IndoDefence 2018: PT Pindad and CMI Defense Unveil Komodo with CPWS Gen 2.

At IndoDefence 2018, Indonesia's Tri-Services Defence Exhibition currently held in Jakarta, local company PT Pindad and CMI Defence of Belgium unveiled a Komodo variant fitted with CMI's new light and multi-role turret, the CPWS Gen. 2

PT Pindad and CMI Defense Unveil Komodo with CPWS Gen 2 at IndoDefence 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Komodo is a 4x4 light armoured personnel carrier developed and produced by Indonesian company PT Pindad. The vehicle was unveiled during Indodefence 2012. According to PT Pindad, the Komodo's monocoque armored body is bulletproof to 7.62 mm or lower caliber. The Komodo's turbo intercooler diesel engine has a total horsepower of 215 PS at 2500 rpm, allowing the vehicle to achieve the weight ratio of around 30 hp/ton. The normal cruising range of the Komodo is at 450 kilometers, with an average speed of 70 km/h. The Komodo's off-road capabilities have been tested in various conditions ranging from mountainous terrain to mud and sand. The Indonesian army has already ordered several Komodos in various versions including Mistral mobile SAM launcher variant.

The new Komodo variant unveiled at Indodefence 2018 features the new CPWS Gen. 2 turret by CMI (which was unveiled this year at Eurosatory). Beyond the advantages of the CPWS (Cockerill® Protected Weapon Station) in particular in terms of crew protection during the reloading operations of the main weapon, this CPWS Gen. 2 presents, with its unique configurable hatch, the ability to adopt different configurations depending on the mission profile.

Four configurations are available:
- Fully closed hatch: allows the crew to operate in a hostile environment with a maximum level of protection;
- Elevated hatch: allows the crew to perform 360° direct observation manoeuvers and, if necessary, allow for the use of individual weapons;
- Large Open Hatch: allows the crew to evacuate the system quickly and securely;
- Removed Hatch: allows the crew to patrol in an exposed position, ideally for operations other than war.

Moreover, the versatility of the CPWS Gen. 2 is reinforced by its ability to integrate different main weapons, depending on the mission to be fulfilled. In particular, it is designed to accommodate M242 25mm caliber guns and M230LF 30mm caliber guns. Finally, the CPWS Gen. 2 retains the advantages of its predecessor: it is remotely operated from the vehicle on which it is integrated; it allows for reloading under armour and, given its lightweight, it can be integrated on all types of 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and tracked chassis.

The CPWS Gen. 2 turret on the Komodo also features two notional anti tank guided missilee (ATGM).