Lacking the industry know-how to design and develop a multirole Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) from scratch, the Egyptian government contracted German defense player Thyssen Henschel for such a product during the 1980s. The result was the 4x4 wheeled TH390 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) which entered Egyptian Army service in 1986 as the "Fahd". Local production was then undertaken at the Kader Factory works to which manufacture has yielded nearly 2,000 of the type with sales to foreign parties as well. The Fahd continues in service today (2015) now across a variety of roles beyond its original APC offering that includes an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) form, a Command Vehicle (CV), and anti-riot platform with water cannon.
Production of the series began in 1985. Thyssen Henschel has since become Rheinmetall Landsysteme.
The Fahd 240 mark represents an upgraded Fahd version with increased armor protection and uprated engine and retains the standard operating crew of two with seating for ten. The Fahd 240-30 fits the complete two-man turret of the Soviet-era BMP-2 IFV and its 30mm autocannon, broadening the tactical usefulness of the vehicle - this weapon system also fires the AT-series of Soviet Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) that includes the "Spigot" and "Spandrel" missile lines.
The versatile Fahd vehicle has been further developed into other useful battlefield forms beyond its standard APC offering: mine-layer, ambulance, Command Vehicle (CV), anti-riot platform, and Repair and Recovery (RAR) system. The mine-layer model fits the "Nather-2" mine-dispensing system for anti-tank work and the ambulance carries a crew of three with room for four patients. The CV model incorporates a broadened communications suite and installs 3 x 7.62mm machine guns for local defense. The anti-riot vehicle fits a turreted water cannon and grenade launchers for non-lethal work. A "barricade busting" spade-type panel is also fitted to the front of the hull. The vehicle retains its ten-passenger seating capacity. The RAR variant sports a boom arm with 2-ton lifting crane as well as other special mission equipment.
Beyond its APC form, the Fahd can also serve in the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) role. The advanced Fahd 280 installs a turreted 12.7mm/7.62mm machine gun combination weapon arrangement. Its crew is three with the passenger-hauling capability retained. The Fahd 280-30 is an offshoot fitting a turreted 30mm 2A42 autocannon over the rear roof hull for light anti-armor work.
Most any Fahd version can install smoke grenade dischargers either along the hull or at the applicable turret installation.
To date (2015) Egypt remains the largest operator of its Fahd armored vehicle with some 1,400 in service across various marks. Kuwait operates several hundred followed by Algeria with at least 200 in circulation. Bangladesh has retained some 60 or so units. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oman, Sudan are also active users as far as is known. The Iraqi Army is a former operator of the Fahd, having given up their stock in 2003 following the U.S.-led invasion.
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INFANTRY SUPPORT
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.
19.7 ft (6 meters) Length
8.0 ft (2.45 meters) Width
7.4 ft (2.25 meters) Height
22,046 lb (10,000 kg) Weight
11.0 tons (Light-class) Tonnage
1 x Mercedes-Benz OM-366 LA liquid-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine developing 275 horsepower at 2,300 rpm. Drive System
62 mph (100 kph) Road Speed
435 miles (700 km) Road Range
Model Dependent:
Typically 1 to 3 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) as well as any personal weapons used by passengers. Model sporting 1 x 30mm autocannon with ATGM capability also developed. 12.7mm/7.62mm combination weapon system also seen. Smoke grenade dischargers also optional for all marks.
AMMUNITION
Dependent upon armament fitting.
Fahd 240 - Base Series Designation; variable armament.
Fahd ARV - Armored Recovery Vehicle; based on the Fahd 240 production mark.
Fahd MEDEVAC - Battlefield Ambulance
Fahd Minelayer - Mine-laying armored vehicle
Fahd Command - Command Vehicle
Fahd 280/BTM-208 - Fahd 240 vehicle fitted with French BTM-208 series turret; NBC protection as standard.
Fahd Anti-Riot - Anti-Riot Vehicle
Fah 280-30 - Infantry Fighting Vehicle; fitted with 2A42 series 30mm cannon in turret.
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