One of the regular IDEX participants, Turkish company Otokar participates in the 2021 edition in order to meet with its more than 55 end-users from all over the world. The Turkish manufacturer introduces its electric armored vehicle, Akrep IIe for the first time for its international markets.
Otokar Akrep II full electric powered 4x4 armored vehicle at IDEX 2021, International Land Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Serdar Görgüç, General Manager of Otokar, stated that being a regular vendor to both NATO and the United Nations, Otokar is continuously expanding its customer portfolio and serving wider range of customers over the world every year, due to its well-appreciated user-oriented approach. “Currently, around 33,000 Otokar vehicles are actively in service in more than 36 countries in the toughest climates and risky regions. We believe that the performances of our vehicles serving worldwide are the most important reference for our potential customers. We are at the forefront of the global defense industry with our know-how in land systems, engineering and R&D capabilities as well as our wide product range. As our main goal is to continuously strengthen our presence in the region, IDEX offers a great opportunity to meet our existing users as well as potential customers. We will leverage our know-how and experience to respond to the specific requirements of the region in the best possible way.”
Emphasizing Otokar's strong presence in Gulf region, Görgüç said: “GCC countries are particularly important for Otokar. Many different vehicle types of the wide Otokar military range are already serving successfully to the requirements of the region in different forces since the early 2000s. Through our local company Otokar Land Systems, which was established in 2016, we became much closer to our valued customers. Through our recent activities, in addition to our supplier and contractor role, Otokar highly enjoys being locally present in GCC.”
“In parallel to the successful activities of our joint venture company with EDGE of Abu Dhabi Government, Al Jasoor, Rabdan 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles are already in service of the UAE Armed Forces and, despite the pandemic, production and deliveries continue as initially planned.”
Otokar again offeres a wide product range to the international markets at IDEX 2021, highlighting its new generation electric powered 4x4 weapon carrier Akrep IIe attributing its legendary Akrep, used in the 1990s. The vehicles exhibited at Otokar stand at IDEX are as follows:
Akrep II
In addition to fully electric powered engine, Akrep II also appears in diesel and hybrid powerpack options. Akrep II combines the latest automotive technologies, high firepower and protection in a low silhouette. Having effective firepower under amour and high payload capacity, Akrep II comfortably carries turrets up to 90mm cannon.
Being smaller in size and lesser in weight highly contribute to the agility of low silhouette Akrep II. Steering capability on all–axles significantly increases the maneuverability of four-wheel drive Akrep II. Thanks to the independent suspension system and swift torque control, Akrep II can operate with equal ease on all challenging terrain conditions, no matter soft sand, deep mud, and snow. Akrep II can carry total of 3 crew members (driver, commander and gunner) at a maximum speed of 110 km/h.
Apart from being a perfect weapon carrier for all small, medium, and high calibers, Akrep II is an ideal solution for reconnaissance, scouting, surveillance, and air defense missions with quick reaction and silent mobility capabilities.
Like all other Otokar vehicles, the electronic system of Akrep II is also designed with an open system architecture where the electronic and human interface can be configured according to customer requirements.
Akrep IIe (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Akrep IIe - Electric powered armored vehicle
Akrep IIe is a technology demonstrator equipped with an innovative electric-based power and propulsion solution that consists of a highly efficient and powerful electric motor, advanced battery pack and smart power control algorithm. The electrical drive version of Akrep II, Akrep IIe, is a low silhouette and low acoustic platform with low thermal signature. The electric-based power and propulsion result in quicker start with instantaneous high torque for increased mobility. Due to the “Drive-by-Wire” system of electrically controlled steering, acceleration, and braking functions, Akrep IIe appears in the market as a technically feasible platform for being remotely controlled or driving assistance system applications including autonomous capabilities.
Akrep IIe can be equipped with alternative powerplants (electric, diesel and hybrid). The fully Electric variant of Akrep II, it is a technology demonstrator with a powerful electric motor integrated to the axle and advanced battery pack. With an electric power source at the heart of its design, AKREP IIe is extremely agile with increased mobility and swiftness. Capable of running at considerably low level of acoustic and thermal signature, Akrep IIe is suited to stealthy military operations.
IDEX 2021:
