FNSS is exhibiting Pars Alpha 8×8 at SAHA EXPO 2024
Turkey’s FNSS company is presenting its new Pars Alpha 8×8 armored vehicle at the SAHA EXPO 2024 exhibition. The Pars Alpha 8×8 armored vehicle was first displayed at the World Defense Exhibition in Riyadh in February 2024.
The Pars Alpha 8×8 is the latest iteration in FNSS’ Pars family, following the Pars IV 8×8, launched in 2021 at IDEX. Designed to meet the needs of mechanized infantry, the Pars Alpha 8×8 is engineered for superior mobility, survivability, and operational performance, integrating modern technologies to enhance situational awareness and crew protection. Equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension system that allows for height adjustments, the Pars Alpha 8×8 can cross trenches up to 2.4 meters wide, overcome obstacles of up to 0.8 meters, and wade through water at depths of 1.2 meters. Its all-axle steering system provides a turning radius of less than 7.8 meters, particularly useful in confined spaces, such as urban operations. The vehicle’s durability has been demonstrated through rigorous testing, covering over 5,000 kilometers of off-road and road driving. Its low failure rate and reduced logistical burden make it a reliable asset on the battlefield.
The Pars Alpha 8×8 meets STANAG 4569 standards for ballistic protection, mine resistance, and IED defense, though the exact protection levels remain classified. Similar to an increasing number of military vehicles, the placement of the power pack at the front enhances resistance to threats and maximizes crew safety. Additional protection is provided by systems such as an automatic fire suppression system, a CBRN protection system with positive pressure, and 12 smoke grenade launchers. Acoustic detection and optional active protection systems are also available. One key feature of the Pars Alpha is the integration of the TEBER-II 30/40 Remote Controlled Turret (RCTC), developed by FNSS. The turret features a 30mm dual-feed automatic cannon, upgradeable to a 40mm barrel by changing specific components. In addition to the main weapon, the turret includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and the capability to house two ready-to-fire anti-tank missiles, with a range exceeding 4 kilometers. The turret’s electric-driven, two-axis stabilization system enables engagement of multiple targets simultaneously, even while on the move.
FNSS has designed the vehicle to support various turret systems, including 35mm, 90mm, and 105mm guns, as well as air defense and anti-tank systems. This flexibility is supported by its spacious interior, which allows for multiple layout options, and its integrated situational awareness systems, which include 360-degree cameras and screens for both day and night vision. Powered by a 711-horsepower diesel engine, the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio exceeds 21 horsepower per ton, enabling the Pars Alpha 8×8 to achieve a maximum road speed of over 115 km/h and a range of over 800 kilometers. The fully automatic six-speed transmission and two-speed transfer box support both high-speed movement and low-speed operations, with a controlled speed of less than 5 km/h. The vehicle measures less than 7.8 meters in length, 3.1 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height in cruising mode, reducible to 2.2 meters for transport purposes.
The Pars Alpha 8×8 accommodates 12 personnel, including the driver, commander, gunner, and vehicle crew. The commander and driver are positioned side by side, benefiting from a 180°+ real-time field of view. The vehicle’s 360-degree situational awareness systems, which include day and night cameras, aim to minimize blind spots. Additionally, the FNSS Pars Alpha 8×8 includes standard mission equipment such as a battlefield management system, a driver vision system, and VHF/UHF communication systems. The vehicle complies with MIL STD 1275 and MIL STD 461 standards for mission equipment, and an auxiliary power unit (APU) is available as an option. The modular design allows for various configurations based on user requirements, including roles such as command posts, engineering vehicles, or platforms for larger caliber weapons and rocket launchers.