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Armor/AFV: Modern Armor
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M60 based Egyptian HAPC?
ReluctantRenegade
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Wien, Austria
Joined: March 09, 2016
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Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 07:53 PM UTC
Spotted in northern Sinai, it's used in counter-insurgence role. Does anyone have more info on this vehicle?



JavierDeLuelmo
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Spain / Espaņa
Joined: February 29, 2016
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Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 10:51 PM UTC
Looks a lot like a remote controlled mine-clearing vehicle.
Das_Abteilung
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United Kingdom
Joined: August 31, 2010
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Posted: Monday, August 27, 2018 - 11:08 PM UTC
I would tend to agree. Minefield breacher. Blade probably only useful in soft soil as the tines are thin and appear to be sprung. Attached to what looks like a standard M9 dozer mount. Heavy-duty spaced side skirts (on left of picture). M60 hull is a good basis for this, being a strong boat-shaped casting. Suspension can all be replaced.

Not sure it's remotely operated. Guy in the photo may be the driver, could be the commander's leg on the right of the picture.

There are 2 EO sensors visible on the turret, which might permit remote operation, but no sign of the weapon that would be necessary as a COIN machine. The turret slot certainly has space for something like a DShK, KPV or Kord. A single HMG is a paltry offensive weapon for such a large vehicle: feels more like a defensive weapon. But it's a big slot with no visible internal protection and so is potentially vulnerable. I think we can assume that the turret is unmanned: a reasonably well-protected RWS. The lower sensor is fixed forward-facing, which might support the unmanned theory. One for driving and one for searching and firing.

But there's no obvious place for any infantry to dismount the vehicle if it is intended as an APC. The turret appears to occupy the entire turret ring, and top hatches are vulnerable in any case. M60 has no side hatches, nor space to install any. The hull rear is occupied by the engine and transmission. There's no built-up superstructure for the crew, and the M60 hull is very low: not even room to sit, never mind crouch or stand. So unless Egypt has completely revised the rear in the manner of the Achzarit, I think it is impossible for this vehicle to be an APC.
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