Second picture in post # 20.
AB9C5 Falcon II Turret
The Falcon II turret is being developed by KADDB within the Merlin programme which involves the intellectual development and technology transfer between the South African private sector and Jordan.
Concept design, development, prototyping and project management has been led by KADDB in partnership with Mechanology Design Bureau and IST Dynamics of South Africa.
In addition, the programme is supported by elements of the Jordanian, South African, Swiss and UK defence industries. The first Falcon II turret was completed late in 2002 and then installed on an Al Hussein chassis and this made its first public appearance in early 2004.
Main armament comprises a RUAG Land Systems 120 mm Compact Tank Gun already installed in the previously mentioned AB9B1 Level 2 upgrade programme.
This is fed by a new 10-round bustle-mounted automatic loader developed by Claverham of the UK and gives a rate of fire of 8 rds/min. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxial with the main armament and there is also provision to install four canister anti-tank guided weapons.
IST Dynamics is responsible for the turret's electronics and system integration work including the fire-control computer, battle management panels, hand controllers and sighting systems.
The latter includes an independent target-tracking system for commander and gunner. CLS is responsible for power management.
The new turret features an improved survivability package that includes a laser warning system, explosion suppression system, NBC system and add-on armour package. The turret bustle has blow-out panels.
