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SIBMAS AFSV-90 - Malaysia’s wheeled Light Tank
Hi and welcome to my 79th suggestion, which is about the Malaysian AFSV-90, hope you like it.
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
In the early 1970s, the South African Defence Force sought a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to quickly transport troops across vast southern African terrains, favoring wheels over tracks for logistical ease and reduced maintenance. This led to the development of the Springfield-Büssing Buffel prototype, which was later refined into the Ratel. Meanwhile, Belgian firm BN Constructions Ferroviaires et Metalliques began developing its own wheeled armoured vehicle, SIBMAS, designed for various roles including fire support and internal security. Both vehicles shared similarities, leading to speculation about their connection.
In 1979, Malaysia, amid communist insurgencies and regional conflicts, launched a military modernization program, PERISTA. The Malaysian Army, needing an IFV, evaluated multiple designs, including the SIBMAS. Despite initial confusion and delays in specifying requirements, the SIBMAS and the Condor were chosen for service in 1981, though the process was mired in controversy and allegations of favoritism. The Malaysian government ordered 186 SIBMAS vehicles, primarily configured as fire support units with 90mm guns. The SIBMAS order helped BN Constructions partially finance a new factory for production.
The SIBMAS AFSV-90 Overall
The SIBMAS AFSV-90 is equipped with a Cockerill Mk. III 90mm gun, housed in a CM-90 turret. It is supported by an OIP LRS-5 fire-control system and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, with the option of mounting another 7.62mm machine gun on the commander’s hatch. The ammunition for the 90mm is the same as for the Scorpion 90; HEAT-T, HE-T, HEP-T and smoke grenades.
The turret requires a crew of two - the commander/loader and a gunner - while the vehicle itself has a minimum crew of three, including the driver.
Weighing 16.5 tons, the AFSV-90 is powered by a MAN Diesel 2566 MK six-cylinder water-cooled engine, producing 320 hp. This gives the vehicle a power-to-weight ratio of around 20hp/t and allows it to reach a top speed of 100 km/h on land. The Malaysian variant are equipped with propellers, enabling a water speed of 11 km/h.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
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Sources:
Links
BNCFM SIBMAS 6x6 Wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV)
SIBMAS - Encyclopedie des Armes
SIBMAS
Army Guide
List of Suggestions of ASEAN region