Zarvan
ELITE MEMBER
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 54,470
- Reaction score
- 87
- Country
- Location
The BMC Kirpi has seen service during various military operations and proved to be a capable vehicle
Country of origin Turkey
Entered service 2014 (?)
Crew 2 men
Personnel up to 11 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight ~ 16 t
Length 6 m
Width 2.51 m
Height 2.86 m
Armament
Main gun 1 x 7.62 or 12.7-mm
Mobility
Engine Cummins diesel
Engine power 275 / 350 hp
Maximum road speed 105 km/h
Range 8 00 1 000 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step ~ 0.5 m
Trench ~ 0.5 m
Fording ~ 1 m
The Kirpi is a Turiksh mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. It is named after a hedgehog. It was developed by the Turkish BMC company to meet a Turkish Land Forces Command requirement. This company specializes in production of commercial trucks, busses and military vehicles. A contract for the design has been awarded in 2009. Eventually the prototype passed severe tests in accordance with NATO standards. Turkish Army ordered a total of 468 of these MRAP vehicles. Another 200 were ordered by the Turkish law enforcement forces. It seems that deliveries commenced in 2014. Tunisia was the first export customer of the Kirpi with an order of 100 vehicles. The Kirpi has seen service during various military operations, that Turkey was recently evolved in. It proved to be a capable vehicle.
Mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, such as the Kirpi, are typically used in the areas where mine threat is present. This Turkish vehicle was specially designed to withstand blasts from mines and improvised explosive devices.
The Kirpi is based on the automotive components of the BMC 235-16P military truck. Its armored hull provides protection against 7.62x51 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. During combat operations some of these vehicles were fitted with cage armor for protection against RPG rounds.
This armored vehicle has a V-shaped hull, which deflects mine blasts away. Crew and passengers are seated on integrated mine resistant seats, that absorb violent force and pressure generated by mine blasts. The Kirpi withstands mine blasts equivalent to 8 kg of TNT.
This MRAP is operated by a crew of 2, including driver and vehicle commander, and accommodates from 7 to 11 passengers, depending on configuration. Crew and troops enter and leave the vehicle via side door or rear ramp. Also there are roof hatches for observation, firing, and emergency exit, if the vehicle is overturned. It is worth noting that most MRAP vehicles are prone to overturning due to their high center of gravity.
The Kirpi has a shielded position for the gunner on top of the roof. This MRAP can be armed with a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun. Also there are numerous firing port provided for the troops. Most of them have associated vision blocks. So passengers can fire their individual weapons.
This MRAP vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISBE 275 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 275 hp, or a Cummins ISLE 350, developing 350 hp. It is mated to Alliscon automatic transmission. Vehicle is fitted with run-flat tyres and central tyre inflation system. This system improves cross-country mobility over various types of terrain. Vehicle is fitted with a front-mounted self-recovery winch.
Variants
Kirpi with 6x6 configuration. Essentially it is a slightly longer vehicle (7.1 m long) with an added axle. It is based on the BMC 380-26P 6x6 military truck. It has a crew of 2 and accommodates up to 13 passengers. The 6x6 Kirpi has improved cross-country mobility comparing with the 4x4 version.
Kirpi
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Kirpi
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Kirpi
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Kirpi
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Kirpi
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
http://www.military-today.com/apc/kirpi.htm
Last edited:
