DTI AAPC Thailand local-made 8×8 Amphibious Armoured Personnel Vehicle has passed the required qualification tests at Royal Thai Marine Corps testing area. The AAPC is developed by Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) in collaboration with ST Kinetics from Singapore and Thai companies. 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. Production of the vehicle could start by the end of the decade or the early 2020s, although a production partner has yet to be identified.
The main feature of the AAPC is its capacity to be used for sea operations thanks to a fording kit mounted on each side of the hull and two propellers located on each side at the rear of the hull. In the water the vehicle can swan at a speed from 10 to 15 km/h. It can conduct amphibious missions up to Sea State 3. The AAPC fitted with a remotely operated weapon station armed with 30mm automatic cannon and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The AAPC provides ballistic and mine protection STANAG Level 2 against firing of small arms 7.62×39mm API BZ at 30 meters and 6kg of TNT explosion under each wheels.
The AAPC is motorized with a Caterpillar C9 coupled to an Allison automatic gearbox. The suspension of the vehicle is made by Timony Technology from Ireland which designs, develops and manufactures powertrains and independent suspension systems for heavy duty trucks and military vehicles. The layout of the AAPC is divided in three main compartments with the engine at the front, a remotely operated weapon station in the middle and the troops area at the rear which can accommodate 11 infantryman. It has a crew of three, driver , commander and gunner. The driver is provided with a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear fitted with three day periscopes. Immediately to the rear of the driver is another hatch for the commander.
