Unveiled at the International Defence Industry Fair 2019 (IDEF 2019) was the first example of the Zaha Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV), which has been developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri under contract to Turkey’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) to meet the requirements of the Turkish Naval Forces Command (TNFC).
Unveiled at IDEF 2019 was the Zaha MAV, which FNSS has developed to meet the requirements of the Turkish Naval Forces Command (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen)
A total of 27 MAVs are to be supplied, comprising 23 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), 2 command post vehicles, and 2 armoured recovery vehicles.
The APC version will have a crew of 3 (commander, driver, and gunner) and can carry 21 dismounts who can rapidly be deployed via the rear power-operated ramp.
The Zaha MAV features a fully sealed hydrodynamic hull design with a self-righting capability and is powered while afloat by two water jets mounted either side at the rear, giving a maximum speed of up to 7 kts. These are run from a power take-off from the front-mounted powerpack, which consists of a diesel engine coupled to a fully automatic transmission giving a maximum land speed of up to 70 km/h.
The APC variant is fitted with a FNSS-developed remote-controlled turret armed with a stabilised .50 calibre M2 HB machine gun and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. The turret has a day/thermal sighting system to enable targets to be engaged under almost all weather conditions.
Standard equipment includes an NBC system, air conditioning system, a fire/explosion detection and suppression system, and the ability to lay smoke by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet in the side of the hull.
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