TECHNOLOGY

SUPPORT TROOPS GET ARMOUR PROTECTION

24 Jan 2017

STORY // Koh Eng Beng
PHOTO // Chai Sian Liang & Courtesy of ST Engineering

Unlike most military trucks used today, this armoured vehicle can shield soldiers from bullets and mine blasts. And soldiers can fire a machine gun from within, without exposing themselves to enemy fire.

This is the new Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicle (PCSV), which was designed to provide better protection for the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) combat service and support elements.

The Belrex PCSV will replace most of the five-tonne and 1.5-tonne trucks currently used in the SAF.

Built by the Defence Science and Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies Kinetics, the Belrex PCSV has been configured in seven variants to meet the needs of different missions.

The Army is developing three more variants -- to fire the mortar, carry mortar rounds and for reconnaissance.

Frontal Push Bar to remove obstacles weighing up to 1 ton.

Multi-configuration Battalion Casualty Station for flexibility in operations.

Integrated communications platform to enhance command and control.

Fuel Dispensing Unit to refuel two vehicles concurrently.

Customised storage racks and cargo tie-downs for flexibility in configurations.

Mobile field workshop with crane to lift heavy spare parts.

Tech Specs
Crew size	Front: 2	Rear: Up to 8
Dimensions	7.25m (L)	2.60m (W) 2.75m (H)
Weight	20 tonnes
Power to weight ratio	14.8hp/tonne
Max speed	110km/h
Range	600km
Vertical step clearance	0.40m
Trench clearance	0.95m
Maximum front slope	60%

Mortar Ammunition Carrier Variant
Carriage system for efficient supply and transfer of mortar ammunition.
Mortar Variant
Integrated with Advanced Mortar System to provide effective and responsive fire support.
Reconnaissance Variant
Mobility equipment and sensors for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.