Development
The Infantry Fighting Vehicle Light (IFVL) was originally developed by the now BAE Systems, Ground Systems Division under contract to the Egyptian MoD. This vehicle is also referred to as the Egyptian Infantry Fighting Vehicle.It essentially consists of the chassis of the Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light (covered in a separate entry), fitted with the complete two-man power-operated turret of the M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (covered in a separate entry) which is currently in service with Saudi Arabia and the US.Design activities commenced in 1995 as a conversion of an existing M113 series chassis, but the company stresses that new vehicles could also be built to the IFVL configuration.The first prototype was assembled in the Egyptian Tank Plant where assembly of the General Dynamics Land Systems M1A1 MBT is carried out for the Egyptian Army. The first prototype was completed in 1996 and performance validation trials were completed in mid-1997.As of mid-2006, there was no funded production programme for the Egyptian Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
Description
The IFVL chassis is based on the proven M113 which has been lengthened to provide additional weight carrying capability with a torsion bar suspension system that has been reconfigured to provide the vehicle with a cross-country mobility similar to that of the M1A1 MBT.The chassis of the actual IFVL is based on the current Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light and is powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V-53 TIA turbocharged intercooled and after-cooled diesel engine which develops 400 hp. This is coupled to an Allison X200 cross-drive, hydrostatic four-speed transmission and redesigned severe duty rated final drives. As an option a 350 hp Detroit Diesel engine can be installed.According to the company, the IFVL is capable of sustained cross-country travel over rough terrain as well as high-speed operation on improved roads and desert hard pan. Fuel capacity is sufficient to provide for a range of 482 km.The hull of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Light is of all-welded 5083 aluminium armour which provides basic protection from small arms fire and shell splinters although optional armour packages are available to defeat armour-piercing projectiles up to 14.5 mm in calibre over a 360° arc of attack.The driver is seated at the left front of the hull with the engine compartment to his right. The driver has a single-piece pop-up hatch cover which rotates over the engine cooling air intake grill when open, four day periscopes are provided for observation to the front and side and the centre one can be replaced by a passive
The complete article appears in the following publication: | |
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Publication Title | Jane's Armour and Artillery |
Publication date | Sep 06, 2007 |
Section | Armoured personnel carriers (tracked) |
Publication synopsis | Jane's Armour and Artillery provides you with information essential for recognition, procurement and threat assessment relating to the world's armour and artillery systems that are currently in use or under development. Each entry includes accurate and reliable details of development, photographs to aid identification, descriptions, variants, specifications, status and manufacturer. |
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