DSEI Japan 2019: MHI unveils APC demonstrator for JGSDF's Type 96 replacement programme

Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled an 8×8 armoured personnel carrier (APC) demonstrator at the 18-20 November DSEI Japan 2019 defence exhibition in Chiba.

The 8 m-long and 2.8 m-wide demonstrator will be used as the basis for the Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle that will compete with Patria’s Armoured Modular Vehicle and GDLS’s Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 6.0 in a series of trials aimed at finding a replacement for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF’s) Type 96 8×8 APCs.

MHI’s Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle, which will be approximately 2.2 m-high and have a gross weight of 28 tonnes, is expected to be operated by a crew of two and be capable of transporting at least nine troops in full combat gear, depending on the requirement, according to MHI.

Powered by the company’s 4MA 4-cylinder diesel engine capable of generating more than 400 kW, the all-wheel-drive platform, which will feature an independent suspension system, is expected to reach a top speed of more than 100 km/h. An example of the engine was also exhibited at DSEI Japan 2019.

A company official told Jane’