7th November 2017 - 12:11 GMT | by Gordon
Arthur in Bangkok
Thai firm Chaiseri Metal and Rubber chose the venue of
Defense & Security 2017 in Bangkok to launch its First Win 2 4x4 vehicle
onto the international stage.
Later this month Chaiseri will deliver a first lot of
these enhanced vehicles to the Royal Thai Army (RTA). Deliveries of this order
will continue until the first quarter of 2018, although Kan Koolhiran, general
manager at Chaiseri, was not permitted to disclose the quantity.
However, Shephard understands that more
than 100 First
Win vehicles have been ordered or delivered to date.
Koolhiran explained the improvements made to the First
Win 2 compared to the first
generation of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles.
The most significant is an increase in armour protection.
Ballistic protection of the hull has moved from STANAG 4569 Level 1 to 2, while
mine blast protection offered by the V-shaped hull has moved from STANAG 4569
Level 2 to 3b.
This enhanced protection has been achieved without any
increase in its 11t weight thanks to the use of new imported armour steel. That
means there was no need for modifications to be made to the First Win 2’s
Cummins ISB 300hp engine coupled to an Allison 2500 automatic transmission.
Applique armour can be added to further increase hull protection.
A second major improvement on the First Win 2 is the
integration of a digital backbone into the vehicle. As well as a
command-and-control system, this backbone connects to an all-round thermal
camera system for the driver and commander (up to 16 cameras) and a laser
warning system connected to smoke grenade launchers.
Chaiseri is cooperating with Malaysian company KSSB on
this laser warning system. It is a requirement for Malaysian vehicles, but not
for Thai ones.
Development of the First Win 2 commenced two years ago
and it was completed in the second quarter of 2017. Evaluations included
ballistic trials.
The RTA uses both a troop carrier and command vehicle
fitted with up to four radios. The variants cannot be differentiated
externally, however.
As well as the RTA, the Thai Ministry of Justice’s
Department of Special Investigation uses the original series of First Wins.
Two years ago at Defense & Security 2015, Chaiseri
showed a left-hand-drive
version of the First Win being procured by the Philippines for
security at Clark Airport. Unfortunately for Chaiseri, this vehicle was never
delivered as the Philippines cancelled its order because of budgetary reasons.
However, international sales success for the First Win
was achieved in 2015, as a customised type is being built in conjunction with
DefTech as the AV4 for
the Malaysian Army.
Koolhiran said three weapon station options are available
for the First Win. One is a protected cupola fitted with a 5.56mm machine gun,
which is what the RTA preferred. Malaysia has opted for a Gatling gun fitted in
a roof-mounted turret, while a remote-controlled weapon station is a third
option available to customers.
Original post: shephardmedia.com
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First Win (AV4)/First Win II: Details
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