IN PHOTOS: Army demonstrates firepower, accuracy of APC remote-controlled weapons from Israel

From Ang Malaya (Sep 21): IN PHOTOS: Army demonstrates firepower, accuracy of APC remote-controlled weapons from Israel

Six of the Philippine Army (PA) upgraded M-113A2 armed personnel carriers (APCs) demonstrated the accuracy and firepower of its .50 caliber remote-controlled weapons system (RCWS) Monday. Demonstration of this capability took place at the firing range of the PA’s Mechanized Infantry Division at Camp O’ Donnell, Capas town, Tarlac.

There, crewmen of the newly-acquired M-113A2 showed visiting media personnel, ranking defense officials, including Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, their capability to pick up and neutralize targets well above the 500 meter range.

This was made possible by the APCs’ laser-targeting system which has the capability to lock and track targets, MID public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan said. He added that these six APCs are different from the older armored fighting vehicles as they no longer need gunners or military personnel to fire their weapons.





Tan said the firing of the guns can be made safely inside the vehicle.

The six APCs were transported to Tarlac last July 8. It arrived in the Philippines last June 18. It is part of 28 APC order deal with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd worth Php882 million. The contract was signed on June 22, 2014.

Fourteen of the M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, another four as armored recovery units. Upgrades include installation of 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm (.50 caliber machineguns) RCWS and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/09/21/13561-in-photos-army-demonstrates-firepower-accuracy-of-apc-remote-controlled-weapons-from-israel