EDEX 2018: New Hanwha Biho II 2 mobile air defense system based on 8x8 armored.

At EDEX 2018, the first Egypt Defense Exhibition, South Korean Company Hanwha unveils a scale model of its new BiHo II mobile air defense system based on the 8x8 wheeled chassis of the Tigon armored vehicle. The vehicle is a new concept of air defense vehicle compared to the previous version of the Biho using a single 30 or 40mm automatic cannon able to fire airburst ammunition.

Scale model of the new Hanwha Biho II at EDEX 2018, first Egypt Defense Exhibition that was held in Cairo in December 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Biho II is based on the 8x8 wheeled chassis of the Tigon armored vehicle that was unveiled during the Defense Exhibition DX Korea in September 2018. The hull of the vehicle is of all-welded steel armor but can be fitted with applique armor to improve protection against ballistic and mine threats.

The Biho II vehicle is powered by a newly powerpack developed by the Company Caterpillar including a turbocharged and intercooled 6-cylinder inline diesel developing 525 hp. coupled to a 4500SP electronically controlled automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse gears from Allison.

The BiHo II is fitted with an unmanned turret that can be armed with one 30 or 40mm cannon able to fire airburst ammunition, a new type of tactical anti-personnel explosive ammunition that detonates in midair, causing air burst effect fragment damage to an enemy. The vehicle has a crew of three including driver, commander and gunner.

In addition to the main armament, the Biho II can be armed with surface-to-air missile launchers that can be mounted to the roof side of the turret.

The turret of the Biho II is fitted with on-board small target radar mounted to the right side of the turret which has a maximum range of 15 km and a surveillance radar mounted on the roof of the turret which has a maximum range of 35 km. It has a maximum tracking range of 7 km for fighter aircraft and 3 km for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Systems).

According to a video released on the Hanwha booth at EDEX 2018, the new unmanned air defense turret can be also fitted to the chassis of the new tracked armored vehicle AS21 Redback.

The unmanned turret of the Hanwha Biho II can be also mounted on the new  AS21 Redback. (Picture source Army Recognition)