According to information published by the Panus Assembly Co., Ltd social media account on September 3, 2021, Thailand will acquire a new modified version of 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle for its Marine Corps. A significant change, as seen from the outside, is the addition of an actuated bow flap, which extends in length from the pre-installed, slide-up visor. Down (slide bow flap) single layer reinforced double-folded design. Panus began life as a builder of trailer bodies made out of timber. As well as being the market leader in its field within its domestic market of Thailand, Panus has also expanded its geographic presence in recent times as it pursues its goal of becoming a leading international provider of efficient transportation and logistics solutions.
Panus Assembly’s newest R600 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) prototype was certificated by the Armament Standard Committee of the Ministry of Defense of Thailand on 25 March 2021. The R600 prototype was tested for the first time at the vehicle testing ground of the Royal Thai Marine Corps at Royal Thai Army’s Vehicle Test Range in Kanchanaburi province on 28 August 2019. The R600 weighs 25 tons, is 8.4 meters long, 3.2 meters wide, 2.75 meters high. The ground clearance is 500 mm. The Cummins engine develops 600 hp and is coupled to an Allison 4500 6-speed automatic transmission. The power to ratio rate is 24hp/t. The operating range is 800 km. The 8-wheel steering vehicle can drive either in 8×4 or 8×8.
Plus R600 is designed to be multi-role combat that can be adapted to meet the individual requirements of the army, navy, and air force. The 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle can accommodate 2 crew members and 20 people. The protection level is Stanag 4569 LV.2, or Lv.3 in option. The 30mm turret is manufactured by the Turkish company ASELSAN. The hull is made in China. The R600 is also amphibious, with rear-mounted twin waterjets driving it in the water at speeds of p to 14km/h. It can overcome a 60cm vertical obstacle, a 40% slope, and a 60% grade ramp. The top speed on-road is 110 km/h, 14 km/h on water. The R600 8×8 is sold at a unit price of 60 million baht (USD 1,969,800).
