KAPLAN FSRV
Combat Fire Support & Reconnaisence Vehicle
KAPLAN FSRV Overview
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, the need for adaptable, multi-role ground units has never been more crucial. The Combat Fire Support and Reconnaissance Vehicle (KAPLAN FSRV) emerges as a cutting-edge concept designed to meet the demands of both symmetric and asymmetric warfare, drawing inspiration from recent operational requirements.
The KAPLAN FSRV concept capitalizes on the latest advancements in military vehicle design and operational tactics. This unit is a testament to the innovation that defines modern NATO doctrine, which emphasizes interoperability, manoeuvrability, and a network-centric approach to combat operations.
Reconnaissance Excellence
The KAPLAN FSRV’s state-of-the-art commanders’ sight and sensors and high-speed all terrain mobility facilitate deep penetration into hostile territory, providing real-time intelligence crucial for strategic decision-making. Such capabilities align with an army emphasis on enhancing situational awareness and effective intelligence sharing across allied forces.
KAPLAN FSRV is equipped with day and thermal cameras, multi-functional digital driver dashboard, and wide-angle optical periscopes for the driver. It can also be equipped with displays and integrated 360-degree situational awareness cameras that provides both day and night vision for the crew. As a user option, the turret can also be equipped with tube-launched surveillance drones or a tethered drone to ensure forward reconnaissance, capable of operating the system while the vehicle is on the move.
To provide hunter-killer capability, a third-generation high performance sight system is also available for both the gunner and the commander. In addition, it has a Battlefield Management System (BMS) to provide high level of tactical situational awareness for the crew. Based on user requirements, electronic warfare (EW) systems can also be integrated to increase multispectral capabilities by preventing cyber-attacks and ensure operational systems remain secure in all times.
The vehicle features intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
Enhanced Fire Support
The vehicles formidable TEBER II Two- Man Turret features a conventional two-man configuration with the commander and the gunner positioned in the turret basket. The TEBER-II 30/40 TMT incorporates the latest technologies in turret drives, fire control, protection, and lethality. It can operate day and night under all weather conditions and battle environments thanks to its integrated sensors and other electronic systems.
Both the gunner and the commander are able to control all functions of the turret. Additionally, thanks to the manual backup system, the gunner can also aim the gun with its backup optical site and manually steering the turret in traverse and elevation and engage the targets.
The main armament consists of the Mk44 30 mm dual-feed automatic cannon with 300 ready-to-fire rounds; it has a maximum rate of fire of 200 rounds/ minute. Two types of ammunition can be loaded in the double ammunition box of the turret feed and ensure the neutralization of various kinds of targets.
Different types of ammunition can be used in the main armament, primarily high explosive, anti-armour or programmable airburst ammunition. In particular, programmable ammunition ensure that detected targets can be engaged in the most effective way.
SuperShot 40 mm (40x180 mm) ammunition can also be used in the turret as the 30 mm cannon can be easily converted by a simple replacement on the field to fire those 40 mm rounds. On the side of the gun, we find the 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun with, 1200 ready-to-fire rounds; Aligned with the main gun, positioned on top of the barrel, an external feed 12.7 mm MG, with 300 rounds is also available.
As user options the commanders’ independent sight can be replaced with a +85° high elevation and low depression “Overhead Remote-Controlled Weapon Station” (ORCWS) acts as the commander’s panoramic sight. This independent weapon system can rotate 360° continuously on the traverse axis while enables engaging targets independent form the turret’s position with 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm MG equipped. Its high elevation is used against threats on high grounds on urban environment (building, roofs, etc.) as well as encountering drones approaching from top angles.
Two each anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) are integrated to both sides of the turret. According to user requirements, modern Medium Range ATGM’s, such as “IR Homing Fire and Forget Anti-Tank Missiles” or “Laser Beam Rider Command to Line of Sight” (CLOS) guided missiles can be integrated on turret’s modular ATGM launcher. The two ATGM launchers can be operated separately, which gives the user the opportunity to elevate at different angles to fulfil requirements of most common ATGM missiles on the market.
Based on user requirements, ATGM launchers can be replaced with “Loitering Munitions”,
which can provide both ISR capabilities and lethality.
The gun turret drive system is electrical, with two-axis stabilisation ensuring high accuracy even when firing on the move. The turret can rotate seamlessly on the 360°, the elevation arc ranging from -10° to +45°, angular speed being over 60°/ second.
