The latest testing of new version Amphibious Armored Personal Carrier (AAPC 8×8) for the mission of the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC). Reserch and Development by DTI, Thailand. Thai government has agreed in principle to purchase an initial five AAPC units once trials are concluded, although it is thought a requirement for more than 20 amphibious vehicles exists as the RTMC replaces its depleted fleets of US-made AAV-7A1s.
The DTI, a research and development (R&D) agency under the Thai Ministry of Defence (MOD), said on 6 November at the Defence & Security 2017 show in Bangkok that the AAPC prototype has been developed and produced in collaboration with local company Cho ThaveeThe new AAPC amphibious vehicle based on the 8×8 Black Widow Spider armored vehicle and the development project aims to research and develop a prototype of a wheeled armour vehicle for the mission of Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC).
Amphibious Armored Personal Carrier (AAPC) carries 11 infantry personnel in addition to the vehicle driver, gunner and commander. An advanced modular armour protection system, under NATO standard Level 2b (STANAG 4569), provides the vehicle with protection from bullets, guns and small arms fire. The amphibious vehicle is fitted with a remote control weapon system (RCWS). It is also armed with a 12.7mm gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The maximum speed and range of the AAPC vehicle are 110km/h and 600km respectively. Maximum speed in water is 15km/h.
