MX-8 Armored Escort Vehicle

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MX-8 Armored Escort Vehicle
Mk1 prototype MX-8, during the terminal testing phase by the Research and Development Command, flanked by an FMC AIFV and an Alvis Scorpion light tank.
Type	Armoured vehicle
Place of origin	Philippines
Specifications
Weight	5.5 tons
Length	5.30 m
Width	1.90 m
Height	1.70 m
Crew	3
Primary armament	7.62 mm machine gun
Secondary armament	None
Engine	Mitsubishi 4-cyl turbocharged, intercooler diesel engine 153 hp
Power/weight	35.9 hp/metric ton
Operational range	500 km
Speed	120 km/h

The MX-8 Armored Escort Vehicle is an experimental vehicle currently in development by Philippine steelworks fabricator Steelcraft Industrial & Development Corporation, in concert with the Philippine Army, arising from a need by the latter for smaller, tougher armored vehicles that can fulfill an escort role that larger armored vehicles cannot, and considering the tight confines of the Philippine jungles, this was a pressing need. MX-8 stands for Military Experimental 8, following from a long list of prototype vehicles developed by Steelcraft during the latter half of the twentieth century. The Army has expressed significant interest in the project, helping to bankroll a few aspects of the prototypes, indicating intent to purchase a number units once the MX-8 has exited the development stage.

[edit] Development

The first prototype of the MX-8 was manufactured by Steelcraft in 2005 under the Philippine's Self Reliant Defense Posture Law. This is also the same company that manufactured the first Philippine-made armored personnel carrier, the 'Hari-Digma' and also its variant, the 'Kalakian'. The MX-8 is to fulfill a role that the larger V-150s and LAV-300s in service with the Armed Forces could not, and that was to provide small, armored and armed escorts through rebel-infested jungles. Though not officially used by Steelcraft, or the Army, "Barako" ("Wild boar" in the local language, Tagalog) is the nickname given to the vehicle by a number of members from the Philippines Defense Forces' Forum (PDFF). Designed to be low-cost, yet effectively durable for the price - protection is equivalent to that of a GKN Simba - a single unit costs roughly $150,000.

Currently, the MX-8 is in its second prototype form after the first went through testing at the Light Armored Division's Research and Development Command with significant changes done to the frame and power train after the RDC's testing and evaluation found several potential problems arising from the prototype's design. The second prototype gets rid of these hazards, and is currently awaiting to be transferred to the RDC for further testing and evaluation.

Mk1 prototype undergoing a 100 km/h brake test.

[edit] Engine

Taking into consideration about keeping costs low, yet making the MX-8 as reliable as possible, the designers incorporated an off-the-shelf engine and drivetrain from a Mitsubishi medium-duty truck, a 4-cylinder, 4.3 liter, turbocharged, intercooler engine giving the MX-8 some 150 horsepower. Running a 5-speed manual transmission, the MX-8 gets a 35.9:1 power-to-weight ratio that is transmitted to a live-axle, semi-elliptical rear and double wishbone, coil suspension up front for its four wheel drive platform. The MX-8 gets 100-120 km/h on paved roads, presumably less on unpaved roads, though statistics aren't quite clear as to what. It would be safe to assume that 60 km/h would be the top speed on cross country.

[edit] Armor

The MX-8's monocoque hull is made from quarter-inch rolled steel plating and is resistant to 7.62 mm AP rounds from the front, rear and sides at point-blank range. Glancing shots from .50 cal rounds will be deflected by the armor but will penetrate if shot head-on with an armor panel. Building a monocoque body around the drive train and engine ensures maximum body rigidity and eases manufacturing constraints while allowing the incorporation of a semi-V shaped hull and blow-away wheel wells as measures against anti-vehicle mines and IEDs.

A 1-meter fully-enclosed turret is situated on the top of the vehicle, allowing a variety of weapons configurations such as allowing the fitting of a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher or .50 cal heavy machine gun for fire-support roles. This enclosed turret can be replaced with an open turret ring mounting a simple heavy or general purpose machine gun and gunner shield.

A photo of the Mk2 MX-8 prototype showing changes done mainly to the body, most visible of which are the headlights moved from the top of the hood to a more conventional in-body style.

[edit] Armament

The armament is limited by the vehicle's carrying capacity, though quite similar to smaller armored vehicle standards, as well as what can dimensionally fit in the one-meter armored turret. The following may be the primary weapons outfitted on the MX-8, though not limited to, and still quite interchangeable depending on current needs and availability.

• 7.62 mm machine gun
• 40 mm automatic grenade launcher
• M2 .50 heavy machine gun
• Remote controlled turret

The Philippine Army has been experimenting with a number of HUMVEEs mounting an M134 vulcan in place of the ring-mounted machine gun, and this kind of set-up has a good chance of being put to use on the MX-8.

[edit] Variants

Rumored to be in the pipeline as soon as production officially starts, though nothing final has come from Steelcraft.

• TOW carrier
• SAM carrier
• Armored personnel carrier
• Amphibious assault vehicle

[edit] See also

• Philippine Army

[edit] Sources

• "Army developing prototype armored escort vehicle" thread at the www.timawa.net forum
• The Philippine Star newspaper article dated March 17, 2007 titled, "Army developing prototype armored escort vehicle" by James Mananghaya
• "On Scout Car/Escort Vehicle" page from the Philippine Army Light Armor Division website