Enigma APC

Enigma
TypeArmored personnel carrier
Place of originUAE
Production history
DesignerEmirates Defense Technology
Designed2015
ManufacturerEmirates Defense Technology
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass28.0 tonnes (27.6 long tons; 30.9 short tons)
Length8.4 metres (28 ft)
Width2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in)
Crew3 crew +8 passenger

Main
armament
Secondary
armament
1×7.62 mm PKT machine gun
EngineCaterpillar C13 Diesel
711 horsepower (530 kW)
Suspensionwheeled 8×8
Operational
range
400 kilometres (250 mi)
Maximum speed120 kilometres per hour (75 mph)

The Enigma is an 8×8 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier developed by Emirates Defense Technology in UAE. It was introduced at IDEX 2015.

Design

The vehicle was designed and built in the UAE.[1]

The driver sits at the front-left side with the engine to his right, the crew also includes a commander and gunner. The turret is in the middle, and the passenger compartment, which accommodates eight soldiers with their gear, is located at the rear.[2] Soldiers enter and leave the vehicle via the powered rear door and roof hatches. Air-conditioning has been added for the comfort of crew and passengers.

The vehicle weighs 28 long tons (28 t).[1] It measures 8.4 metres (28 ft) in length and 2.9 metres (9 ft 6 in) in width.[2]

Weapons

The Enigma is fitted with the turret of a Russian BMP-3 with 100 mm cannon, coaxial 30 mm machine gun, coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.[2] The 100 mm cannon auto-loader is able to fire 10 rounds per minute, firing HE-FRAG projectiles beside ordinary and laser-guided anti-tank ammunition. It can launch laser-guided projectiles in the same manner as ordinary rounds.

The 30 mm auto-cannon is used against ground and low flying air targets with a range of 2 km against ground targets and 4 km against helicopters. Other proposed versions include a fire support vehicle (FSV) with a 155 mm howitzer, and an air defense vehicle fitted with automatic cannons.[2]

Protection

Enigma's front arc is able to withstand 30 mm armor-piercing rounds while other parts of the vehicle resist against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Additionally applied armor can be fitted according to customer requirements. The vehicle has a v-shaped hull to resist mines and IED explosions. The tires feature a 'run-flat' capability.[2] Enigma has been provided with a battlefield management system (BMS), active defense suit, periscopes, local cameras and an NBC protection kit.

Engine

The Enigma is powered by a Caterpillar turbocharged diesel engine developing 700 horsepower (520 kW).[2] On paved streets, the Enigma can reach 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph) and has a range of around 400 kilometres (250 mi).[2] The vehicle has an all-wheel steering capability. On water, the Enigma uses two propellers fixed to the rear of the hull.[2]

Variants

  • Enigma AMFV - Base series designation.
  • Enigma IFV - Infantry fighting vehicle.
  • Enigma air defense variant with Rheinmettall Skyranger 35 turret[1]
  • Enigma CCV - command & control vehicle.
  • Enigma - Fire support vehicle equipped with BAE systems M777 light weight howitzer (155mm caliber).[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Haider, Haseeb (25 February 2015). "Emirates Defence Technologies' armoured vehicle ready for trials". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Enigma 8x8 Armoured Modular Fighting Vehicle". Army Technology. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  3. ^ D’Argonne, Sawyer. "BAE Systems and Emirates Defense Technology team up on M777 Howitzer in the UAE". BAE Systems. Retrieved 18 March 2026.