Delivery ceremony of the prototype 8x8 wheeeld armored vehicles, the research and development of 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles between the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the Defense Technology Institute of Thailand held at Thanarat Army Infantry Center, Pranburi District Prachuap Khiri Khan Province on July 9, 2020 is the latest progress of the Black Widow Spider (BWS) 8x8 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier for the Thai Army.
The prototype car is being improved in the factory of Preecha Thavorn Industrial Company. Company Limited (Preecha Thavorn Industry Co., Ltd. in June 2019.
Later, at the International Defense and Security Equipment Show, Thailand, DTI Thailand unveiled the Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC during the military operation demonstration at the opening ceremony on November 18, 2019.
The prototype Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC tires delivered to the Army were to be equipped with the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) that is likely to be the ADDER DM 40/50 of ST Engineering Singapore provided by DTI. In the amount of 257,000 baht ($ 800,000)
consisting of the STK 40 AGL 40x53mm automatic grenade launcher, ammunition capacity of 32, and STK 50MG .50 caliber heavy machine gun (12.7mm), ammunition capacity of 100 shots and 6 smoke grenade launchers.
The ADDER DM 40/50 RWS turret has a stabilization system. Working day-night with a non-cool thermal imaging camera with 360 degree oscillation angle and tilt angle -10 degree to + 60 degree, weighing less than 350 kg and controlled from the shooting station inside the car via touch screen display.
Previously at Defense and Security 2015, the Black Widow Spider 8x8 prototype armored vehicle had been installed with the Elbit Systems UT30MK2 30 mm Israeli turret.
It is understood that the Royal Thai Army will evaluate the prototype of the Black Widow Spider 8x8 wheel for demand in the infantry wheel carrier, in addition to the imported BTR-3E1 from Ukraine stationed earlier.
(AAG)