SHAH ALAM: Deftech debuts logistics Condor vehicle. Due to the flu, I was unable to go to the Merdeka 2017 final dress rehersal today (Aug 29, 2017) though I had planned to do so since last week. However, a friend managed to get to Dataran Merdeka and send pictures of this Condor (and others seen here) which had been converted into a logistics or cargo hauler.
For 2017 Merdeka parade, the Condor MPV carried what appeared to be ammo boxes on its rear flat bed and towed a trailer with a UAV, mostly likely a Deftech Aludra (HT to …)
The Deftech personnel with the vehicle says it was a protoype logistics/cargo hauler. During DSA 2016, Malaysian Defence quoted Armed Forces chief Jen Raja Affandi Raja Mohammed (who was then the Army chief) as saying
that the service was looking into converting some of its Condors as logistic vehicles to carry supplies or ammunition for the mechanised or armoured regiments as part of its overall upgrading program for the German made APCs.
“The Pendekar, Gempita and Condor units need re-supply vehicles that can keep up with their formations so some of the upgraded Condors will have a flat bed so they can be used to carry equipment and other items.
Frrom the pictures here one can surmised that Deftech only cut only the top portion of the rear cabin of the Condor, just behind the engine compartment. This may well kept the rigidity of the monocoque chassis of the Condor which itself was modified from the Mercedes Unimog. The flat bed conversion left the vehicle with space for two crew members only, the driver and a commander/observer.
As for the trailer, it is likely meant for the Merdeka Day parade only. It does not look as if it will survive a trip into unpaved roads.
It also appears that the Condor which was modified for the proof concept upgrade program had been returned to the user as it is also taking part in the Merdeka Day parade.
I am not sure whether the Condor has been returned for an extensive user trials or it meant that the upgrade program has been greenlighted.
As Deftech has an on-going contract to maintain and refit the Condors, any further modifications could easily be done with a variation order to the original one. It must be noted that the air intake modifications on ZA 9474 is completely different from the vehicle shown at DSA 2016. 9474 also sports a GPMG, with a large weapon shield and big ammo box compared to the mini gun that was displayed with the Condor at DSA.
Perhaps the new modification and others were made following the trials conducted after DSA 2016. Huge thanks for DM for the pictures. Check out the other pictures, below
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (27)
Comments from the few photos here.
The logistic conversion, although sounds like a good idea, the execution shows that it isn't. The prototype looks like a rushed job, just cut the back, no engine or axle changes. The cargo platform is small and is very high from the ground, complicating loading and unloading. No idea if the structural integrity of the rear monocoque is beefed up when the rear is cut. Btw the UAV is aldura, not aerotiga as you mentioned. IMO it is better to just buy a MAN truck with the optional armored cab rather than doing this. The condor can still be converted as a 81mm mortar carrier, armoured communications/radio/satcom vehicle, armoured ambulances, armoured engineering vehicles, etc etc.
As for the upgraded condor, please benchmark other APC designs when designing the engine upgrade. What do they learn from doing the Adnan and Gempita? How can you design a forward-facing intake directly in the line of enemy fire?
In the early 2000's Alvis tried to sell us a logistics variant of the Stormer. It had a small crane at the back to lift stuff and if I recall correctly an example underwent trials at the same time as the Piranha and Rosomak at PD.
I wonder if they're any plans to convert some Sibmas into something similar. Then again a problem with the Sibmas is the rear placement of the engine.
Off topic.This year merdeka our airforce is going all out with their available asset. Heard there will be a minimum of 6 SU30. Also, is the number 1 A400 back from Spain?
What about converting the Condor into a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) launcher? Although, that would depend on what sort of SAM missiles we need to buy from.
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As ... rightly pointed its better just to buy a MAN truck for that purpose.
Well, let's face it, we still have something like 400+ , and that's a lot of numbers.
Unless we can sell the whole lot to someone, we better get a reputable company to upgrade these Condors into something of a more recent development upgrade, APS included.
Same with Sibmas.
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No lah I believe 200+ as the most likely the number of Condors in service currently, less than 50 for Sibmas
Marhalim: "As … rightly pointed out its better just to buy a MAN truck for that purpose."
Like this one?
http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/FLAADS-CAMM-1.jpg
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Yup
Look great for me about Condor ZA 9474. It can well serve at Sabah and Sarawak. Condor logistics vehicle idea look fine for me.
Marhalim,
What happened to the other 200?
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Attrition
Buy sovie gun zu-23-2 put in condor is ok
The whole idea is to put the Condors to practical use without spending too much; this is what been done. No doubt there are better options but the whole idea is to use what we have and not buy anything new. Personally, I would like to see a crane fitted to the rear to lift heavy loads.
Someone mentioned a full refurbishment or a '' more recent development upgrade, APS included'' : doesn't make sense given the Condor's age and mobility and protection level limitations. Is it really worth it spending good cash on an old vehicle with such limitations? Converting it into a resupply vehicle is fine as it doesn't cost too much. Same with the Sibmas; we should use them until they fall apart or convert a few for non combat roles as in the direct combat role the Sibmas is a big, slow and poorly protected target. Not worth spending more than the bare minimum on it.
Fitting the Condor with a MANPADs launcher doesn't make sense as it doesn't provide any added value; given the Condors mobility restrictions. Plus we'll soon have 4x4s fitted with MANPADs anyway.. If indeed we had a need to fit a MANPADs launcher on a hard skin vehicle it should be the Stormer [which the Brits have long done]; at least the Stormer [unlike the 4x4 Condor] will be able to operate in rough terrain in support of mechanised units.