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2019-01-01

Otokar ARMA: Superior Mobility and Protection

The Otokar’s ARMA armoured combat vehicle (ACV) is the newest product family with its 6x6 and 8x8 tactical-wheeled armoured vehicle range. The vehicles are modular multi-wheel configurable with a high level of ballistic and mine protection thanks to their high hardness monocoque steel hull.

ARMA 6x6 and 8x8 have optional amphibious capabilities, providing superior mobility alongside medium and high-calibre weapon system integration options. As an adaptable platform for evolving mission needs, ARMA is capable of real battlefield, peace-keeping and human relief operations in the most difficult terrain and climatic conditions.

Design and Protection

Starting in 2007 as a company-funded development project for home and export markets, Otokar’s computer-aided engineering concept design has extended through testing, qualification and validation processes to encompass mine blast effects, mobility performances, hydrostatic stability and driving comfort. The first prototypes were produced at the beginning of 2009 to pass driveline durability, reliability, hot and cold climate trials, while a mine blast mock-up and explosion tests were performed successfully in 2010.

ARMA vehicles have an architecture enabling the integration of a wide range of mission equipment and specific turret systems, with basic monocoque type body and double wall V-shaped hull structure providing exceptional crew protection against ballistic and mine threats. Modular armour kits can be mounted rapidly to bolt on to armour, while the crew compartment has firing ports, bullet-proof observation windows and two roof hatches under which members enter and leave the vehicle rapidly via one door in the rear. It provides enhanced protection against RPGs, EFPs and IEDs. Specially designed seats prevent body injuries to head, neck, spinal cord and pelvis.

Optimal Mobility Design

The engine is located at the right front of the vehicle, allowing a comparably high internal volume to be efficiently and ergonomically used because the internal layout allows the commander and personnel to maintain continuous eye contact with each other.

The independent suspension system is enhanced by Run Flat Tires, built-in Central Tyres Inflation System (CTIS) and Anti-locking Brake System (ABS) to improve ground mobility and ride comfort even over the roughest terrain. The vehicle’s mobility is further enhanced with longitudinal and transverse differential locks, with the high power-to-weight ratio coupled with high ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The ARMA is amphibious, driven by two hydraulically driven propellers in water allowing a high sea-going performance with pivot turn capability. Standard equipment includes a hydraulically operated ramp door, rear view camera, thermal front camera, air conditioning/heater, blackout lighting system and radio provisions.

Otokar’s General Manager, Serdar Görgüç, highlights continuing success in export markets, with the company able to “strengthen its position in the international defence industry with its extensive capabilities and wide product range. Apart from being the leading supplier of the Turkish Military and Security Forces for wheeled tactical vehicles, our vehicles serve almost 55 different end users in 32 countries. Today over 30,000 Otokar military vehicles are in service around the world with an outstanding performance. Among those countries, Bahrain is particularly important for Otokar, where many different vehicle types of wide Otokar-wheeled military range have already been serving requirements successfully since 2002.”

Görgüç also underlines Otokar’s strong present in the Gulf region: “We have been serving in GCC countries in an extensive manner since early 2000s. Due to our broad activities in the United Arab Emirates, our establishment of Otokar Land Systems in the country two years ago helps us a lot in our relations with all countries in the region. Through our recent activities, Otokar is no longer playing only a simple vehicle manufacturer and supplier role in GCC, but also enjoys its local MRO activities and even transferring its engineering and manufacturing capabilities”

Multiple ARMA Variants

ARMA 8x8: available in multiple configurations, including Personnel Carrier, Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Fire Support Vehicle, Mortar Carrier, Short and Medium Range Air Defence, Mobile Gun Carrier, Command and Control Vehicle with optional amphibious capability.

ARMA 6x6: available in multiple configurations, including Personnel Carrier, Infantry Fighting Carrier, Command Post, Ambulance, CBRN reconnaissance, Driver Training and Reconnaissance with optional amphibious capability.

