Even though it is only in the prototype stage, the Turkish defense industry has released combat vehicles (ranpur) with hybrid technology several times. The latest is the Kaplan Hybrid, introduced at the IDEF 2023 event in Istanbul, Turkey.
The name Kaplan itself is familiar to Indonesian netizens, because of the Harimau medium tank, the Turkish name is Kaplan MT. The Kaplan Hybrid was developed by FNSS and is built on the Kaplan 10 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) platform.
FNSS modified the Kaplan 10 by replacing its diesel engine with a unique hybrid diesel/electric powerpack. With hybrid technology, the diesel engine in this ranpur can produce 400 hp, plus there are two PMSM electric motors, which produce 397 hp continuously, or peak output at 617 hp. For comparison, the Kaplan Hybrid has a power-to-weight ratio of 22-35 hp per tonne, while the conventionally powered Kaplan 10 has 21 hp per tonne.
The Kaplan Hybrid has a combat weight of 17.5 tons, is equipped with a 800 V lithium-ion battery and 56 kWh. This armored vehicle can operate in silent driving mode for 20 km at a constant speed of 10 km per hour. FNSS claims that this ranpur is suitable for carrying out combat and reconnaissance scenarios because it can move silently without any engine sound.
Additionally, the Kaplan Hybrid can operate in stationary silent surveillance mode for 48 hours (or 14 hours if the vehicle is on an air-conditioning system).
FNSS states that its hybrid powerpack technology also offers outstanding off-road performance for vehicles with external power transmission, and improved fuel economy. Speaking of speed, the Kaplan Hybrid is said to be able to be driven on the highway at more than 64 km per hour. Acceleration starts from 0-32 km per hour in 6 seconds with a cruising range of more than 525 km.
For now, some subsystem components are imported to produce Kaplan Hybrid, local alternative development is being pursued. One of the most important components to produce locally is the cross-drive gearbox.
The Kaplan Hybrud project commenced at the FNSS Research and Development center in 2021. With assembly of the first prototype vehicle completed, control software development and other upgrade activities are continuing. Critical verification tests are planned to begin towards the end of 2023.
From the specifications, the Kaplan Hybrid is 5.6 meters long, 3 meters wide and 2.4 meters high. Kaplan Hybrid has a crew of five people – (Commander, Driver, Gunner, Assistant, Gunner and Additional Personnel). In general, this environmentally friendly ranpur can operate from -32 to a maximum of 49 degrees Celsius.