This Komodo Can be Armed

Komodo is the name for the newest 4x4 tactical and combat vehicles production of PT. Pindad that given by the President of Republic of Indonesia at the IndoDefence in Jakarta, November 10, 2012. Mr. President said, "Komodo is a mighty animal, and they live only in Indonesia. This vehicle will be a great tactical vehicle, can engaged in any combat field, and bring the victory and glory."

Komodo 4x4 tactical and combat vehicle produced by PT. Pindad. (Picture from: http://www.defence.pk/)

The vehicle has 10,000 kg of empty weight with dimensions (LxWxH): (5,400 x 2,250 x 2,200) mm with up to 200 liters of capacity fuel-tank, not surprising that these vehicles have cruising range up to 450 km. This tactical vehicle use full basic production in Indonesia and PT. Pindad has conducted a series of internal tests include static test, dynamic test and type test of Bandung to Balfour as joint exercises. They use Hino’s for machinery and Michelin’s for the tires, the Product Design Staff of PT. Pindad, Windu Pratama, said on Friday-November 9, 2012, "We’ve got 40 percent of local content on this vehicle."

Komodo, 4x4 tactical vehicle, the APC variants geared to the needs of police activities. (Picture from: http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/)

Later the vehicle in certification process by  the Research and Development Board of Indonesian's Army (Dislitbang TNI-Angkatan Darat) included in the classification of multi-purpose or multi-role combat vehicles.

Komodo 4x4 tactical vehicle, troop transport variants. (Picture from: http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/)

Komodo is made consists of several variants such as V1 is reconnaissance variant, V2-APC (armoured personnel carrier) variant, V3-command variant, V4-missile carrier and launcher variant and V5-special purposed variant.

Komodo 4x4 tactical vehicle, the Mistral missile carrier and launcher variants. (Picture from: http://indonesiafirst.blogspot.com/)

PT. Pindad also developed the Mistral (surface-to-air missile type) missile carrier and launcher variant, in collaboration with MBDA. Furthermore, the production Caesar systems (artillery cannon system) for Indonesian's Army in collaboration with Nexter.

Concept of the Komodo combat vehicle is using 5,193 cc of capacity 4-cylinder inline diesel engine with turbo charger intercooler that produced 190 hp of power at 2,500 rpm so that the power to weight ratio of this vehicle reached 29.4hp/ton. In addition, these vehicles use a manual transmission (5-forward/1-reverse) and have a differentiation lock so made it has good off-road capability. 

Komodo 4x4 tactical vehicle, the command variants. (Picture from: http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/)

The maximum speed offroad approximately 50 kph, 80 kph on flat road, and 100 kph in highway. Especially for bullet-resistant vehicles, the Komodo uses a monocoque body. The body is made of steel armor and bullet-resistant glass which able to resist up to 7.62 mm bullet. For the body plates are used, PT. Pindad made in accordance with the buyer purposes and demand. In example, as for tactical vehicles can not use bullet-resistant steel and its thickness can be varied. If for combat vehicles can use bullet resistant steel, so as to protect the wearer's desired specifications.

Interior of Komodo 4x4 tactical vehicle, the command variants that used by Indonesian's Police. (Picture from: http://indonesiafirst.blogspot.com/)

Windu also explained some of the benefits of Komodo. First, because this type of 4x4 vehicles and Komodo has a high ground clearance (400 mm). Thus capable trips or through heavy fields for offroad. "The speed for offroad, in accordance with the standards of the Indonesian's military that is 30 kph, maximum of 50 kph. Nevertheless, Komodo is also able to perform high-speed as the other cars on the flat road or highway up to 100 kph," he added. *** [FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EKA | FEBY SYARIFAH | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 22112012]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.