IDEF 2023: Otokar unveils the Arma II Kurtarici Armored Recovery Vehicle.

During the IDEF 2023 defense exhibition, Otokar is showcasing a notable vehicle at their stand. The vehicle in question is the Repair and Recovery variant of the well-known Arma II 8×8 vehicle, featuring innovative solutions aimed at enhancing operational flexibility.
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IDEF 2023: Otokar unveils the ARMA II Kurtarici Armored Recovery Vehicle (Picture source Army Recognition)

In an interesting development within the ongoing debate between tracks and wheels, Otokar proposes a wheeled armored vehicle capable of recovering both tracked and heavy vehicles. Based on the chassis of the Arma II 8×8, the latest version has reportedly achieved significant success in the export market. Known as Arma II Kurtarici, which translates to "recovery" in Turkish, the vehicle retains the 720 hp diesel engine from the Arma II, providing sufficient power to support its 40-tonne weight.

Unusual for a wheeled repair and recovery vehicle, the Arma II features a dozer blade at the front that can be tilted 10° left or right, serving various purposes such as obstacle clearance and trench construction. However, the key highlight is its 25 t/m crane. With a maximum extension of 6 meters, the crane can lift up to 3.7 tonnes. To ensure stability, the vehicle is equipped with four outriggers, two at the front and two at the rear. While the front outriggers are used solely for stabilization, the rear ones can be employed to anchor the vehicle during recovery operations, utilizing the rear winch with a remarkable 35-tonne pulling capacity, which can be further doubled using a pulley to recover main battle tanks.

The Arma II Kurtarici comes with a rear arm that serves multiple functions, including carrying equipment, recovering damaged wheeled vehicles by lifting them with the upper wheels clear from the ground, or transporting a spare power pack. The rear arm can be folded away when not in use to minimize its size.

The crew consists of three members: the driver, the commander, and the operator, who can access the vehicle through two hatches on top or via the rear door. Additional storage for equipment is available in large boxes on the vehicle's rear sides, with one box containing a generator and a welding machine for rapid repair capabilities.

With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 40 tonnes, the Arma II Kurtarici operates at the maximum admissible weight for its axles. It is also equipped with a 360-degree viewing system for enhanced situational awareness and the Baśok Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) for self-defense, armed with a choice of a 7.62mm or a 12.7mm machine gun. Smoke grenades on the roof further complement its self-defense features.

Otokar's Arma II Kurtarici presents a versatile option for repair and recovery missions, drawing interest from potential buyers in the defense industry at IDEF 2023.