Turkish defense firm FNSS has tested a teaming concept between an unmanned M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The research based on different concepts related to unmanned vehicles and UAVs including Kamikaze drones is going on. The vehicles implemented with the Shadow Cavalry Project are expected to undertake important tasks including logistics services, surveillance, reconaissance and transportation services in risky terrains and mine clearing. Details of teaming including if the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier will be guided by the drone or vice-versa were not revealed.
FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Åž. is a Turkish joint venture company owned 51% by Nurol Holding of Turkey and 49% by BAE Systems Inc. with facilities located in Gölbaşı, Ankara, Turkey. Turkey acquired M113s and later copied the design and proceeded to produce clones or evolved models (post-M113A3-standard) in their own indigenous factories. The FNSS ACV-15 is based on the American M113A1 armored personnel carrier. FNSS developed the ACV-15 based on the AIFV to meet the Turkish Land Forces Command’s (TLFC’s) operational requirement.