The Turkish defense manufacturer FNSS Savunma Sistemleri has released its new video showing its newest 30-ton amphibious armored personnel carrier in action. The ZAHA Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) is the latest technology amphibious vehicle designed by FNSS to meet amphibious operational requirements. During the beach landing phase of an amphibious operation, these vehicles are launched from landing helicopter docks (LHD) and are able to rapidly cover the distance between the vessel and the shore, allowing marine units to land under armour protection. Designed to support dual operations based on their mission requirements, armoured amphibious assault vehicles need to ensure superior capabilities both at sea and on land.
The Zaha is equipped with a diesel engine to power pack mounted on the forward hull. If required the ZAHA can move on the water by spinning its tracks, though at a significantly reduced speed. This amphibious APC is powered by a diesel engine, developing around 500 hp. The engine compartment is located at the front. The engine is mated to an automatic transmission. Propulsion on the water is provided by 2 waterjets located at the rear. The maximum speed on water is 13 km/h. The engine drives a fully-automatic transmission system. In amphibious mode, the vehicle is propelled by two rear-mounted water jets. 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 gets stronger with CAKA Dual Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) system is designed by FNSS. The base platform of the amphibious vehicle will have a crew of 3 (commander, driver, and gunner) and can carry 21 dismounts who can rapidly be deployed via the rear power-operated ramp. The 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).
The ZAHA was developed by FNSS to meet the requirement of the Turkish Navy. Turkey is one of only a small number of countries to have the capacity and infrastructure to produce this type of combat vehicle. 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.
