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Chaimite

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Alvis Saxon

Alvis Saxon

KEY RECOGNITION

FEATURES

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• Similar in appearance to Cadillac Gage (4x4) range with four large road wheels, single two-part hatch in each side of hull between wheels, nose angled inwards, glacis well sloped then almost vertical to horizontal hull top that extends to rear

• Hull rear angled inwards at an angle of about 45°, engine in left hull rear with additional entry hatch to right

• Top half of hull above wheel hatches slopes slightly inwards, rectangular vision blocks with firing ports beneath

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Chaimite APC (Portugal)

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: Configuration: Armament: Ammunition: Length: Width: Height: Ground clearance: Wheelbase: Weight, combat: Power-to-weight ratio: Engine:

Maximum road speed: Maximum water speed: Max\mumjoad_range:__ Fuel capacity: Fording: Vertical obstacle: Trench: Gradient: Side slope: Armour: Armour type: NBC system: Night vision equipment:

11 4x4 See text See text 5.606m 2.26m J2.26mJnjrrj^rJx3£)J^ 0.61m (hull) 2.667m _7r300kg__ _32hj)/tpnne Model M75 V-8 water-cooled petrol developing 210hp at 4,000rpm (or V-6 diesel) 110km/hr 9km/hr 1050km 300 lit Amphibious 0.9m

Not applicable 65%

40% 7.94mm (maximum) Steel None Optional

DEVELOPMENT

Chaimite range of 4x4s was designed by BRAVIA to meet requirements of the Portuguese armed forces, first prototype completed in 1966 and production commencing soon afterwards. In appearance Chaimite is very similar to the Cadillac Gage (now Textron Marine ft Land Systems) LAV- 150 and AV Technology Corporation Dragoon families of 4x4 vehicles. Both of these have their own entry in this section.

Crew number depends on mission but typically could be 11: commander, driver, gunner and eight fully equipped infantry. Chaimite is fully amphibious, propelled by its wheels. Standard equipment includes a front-mounted winch with capacity of 4,530kg, optional equipment includes night vision equipment.

VARIANTS

V-200 is basic vehicle normally fitted with a one-man MG turret, twin 7.62mm MG with 500 rounds of ready-use ammunition (250 per gun), 9,000 carried in reserve in hull, or turret with one 12.7mm and one 7.62mm MG. V-300 can be fitted with variety of 20mm turrets. V-400 can be fitted with 90mm turrets. V-500, command and communications vehicle. V-600, 81mm or 120mm mortar carrier. V-700, ATGW vehicle. V-800, unarmed ambulance. V-900, crash rescue vehicle. V-1000, riot control/internal security vehicle.

A 6x6 version, BRA VIA Mk II, was projected but as far as is known this never entered production or service.

BRAVIA has also stated that there is an 8x8 BRAVIA Mk III APC but this has never entered production or service. BRAVIA has also designed and built the Tigre Mk II (6x6) APC which is essentially a truck with an armoured body.

STATUS

Production as required. Known to be in service with Lebanon Libya (status uncertain), Peru, Philippines and Portugal.

MANUFACTURER

BRAVIA SARL, Lisbon, Portugal.

Top: Chaimite V-200 with twin 7.62mm MG turret

Right: Chaimite V-40O

Above right: Chaimite V-2OO with 12.7mm and 7.62mm MG turret

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