The new Enigma 8×8 armoured modular fighting vehicle (AMFV) is designed by Emirates Defense Technology (EDT) to meet the current and future combat needs of the armed forces.
A prototype of the Enigma 8×8 fitted with Russian BMP-3 turret was exhibited for the first time at IDEX 2015 International Defence Exhibition and Conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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The armoured vehicle will be engineered and manufactured at EDT’s manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. It can be deployed in both land-based and amphibious operations, and will offer superior mobility as well as high levels of protection.
EDT signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian state-owned company JSC Rosoboronexport and OJSC RPC UralVagonZavod at the IDEX 2015 exhibition, to supply heavy weapon systems for installation on the Enigma 8×8 combat vehicle.
Design and features
The Enigma 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle features a modular design and a V-shaped hull, which is of all-welded armour construction.
The vehicle is approximately 8.4m-long and 2.9m-wide, and has a combat weight of about 28,000kg. It houses a crew of three members including a driver, a commander and a gunner, while its spacious rear compartment accommodates up to eight troops.
A hydraulic ramp door fitted at the rear facilitates entry and egress for the troops. Situational awareness for the operators is provided through periscopes and standard electro-optical cameras mounted on the roof of the vehicle.
Armament of Enigma 8×8 AMFV
The modular roof design of the armoured vehicle allows for integration of a variety of weapon systems. The weaponry options include 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun, Uralvagonzavod’s 57mm AU-220M light automatic gun turret system, BAE Systems’ 155mm/39-calibre M777 lightweight howitzer, and Rheinmetall’s Oerlikon 35mm Sky-Ranger multi-mission mobile air defence system.
The combat vehicle can also be equipped with a BMP-3 turret, which consists of one 100mm 2A70 main gun launcher with automatic loader, one 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon with double-belt feeding, and a 7.62mm PKTM machine gun, while the turret is fitted with six smoke grenade launchers.
A fire-control system installed in the turret ensures effective engagement of ground and aerial targets in all lighting conditions. It has SOZH main sight for gunner, air defence sights for gunner and commander, TKN-AI vision device for commander, a ballistic computer, and an armament stabiliser.
Optional sighting systems aboard the BMP-3 turret include Vesna-K thermal imaging sight and Eagle Eye commander’s panoramic thermal imaging sight.
Protection features
Armouring solutions installed in the vehicle provide ballistic protection up to level IV A and mine protection up to level IV B. The vehicle’s all-welded hull offers enhanced crew survivability against improvised explosive devices and land mines.
The passenger and crew seats are designed with five-point seat belts for protecting the occupants from injury. The smoke grenade launchers provide additional protection for the troops. The vehicle can also be fitted with applique armour features for increased safety.
Enigma 8×8 armoured vehicle engine and performance
The Enigma 8×8 armoured vehicle is powered by an in-line six-cylinder Caterpillar C13 diesel engine, which has a rated capacity of 700hp. The vehicle is integrated with Timoney Technology’s suspension system, which enables safe driving through cross-country conditions. Its run-flat tires provide extended mobility.
The combat vehicle can reach speeds up to 120km/h and has a range of about 400km. When deployed in amphibious operations, the vehicle is driven by a pair of propeller systems mounted at the rear.
