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2019-02-01

NIMR’s Versatile, Protected AJBAN 440A

Modern conflict is unpredictable and asymmetric in nature. In responding to threats, militaries throughout the world are demanding their armoured vehicle fleets act as the backbone of their ground-based operations.

NIMR is the UAE’s integrated defence manufacturing and services platform. As a subsidiary of Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), this leading manufacturer in the Middle East and North Africa provides combat-proven vehicles capable of performing in the harshest operational environments.

The modern battlefield demands high levels of operational and tactical mobility to protect crews while integrating ever-complex mission systems, which NIMR believes, can best be provided by a range of multi-role, modular wheeled vehicles. Protecting soldiers is the highest priority for these versatile platforms, rapidly deployed over large distances to respond to threats in every climate and terrain.

Whilst threats grow in lethality, especially from IEDs, physical measures alone do not ensure survivability, requiring NIMR to develop a broad mix of other characteristics. NIMR has thus designed and developed AJBAN 440A as a multi-purpose, protected patrol variant of the AJBAN-class of 4×4 tactical vehicles providing protection and mobility for troop deployment, with sensors and weapon systems guaranteeing ever-increasing levels of situational awareness only previously achievable by deployed infantry.

NIMR’s AJBAN Class

AJBAN 4x4 vehicles provides a multipurpose platform at 9-tonne capacity from utility vehicles to fully-protected patrol vehicles. A universal 4x4 chassis provides a common logistic footprint minimising the burden of training, maintenance, and spare-part management. All AJBAN-Class vehicles can be protected, with specific models optimising crew survivability with fully tested and certified cabins.

NIMR’s two-speed drop box features fully automatic power shift transmission, so providing drive to the fully-independent double-wishbone portal axles for high-ground clearance and outstanding tactical mobility with full differential locking and central tyre inflation. Configured with GVA (Generic Vehicle Architecture) compliant electronic architecture for intelligent power management alongside built-in test and capacity for integration with communication, battlefield and weapons, NIMR can provide full system integration of user-chosen Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) equipment and advanced weapon systems.

The modular configuration of AJBAN-Class vehicles enables multi-mission variants to suit the user requirements. NIMR engineering has also developed bespoke configurations from the base vehicle architecture, as illustrated below:

Mobility: Every AJBAN vehicle utilises the NIMR double-wishbone independent suspension portal axles fitted with coil springs and hydraulic dampers to provide outstanding all-terrain mobility across not just harsh desert conditions, but every climatic condition and environment. Full Central Tyre Inflation System and Run Flat Tires provide standard steep approach and departure angles, with a high power-to-weight ratio ensuring the NIMR AJBAN Class provides the user with the performance required to complete the mission.

Protection: The AJBAN Class features high-protection variants enhancing crew survivability from roadside IEDs, under-vehicle mines and ballistic threats. These tested and certified vehicles provide additional physical crew security thanks to the roof-mounted self-defence weapons and integrated command-and-control mission systems.

Multi-Mission Platform: AJBAN vehicles can mount and integrate multiple weapon and mission systems. The electronic architecture ensures communication integration and advanced power management system for added vehicle protection.

AJBAN 440A Profile

A highly-configurable platform designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, combat, CBRN defence, command-and-control missions, as well as logistics or utility vehicle use, the AJBAN 440A offers the following design and features:

Based on a 4×4 chassis, the 440A features a double-crew cab and an open-top cargo compartment. With a length of 5.6m, a wheelbase of 3.3m, this armoured vehicle has a height and width of 2.35m and a gross weight of 10,750kg, carrying mission payloads up to 1,200kg.

The highly-protected cabin carries four fully-equipped troops, fitted with a rear cargo box, roof-mounted self-defence weapon and an extensive array of option-mission systems, certified for exceptional roadside IED and ballistic threat survivability. The personnel enter/leave the vehicle through two doors on either side, while a bullet-proof glass window on each door provides situational awareness and ballistic protection for crew members. The standard vehicle configuration is equipped with a self-recovery winch, a self-sealing protected fuel tank and a battery management system.

Full Weapon Options

The AJBAN 440A armoured vehicle features a remotely operated-turret on a ring mount fitted to the roof of the crew cabin. The turret can be armed with a variety of weapons based on the mission requirements, with the standard configuration using a 12.7mm heavy machine gun for self-protection from light armoured vehicles, personnel and military installations.

