One of the two sealed pattern configuration pictured most probably at Port Dickson
Yes, the picture above is one of two Sealed Pattern Vehicles – the example abve is armed with the 25mm one man turret the same one fitted to the Adnan IFV – are in Malaysia for for end user trials. Ironically in answers to questions ahead of Army Day, I was told that the two vehicles will be transported back to Malaysia “very soon”. I was satisfied initially but when Dzirhan twitted that the AV8s was in town, I had to check further.
True enough, upon checks I was told that the sealed pattern vehicles were already in Shah Alam (Deftech plant in Section 15, Shah Alam) and would be taken to Port Dickson just in time for the 80th Army parade (to be held on March 2).
What is a sealed pattern vehicle? I could be wrong but I believed that it meant that the AV8 would be ready for a full rate of production. Some minor tweaks will be done after the end user trials but basically the two vehicles will be the basis of the AV8 for future to come.
The IFV version of the AV8 armed with the Denel 30mm turret (with and without ATGM) I am told are being prepared in South Africa so perhaps we will able to see it in the near future.
Regular readers of the blog will remember that I am not a fan of the AV8 project. I had stated before that its too expensive. Some say I am wrong about this but I believed that the Army – allocated with some RM1.5 Billion of operational allocation and RM1 Billion development (procurement) allocation annually – cannot afford the AV8, a project with a ceiling price of around RM7.65 Billion.
Supporters will say that the AV8 project is viable as payment will be spread out for next 10 years but that will leave the Army with some RM600 million for other things. I understand that the Army need to recapitalise its armoured vehicle fleet as mentioned below but we are staring at an allocation “black hole” – one that will cripple the service faster than the AV8 can be put into service.
Lack of funds figured strongly when Army Chief Jen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin met with reporters on Monday for the Army Day interview. Basically he said the Army – is at the right size at the moment – requirements will be met depending on the government’s financial. He did not want to mention specifically their wish list but from answers to my email questions ahead of the interview,we get more inkling to the Army plans.
Anyways Happy Army Day!
Q/A for Army Day
1. What is the status of the AV8 project status? I understand that TD is updating the final prototype configuration AV8? Why this prototype is not finished before the end of 2012 as reported before? (Answer By Branch P & P)
The implementation of this programme is ccording to schedule and complete work process. The 2 Sealed Pattern vehicles are also performing well in Ankara. All the work on the final configuration is being implemented in Ankara. Indeed, there is a slight change to the vehicle delivery schedule as the Sealed Pattern vehicles due to technical problems but it had been addressed and thevehicle is expected to arrive in Malaysia in the near future.
2. Future Soldier System. What is the status of this project? Is TD is looking for a new partner for Sapura to expedite the completion of the system? (Answer By Tim Future Soldier)
The project is being implemented according to plan and Sapura is continuing to be responsible for completing the system.
3. Has all TD infantry units received the M4 carbine? Has the carbine been delivered to other units started? (Answer By Branch OPLAT)
The distribution of the M4 Carbine are being carried out to a number of units of select formations and Special Forces units as well as to members of UN mission. Distribution of the carbine to all units will be implemented gradually upon the delivery of the carbine.
4. What is the status of other projects such as the replacement of the 155mm and 105mm artillery pieces? Will procurement be made in the near future? (Answer By Jab Artillery)
For now there are no plans to change the 105mmcannon Pack Howitzer and 155mm cannon G5 MK III as the two pieces are still relevant and performing well. The artillery pieces are also very efficient, easily moved, easy maintenance and spare parts are also easily available.
5. Airod has proposed the Pay By The Hour system for the use of Nuri helicopters for TD Air Unit. Has TD agreed to the systme. If yes how long will be the contract and how many units and flying hours will be allocated? (Answer by Jab PUTD)
System Pay By The Hour is one method that had been adopted by other countries to the maintenance of aircraft, especially aircraft used for training.. In Malaysia, Airod Sdn Bhd have been providing this service to the ATM. However, the method does not involve flight operations tasks. Airod proposal is yet to be decided as the TD is studying feasibility of the system if Nuri is provided to TD.
6. TD has sent several pilots to operate attack helicopters, especially the Tiger helicopter in France. Is the attack helicopter procurement programme going to take place.? Is it still on the list to purchase 10MP TD?(Answer By Jab PUTD)
The pilot attachment programme appears to have had a positive effect on pilots of the Army especially for the Tiger Helicopter pilot detachment.. I believe the programme will be continued. TD also intends to have attack helicopters however the purchase depends on the financial position of the government. Yes the attack helicopters remained in the TD 10MP wish-list.
7. Recapitalisation of Sibmas and Condor. Is TD planning to replace these vehicles. Will AV8 replace all the vehicles? So far AV8 contracted number is much less than the units Condor and Sibmas in service, will TD buy more AV8 to replace the retired vehicles on one to one basis 1? (Answer by Branch P & P)
For your information, the Condor and Sibmas will be obsolete in a few more years. The two armored vehicles also have reached the maximum life span of its economic use. The current AV8 procurement programme is to replace the Sibmas and Condor.
By Marhalim Abas - Malaysian Defence
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