, SINGAPORE: Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that a new variant of its Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was commissioned into service with the Singapore Armed Forces.
The new Bionix Mk II (BXII) is the culmination of a tripartite effort between ST Engineering, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Singapore Army that started in the early 90's.
Featuring innovations from Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited (ST Electronics) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics), its electronics and land systems arms respectively, the BXII is networked with the rest of the fighting forces through a Battlefield Management System (BMS) and network-centric wireless communications systems. In support of the Digitised Army/IKC2 programme, this provides an integrated situation awareness picture, collaborative planning tools and knowledge-based command and control (C2) for ground commanders to make responsive decisions and exercise highly effective C2 over operations in a fast-moving battlefield. With this development, ST Electronics will now integrate the command and control, communication and computerised (C4) systems onto other military platforms.
Designed on a “family of vehicles” concept, the BXII offers tremendous opportunity for technology insertion while ensuring maximum commonality with the current Bionix IFVs. The commonality of sub-systems and components such as powerpack and suspension systems significantly reduces logistics footprint management for the user. Users will also benefit from the greater convenience in terms of spares inventory management, reduction in training time as well as a common maintenance programme.
Equipped with an ATK MK44 30mm Bushmaster Dual-feed Cannon, the BXII introduces quantum improvements to lethality and protection levels of the Bionix IFVs currently in service with the Singapore Army.
Family of Vehicles
The BXII is configured in two variants – a two-man turret version, and a command version. It joins the SAF's current fleet of Bionix vehicles, which comprises the following variants:
Bionix 25 – an armoured personnel carrier with capacity for 10 soldiers. It is fitted with a 25mm gun and two mounted 7.62mm machine guns, and is equipped with night vision devices.
Bionix 40/50 – an armoured personnel carrier with capacity for 11 soldiers. It is fitted with a twin weapon station that includes a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and a 0.5″ machine gun.
Bionix Recovery Vehicle (RCV) – a support vehicle that repairs and recovers damaged vehicles trapped in challenging terrain. It is fitted with a 25-tonne winch and a 30 metre-tonne crane.
Bionix Advanced Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) – a support vehicle that facilitates the movement of ground forces within the shortest time possible. It is fitted with an MLC30 bridge that can be launched from within the crew compartment under complete armour protection.
Survivability
The BXII has a modular armour design that allows it to be fitted to any required level of protection to enhance troop survivability in any combat situation. It is built for ease of field repairs and component replacements. With its long operating range, the BXII is built to sustain itself in hostile territories.
“The transformation of the SAF into a 3rd Generation networked fighting force is both exciting and technologically challenging for the soldiers and the defence industry. ST Engineering is very proud to be a key partner in the transformation. In delivering these advanced systems, ST Engineering has acquired many new competencies as well as built upon its current expertise and capabilities. I congratulate the SAF on its achievements today,” says Tan Pheng Hock, President and CEO, ST Engineering.
ST Engineering is an integrated engineering group providing solutions and services in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group reported revenues of $3.34b in FY2005. Its market capitalisation of over $8b ranks it among the largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. ST Engineering has about 16,000 employees worldwide, and over 100 subsidiaries in 20 countries and 35 cities.
