Saymar Launches its Upgrade and Reset Programme for the BTR-60 & BTR-70 8x8 APC
25 June 2009
Saymar Ltd completed the development of an upgrading and reset programme for the BTR-60 and BRR-70 armoured personal carriers (APC). The programme is based on the replacement of the two original gasoline engines with a single, more powerful and advanced diesel engine, newly developed transfer case and a new split gear box with electronically controlled differential. It also comprises the installation of a new electrical system, upgraded braking system, upgraded suspension system, ballistic protected windows and more.
Yariv Timor, Saymar's CEO, said; "For the last 28 years, Saymar built its reputation on upgrading APC's and AFV's. This project is the newest addition to our list of highly successful and widely deployed programmes of upgrading and modernising combat vehicles such as the Panhard AML -90 / AML-60 and VBL, EE-9 Cascavel and EE-11 URUTU. Saymar's vision is to supply our state of the art upgrading and modernisation solutions for combat vehicles utilising our experience and skills to equip them with advanced and reliable systems and yet at only the fraction of the cost compared to new vehicles."
The BTR-60 is the first former Soviet Union 8x8 wheeled APC and was first introduced in 1961. More then 15,000 BTR-60 and 70 were supplied to a variety of customers around the world.
Eli Bed David, Saymar's VP Operation, said: "BTR-60 was a revolutionary design for its time but it's now mostly outdated and in poor operational condition. Saymar takes those old vehicles and converts them into very advanced APCs with superior capabilities. We enlarge the crew and the engine compartments, installing a single advanced Caterpillar C7 diesel engine and modifying the vehicle to work with a single engine. We are replacing and refurbishing all of the vehicle's systems and installing a newly developed transfer case and a new spilt gear box with electronically controlled differential while maintaining the vehicle's amphibious capabilities and water jet propulsion. New and enlarged fuel tanks extend the operational range and mission flexibility of these BTR's. Saymar's upgraded and modernised BTR-60 and 70 is superior in comparison to the original vehicles."
Since 1982 Saymar has been providing the highest quality products and services to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and foreign defence organisations. Saymar's main activities are:
- Light and medium AFV's upgrading and modernisation
- System design and integration
- Manufacturing of light armoured vehicles
- Development of low cost fire control systems for light turrets, cupolas and weapon stations
- Supply of refurbished armoured vehicles
- Supply of spare parts for combat vehicle
- Maintenance of AFV's major systems and components
The company offers a wide range of wheeled armoured vehicles, 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8, for riot control, peacekeeping missions and other combat applications.
The company also offers affordable, extensive programmes to refurbish and upgrade popular vehicles or major systems of the vehicles in use for many years with armies around the globe, among them the widely deployed M113 tracked APC, EE-11 URUTU 6x6 wheeled APC, PANHARD VBL Reconnaissance Vehicle, and EE-9 CASCAVEL, ELAND 90, AML 90, AML 60 Light Tanks.
