Al Qaswa
Armored logistics vehicle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Al-Qaswa (Arabic: ٱلْقَصْوَاء) is a tracked logistics vehicle developed by Pakistan's Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). It is based on the M113 APC and can carry 6 tones of military supplies. [4][5][6]
| Al-Qaswa | |
|---|---|
| Type | Armored logistics vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Pakistan |
| Service history | |
| Used by |  Pakistan Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Heavy Industries Taxila |
| Designed | 2002 |
| Manufacturer | APC Factory [1] |
| Developed from | M113P |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8,500 kg (18,700 lb) (Curb weight) 14,500 kg (32,000 lb) (Combat weight) |
| Length | 5.6 m (220 in) |
| Width | 2.54 m (100 in) |
| Height | 2.6 m (100 in) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver & Commander) |
| Armor | 5083 aluminium alloy |
Secondary armament | 1x12.7mm M2 Browning or DShK Heavy Machine Gun |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 6V53T 265 HP @ 2800 r.p.m. |
| Drive | Tracked |
| Transmission | 3-speed auto |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Maximum speed | 35 km/h (22 mph) (level land) |
Steering system | Deferential or pivot brake |
| References | [2][3] |
Etymology
The vehicle is named after the Prophet Muhammad's beloved Arabian camel.[7]
Overview
The first prototype of the Al Qaswa was completed in 2002. Designed for logistics roles, the vehicle can carry 6 tones of military supplies in its cargo compartment across all types of cross-country terrain especially in Pakistan's multi-terrain region. [8][9]
The vehicle is based on the chassis of the popular American M113 APC but instead of the normal five road wheels, the Al-qaswa has six on each side which gives the vehicle greater weight distribution and payload capacity. Furthermore, the cargo compartment can be adapted for different combat scenarios such as a weapons station for mortars, missile launchers, radars, Tactical Command Vehicle (TCV), MEDEVAC, maintenance vehicle etc. [4][9]