Simba (APC)

Infobox Weapon
name=Simba (APC)


caption=GKN Simba (APC)
origin= flagicon|United KingdomUnited Kingdom
type=Armoured Infantry Fight Vehicle
is_ranged=
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=yes
is_missile=
is_UK=
service=1990s-Present
used_by= flagicon|Philippines Philippine Army
wars= Anti-guerilla operations in the Philippines
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=GKN
production_date=
number=
variants=AIFV, Fire Support Vehicle, Internal Security, Anti-Tank, Mortar Carrier
weight=11.2 - 11.9 Tons (Depeding on role)
length=5.35 m
part_length=
width=2.5 m
height=2.19 m (low profile cupola)
diameter=
crew=3+8/10
cartridge=
caliber=
action=
rate=
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed=
sights=
breech=
recoil=
carriage=
elevation=
traverse=
blade_type=
hilt_type=
sheath_type=
head_type=
haft_type=
filling=
filling_weight=
detonation=
yield=
armour=8 mm Steel Armor(maximum estimate)
primary_armament=1 x 7.62 mm Machinegun
secondary_armament=40 mm Grenade Launchers
engine=Perkins 210 Ti diesel turbo charged intercooler engine
engine_power=210 bhp
pw_ratio=18.75 bhp/ton
suspension=
vehicle_range=660 km
speed=100 km/h
guidance=none

The Simba is a wheeled armoured personnel carrier. It was designed by GKN Sangkey (now part of BAE Systems Land and Armaments) and is currently in service with the Philippine Army. A total of 150 were ordered by the Philippine Army and most of them were assembled locally from kits provided by GKN. [cite web |url=http://www.timawa.net/armor.htm |title=Timawa.net: Philippine Armor |accessdate=2007-02-07 |format= |work= ]

Vehicle Profile

The Simba Light Combat Vehicle (LCV) was designed by GKN primarily for export market sales and following continuous and rigid trials; was selected by the Armed Forces of the Philippines which placed an initial order of 150 vehicles.

Of the 150 vehicles ordered, 8 were delivered in complete kit form, 2 in knocked-down kit form, and the other 140 were later assembled in the Philippines in a facility owned by the joint venture company Asian Armoured Technologies Corporation in Subic Bay.

The Driver is seated conventionally Front-Left with the powerpack to his right and the troop compartment extending up to the rear of the vehicle. The troops on seats down either side can dismount the vehicle via the door in the rear or the door in the left side of the hull. The Driver and Commander can dismount via the cupola hatch and the Driver's side door. The vehicle used by the Philippine Army has a one-man turret armed with a 12.7 mm M2 Machinegun. Some vehicles were fitted with a one person turret armed with a 25 mm cannon and a co-axial 7.62 mm General Purpose Machinegun.

A wide range of optional equipment was offered and can be fitted to the vehicle including a front mounted winch, heater/air-conditioning system, and various weapon systems.

Philippine Army Simbas' are fitted with an air-conditioning system, mainly due to the tropical climate of the country. These vehicles have seen action from anti-insurgency campaigns against communist rebels in the north and central part of the country and have dealt with terrorists in counter-terrorism campaigns in the southernmost provinces in the island of Mindanao.

Users

* - Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army - (150 Simbas received)

References

*Jane's Tank Recognition Guide (Fourth Edition), Christopher F. Foss, HarperCollins Publishing, ISBN - 0-00-718326-7. Published (2006)

External links

* [http://www.timawa.net/armor.htm Timawa.net: Philippine Armor]