vehicle will feature improved protection against a variety of threats such as improvised explosive devices, versatility and room for future growth in capabilities compared to the Type 96 it is replacing. It will also be fitted with a more powerful engine and a strengthened suspension to cope with the increased weight and payloads.
In a news release, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced that the prototype was handed over on Jan. 10. Built by Japan’s Komatsu Limited, the vehicle is 8.4 meters (27 feet) long, 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide and 2.9 meters (9 feet) high, with a weight of approximately 20 ton. It can carry 11 onboard including three crew members in its basic APC guise.
Read the full story at DefenseNews