ARMA provides an adaptable platform for evolving modern battlefield needs. Mission vehicles can integrate varied equipment and accessories on the base platform, while flexible design enables easy adoption of a wide range of roles:

- Personnel Carrier

- Command Vehicle

- Reconnaissance / Surveillance Vehicle

- Radar Vehicle

- Infantry Fighting Vehicle

- Mobile Gun Carrier

- CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle

- Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle

- Ambulance

- Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle

ARMA 6x6 Functionality

The 6.5m long, 2.7m wide and 2.2m high ARMA 6x6 variant has 18,500kg combat weight, carrying a driver, commander and eight dismounts in a NBC-protected hull. It is C-130 air transportable in standard configuration with two steerable front axles enabling a turning radius of 7.85m.

The vehicle rides on independent hydro-pneumatic suspension, offering respectable off-road mobility, while the tyre-run flat capability and central inflation system are supplied as standard. The 6x6 can negotiate a 45-degree approach and departure angles leading onto 60 per cent inclines and 30 per cent side-slopes, but it can also cross 1.2m wide trenches and climb over 60cm obstacles.

The 450 hp, @2200rpm water-cooled turbo diesel engine capable of running on either F-34 or F-54 fuel, drives the wheels through an automatic gearbox and single-speed transfer box, giving it a top speed of 105 km/h and a power/weight ratio of 24.32 hp/tonne. The diesel engine also powers the onboard 24V DC electrical system, which incorporates two maintenance-free 2x12V, 120 Ah batteries and a 3.3kW converter.

The engine is located at the front of the vehicle, allowing use of a comparably high internal volume and may be driven in 6x6 or 6x4 modes depending upon the terrain conditions. Driven by two hydraulic propellers in water for a high seagoing performance with pivot-turn capability, ballistic and anti-mine protection is provided by a monocoque steel hull with all personnel placed on anti-mine seats. Crew capacity is up to 10 including driver and commander.

ARMA 8x8 Functionality

Having been unveiled initially at IDEF Istanbul in May 2011, ARMA 8x8 production commenced once orders were placed and product development studies had been conducted. Otokar has continued to produce 8X8 version of the family since then and the new member of ARMA family has already taken its place in the market.

With its modular platform, the ARMA 8x8 can be equipped with different weapon and turret systems up to 105mm according to specific requirements. It is an ideal platform for anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile systems. It has a 26,000 kg combat weight capable of carrying 12 people, including the driver and the commander, with the vehicles transportable by rail, sea and air (C-130 and larger aircrafts) in standard configuration.

The ARMA 8x8 is equipped with a 450hp powerful water-cooled turbo diesel engine having F-34 and F-54 fuel compatibility. It has an automatic gearbox with 7 forward and 1 reverse, and a single-speed transfer box with differential lock.

ARMA 8x8 is equipped with a special system making it possible to navigate in the dark, fog and smoke without any lights on thanks to the thermal camera scanning the road ahead and surroundings. Equipped with an amphibious kit, the vehicle can swim in the water without the need for any preliminary preparations at a speed of 8 kph.

The NBC kit offered optionally with ARMA 8x8 protects the crew against nuclear, biological and chemical threats. Indeed, in the past few years, ARMA has proven its performance and mobility under diverse conditions in trials and capability demonstration runs in various GCC countries.

Furthermore, the Rabdan 8x8 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) of UAE is based on the Otokar Arma 8x8. Unveiled at IDEX 2017, this vehicle is produced by Al Jasoor Heavy Vehicles Industries, a joint company established by Otokar and Tawazun in UAE.

Varied Integrated Armament

Due to its high payload capacities, the ARMA family allows integration of various types of mission equipment and weapon systems from light machine gun weapon stations, 7.62mm medium calibre cannon to 105mm cannon and also 120mm mortar. ARMA supports weapon stations like open cupola, closed turret weapon station, remote control weapon station, along with medium and high calibre weapon systems. These weapon stations offer a wide range from self-defence to direct fire support capabilities configured according to customer requirements.

As a registered NATO and United Nations supplier, the success of Otokar has always been a reference for new orders. Apart from being the leading supplier of the Turkish Military and Security Forces for wheeled tactical vehicles, Otokar serves almost 55 different end users in 32 countries. Today numbering over 30,000, Otokar military vehicles are in service around the world demonstrating outstanding operational performance.

Reference Text/Photo: www.otokar.com

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