Al-Fahd AF-40-8-2 Fire Support Vehicle

     Notes: This is a basic Al-Fahd APC mounting an M40 106mm recoilless rifle.  It is intended for direct fire support of infantry and for the attacking of fortified positions.  In this version, the rear ramp is deleted and the passenger space largely taken up by the recoilless rifle, ammunition, and crew.  The seat to the right of the driver is retained, and may be used for a passenger (usually taken by a unit commander).

     The driver and commander of the AF-40-8-2 FSV are in the front of the hull; the commander has conventional vision blocks, while the driver has a night vision block in addition to his conventional vision blocks.  Their hatches may be locked partially open (so they are elevated straight out from the hull), or locked open completely.  The AF-40-8-2 FSV has four roof hatches. The engine fitted is a Deutz 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which is air-cooled and develops 550 horsepower; the more powerful engine is fitted to allow for more mobility and because the rear area does not need to transport troops. The transmission is automatic, and driver’s controls conventional.  The suspension is 8x8 and of the off-road-type, with the drive being switchable to 8x4 for road use (the four middle wheels being the drive wheels in this case). The front four wheels are independently steerable from the rear four vehicles, giving the AF-40-8-2 FSV a tight turning radius. The suspension incorporates conventional hydraulic shock absorbers along with a nitrogen gas spring system which gives the AF-40-8-1 a very smooth ride and an adjustable suspension; ground clearance may drop to as low as 15 centimeters for a hull-down position or as high as 60 centimeters to clear obstacles. The AF-40-8-2 FSV has an automatic fire detection and suppression system.  Armor is of aluminum; lugs for ERA are optional, but not standard.  Also fitted are multiple layers of Kevlar to form an antispall liner. Also not standard is amphibious capability; such is fitted to Pakistani vehicles, but not Saudi vehicles. The vehicle has NBC overpressure with a collective NBC backup, and air conditioning.