Previously only seen in model form, Jordan’s new Al-Mared 8×8 Armoured Personnel Carrier was one of the stars of SOFEX 2018 with three examples on display at the defence expo in Amman this May.
Another product of KADDB, the King Abdullah II Design & Development Bureau, the Al-Mared is manufactured by affiliate company Jordan Manufacturing and Service Solutions (JMSS).
Rear right of runway guardian [© BM]
The first heavy armoured vehicle to be entirely manufactured by JMSS, the Al-Mared is a 25-tonne infantry section vehicle built on a Tatra heavy duty 8×8 cross-country truck chassis powered by a 420hp diesel engine which gives it a top road speed of 110km/hr.
Left side of runway guardian [© BM]
In addition to driver and commander, Al-Mared can transport a full eight-man infantry section with weapons and personal equipment in the spacious rear rear compartment, which even includes a refrigerator for keeping water and food cool.
Second Al-Mared outside KADDB pavilion – no machine gun is fitted in cupola [© BM]
Designed to offer good off-road capability in addition to a 600km high speed road range, Al-Mared has 400mm ground clearance, four-wheel steer on the front axles, 30% side slope capability, 60% grade climbing ability, 40° approach and departure angles and CTIS (Central Tyre Inflation System) with bead lock and runflat tyre inserts.
Second Al-Mared with rear door open [© BM]
To date this massive 8×8 is the largest wheeled armoured vehicle fully manufactured in Jordan and it is understood at least ten have been produced so far with an initial production batch of possibly as many 50 being projected.
{ images © Bob Morrison }
Third Al-Mared, inside the KADDB Pavilion – note steerable front axles [© BM]
Rear view of third Al-Mared – note rear ramp is dropped and roof hatches are opened [© BM]
The third vehicle at SOFEX had a two-man Scimitar 30mm turret fitted [© BM]
Interior of Snakhead variant with three infantry seats on right – note firing port below vision block and roof hatches overhead [© BM]
