M462 Abir
Overview
M462 Abir
M462 Abir patrol vehicle in use with the Israeli military. Note the tarpaulin roof for protection from the sun.
Source: Unknown author -
© public domain
Hebrew for "knight"
Colombia
Description
Introduction
The M462 Abir is a 4x4 utility vehicle of Israeli origin. It was developed in the 1980's to replace the older M325 Commandcar. The name Abir is Hebrew for "knight". As with the previous Commandcar most parts are civilian of the shelf components.
Design
The design of the Abir is based on the M325 Commandcar, but the chassis has been improved to provide a smoother ride and to increase speed on dirt roads. The nose has been extensively modified and widened to accept a more powerful engine. The Abir has 4x4 drive and uses single rear wheels. The basic vehicle is softskin and open, with closed and armored models available.
Cargo capacity
The Abir may carry up to 1.8 t of cargo or be fitted with specialist equipment within that weight limit. With an open body up to 11 troops can be carried and less when armor is installed. In the ambulance role four stretchers or eight sitting patients can be transported.
Firepower
In the utility role the Abir is unarmed. As a troop transport usually one or more 7.62mm MAG machine guns are installed on pintle mounts. The Abir also serves as a weapons carrier and can be fitted with an infantry model TOW anti-tank missiles launcher or M40A2 recoilless rifle. In Colombian service it is the launch vehicle for the Nimrod missile.
Protection
The standard versions of the Abir that are used in the utility and troop transport role are unarmed softskin vehicles. Some Abir feature an armor kit and the Rhino is a special version with redesigned armored body. Either armored version protects against small arms fire and shell splinters. A mine protection kit is optional on both armored and non-armored versions.
Mobility
The Abir has good off road characteristics and has a maximum road speed of 110 km/h. It is normally fitted with a 170 hp diesel engine but a 155 hp V8 petrol engine is optional.
Users
The main user of the Abir are the Israeli military and law enforcement. It has been exported to various South American nations and possibly others. In Israeli many vehicles were fitted with armored cab. The HMMWV has replaced the Abir in many roles.
Variants
M462 Abir
Baseline softskin utility vehicle with benches facing inwards.
M462 Abir patrol vehicle
Standard version with benches facing outwards and pintle mounts for machine guns.
M462 Abir weapons carrier
Standard version with foldalbe windscreen and no sides for mounting TOW or M40A2.
M462 Abir uparmored
Abir with armored crew and troop compartment for police and urban use.
M462 Abir ambulance
Abir with armored crew compartment and ambulance rear body.
M462 Rhino
Dedicated armored version of Abir with redesigned single piece armored hull.
Details
Media
Weapons carrier
The low profile weapons carrier variant of the Abir with TOW launcher installed.
Source: www.harpoondatabases.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M462 Storm
M462 Storm armored personnel carrier in use with the Israeli police.
Source: David Bober
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M462 Abir
Side view of a Colombian military M462 Abir utility vehicle.
Source: www.fuerzasmilitares.org
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Cargo area
A view of the cargo area in the baseline M462 Abir utility vehicle.
Source: www.fuerzasmilitares.org
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Armored Abir
Abir in use with the Israeli police with armored crew compartment.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Abir ambulance
Abir in use with the Israeli military as ambulance. Note the armored crew compartment.
Source: www.vehiculospmcs.blogspot.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner