Thai company Chaiseri unveils new 8x8 amphibious vehicle prototype.

At the Thai Defense & Security 2023 exhibition, Chaiseri presented its latest prototype, the 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle (AWAV), weighing 23.2 tons with an additional payload capacity of 2.5 tons.
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Thai company Chaiseri's new 8x8 Amphibious Vehicle unveiled at Defense & Security 2023 (Picture source: Chaiseri)

Just in time for the Bangkok showcase, Chaiseri not only completed the AWAV prototype but also secured a $12.6 million contract to produce seven units for the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC), outperforming competitors Panus Assembly and the Defence Technology Institute.

Previously, Chaiseri had used the AWAV designation for a 4x4 amphibious vehicle in the First Win series, but this new 8x8 model is a separate design. The AWAV is designed to accommodate a crew of three and eleven passengers, offering STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection and Level 3b mine protection. Although its amphibious capabilities have not yet been precisely demonstrated, Chaiseri's team is confident in the vehicle's performance, relying on their experience with the 4x4 amphibious variant. Chaiseri plans to deliver the AWAV prototype to the RTMC by the end of 2024 for official trials by the Royal Thai Navy.

The vehicle's dimensions are as follows: a length of 9.2 meters, a width of 3.1 meters, and a height of 3.08 meters. It has a ground clearance of 380 mm and is powered by a 711 hp engine, reaching a maximum speed of 105 km/h on land and 10 km/h on water, with the ability to ford water up to 1.2 meters deep. A 600-liter fuel tank allows for a range of 600 km.

Chaiseri is a Thai company specializing in the manufacture of defense and security vehicles. It is known for developing and producing a range of armored vehicles, including tactical vehicles, combat vehicles, and armored ambulances, for military and law enforcement clients worldwide. Chaiseri also stands out for creating amphibious vehicles, as showcased at this event, thus meeting the specific needs of armed forces, especially for maritime or riverine operations.

At its stand, Chaiseri presents a range of military vehicles, including the prototype of the new 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle (AWAV). Alongside this flagship prototype, the company also displays the First Win Armoured Tactical Vehicle, the First Win Armoured Combat Vehicle, and the First Win Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle, each offering different configurations to meet the specific requirements of the armed forces. An improved model of the First Win Armoured Ambulance is also presented, highlighting advanced medical transport capabilities.