The Zaha Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) is a new amphibious armoured vehicle developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, a defence vehicle manufacturer based in Turkey. The MAV is developed within the scope of the Presidency of Defence Industries project to meet the amphibious armoured vehicle needs of the Turkish Naval Forces Command. MAV exhibited at ?International Defense Industry Fair 2021 (IDEF 2021). The MAV’s design configuration enables the operators to launch the vehicle from landing platform docks (LPD) during amphibious assault missions. Turkey is expected to use its LPD Anadolu to deploy the MAVs.
FNSS will deliver a total of 27 vehicles, 23 of which are personnel carriers, 2 of which are command and control vehicles and 2 of which are rescue vehiclesThe first vehicle will be delivered within 2021 after completing the qualification tests. The project will be completed in 2022. During the past 2 years, many engineering tests and subsystem qualifications have been successfully completed with the prototype vehicle, such as durability, performance at sea, performance on land, self-righting, which are rehearsals of the qualification tests to be carried out with the Presidency of Defence Industries and Navy.
Designed to support dual operation based on their mission requirements, armoured amphibious assault vehicles need to ensure superior capabilities both at sea and on land. A unique hull design and powerful water jets make the MAV highly mobile in the water with a speed of 7 knots, as well as on land, at 70 km/h maximum speed. The MAV has higher ballistic and mine protection compared to its counterparts and is equipped with today’s most advanced mission equipments. The protection features of the MAV are further improved with the application of applique armour plates and cathodic protection.
The MAV gets stronger with CAKA Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) system is designed by FNSS. CAKA RCT, which stands out with its corrosion resistance and sealing at the highest level, can be used safely in all weather and sea conditions. Compared to similar manned turrets in service with US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Vehicles, FNSS CAKA RWS offers grater advantages with its; light weight, better protection for the gunner, target acquisition, reliability, accuracy and occupies less internal volume inside the vehicle. CAKA RWS is power operated and armed with 12.7mm MG (50 Cal) and 40mm AGL (Automatic Grenade Launcher).
