- Yes
- No
Development
The Singaporean Terrex s5 Trooper is a variant of a new and highly modular family in the well-known Terrex ICV lineage. While the needs of the Singaporean Army were undoubtedly kept in mind in its development, it seeks to be an ultra-competitive option in the export market as many nations seek to replace their aging vehicles as global tensions rise.
The Terrex s5 has a number of remarkable features that will enable it to be a lethal decisive factor in conflict, so long as it is played to its five strengths: Smartness, Superiority, Sustainability, Survivability, and Serviceability. These capabilities, encapsulated in its designation “s5”, are symbolic of its advancements over the previous Terrex 3. Most notable of this evolution is its use of advanced digital technologies. For example, by using a 360° view prismatic camera system and advanced image processing empowered by AI, the Terrex s5 projects a stereoscopic view of the surrounding environment to its crew via large color displays. Furthermore, it can also display a bird’s eye view by using a drone housed on the roof of the vehicle.
These features, whilst not immediately relevant to War Thunder, point to the incredible digital and technological capabilities of the Terrex s5 family, demonstrating Singapore’s new prowess in designing advanced military vehicles. A great number of other digital capabilities, such as obstacle detection and low-light image processing, can be seen in this video.
Capabilities
Such extraordinary capabilities require ample amounts of power. This is provided by high-capacity, 12 kWh lithium-ion batteries coupled with a 910 amp alternator. This considerable electric power is governed by a “smart power management system” ensuring its proper distribution and prioritization. It is also coupled with a turbo diesel engine generating 711 hp. This engine gives an impressive maximum speed of 120 kph on roads and a cruising range of 1000 km. However, even more interesting-especially in its implications for War Thunder-is its ability to turn off its engine and enter a “Silent Mode” thanks to its hybrid electric drive. While it likely won’t be as fast as with the engine on, it nonetheless has the potential to operate completely silently throughout the entirety of a match, as Silent Mode has an effective running radius of 50 km.
The chassis offers considerable protection and is noticeably improved in its mine protection over the previous Terrex 3. It fulfills the requirements for STANAG 4569 Level 4 protection and can be further upgraded. As a highly modular design, it is capable of accepting anti-drone sensors and active protection systems. The Terrex s5 also features automatic range detection of objects around the vehicle, crucial in maintaining an edge in situational awareness. The vehicle also seems to have MAW and Laser Warning systems (note the black boxes below), but I have not yet found a source for this. Lastly, the chassis is fitted with independent suspension for each of the eight wheels, with the potential to be upgraded to active suspension, as well as feature run-flat tires.
Finally, the Terrex s5 Trooper variant is armed with ST Engineering’s very own ADDER Remote Weapon Station 30. As stated by ST Engineering, it is a “low-profile and lightweight unmanned turreted weapon station designed to deliver firepower with accuracy”. The ADDER RWS 30 is armed with, as you may have guessed, a 30 mm chain gun, the Mk44S Bushmaster. It can fire APFSDS-T, High Explosive Incendiary (HEI), and Northrop Grumman’s MK310 Programmable Air Burst Munition-Tracer (PABM-T) munitions, within a capacity of 250 rounds. The ADDER turret also features a 7.62 coax with 500 rounds. Furthermore, it can also be fitted with ATGMs, most likely Spikes. The turret can also be upgraded to STANAG Level 4 protection and is fitted with automatic detection and target tracking.
In War Thunder
The Terrex s5 Trooper would offer compelling and varied gameplay as a subtree addition to Japan, pairing perfectly with the Type 16 MCV. Japan currently lacks competitive options at the 10.0 BR bracket, with the Type 87 RCV and Type 89 being somewhat obsolescent, especially as they are both an entire bracket lower (9.0 BR). The former lacks more modern optics, especially a stabilizer, with the Type 89 featuring somewhat middling ATGMs and 2nd generation thermals. The Terrex s5 Trooper, with its powerful armament, performance, and technology, especially its Silent Watch mode, would be a powerful contender for Japan. I look forward to seeing the Terrex s5 Trooper, as well as the other variants of the Terrex s5 family, come to Japan.
- 9.7
- 10.0
- 10.3
- I don’t want it
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
Terrex s5 Trooper Specifications
- Armament: 30 mm Mk44S Bushmaster, 250 rounds
- Secondary Armament: 7.62×51mm NATO Coaxial MG, 500 rounds; eight smoke launchers
- Turret Movement: -20° to 60°
- Armor:
- Turret: STANAG Level 4
- Chassis: 360° STANAG Level 4 Protection
- Dimensions: 8.3 m length, 3.0 m width, 2.7 m height (without weapons)
- Weight: 37 metric tonnes
- Crew: : 2+10 fully-equipped troops
- Maximum Speed: 120 kph on roads
- Engine: Turbo Diesel with hybrid electric drive, 711 hp
Pictures and Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZldk18OY7M
The above image is the box for a drone.
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZldk18OY7M
- Singapore Airshow - ST Engineering unveils its Terrex s5, the next gen Singaporean 8x8 - EDR Magazine
- Singapore Airshow - ST Engineering unveils hybrid IFV - Australian Defence Magazine
- ST Engineering Eyeing Global IFV Market with New Terrex s5 - Asian Military Review
- Singapore’s new combat vehicle ready for production (defence-blog.com)
- New Terrex IFV Launched By ST Engineering – Asian Defence Journal (adj.com.my)
- Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) | Secret Projects Forum