Plasan Sasa Introduces the Sand Cat, a New Concept in Armored Vehicles

Company ushers in an era of armored vehicles based on commercial chassis

Plasan Sasa, a global leader in the field of combat-proven ballistic armor solutions, has introduced a revolutionary new concept in armored vehicles with the Sand Cat (originally called the Caracal) - an armored patrol vehicle based on a Ford commercial chassis cab, developed jointly with U.S.-based Manning Equipment. Today's new reality - the rapidly expanding and pervasive need for armor in vehicles - has been recognized by the industry and is influencing the design of future vehicles, which will either have armor built in, or fit for easy retrofitting at a later stage, as needed.

As a result of its many years of experience in the field and its close, ongoing cooperation with a variety of vehicle OEMs, Plasan Sasa is ideally positioned to supply end-to-end, integrated solutions to meet the demands of this new industry trend. Plasan's Sand Cat exemplifies the company's range of technological capabilities in this field - vehicle design, chassis development, and armoring - all essential for the successful creation of complex integrated solutions. These skills enable the sophisticated analysis of a chassis' payload, engine, traveling weight overload, and overturn probabilities - as well as the use of this information - in the development of comprehensive, tailored packages that meet precise customer requirements, whether military, governmental, or paramilitary. Plasan offers unique integration services - including concept creation and design for the addition of armor to specific vehicles - resulting in cost-effective, lightweight solutions that assure maximum protection.

The Sand Cat is a powerful family of 4-6 ton, automatic vehicles with 320 HP engines. It provides the highest level of armored protection for small platforms, significantly increasing the overall survivability profile and optimally protecting drivers and passengers against all types of 7.62 AP ammo, mines, and IED threats. The Sand Cat includes a combination of today's most advanced armor technologies. Due to its large interior volume, it can also be used to safely evacuate the wounded, and includes fire extinguishing and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection systems. Several versions are available for transporting 4, 6, or 8 passengers, to meet the requirements of a variety of missions. The civilian version of this easily maneuvered vehicle is especially suited for all types of NGO operational scenarios, such as peacekeeping missions, urban warfare, homeland security and military applications. In addition to lower initial costs, parts and service can be provided globally, wherever Ford has a presence.

Source : Plasan Sasa