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Al Qaswa

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Al-Qaswa
TypeArmored logistics vehicle
Place of origin Pakistan
Service history
Used by Pakistan Army
Production history
DesignerHeavy Industries Taxila
Designed2002
ManufacturerAPC Factory [1]
Developed fromM113P
Specifications
Mass8,500 kg (18,700 lb) (Curb weight)
14,500 kg (32,000 lb) (Combat weight)
Length5.6 m (220 in)
Width2.54 m (100 in)
Height2.6 m (100 in)
Crew2 (Driver & Commander)

Armor5083 aluminium alloy
Secondary
armament
1x12.7mm M2 Browning or DShK Heavy Machine Gun
EngineDetroit Diesel 6V53T
265 HP @ 2800 r.p.m.
DriveTracked
Transmission3-speed auto
SuspensionTorsion bar
Maximum speed 35 km/h (22 mph) (level land)
Steering
system
Deferential or pivot brake
References[2][3]

The Al-Qaswa (Arabic: ٱلْقَصْوَاء) is a tracked logistics vehicle developed by Pakistan's Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). It is based on the M113 APC and can carry 6 tones of military supplies. [4][5][6]

Etymology

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The vehicle is named after a female Arabian camel of Prophet Muhammad which he owned.

Overview

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The first prototype of the Al Qaswa was completed in 2002. Designed for logistics roles, the vehicle can carry 6 tones of military supplies in its cargo compartment across all types of cross-country terrain especially in Pakistan's multi-terrain region. [7][8]

The vehicle is based on the chassis of the popular American M113 APC but instead of the normal five road wheels, the Al-qaswa has six on each side which gives the vehicle greater weight distribution and payload capacity. Furthermore, the cargo compartment can be adapted for different combat scenarios such as a weapons station for mortars, missile launchers, radars, Tactical Command Vehicle (TCV), MEDEVAC, maintenance vehicle etc. [4][8]

Operators

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "APC MANUFACTURING FACTORY". HIT Official Website.
  2. ^ "HIT Catalogue" (PDF). Heavy Industries Taxila Official Website.
  3. ^ "Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT)" (PDF). Defence Export Promotion Organization.
  4. ^ a b "LOGISTIC VEHICLE (AL QASWA)". HIT Official Website.
  5. ^ "Defence expo attracts large crowds on final day". Dawn News. 2018-12-01.
  6. ^ "HIT's vehicle showcase". Jane’s Defense Weekly. 2002-09-25.
  7. ^ "Pakistan Army". Archived from the original on 2013-10-12.
  8. ^ a b Nikolov, Boyoko (2020-09-20). "Pakistan has its own armored vehicles".