The Saur 2

The Saur-2 armored personnel carrier was developed by ROMARM of Romania as a private venture. It was aimed to meet a possible requirement of the Romanian Army. ROMARM has considerable experience developing and producing wheeled armored vehicles. The Saur-2 was first publicly revealed in 2008. The Saur-2 is an improved version of the previous Saur-1, which was not selected for production. A Swiss Piranha IIIC was selected instead. In 2013 it was announced that Romanian Army might purchase a total of 50 Saur-2 armored personnel carriers.

The Saur 2 follows the line of Romanian 8x8 APCs. It is fitted with new engine and has improved interior, as well as improved protection against mines and some other improvements. The previous Romanian APCs were essentially cloned from or at least inspired by Russian designs. However the latest Saur 2 shows Western influence in it's design.

This APC has a welded steel armor hull. It provides all-round protection against 7.62x39 mm armor-piercing rounds. Add-on armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. Front arc of this vehicle with maximum level of protection withstands 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. The Saur-2 also has some degree of protection against landmines and IED blasts. It withstands blasts equivalent to about 6 kg of TNT anywhere under the hull. This APC is fited with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

The Saur-2 can be armed with various turrets or remotely controlled weapon stations with up to 30-mm caliber weapons. One of the prototypes was fitted with Oerlikon 25-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

This armored personnel carrier accommodates a total of 11 troops, including the crew. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear ramp. In case of emergence occupants leave the vehicle via roof hatches. There are some firing ports provided for the troops in order to fire their individual weapons.

The Saur 2 armored personnel carrier is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 360 hp. Engine meets EURO III emission requirements. It is mated to an automatic gearbox. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which improved mobility over difficult terrain. This APCI is also fitted with a self-recovery winch. The Saur-2 is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.


Source: militarytoday.com

credit : war machines