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Profile: TÜMOSAN Pusat light-armoured 4×4 vehicle
The TÜMOSAN (Türk Motor Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.) Pusat is among several new light-armoured 4×4 utility vehicles emerging in Turkey. Unveiled at the 2017 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), which took place in Istanbul in May, the Pusat sits in similar range, power and role groups as the also newly launched Otokar Cobra II and Nurol Makina NMS.
However, besides promoting the Pusat’s versatility, Tümosan had also highlighted the use of its own engine and transmission technology in the Pusat. This is unique in the industry, especially among new or non-Western military vehicle suppliers, which generally bind partial domestic design work to imported components, especially critical systems such as engines and transmission.
Instead, Tümosan opted to serve as an end-to-end supplier for the Pusat by sourcing the vehicle’s hull, engine, drive-line, transmission and suspension systems internally. Tümosan’s goal is to offer a versatile military vehicle with complete supply-side independence.
The Pusat has a gross weight of 10 to 12 tons. Its 250 hp Tümosan X 5.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine offers a maximum speed of 110 km/h with a range of up to 700 km. As per Tümosan (via Milliyet), this is a new generation engine aimed at providing 30% additional fuel savings over contemporary powerplants.
The Pusat uses independent suspension and central tyre inflation system to adjust tyre pressure against the terrain. Its transmission system comprises of the Dura 1300 AMT, an automatic transmission system with eight forward gears and one reverse gear via electro-hydraulic shifting.
Structurally, the Pusat uses a steel monocoque hull sufficient for defensibility against small-arms fire as well as a V-shaped floor for protection against mine and improvised explosive device (IED) blasts. Like its fellow Turkish competitors (e.g. the Nurol Makina NMS), the Pusat can be deployed in many roles, from troop transport, support fire, medical evacuation and internal security.
Tümosan unveiled a Pusat prototype at IDEF in May. According to Tümosan, the Pusat is undergoing tests, it is not known when the vehicle will be available for domestic and overseas sales. Tümosan is marketing the Pusat to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and Turkey’s law-enforcement agencies.
Besides selling Pusat vehicles to domestic and foreign markets, Tümosan control over every part of the vehicle provides it with the flexibility to sell expertise and technical support. This could be a competitive asset should Tümosan decide to engage overseas light-armoured vehicles, such as Pakistan’s Light Armed Vehicle Assault (LAVA) program.
The following is Tümosan’s promotional video for the Pusat:
7 Comments
by Hashim Rasheed
Looks very much like the Blitzkreig Hamza 8×8 in its design and shape.
by Steve
Agree it looks like Hamza. To many MRAP type vehicles around. Pakistan needs to choose 1-2 local types and stick with them, and stop window shopping. The most commendable part of the news is that the engine and transmission are locally made. Not the usual body made in house, and critical components like engine yet again Western made, as we can’t seem to overcome the 3rd world curse of the knowledge barrier. Did you know until the 15th century Muslims were the finest armorers in the world. Their dark Damascus sword blades with the watery pattern on it were feared the world over as super weapons, and helped turn the tide in the crusades. A recent study found carbon nanotubes in the steel as the source of the qualities. Of course it was not known then but the closely guarded process has been lost to antiquity. We lost that art and now worry about engine making.
by Ali Afzal
Pakistan must get more MRAP’s to save its troops as their is a high threat of IED’s in Tribal areas & Balochistan.
by jonbaum1b
Well said.
by Türker Demircan
Definetely not comparable with Cobra II or NMS…They are at a different level
by Hashim Rasheed
I totally agree with you. When we have got a similar indigenous solution, why go window shopping? The good thing about local products is that they can be altered to specific requirements without much hassle as well, and that will lead to better products and innovation for future scenarios.
Muslims have been the pioneers of many revolutionary weapon systems in the past. Its a shame that scientific research does not really feature as a priority in our countries nowadays.
by Syed Arbab Shah
1. What is stopping Pakistan from testing a range of MRAPs, according to its requiments that are available from Turkey, South Africa or China, when we need them soo much on our eastern border?
2. Why do we have to go for the indigenous LAVA program, when we can buy an MRAP and license produce it locally, slowly increasing the percentage of indigenous component?
It feels like reinventing the wheel and