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World Premiere: Turkish Company Ashen Savunma Unveils Prototype M 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle at SAHA 2024.
At the SAHA 2024 defense exhibition, held in Istanbul, the Turkish company Ashen Savunma unveiled for the first time its prototype of an all-terrain tracked tactical vehicle, temporarily named the M 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle. This vehicle, developed over the past two years, was designed to meet the diverse needs of military operations in particularly demanding environments. It stands out for its exceptional performance on difficult terrains, its adaptability to various missions, and its modularity, allowing for customization based on the specific requirements of the battlefield.
Ashen Savunma Prototype M 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The M 571 model is powered by a 5.9-liter V8 engine, delivering 360 horsepower with a power-to-weight ratio of 80 hp/ton. This engine provides the vehicle with a combination of lightness and power, with an empty weight of 4,532 kg and an additional payload capacity of 3,000 kg. Thanks to its automatic transmission, the vehicle offers optimal maneuverability, which, combined with a torsion bar suspension system and coil springs, ensures maximum stability on varied terrains. The vehicle measures 520 cm in length, 268 cm in width, and 236 cm in height, and can accommodate up to six crew members, depending on the chosen configuration. Its electrical system operates on a 12-volt voltage, ensuring sufficient power for its onboard equipment.
The M 571 can reach a top speed of 90 km/h on roads and has a range of over 500 km, making it particularly suitable for long-duration missions. Designed for amphibious environments, it can navigate shallow waters with a maximum immersion depth of 162 cm without compromising the crew's safety. Additionally, the vehicle excels in crossing rough terrains, with the ability to climb 43% slopes, handle lateral slopes of 48%, traverse trenches 156 cm wide, and overcome vertical obstacles of 112 cm, while being able to clear obstacles up to 70 cm high without touching the chassis, a crucial feature for urban operations.
The company’s spokesperson, met at the exhibition by the Army Recognition editorial team, shared additional details about the prototype and Ashen Savunma’s future ambitions. The M 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle, presented by Ashen Savunma at SAHA 2024 in Istanbul, is designed to accommodate four people. According to the company, several other prototypes are currently in development to offer new configurations, including an APC (armored personnel carrier) version capable of transporting more than four passengers. At the same time, Ashen Savunma is working on developing a prototype with an electric engine, although the model on display is equipped with a 5.9-liter V8 engine, offering power suited to the most challenging terrains.
The M 571 integrates advanced technologies that enhance its operational capabilities. It is notably equipped with a 360-degree rotating thermal camera and a zoom camera, providing advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, it features a remote control unit, allowing operators to manage the vehicle from a distance of up to 5 km. To bolster its resilience against threats, the vehicle is protected against electromagnetic attacks, thanks to reinforced electronic components, and has a remote-controlled weapon platform that can be fitted with various weapon systems. The integration of virtual reality goggles and adaptive cameras further improves the crew’s situational awareness.
The vehicle is also designed to support a high degree of modularity. It can be equipped with numerous additional options, such as Aselsan's national SARP weapon platform with a 12.7 mm machine gun, modular composite or ceramic armor, or radar-absorbing paint for stealth operations. The model can also be fitted with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, a radar system for enhanced threat detection, and chemical and radiological detection systems. It is also possible to integrate drone support for reconnaissance missions or even kamikaze unmanned ground vehicles for explosive disposal.
Thanks to this modular design, the M 571 can be configured for a variety of military missions. It is perfectly suited for roles such as border surveillance, with its long-range detection capabilities, or advanced reconnaissance missions, thanks to its powerful cameras and weapon systems. Furthermore, it can be used as a mobile command vehicle, through its integration with satellite communication systems, or as a personnel transport or combat vehicle, thanks to its high payload capacity and armor options. It is also effective for detecting mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thanks to its advanced detection sensors, and can be configured as an armored ambulance for evacuating wounded personnel from combat zones.
Ashen Savunma is a Turkish company specializing in the development of advanced technological solutions for the defense sector. With its expertise in mechatronics, it stands out in the design of military vehicles, weapon systems, and electronic equipment intended to enhance the capabilities of armed forces.
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanics, electronics, computing, and automatic control to design and manufacture intelligent, automated systems. It aims to integrate these different disciplines to create products or systems capable of performing complex tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. For example, in the defense industry, mechatronics enables the development of military vehicles equipped with sensors, surveillance systems, and automated weapon platforms. These systems can collect real-time data, analyze situations, and act with high precision. The applications of mechatronics range from industrial robots to autonomous vehicles, drones, and medical assistance systems.
The 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle from Ashen Savunma can be compared to other tracked all-terrain vehicles used by armed forces for similar missions, such as the Swedish BvS 10 Viking or the Bronco by ST Kinetics, both known for their versatility and ability to operate on difficult terrains. Like these vehicles, the M 571 is designed for mobility in extreme conditions, with amphibious capabilities, high modularity, and adaptability to reconnaissance, troop transport, or surveillance missions. It stands out for its customization options and integration of advanced technologies, such as remote-controlled weapon systems and protection against electromagnetic attacks, making it a strong contender in the all-terrain tactical vehicle market. It will be interesting to follow future developments surrounding this new vehicle to see if it can position itself alongside other well-established models like the BvS 10 Viking and the Bronco.
Ashen Savunma Prototype M 571 All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)