I'm sure this was posted here before.. just an update regarding this procurement.
Material Development: Additional 142 Armored Vehicles for the Mech Division
There will be an additional 142 Armored Vehicles for the Mech Infantry Division which is expected to arrive before the end of 2014.The last time the unit was able to receive such number of Armored Vehicles was in the 90’s when 150 units of Simba Fighting Vehicles (SFV) were delivered. With the transformation of the unit from a Light Armor Division to a Mechanized Infantry Division, the unit immediately recognized the problem of having additional Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to fill up the requirement of the current Mechanized Division TOE.
The 142 Armored Personnel Carriers will come in different configurations and divided in two batches. The first batch will consist of 114 units of M113 A2 sourced out through the US Excess Defense Article (EDA) and is expected to arrive before the year ends. The next batch will consist of 28 units of M113 A2, 14 of which will have a 76mm turret categorized as Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), another 10 units (4 units of 25mm and 6 units of 12.7mm) will be equipped with a Remote Control Weapons System (RWS) and another 4 units of Armored Recovery Vehicle.
Although bulk of the 75 billion Peso- budget for the modernization cup goes to the Navy and the Air Force, through the procurement of Fighter Jets and Navy Ships, Maj. Gen. Dolojan made sure that the Army will still get a chunk of the said budget by defending the need for the acquisition of additional armored vehicles. He likewise made sure that the vehicles to be procured will have a big impact in the battlefield. He had reservations in the initial plan to buy only a number of armored vehicles. “If we really want the Mechanized Divsion to be responsive and capable, we need more armor assets,” he reasoned out. He further argued that the vehicles to be procured must offer a big improvement in terms of capability with emphasis on the firepower department. This is the reason that a number of these units about to be acquired is armed with the Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS).
Remote Control Weapons System
The Remote Control Weapon Station, which is also commonly referred to as a Remote Weapon System, (RWS) is a remotely operated weapon system for light to medium caliber weapons which can be installed on ground combat vehicle or sea and air-based combat platforms. RCWS is currently used on modern armored vehicles, as it allows a gunner to remain in the relative protection of the vehicle. RCWS allows under-the-deck operation from any position (gunner and/or commander) without occupying space inside the vehicle. The weapon station also includes a high-performance day/night sight, a laser range finder and a thermal imager. A powerful on-board computer enables effective target acquisition as well as fire on the move capability.
A number of Armor officers are already excited about the arrival of these units since its a big leap in terms of weapon technology and can be a great advantage against the enemy . Lt. Col. Pacianito DZ Castillo GSC (CAV) PA, the current G3 of the unit shared “last month one of the gunners of our APC was hit by a sniper fire. If we have these RCWS at that time, it could have been different. He could have even spotted and neutralized the sniper using the thermal sights”.
“On an armored vehicle, the gunners are the most important force, but at the same time the mostvulnerable. Bringing the guy in the hatch inside has been the simple thought behind development of Remote Weapon Stations (RWS). It’s all about safety. Safety of the gunner equals less pressure and stress on this function during operations in hostile environment”, MAJ ROMMEL M PERENA, the Chief ACDO said
Link here w/ more info:
lightarmordivision.net.ph
Originally Posted by hulagway
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