A Singapore Army vehicle that has yet to be seen at an Army Open House went on show at Republic Polytechnic (RP) this past week.
What is thought to be the public debut for the CLAS-V (upper right in the first image) lifts the veil on an important yet hitherto unseen aspect of the supply chain that serves Singapore Artillery Primus 155mm Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzers.
The CLAS-V is based on the Singapore Technologies Kinetics Bronco all-terrain tracked carrier. The rear cabin has been specially designed to carry 155mm projectiles and associated charge bags in an armoured container. The open face of the container reveals racks for 40 155mm projectiles.
The vehicle is thought to draw its name from the first two letters of the Singapore Army project name for the Primus, with "AS-V" thought to stand for Ammunition Supply Vehicle. Interestingly, the Primus maker calls the self-propelled gun by another name - Project A.
CLAS-V is designed to support Singapore Artillery Primus batteries by providing fast resupply of ammunition across all terrain, even across water obstacles. The ammunition resupply vehicle's ability to perform its mission under fire optimises the hide, shoot and scoot concept of operations adopted for the Primus.
CLAS-V is one of 26+ distinct Bronco models in service with the Singapore Armed Forces.
oh? thought that the resupply vehicle will be another variance of primus as what other countries are doing.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas,
ReplyDeleteWe didn't buy enough chassis from United Defense for this modification.
Best regards,
David
Couple of questions
ReplyDelete"CLAS-V is designed to support Singapore Artillery Primus batteries by providing fast resupply of ammunition across all terrain, even across water obstacles."
In what form is the Bronco amphibious- fording or swimming?
Which unit operates this vehicle?
"We didn't buy enough chassis from United Defense for this modification."
Does this mean the Primus is out of production?
@earlyfalloutboy:
ReplyDeleteThe Bronco is amphibious, depending on the variant. For example, the up-armoured Warthog used by the UK Army in Afghanistan is not amphibious, but the standard Bronco and most other variants are. I hazard a guess that from the image of the CLAS-V, the doors to the storage area do not look weather sealed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7978461@N04/1724438274/
Only a certain number of Primus SSPH made in the early 2000s for the SAF, and as it was never exported it's more than likely out of production.
Comments section no longer stimulating. People, please come forward.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of amphibious capability, I have noticed the M-113 being landed by landing craft on the beach of Pulau Sudong in several exercises. This was most recently shown last month http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_88Sn8z_oWU
ReplyDeleteThe M-113 was landed even though it is nominally amphibious. It was also chosen for this mission even though it has nominally been replaced by the Bionix, which is also amphibious. I have yet to find the rationale for the use of the M-113.
@earlyfalloutboy Not sure what you really want to find out, but then M113 is commonly used by ATEC unit.
ReplyDelete