Japan unveils new generation 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier

[Zarvan]

The Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s has unveiled its new generation 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC).

The new 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier will weigh 20 tonnes and be able to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h on paved roads, the MoD said. The crew consists of the commander, driver, gunner, and 8 dismounts who can rapidly enter and leave via a large power-operated ramp in the hull rear.

The crew consists of the commander, driver, gunner, and 8 dismounts who can rapidly enter and leave via a large power-operated ramp in the hull rear.

Source in Japan Ministry of Defense said that the new 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier will eventually replace the ageing Type 96 APCs that are still in service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.









http://defence-blog.com/army/japan-unveils-new-generation-armored-personnel-carrier.html

 

[Akasa]

It seems to be a potential competitor to the Voyenno-Promyshlennaya Kompaniya Bumerang, General Dynamics Stryker, Norinco VP10, or the Patria AMV.

 

[Sliver]

I like a design where the seating area is in the middle of the interior body and the soldiers sit facing away (their backs against each other technically - but of course with a back rest). this will give further protection from any attacks from outside. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Zarvan]

Japan unveils 8x8 APC prototype

Japan has unveiled a prototype APC that is expected to replace the Komatsu Type 96 APC in use by the JGSDF. Source: Japanese MoD

Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled a prototype 8x8 armoured personnel carrier (APC) that is expected to replace the Komatsu Type 96 APC in use by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Built by Japanese manufacturer Komatsu, the (Improved) Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier prototype was delivered to the MoD on 10 January, the ministry said in a statement.

The prototype can carry 11 people, including crew members, according to the MoD. (Japanese MoD)

One rationale for the new design is that it is viable for participating in international peacekeeping missions and defending the Japanese islands, according to the MoD. The new design's key parameter seems to have been an increased degree of protection.

The 20-tonne prototype is 8.4 m long, 2.5 m wide, and 2.9 m high and can carry 11 people, including crew members, according to the MoD.

The JGSDF currently has 389 Type 96 APCs in its inventory, the first of which entered service in 1996, according to IHS Jane's World Armies.

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http://www.janes.com/article/66989/japan-unveils-8x8-apc-prototype

 

[Zarvan]

New Japanese 8x8 APC
Prototype armored personnel carrier

The new Japan's 8x8 APC could reach production after 2019



Country of origin Japan
Entered service ?
Crew 3 men
Personnel 8 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 20 t
Length 8.4 m
Width 2.5 m
Height 2.9 m
Armament
Main gun ?
Mobility
Engine Komatsu diesel
Engine power ~ 500 hp
Maximum road speed 100 km/h
Range 800 ~ 1 000 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.6 m
Trench ~ 2 m
Fording ~ 1.2 m


In 2017 Japan has revealed a prototype of a next-generation 8x8 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). It was designed to replace the Type 96, which is in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) since 1996. The project is known as Wheeled Armored Vehicle (Improved). The prototype of the new APC was built by Komatsu. Its construction commenced in 2015. It was first publicly revealed in 2017. This prototype will be trialed until 2019. Full scale production could start following the trials.

Comparing with the previous Type 96, the new Japanese 8x8 APC is longer, taller, much heavier, better protected and faster. It has more internal volume and higher payload capacity.

The new Japanese APC was developed as a modular vehicle. A swappable mission module can be fitted at the rear of the hull. There could be modules for different purposes. So a basic chassis can be configured as infantry carrier, command vehicle, ambulance, supply carrier and so on. Though this concept is not new. The Dutch/German Boxer, which entered service back in 2009, also has modular structure.

The new Japan's APC will have improved protection over the Type 96. It has a steel armor hull with add-on armor. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull for improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. Passive protection systems include a laser warning device, that can trigger smoke grenade dischargers. This vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system.

So far the prototype carries no armament. It is believed that a new remotely controlled weapon station is being developed for this armored vehicle. Eventually the baseline APC could be armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, or even more powerful armament.

In its basic form this new Japanese APC has a crew of 3 and can carry 8 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via the rear power-operated ramp with integral doors. There are roof hatches for firing or emergency exit.

The new Japanese APC has a more powerful engine than the previous Type 96 APC. It is powered by a Komatsu 10.8-liter diesel, which develops approximately 500 hp. Engine is located in the middle of the hull. This APC has got a hydropneumatic suspension with height adjustment. The prototype demonstrated impressive agility. This armored vehicle can attain a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. It improves mobility over various types of terrain. This new APC with not loose mobility when any one of the wheels is damaged or completely destroyed. In some cases it can even keep on moving with two wheels missing.

This new Japan's APC is not amphibious.


http://www.military-today.com/apc/new_japanese_8x8_apc.htm