Bionix25IFV

Singapore Technologies Automotive Bionix 25 IFV (Singapore)

KEY RECOGNITION FEATURES

• Well sloped glacis plate with driver on left side leads up to horizontal hull top that extends to the rear. Large turret with pointed front and sloping sides in centre of hull. To rear of turret is roof hatch that opens to rear

• Vertical hull rear with ramp, hull sides vertical with each side having six road wheels with drive sprocket at front, idler at rear and return rollers

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: Armament:

Ammunition: Length hull: Width: Height: Ground clearance: Weight, combat: Weight, empty: Power-to-weiqht ratio: Ground pressure: Engine:

Maximum road speed: Maximum road range: Fuel capacity: Fording: Vertical obstacle: Trench: Gradient: Side slope: Armour: Armour type: NBC system: Night vision equipment:

3 + 7 1 x 25mm cannon, 1 x 7.62mm MG (co-axial), 1 x 7.62mm MG (antiaircraft), 2 x 3 smoke grenade launchers Classified 5.90m 2.70m 2.60m 0.475m 23,000kg 21,000kg 20 hp/tonne 0.76 kg/cm2 Detroit Diesel Model 6V-92TA diesel developing 475 hp 70km/h 415km 527litres 1m 0.60m 2.0m 60% 30% Classified Steel plus applique No Yes

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DEVELOPMENT

The Bionix 25 IFV (infantry fighting vehicle) was developed to meet the operational requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces by Singapore Technologies Authomotive. Following trials with prototypes and pre-production vehicles it was accepted for service and first production vehicles were completed in 1997.

The driver is seated towards the front of the hull on the left side with the engine compartment to his right, turret in the centre and troop compartment at the rear.

The power operated turret is armed with The Boeing Company stabilised 25mm M242 cannon with a 7.62machine gun being mounted co-axial. Turret traverse is 360 degrees with the gunner being provided with a day/thermal sight. A 7.62mm machine gun is mounted on the turret roof for air defence purposes.

The infantry enter and leave via a power operated ramp in the hull rear and a 7.62 mm machine gun can be mounted over the top of the troop compartment.

VARIANTS

In addition to the Bionix 25 one other variant is in service with Singapore, the Bionix 40/50. This is fitted with an locally developed one person cupola armed with a locally developed 40 mm grenade launcher and 12.7mm machine gun. This cupola is also fitted to some of the upgraded M113 series APCs used by Singapore. Other variants of the Bionix are under development including command post and repair/recovery.

STATUS

Production. In service with Singapore.

MANUFACTURER

Singapore Technologies Automotive

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