Rabdan is a next-generation 8×8 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) being offered by AL JASOOR, a military vehicles manufacturer based in the UAE.
The company launched the Rabdan 6×6 next-generation amphibious, multi-wheel armoured vehicle at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in February 2021.
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The Rabdan 8×8 platform is available in multiple configurations including armoured personnel carrier (APC), infantry fighting vehicle, command and control vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, mortar carrier, recovery vehicle and ambulance.
Design and features of Rabdan 8×8 IFV
Built on the successful Armed Assault (ARMA) platform, the IFV is designed to meet the operational requirements of armed forces globally. The vehicle offers high mobility on both land and water. All the variants feature maximum commonality and interchangeability which reduce the logistic footprint for fleet operators.
The Rabdan 8×8 IFV has a length of 8m, width of 3.25m and height of 2.35m. The gross weight of the vehicle is up to 30,000kg, while the maximum seating capacity of the IFV is 11.
The vehicle will feature standard equipment including driver’s vision enhancement system, situational awareness system, automatic fire suppression system and central tyre inflation system. It can also be equipped with self-recovery winch, ramp door with emergency exit and a provision for command, control, communication, computer and intelligence (C4I) system.
Rabdan 6×6 amphibious armoured vehicle
The Rabdan 6×6 amphibious vehicle will meet the modern warfare requirements. It will have an open electronic architecture which can be integrated with C4I and other futuristic systems.
The IFV will serve both defence and military units in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond. It will offer superior driving stability on extreme off-road conditions and exceptional amphibious capability at combat weight.
Armament aboard Rabdan 8×8 IFV
The Rabdan 8×8 vehicle features an EOS R800 remote weapon system which offers advanced electro-optics applications, gimbals, and a range of weapon mounting options. R800 can mount a coaxially mounted machine gun, the Mk44S 30×173 mm cannon with dual ammunition feeds, and an anti-tank or air defence artillery missile package.
The weapon system has a traverse of 360° and can move at different angles from +55° to -30°. The IFV can be mounted with high-calibre turret-based weapon systems of up to 105mm calibre.
The high-energy laser weapon system aboard the vehicle employs an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor to identify and track multiple threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can rapidly and accurately engage hostile UAVs.
The laser weapon system will offer 360° coverage in a rugged package that can be scaled to meet challenging requirements of the mission.
Self-protection
The armoured vehicle is installed with different armour protection systems and can be hinged with modular add-on armour for high ballistic protection. It provides level-4 ballistic and mine protection in compliance with the international standards.
The IFV offers all-round protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while its belly and bottom hull between the wheels can withstand mine blasts. The vehicle also comes with a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection system.
Engine and mobility
The Rabdan IFV is powered by a six-cylinder water cooled diesel engine with a maximum power output of 600hp.
The power plant allows the vehicle to attain a maximum road speed of 105km/h and a maximum cruising range of 700km. It can travel at a speed of 9km/h when afloat.
The armoured vehicle offers a minimum ground clearance of 0.40m and can cross vertical obstacles and trenches of 0.7m and 2m respectively. It can negotiate slide slope of 30% and grades of 60%.
The vehicle also incorporates hydraulically assisted steering with steerable first and second axles. The mobility is further improved with the addition of pneumatic service brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and pneumatic release independent park brake.
Contractors involved
AL JASOOR partnered with EOS Defence Systems for the integration of R800 remote weapon system in February 2020.
Raytheon Emirates and Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) were selected to supply high-energy laser weapon system for the Rabdan 8×8 platform.
EARTH, a sister entity of AL JASOOR, is responsible for the integration of the advanced laser system.
