FNSS Unveils The PARS ALPHA 8×8 New Generation Armored Fighting Vehicle At The World Defense Show 2024
FNSS Defense Systems, a joint venture of Turkish Nurol Holding and British-American company BAE Systems Inc., unveiled the PARS ALPHA 8×8 New Generation Armored Fighting Vehicle at the 2024 World Defense Show (WDS), held in Riyadh between February 4 and 8, 2024.
In his statement at the launch ceremony, FNSS CEO Nail Kurt stated that the new vehicle is the result of the company’s 20 years of experience in the field of armored vehicles and said: “the PARS ALPHA 8×8 is the embodiment of FNSS’s dedication to pioneering a future where the troops on the ground can secure a technological edge on the battlefield of both the present day and tomorrow. The PARS ALPHA 8×8 represents a leap forward in armoured vehicle technology. Our commitment to innovation and understanding of the modern combat environment has culminated in a platform that delivers unmatched tactical flexibility and combat performance. It is designed to empower armies around the world with superior armoured combat capabilities.”
PARS ALPHA 8×8 is the latest addition to the Pars wheeled armored vehicle family, consisting of the Pars 4X4, Pars İZCI 6×6, Pars III 6×6, Pars III 8×8, Pars IV 6×6, and Pars IV 8×8. In response to changing user needs and threats, the new vehicle has superior mobility, survivability, durability, firepower, situational awareness, and life support systems than previous models in the series.
According to data provided by FNSS, PARS ALPHA has a length of 7.8 meters, a width of 3.1 meters, and a height of 2.4 meters. The new generation vehicle, with a crew capacity of 12, provides STANAG 4569 (Level Classified) protection against mines, IEDs, artillery shrapnel, and ballistic threats that may be encountered on the battlefield. PARS ALPHA also enables the crew to survive and maintain combat effectiveness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats that may harm the environment, thanks to its CBRN system.
In terms of mobility, the PARS ALPHA is equipped with a powerful 711 HP diesel engine and a six-forward, one-reverse fully automatic transmission. With a notable power-to-weight ratio of over 21 horsepower per ton, the vehicle can reach a maximum cruising speed of 115km/h and has an operational range of more than 800 kilometers. Thanks to their all-wheel drive, height-adjustable independent suspension, an all-axle rotation system, and equal axle distribution, these vehicles can traverse 40% side slopes, 70% steep slopes, 2.4-meter ditches, and 0.80-meter vertical obstacles. The vehicle is also highly maneuverable in tight spaces, with a creep speed of less than 5km/h and a turning radius of less than 7.8 meters for precise maneuvers.
The FNSS design TEBER-II 30/40 Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) has been integrated into the PARS ALPHA 8×8 vehicle to provide firepower. The turret is fitted with a 30mm dual-feed automatic cannon. The 30mm cannon can be replaced with a 40mm barrel by simply changing the recoil spring and forward feeder. This turret also features an independent remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) that can be outfitted with a 7.62mm or 5.56mm machine gun. The vehicle can also be equipped with a variety of manned or remote-controlled turrets, including the TEBER-II 30/40 RCT, as well as 35 mm, 90 mm, 105 mm, and 120 mm weapon systems, 120 mm mortars, air defense systems, and anti-tank weapons.