Sisu XA-180
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| XA-180 | |
|---|---|
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| Specifications | |
| Weight | 13.5 tonnes |
| Length | 7.35 m |
| Width | 2.9 m |
| Height | 2.77 m |
| Crew | 2 (+16 passengers) |
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| Armour | 10 mm |
| Primary armament |
12.7 mm NSV machine gun |
| Engine | Valmet 611 DSBJA diesel 236 hp (176 kW) |
| Power/weight | 17.48 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | wheeled 6×6 |
| Operational range |
900 km |
| Speed | 100+ km/h, swim 10 km/h |
The Sisu XA-180 is a six-wheeled fully amphibious armoured personnel carrier (APC) originally designed for Finnish Defence Forces. The first version was produced in 1983 and serial production began in 1984. The basic design was based on easy usage, simple basic structure and low cost maintenance. The basic appearance and configuration is similar to most wheeled APCs.
The XA-180 was originally manufactured and marketed by the Finnish company Sisu Auto but later variants were marketed by the Finnish company Patria and are known as Patria XA- series and in Finland it has a very widely known nickname "PASI" (Panssari Sisu, English: Armoured Sisu). The main superstructure is mainly manufactured from 6 to 12 mm of armour steel and the bottom is mine strengthened, the front windows are bulletproof and equipped with protective hatches.
The vehicle has continuous six wheel drive and superb capabilities for off-road driving. It can take inclines up to a maximum of 60°.
XA-series has no standard armament, but is equipped with a rotating turret-structure for installation of light/heavy machine guns or autocannons. It also has 8 BMP style firing ports on the side. Therefore passengers, usually a squad of infantry, can fire their rifles from the cover of the armor.
The XA-series is often preferred in peacekeeping operations due to its less aggressive looks and improved protection against mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).
The six-wheeled XA-series is no longer in production. The improved design is Patria XA-360 aka. AMV 8X8
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[edit] Sisu XA-180
Original six wheeler, carries crew of 2 and 16 troops
[edit] Sisu XA-185
Upgraded version, carries crew of 2 and 18 troops. Has bigger engine and improved power transmission.
[edit] XA-200 series
The 200 series looks little different from older variants, has more armour than the original series and lacks the amphibious capabilities but can wade through water that is up to 1.5 metres. The improved armour protects the passengers against up to 14.5 x 114 mm small arms fire. It is also equipped with modern optical aids like periscope and night vision. The armor upgrade was initiated after the realisation that the previous armor was inadequate, according to some reports even modern armor-piercing 7.62 x 54 mm R machinegun ammunition could pierce the older 180-185 models in certain spots.
Originally XA-202 was developed for Communications and Command, later XA-203 was made as a temporary replacement for XA-185 before the AMV 8X8 replaces it.
[edit] Operators
- Finnish Army
- XA-180, most upgraded to 185 specs, configured with special communications equipment
- XA-185, the most common, some equipped with TOW turret, mainly Finnish vehicles are armed with 12.7 mm NSV machine gun
- XA-203, the last generation APC replacing the oldest 185 series
- XA-202 command vehicle, configured with special communications equipment
- XA-181 built for Crotale NG independent air defence unit
- XA air defence radar unit
- Ambulance
- Swedish Army
- XA-180S, mainly in UN service
- XA-202S, as command and control vehicles, Swedish special variant
- XA-203S, General purposed APCs, armed with 20 mm gun
- Norwegian Army
- XA-186 used by the Telemark Battalion, Hans Majestet Kongens Garde and Basesett 1 located at Ørland Main Air Station
- Estonian Army
- XA-180, formerly used with Finnish army. Quantity 60 vehicles. Sold without armament.
- Dutch Army
- XA-188 GVV (early 200-series variant) Used by army and marines, equipped with GPS and satcom, armament MG or .50cal
- XA 188 GWT Ambulance
- The Irish Army also operates the XA-180
- A large number of Sisu XA-180 vehicles is used by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon.
- The KFOR force in Kosovo has 46 Sisu XA-180s. [1]
[edit] See also
