- Yes
- No
ASCOD II Command Vehicle
Commanding the ‘Pambato’ Division
OVERVIEW
After the 2017 Siege of Marawi, the Philippine Army went on a massive modernization program as the current Fire Support Vehicles were proven to be inadequate to deal with the threats faced by the AFP especially when it came to urban warfare. This manifested with the Light Tank Acquisition Project which awarded Elbit Systems with an order for 18 Sabrah Light Tanks, 10 Light Tanks on the Pandur II Wheeled Chassis, and 2 Command & Control Vehicles.
The Command & Control Variant is based on the ASCOD 2 IFV however since the Philippine Army had fitted their M113s with the UT25 unmanned turret, it was seen as more economical to replace the turret for the ASCOD 2 IFV with a UT25 turret similar to those fit prior to the M113s.
Its been reported though that the turret fitted on the ASCOD 2 C&C Vehicle is a newer variant which is a bit smaller in profile which also incorporates C2 electronics and communications which probably is Elbit’s Battle Management System and navigation system which is also in use with the Philippine Army.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Command & Control Vehicle |
| Weight | 30 tons load |
| Length | 7.6 metres |
| Width | 3.4 metres |
| Height | 3.67 metres |
| Engine | 720hp Diesel |
| Speed | 72 kmh maximum |
| Crew | 3 |
Armament:
- M242 Bushmaster Autocannon in Elbit Systems UT30 Mk.2 Unmanned Turret
- 7.62 Coaxial Machine Gun
- Advanced FCS
- Electrical Drive Stabilized System
- Smoke Grenade Launchers
Not Fitted:
- Integrated SPIKE-LR ATGM
- SPECTRO XR Thermal & Laser Target Designator Optics
Ammo:
- This is based on the M242 Bushmaster as its autocanon, so theoretically it should be able to perform comparably the same as the ones found in-game with the M3 Bradley & ADATS vehicles and use the same ammo. According to Elbit System’s own brochure the UT30 (and by extension the UT25) should be able to use Air Burst Ammunition, probably ATK’s 25 x 59mm LW25 Programmable Air Burst Munition with a range of up to 2000 meters. Do note however that it is probably unlikely that the C2 variant is armed with this ammunition considering its role.
M113 armed with a UT25 Mk.1 turret
MORE PHOTOS
SOURCES
Vehicle Specification & Overview
Spoiler
Light Tank Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army - Philippine Defense Resource
Philippines receives Sabrah command vehicle fitted with Elbit Systems UT-30 unmanned turret
https://militaryleak.com/2023/12/26/philippine-army-unveils-ascod-command-post-armored-vehicle/
Philippines formally inducts first batch of new ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, Guarani 6x6 APCs - Asia Pacific Defense Journal
ASCOD 2 Family of fighting Vehicles | All variants & Operators
Sabrah light tank - Wikipedia
Armament Sources
Spoiler
https://www.elbitsystems-uk.com/what-we-do/land/combat-vehicle-systems/weapon-stations-turrets/ut30mk2-and-mt30.pdf
Army Guide
https://future-forces-forum.org/review/491.pdf
https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2011/gunmissile/Thursday11790_Gloude.pdf
https://wiki.warthunder.com/M242_(25_mm)
https://elbitsystems.com/media/SPECTRO_XR_2023.pdf
M242 Bushmaster - Wikipedia