Crew survivability can be further improved through the addition of up to eight smoke grenade launchers. NIMR Automotive took the opportunity at the BSDA 2018, Black Sea Defence and Aerospace exhibition in Romania to display an AJBAN 440A fitted with the Kongsberg Protector RWS (Remote Weapon Station) and Savox Communications Ltd Military Intercom System.

Advanced Protection Features

The AJBAN 440A tactical vehicle comes with advanced protection capabilities for defence against ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mine blasts. The crew and passenger compartments can be fitted with an overpressure protection system to safeguard the occupants against chemicals, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Protection from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) can be achieved through the installation of an RPG protection net, while a fire suppression system may be installed to extinguish fire in the vehicle. Ballistic protection is provided to the compartment to safeguard the engine from fragmentation and small arms fire.

The vehicle can be optionally equipped with a winterisation kit to meet vehicle-heating requirements in cold weather conditions. AJBAN 440A can be integrated with a C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) system for intelligence and surveillance missions.

Thermal Sighting Systems

Consisting of electro-optical and thermal cameras, an optional day/night thermal sighting system can be fitted to the turret to provide the commander and gunner with the ability to engage targets during day or night.

Actionable, accurate and available intelligence is now becoming more important than ever, providing tactical advantage over the enemy through seamless integration of battle management and C4i command and control systems in addition to scalable firepower.

All of these features match with increasing demands on vehicle power and the complexity of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) compliance as a core focus for NIMR vehicle development.

Drivetrain Powered Dynamism

Powered by a Cummins 6.7L diesel engine combined with an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission and double wishbone independent suspension, the AJBAN 440A provides a potent combination of performance, protection and mobility on all types of terrain. The AJBAN 440A armoured protected vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 110km/h and a cruising range of 700km when travelling at a speed of 100km/h.

In addition, a six-speed automatic transmission system enables the engine to run at a rotational speed of 1,500rpm to develop a torque of 1,100nm. The engine and transmission systems are mounted in the forward portion of the vehicle and offer improved fuel economy.

The AJBAN 440A is equipped with two circuit air-over hydraulic brakes, aimed at providing increased safety by controlling two wheels each. Standard vehicle accessories include a battery power management system, run flats, a central tyre inflation system and a winch.

Using the latest CANBus technology, the AJBAN 440A is ready for GVA-compliant system integration, including BMS for both automotive and mission battery sets. The vehicle is currently in active service across the region and is battle-proven with recent coalition activities. NIMR supports the vehicle lifecycle over a period of 20 years, providing a complete solution to the customer.

Leading 440A Performance

The tactical vehicle has the ability to climb grades of 60 per cent and 0.4m-high steps, while traversing 1m-deep waters with a kerb-to-kerb turning circle diameter of ±0.5m. Fitted with run-flat inserts and central tyre inflation systems, the vehicle offers superior mobility and reliability on off-road terrains in operating temperatures ranging from -19°C to 49°C.

Full Climate Suitability

Fully compliant with NATO STANAG, AJBAN 440A provides superior performance in hot desert climates. It maintains a stabilised internal temperature of 25°C in harsh climates with up to 56° ambient air temperature, down to -19°C as standard and -32°C with optional winterisation kit.

VOP Strategic Partnership

The IDEX 2017 exhibition in Abu Dhabi was notable for showcasing the Czech company VOP’s signature of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with NIMR for the marketing, distribution, production and after-sale support of the complete range of NIMR armoured vehicles. The deal includes supplying the AJBAN 440A to the Visegrad countries - the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.

VOP CZ, s.p is a company specialising in the field of military equipment engineering production and development, which already enjoys a strong supplier relationship with NIMR having manufactured armoured cabins for the AJBAN 440A for more than three years. The agreement has enabled VOP CZ to acquire the opportunity to offer and manufacture NIMR vehicles in eastern and central Europe.

NIMR and VOP CZ are also jointly preparing their modification for use under local climatic conditions, including for very cold regions. Meanwhile, NIMR plans to unveil the new variant of the AJBAN 440A, the 447A, at IDEX 2019 and showcase to the world its seven-seater version of the armoured vehicle.

Reference Text/Photo:www.nimr.ae

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