The PARS III 8X8 SPM (ZHA, Zırhlı Havan Aracı) variant is a Self Propelled Mortar (SPM) configuration to provide indirect fire support. The vehicle can be armed with a 81 or 120mm mortar and a self-defense 7.62 or 12.7mm MG. It has a capacity of carrying 4 personnel including the driver, commander and 2 mortar crew. The PARS III is an improved version of the original PARS 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle developed, designed and manufactured by the Turkish Company FNSS. The vehicle has a modular design uses a modular design offering the possibility to configure the vehicle for a full range of missions and in different types of configuration.
The PARS III 8X8 all-axle steering system gives the vehicle the lowest turning radius in its class at 8 m. The ability of gradual decreasing of steer by wire of rear axles and locking over certain speeds, together with the ABS system and the retarder contributes to enhanced driving safety. The fully independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which gives the vehicle the highest wheel travel of its class, and ensures the best road grip under different road conditions. The two-man driver’s cab at front of the vehicle offers a 180° horizontal field of vision and a high level of driving safety and comfort. Large glass periscopes, and front driving and maneuver cameras with thermal cameras located at the front and rear of the vehicle provide the driver and commander with a wider field of vision.
The PARS III 8X8 can be transported by military transport aircraft as A400, C17 & C5, sea, train or land. The PARS III 8X8 combat weight is 30,000 kg and is powered by a diesel engine. The powerpack consists of a water cooled diesel engine, coupled with a fully automatic transmission which generates a maximum road speed of up to 100 km/h. PARS III 8X8 is capable of maneuvering on a 60% vertical and 30% horizontal gradient, climbing 70 cm-high obstacles and crossing 200 cm-wide trenches. The PARS III 8X8 all-axle steering system gives the vehicle the lowest turning radius in its class at 8 m. The modular connection of the vehicle subsystems to the mine-resistant hull ensures ease of maintenance and replacement.
In November 2017, the Oman National TV has announced the delivery of first PARS III to the Omani armed forces. Under a contract signed in November 2015, the Turkish Company FNSS has planned to deliver 172 armoured vehicles PARS III 6×6 and 8×8 chassis in 13 variants until 2020 to armed forces of Oman. After three years of trials (the 8×8 PARS was put through in-country trials in Oman from the summer of 2012) and a test and evaluation period in the second half of 2015, FNSS was awarded a contract by the Omani MoD on 20 September 2015, valued at approx. U$500 million, for design, development, manufacture, certification to both customer and international standards and delivery for a total of 172 PARS III WAV in 13 variants (145 in 8×8 configuration and 27 in 6×6). Delivery is scheduled for completion by 2020.
