The Akrep light reconnaissance vehicle was developed by Otokar Otobus Karoseri Sanayi AS with the first prototypes being completed in May 1993 and the first production vehicles in June 1994. In addition to being used in the light reconnaissance role other suggested missions include escort, perimeter control, counter-insurgency and light attack. The vehicle builds on Otokar's extensive experience in the manufacture of light vehicles for both the civilian and military markets

Description

The Akrep has an all-welded steel hull with some 70% of the automotive components being from the well-known Land Rover Defender 90/110 (4 x 4) vehicle. The monocoque steel armour hull provides protection from small arms fire up to 7.62 mm ball ammunition fired at 90° incidence and point-blank range, and shell splinters. All windows and vision blocks are of laminated construction armoured glass with a polycarbonate anti-spall liner. The layout is conventional, with the engine at the front, driver and commander in the centre with the machine gun installation being mounted on the roof towards the rear with the gunner seated below. To the front of the commander and driver is a bulletproof window and in each side is a door with a bulletproof window in the upper part and a firing port below. There is also a firing port and an associated vision device in either side of the hull and a large door in the hull rear that opens to the left. This is provided with a firing port and a vision block above. In the roof of the vehicle, towards the rear, is an oblong roof hatch that opens to the rear. The machine gun mount fitted on the roof is normally armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun which can be aimed and fired from within the vehicle.

The mount can be traversed 180° left and right and the 7.62 mm machine gun can be elevated from -20 to +70°. In addition to the 230 rounds of ready use ammunition, an additional 3,000 rounds are carried inside the vehicle. Firing is electrical with safety locking and braking together with a mechanical back-up. A last round indicator is also provided. The day sight has a wide field of view (22°) with x1 magnification including a collimated aiming circle, and a narrow field of view (8°) with x8 magnification and a ballistic graticule. The night sight has a wide field of view (22°) with x1 magnification and a collimated aiming circle and a narrow field of view (7°) with x7 magnification and a 25 mm image intensifier tube and a ballistic graticule. Standard equipment includes an air conditioning system, a heater and demister, seat belts, two-speed windscreen wipers with wash facility, rifle clips, an infrared driving headlamp, a blackout lighting system, a smoke extraction fan mounted on the roof, a battery master switch, antenna mounting provision, special insulation for roof and body interior from thick polyurethane for thermal and noise insulation, front and rear recovery hooks, a first aid kit, stowage for extra gun barrel and a weapon cleaning kit, a toolkit, an explosion suppressed fuel tank and Hutchinson run-flat tyres. Optional equipment includes a front-mounted electrical winch with 25 m of cable with a capacity of 3,600 kg, 66 mm smoke grenade launchers, a pioneer kit including axe, shovel and pickaxe, a communication system, a land navigation system and 24 V suppressed vehicle electrics

Mobility

Akrep is light in weight, fast moving and extremely maneuverable. Its high Power/Weight ratio and long travel suspension ensure mobility not only in urban conditions but also over all types of terrain in all weather conditions. With its compact dimensions and low weight, Akrep has capability of high mobility in even very narrow streets.

Reliability

Akrep's rugged design, using well proven off-road vehicle components available worldwide and its ease of maintenance ensure an enviable level of reliability.

Survivability

Akrep's low profile, ballistic hull design and special armor protection and renowned agility are all designed to maximize its ability to survive in high treat environments. Each armor plate is laboratory tested and certified. Each panel is stamped prior to production and fully traceable.

Logistics

All mechanical parts of Akrep are of proven , commercially off the shelf components which maintains easy logistic support. These parts are well proven for their reliability, availability and low maintenance requirements. All systems can rapidly be controlled and maintained.

Users

- 970 - 1,260 - 30 - 573

External links

• Photo of Iraqi Army Akreps