The TEBER-II 30/40 TMT features an advanced fire control capability thanks to its on-board fire control computer and the two-axis stabilised independent sighting system. It can generate a real time kinematic lead and super elevation solution with superior automatic target tracking capability based on the range.
Thanks to these features TEBER-II 30/40 TMT offers high first-round-hit probability for stationary/moving targets, which also ensures a more effective ammunition use. The dual-axis stabilised sight system includes a long-wave or mid-wave thermal imager, a day camera with wide and narrow fields of view and a laser range finder. The sight is also fitted with an automatic tracking system.
This combination ensures the KAPLAN FSRV to deliver substantial fire support, engaging multiple target types from enemy main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, gun emplacements and infantry by ensuring fire superiority in all domains
Mobility and Adaptability
Reflecting doctrines of rapid force projection, the KAPLAN FSRV is based on the KAPLAN MT medium tank platform currently in-service with the Indonesian Army. Its medium weight tracked armoured platform allows the unit to adapt swiftly to varying terrains and operational contexts, ensuring effective deployment in diverse environments including low infrastructure urban territories.
The platform is designed for optimum weight and mobility performance. The latest technology power pack of the vehicle is combined with advanced electronic controlled systems, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and a heavy-duty suspension. These features enable the vehicle to ensure reliable and continuous firepower during expeditionary missions on the battlefield in day and night operations. Moreover, KAPLAN FSRV’s advanced mobility system with reduced vibration, improves user ergonomics and extends life cycle of mission equipment’s.
In accordance with the conventional tank concept, the KAPLAN FSRV’s powerpack is positioned at the rear of the platform; this increases its mobility by enhancing high acceleration, especially on soft soil, sand and rough terrain. This design allows greater situational awareness for the driver to operate the vehicle with a wide angle of optical view and without the need to open its top hatch while driving the vehicle in cross country and urban environment.
The platform architecture also gives the main gun a significant depression angle. Other front engine vehicles, converted from personnel carriers or Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) cannot offer these capabilities to the user.
Integrated Protection Systems
KAPLAN FSRV’s design architecture provides a superior level of battlefield survivability, incorporating fully qualified ballistic and best-in-class mine protection systems. The vehicle offers ease of integration for add on modular armour and slat armour. These modular armour systems allowing users to customize their level and type of protection based on threat levels and mission requirements. Inspired by NATO’s commitment to force protection, “Laser Warning System” (LWS), “Gunshot Detection System” and “Active Protection System” can also be integrated as an option, based on user requirements.
KAPLAN FSRV’s interior design is highly focused on ergonomics and ensures an optimum crew comfort, which increases the overall performance of the crew during operational tasks. Since the vehicle is designed as a light and medium weight class tank platform, it offers a lower silhouette compared to all other armoured tracked vehicles converted from personnel carrier or AFV configurations. Two banks of nine each 40 mm grenade launchers (total 18) are mounted on both sides of the turret ensuring maximum coverage. These can be replaced by grenade launchers of other calibres according to user requirements.
Dedication to Combined-Arms Operations
The KAPLAN FSRV is engineered for seamless integration into combined-arms operations, a core tenet for operational strategy of NATO’s and its Allies. Through advanced communication networks and interoperable systems, the KAPLAN FSRV supports joint missions, enhancing coordination between armour, infantry, artillery and close air support, by ensuring a cohesive operational approach.
As future battlefields become increasingly unpredictable and multifaceted, the KAPLAN FSRV offers a robust solution to contemporary military challenges. By synthesizing the capabilities of advanced armoured vehicles with modern armies forward-thinking operational concepts, the KAPLAN FSRV not only enhances combat effectiveness but also sets a new standard for flexibility and responsiveness in military operations.
In conclusion, the KAPLAN Combat Fire Support and Reconnaissance Vehicle represents a paradigm shift in operational flexibility for armour, cavalry and mechanised infantry. As nations prepare for the complexities of future conflicts, the KAPLAN FSRV stands poised to redefine the boundaries of battlefield success, ensuring that allied forces remain at the forefront of global security initiatives.
Air Transportable with Strategic Operational Capability
KAPLAN FSRV is compliant to modern military logistics as being transportable on highways, railways and compatible with a fleet of strategic airlifters such as the A400M, C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, An-124 and Il-76. With this level of airlift compatibility, the KAPLAN FSRV is always at the vanguard, ready to establish dominance wherever the mission dictates.
