The SISU XA-180 series was developed primarily for international deployments, particularly escort, security, and surveillance roles. Experience from earlier overseas operations strongly influenced its design, resulting in a vehicle optimized for visibility, communication, and sustained field use. To support these tasks, it was equipped with additional lighting, air horns, loudspeakers, handheld searchlights, illuminated flag mounts, and rear-facing work lights. The vehicle also featured extensive electrical support, including 24-volt power outlets inside and outside the hull, internal 12-volt connections, and a water heater identical to that used in the Strf 90.
Only the PTGB 203A variant was armed. This version mounted the 20 mm Akan m/47D automatic cannon taken from the Pbv 302, while other XA-180 variants were unarmed or configured for specialist roles. The weapon was selected due to Swedish familiarity with the system and the availability of existing ammunition stocks, with alternative solutions rejected for technical, cost, or supply reasons. Weapon mounts were refurbished from Pbv 302 vehicles, modified in Sweden, and then shipped to Finland for installation. After delivery back to Sweden, the cannon itself was refitted.
The PTGB 203A used two primary types of 20 mm ammunition: the slsgr 71, a high-explosive tracer (HE-T) round for general-purpose use, and the slbrhpgr 95, a semi-armor-piercing high-explosive incendiary tracer round with a tungsten core for engagements against light armor and materiel. Vehicle self-protection was provided by twelve smoke grenade launchers, with six mounted on the hull and six integrated into the Pbv-derived turret.
Production of the XA-180 series took place in Tampere, Finland, by Patria Vehicles Oy, formerly SISU Defence, which produced the vehicle commonly known as the “PASI.” Although the SISU Group has since been privatized and shifted toward commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, Patria continues to cooperate with SISU, particularly in the supply of engines and axles. Later Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers—XA-188, XA-200, XA-202, and XA-203—now serve in similar roles with the armed forces of Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Ptgb 203A specifications
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- Weight:
– 18.5 - 23 ton- Length:
– 8.47 m- Width:
– 2.93 m- Height with Weapon station:
– 3.45 m- Armor:
– Ballistic protection against 14.5 mm AP- Crew:
– Commander, driver, gunner + 7 soldiersEngine
- Engine
– SISU 6 cyl diesel- Cylinder volume:
–7,4 dm3- Effect:
– 202 kW / 2100 r/min- Transmission:
– Allison automatic, 6+1 gears- Distribution gearbox:
– Katsa, 2 stages, manual- Max Speed:
– 95 km/h / 59.03 mphx6 smoke grenade launchers mounted on the chassis.
Ptgb 203A Armaments
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Armaments
“Akan m/47D (Pbv 302)”
- Calibre:
–20 x 110 mm Hispano Suiza- Fire-rate:
– 8 Rounds per minute
– Takes 30 round Magazines
Ammunition:
20mm Slbrhpgr 95
(Semi Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer shell)
- Round Type:
– Semi Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer shell (Multi-purpose)- Complete Round:
– 246 g- Projectile:
– 119.5 g- Incendiary Tip filler:
– Approx. 5.7 g Vitol- HEI Charge:
– Approx. 2.3 g Oktogen (HE) + Vitol (Incendiary)- Propellant:
– 33 g NC 1269- Muzzle Velocity:
– 905 to 910 m/s- Tracer:
– 3 to 3.5 s (effective up to ca 1000 m)
Pansarterrängbil 202/203 Recently Served in Afghanistan in part of UN Peace keeping operations
And other UN peacekeeping operations
And of course on Swedish home soil
- Yes.
- No.
Sources:
Official Swedish armed forces Website (2024-03-17)
Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (2024-03-17)
Ammunitionsregister för armén, 1960 (2024-03-17)
Swedish armed forces 22 Aug 2010 (2024-03-17)
Gotland Defence History (2024-03-17)