Excalibur Army : Second life for the BMP-1

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Eurosatory 2014 news coverage report show daily pictures video International Exhibition of Land Defence & Security army military equipment Paris France industry technology
 
Eurosatory 2014
International Exhibition of Land Defence & Security

16 - 20 June 2014
Paris, France
 
Excalibur Army at Eurosatory 2014
 
 
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 01:16 PM
 
Excalibur Army : Second life for the BMP-1
One of this year’s Eurosatory attractions is the BMP-MEXCA, an upgrade of the legacy BMP-1 IFV, which brings the vehicle in NATO standards and capable of responding to the challenges of modern warfare.
     
One of this year’s Eurosatory attractions is the BMP-MEXCA, an upgrade of the legacy BMP-1 IFV, which brings the vehicle in NATO standards and capable of responding to the challenges of modern warfare.Excalibur Army new BMP-1
     

Bearing in mind that many countries with former Soviet equipment still operate these legacy systems, the solution could attract customers with tight budgets but with urgent needs, extending the operational life of the platform for another twenty years.

The BMP-MEXCA is being developed with and offered as a solution to the Slovakian Army, which has recently finished testing the vehicle, codenaming the project IFV Sakal.

What the IFV retains from its predecessor is the external appearance. The length is 7m., the width 3.2m, the height 2.9m. and the combat weight reaches the 19 tons. The crew is comprised of 3 people (driver, commander, gunner) and a transported infantry team of 6.

Having a new engine from Caterpillar, the ballistic protection is at STANAG 4569 Level 3, with inner ballistic backing, and the mine protection is at STANAG Level 2a (under the tracks) and Level 1 (under the bottom). Further to that, the company can install laser warning receivers coupled with BMS and smoke grenade launchers.

The survivability and comfort of the crew are complemented with the addition of ergonomic seats, a modern fire-fighting and explosion suppression system, both for the engine and the crew compartment, and independent heat and air conditioning of the team.

The IFV BMP-MEXCA is being offered by the company with two turrets. The first option is the TURRA 30, by the Slovakian EVPU, featuring a 30mm gun (CZ30, 2A42 or an Mk44 Bushmaster II, a coaxial 7.62mm machine-gun and antitank missiles. The second option is the Israeli SAMSON by Rafael, which includes an ATK Mk44 30mm gun or a 2A42 30mm gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine-gun and ATGM missiles.