Another interesting upgrade and retrofit of the USSR/Russian BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the Å akal – BMP-M2 SKCZ. A joint team of Czech society EXCALIBUR ARMY and Slovak companies VOP TrenÄÃn and EVPÚ introduced this project modernized BMP at IDET 2013. This armored vehicle is also referred as the Shakal (jackal). It was first publicly revealed in 2013. It is an upgrade of the BVP-2 IFV, which is a license-produced version of the Soviet BMP-2. The modernized tracked infantry fighting vehicle SAKAL is applied for ensuring armament and meeting tasks of mechanized units equipped with original vehicles BMP-2. The scope of modernization ensures keeping the requirements at high level of combat preparedness of these units, assures their capability in compliance with NATO standards while operating embattled and gives response to current trends of requirements for combat tracked vehicles.
The Sakal is fitted with new weapon station. The old turret of BVP-2 is replaced by the remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) TURRA 30. The turret is armed with one 30 mm cannon, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, anti-tank guided missile system and smoke grenade launchers covering area of 120°. Two launchers for anti-tank guided missile Konkurs are mounted to the left side of the turret. The main gun is fully stabilized and can fire accurately while driving. Modern sights allow detecting targets and aiming in day or night. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are electrically powered, with traverse through 360º and from -10° to + 75° in elevation which allows to engage such threats as light and medium armoured vehicles, centres of fire, personnel and low-flying targets. All weapons can be operated both by commander or gunner.
Interior is lined with a spall liner. All round protection is against 7.62×51 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on armor kit for a higher level of protection. Slat armor can be fitted for protection against RPG rounds. New seats offer improved protection again mine blasts. The BVP-M2 withstands blasts equivalent to 6 kg of TNT under any wheel. Vehicle is also fitted with automatic fire extinguishing system in engine, crew and troop compartments. The BVP-M2 SKCZ has a redesigned interior with roomier troop compartment. This Czech IFV accommodates 6 or 7 dismounts plus the crew of three. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors or roof hatches.
