Didgori-2
| Didgori-II | |
|---|---|
Didgori-2 side view during a military parade
|
|
| Type | Armoured Reconnaissance and Transport |
| Place of origin |
 Georgia
|
| Service history | |
| In service | 2011-Present |
| Used by | Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Zviad Tsikolia |
| Manufacturer | Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing (part of STC DELTA) |
| Unit cost | starting at $240.000 (2014) (base vehicle) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 8059kg (combat weight 8855 kg) |
| Crew | 3(2)+4(5) |
|
|
|
|
Main
armament |
7.62×51mm M134 Minigun or 12.7×108mm NSV machine gun |
| Engine | twin turbocharged V8 engine 351 hp |
| Suspension | wheeled 4×4 |
|
Operational
range |
500 km |
| Speed | 120 kph maximum speed on paved roads 80 kph off-road 50 kph with damaged tires |
7.62×51mm M134 Minigun or 12.7×108mm NSV machine gun
The Didgori-II (Georgian: დიდგორი-II) is an armoured multi-role and special operations vehicle produced by STC DELTA. It was developed in 2009 alongside the Didgori-1 using the same internal features with some additional functions. The APC is thought to provide transport, enhanced visibility and firepower support for infantry troops and SF in various missions including reconnaissance and convoy protection.
The Didgori is assembled on and around the chassis of US Ford Super Duty F-550 heavy duty pickup trucks with V8 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engines and power assisted hydraulic steering. The product basis choice has proven very effective during trials and in the field on various types of terrain. The max. speed on paved roads is 120–140kph and reduced to 80kph on terrain. Acceleration from 0–100kph is achieved in 22 seconds. The cruising range at 60kph is 500 km. Each unit has at least one 20L fuel can in reserve. The vehicle can operate at temperatures ranging from -32° to +55° and remains unaffected by heavy meteorological conditions. The wheels consist of Hutchinson 12r20 mpt80 type tyres which have a run flat capability of 50 km at 50kph. The Didgori has 400mm ground clearance and is able to climb slopes at a 60% gradient and drive sideways along a slope at a 40% gradient. The vehicle base version is not amphibious - although such a variant is an option, but can move in up to 1m deep water.
On August 27, 2014, Georgia participated with a MedEvac prototype in a tender for armoured personnel carriers hosted by the Ministry of Defence of Saudi Arabia. The tests were carried out mostly in the Arabian desert but also urban areas and included movement on different altitudes - mountains, various types of terrain and gradients, weather conditions, under extreme stress and maximum weight burden at top speed. The trials culminated in a 40 km simulated fully loaded evacuation at maximum speed. The Didgori successfully passed every single test with very good results and made it to the finals alongside the American Lenco BearCat after eliminating four other competing vehicles, including the American Oshkosh M-ATV. Even though the Didgori also showed better results than its American finalist counterpart in every single aspect, the winner was not announced earlier than January 2016, after months of consulting and evaluation. The Saudi Arabian tender was a very important event to test the vehicle's capabilities in extreme conditions, particularly in a desert environment. DELTA consequently made necessary adjustments and changes for both its export and home products.
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Wikipedia