The new Turkish Kaya Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV), which has been developed as a private venture by Otokar, is being exhibited for the first time at IDEX and is aimed at the export markets.

Development of the Kaya MPV started three years ago and is now said to be complete, with production to commence as soon as orders are placed. During the design, mine blasts were simulated by special software and these were followed by tests on the actual vehicle that confirmed the design parameters.

Kaya MPV is based on a Mercedes-Benz U5000 (4x4) Unimog chassis, which has a high level of cross-country mobility and for which spare parts are available worldwide through a well-established dealer network. It has a gross vehicle weight of 12.5 tonnes.

While some MPVs have a one-piece hull design, the Kaya has two: one for the driver and commander behind the engine compartment, and the second for the troop compartment, which extends to the rear. The latter has firing ports, roof hatches, and the 10 troops can rapidly enter and leave the vehicle via one door in the rear. Bullet-proof windows are standard and the troop compartment has appliqué armour.

Although the first Kaya is in the troop carrying version, its design is flexible, which allows it to be easily adapted for a wide range of roles and missions such as ambulance and command post vehicle.

In addition to the baseline Kaya in the APC role, Otokar has also developed, to the prototype stage, a mine protected cargo carrier. This retains the fully protected two-person cab for the commander and driver, but to the rear is a flatbed unprotected cargo area, which can be fitted with drop sides and a tailgate.

Kaya is the latest in a long line of armoured vehicles designed, developed and manufactured by Otokar. They include the Cobra multirole armoured vehicle, as well as a range of lighter protected vehicles based on a Land Rover chassis, including the Akrep (Scorpion) light reconnaissance vehicle.

• Model: OM 924 LA

• Type: 4 cyl Turbo Int 4800 cc

• Power (hp): 218 hp @ 2200 rpm

• Torque: (Nm): 810 Nm @ 1200 - 1600 rpm

• Model: UG-100

• Type: tiptronic, electro pneumatic, 8 forward, 6 rear

• Front axle capacity: 5500 kg

• Rear axle capacity: 7100 kg

• Service brake: pneumatic hydraulic dual circuit disk brakes

• Parking brake + 4 wheel lock: spring brake system acting on the rear wheel brake discs

• Engine brake: 2-stage, actuated pneumaticaly by multiple function lever at the steering column with exhaust pipe

• Tyre: 365/80 R 20 XZL

• Wheel type: 11.0 x 20 SDC