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Puma



Overview


Puma

IDF Puma combat engineer vehicle on the move.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Israel
Type
Combat engineer vehicle
Entered service
1988
Status
In service
Development
1980's
Developer
Israel
Production
Late 1980's - 1990's
Producer
Israel
Designations
Poretz Mokshim Handasati
Hebrew for "minefield breakthrough vehicle"
Notable users
Israel - Army

Description


Introduction

The Puma is a combat engineer vehicle of Israeli origin. It is based on the chassis of the Sho't tank, which is a highly modified Centurion main battle tank. Whereas various other Israeli conversion projects based on the Centurion chassis resulted in heavy armored personnel carriers, the Puma is a dedicated engineer conversion. The name Puma is reportedly an abbreviation "Poretz Mokshim Handasati", which is Hebrew for "minefield breakthrough vehicle".

Layout

The Puma is based on the chassis of the Centurion. The suspension has been modified with part from the Merkava 2 main battle tank. The turret is removed and the area in the hull is used to seat the crew of up to 8 combat engineer troops. A modular amor package has been added to the hull front, sides and hull floor.

Firepower

For self-defense the Puma is armed with three 7.62mm MAG machine guns. Two are pintle mounted. One is fitted in a Rafael OWS, which allows the weapon to be fired from under armor protection. Since 2014 most MAG in the OWS have been replaced by the more powerful 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun.

Engineer equipment

Various types of engineer equipment can be fitted onto the Puma. A dozer blade or mine roller system can be added to the front. At the rear the large box launcher of the CARPET mine clearance system can be fitted. This system launches up to 20 fuel air explosive bombs to clear a path in a minefield.

Mobility

The Puma is powered by a Continental diesel engine. The 900 hp output allows for a maximum road speed of 45 km/h. Although the Puma is slow, it is reportedly well suited to cross difficult terrain.

Protection

The armor on the tank chassis and modular applique armor package make the Puma well protected. Additionally there are two sets of smoke grenade dischargers. In 2010 a improved armor package was introduced, which was augmented in 2014. The Batash armor packaged adds additional side armor and slat armor at the rear. Some vehicles have been fitted with a metal doghous with large bulletproof windows.

Users

The Puma is used only by Israel, where it is used to support its mechanized units. Over time the Puma has received various upgrades and refits. It is in active service, but over time it is to be replaced by a combat engineer variant of the Namer heavy APC.

Media


Details


Facts Puma
General
Origin
Israel
Type
Combat engineeer vehicle
Crew
Up to 8
Dimensions
Weight
51 t
Length
7.55 m
Width
3.38 m without skirts
Height
2.75 m
Main armament
Type
7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Rafael OWS overhead weapon system
Ammunition
4.000 in total, 200 ready to fire
Elevation
-20° to +60°
Traverse
360°
Secondary armament
Type
2x 7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Two pintle mounts on roof
Ammunition
4.000 rounds in total, 100 rounds ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Chassis layout
Idler front and drive sprocket rear
Suspension
Helical spring
Automotive
Engine
Continental AVDS-1790-6A diesel
Power output
900 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
CD-850-6
Mobility
Speed
45 km/h
10 km/h reverse
Range
500 km
Power to weight ratio
17.6 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Wall
0.9 m
Trench
3.5 m
Fording
1 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel with add-on modular armor package
Smoke system
2x6 TAAS IS-6 smoke grenade launchers

Related articles


Namer

The Puma is being supplemented in Israeli service by a combat engineer variant of the Namer. The Namer is better suited for infantry elements of the combat engineers. Currently the Namer cannot carry out all the roles of the Puma, more specifically regarding mine clearance. With ongoing modifications this may change over time.