Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

John Gormley

Ceist:

141 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the model of Piranha armoured personnel carrier which the Government has ordered from a company (details supplied); and if he will provide the specifications of the particular vehicle or vehicles ordered. [5882/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

Following a tender competition which was conducted in strict compliance with Government procurement procedures, a contract was signed on 30 November 1999 for the supply by Mowag of Switzerland of 40 armoured personnel carriers, APCs, initial spares, special tools and training courses. The 40 vehicles, known as Piranha III 8 x 8s, are being manufactured as 34 troop carrier variants, four command variants, one recovery variant and one ambulance variant. The total cost of the contract, which is spread over five years, is in the region of £40 million, including VAT.

The Piranha III 8 x 8 APC troop carrier has a crew of two, a driver and a gunner, and accommodation for nine other personnel. The vehicle is fitted with a Helio, UK, turret. The turret is a one man turret fitted with a 0.5, 12.7 millimetre, heavy machine gun and a 7.62 millimetre coaxial machine gun. The APC comprises state of the art technology in running gear and protection concepts. It is fitted with a Mercedes turbocharged aftercooled diesel engine developing 400 Hp@2300 revs/minute and has a gross weight of 18,500 kilograms. The maximum speed is 105 km/h and the vehicle has a cruising range of 600 kilometres. The Piranha III 8 x 8 has a hydrope numatic suspension system which allows the vehicle to be operated at three different height levels – high, normal and low – above ground. It has anti-lock brakes for on and off road use and a central tyre inflation system, CTIS, which allows the driver to inflate or deflate the tyres while on the move. The vehicle is fitted with an air conditioning and a vehicle heating system. The APCs will be fitted with SINCGAR radios.

The command variant is based on the troop variant with the same turret and the same characteristics. It has a crew of two, driver and gunner, and can accommodate five personnel in the rear operating at map boards and a foldable table. The recovery variant is based on the troop variant but without a turret. It has a crew of three, driver, commander and mechanic. It is fitted with a winch, a vehicle anchoring and stabiliser system and a variety of on board recovery equipment and tools. The ambulance variant is based on the troop variant but without a turret. It has a crew of three, driver, commander and doctor-medical attendant. It is fitted with a rack stretcher system which can accommodate different numbers of casualties, depending or whether they are seated or lying down. The ambulance variant is also fitted with a variety of medical equipment. The primary objective in acquiring the APCs is to provide adequate protection for Defence Forces personnel participating in United Nations mandated peace support operations.