Being shown for the first time at IDEX is a complete range of vehicles designed, developed and manufactured by the Armoured Vehicles & Heavy Equipment Factory, which is part of the Military Industries Corporation of Saudi Arabia. The latest two armoured vehicles at IDEX are the Al Shibl 1 and Al Shibl 2, both of which are in quantity production and in service with the Saudi Ministry of Defence and Aviation.
They are based on a proven Toyota Land Cruiser (4x4) cross-country chassis and are powered by a 221hp petrol engine coupled to a manual transmission, which gives a maximum speed of up to 120km/h on roads. The allwelded steel hull provides the occupants with protection from 7.62mm small arms fire, although higher levels of protection are available.
The three-crew Al Shibl 1 is typically used for the reconnaissance role, for which it is fitted with a roof-mounted protected weapon station armed with a 7.62mm or .50 machine gun (MG), or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and has a gross vehicle weight of about 3.6 tonnes.
Al Shibl 2 has a longer wheelbase and a GVW of 4.6 tonnes, and typically has a crew of two plus seven troops. The example shown at IDEX is fitted with a remote overhead weapon station armed with a .50 (12.7mm) MG. Standard equipment includes run-flat tyres and armoured glass, which provides the same level of protection as the hull.
The company has also undertaken a number of upgrade programmes for the home and export markets, which include repowering the French Panhard General Defense AML-60 and AML-90 armoured cars and the M3 APC. In addition, the company has produced a range of special vehicles based on a Toyota chassis, for multi-role missions and special tasks.
Specifications
- Armored hull, made from high hardness steel and designed to provide protection from all sides against 7.62 mm (Level 1 according to STANAG 4569)
- Armored glass fitted to the vehicle provides the same protection level
- Remote control weapon station for different machine guns
- Multi weapon ring mount (7.62mm, 12.7mm, 40mm grenade Launcher)
- Firing port in both sides & in the rear
- Wheels are fitted with run flat system
