Timoney Mk8/CM31 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Gallery (click on a photo for a better image)

Taiwan CM31 Copyright

CM31's public debut at the 4th Taipai Aerospace & Technology Exhibition 1997

Taiwan Prototype Copyright Timoney Technology Ltd.

Early Prototype, on test in Co. Meath Copyright Timoney Technology Ltd.

Taiwan CM31 Copyright

Taiwan CM31 Copyright

A CM31with a SAM system Copyright

Background

Three prototypes of the Mk8 were built in Ireland, with the first having a different front hull (see Vickers Mk 11), and the later two having the production front. Original reports suggested that the first Mk8 was basically a streched version of the Mk6 with a similar front including the three large panes of bullet proof glass, however recent information leads us to believe that the vehicle rear is similar to Mk 8 family with the front resembling the front of the Vickers Valkyr FSV, and apparently was fitted with the same engine as later vehicles with similar performance. All Mk8s have improved independent suspension from that of earlier vehicles and thereby having excellent manoeuvrability. Timoney use an innovative construction method in building the Mk8, having the plate joints formed by using high hardness steel extrusions to give a smooth contour. This allows for simpler construction and has the benefit of giving extra protection at the weld zone compensating for any softening that may have ocurred during the welding process. Either a Perkins Phaser or a Cummins 6 CTA diesel engine, coupled to a ZF gearbox,  may be fitted, and are located to the drivers right.. The troop compartment has room for 10 troops, seated in 2 rows of 5, facing each other, additionally, 3 more troops may be accomodated between here and the driver. The vehicles is fitted with both a run-flat system and a central tyre inflation system. The Mk8/CM31 6x6 IFV, is currently in limited production and limited service in Taiwan in both APC and SAM configurations.

Vehicle Specification Crew 2+10 Driver and Commander/Gunner Armament . Up to 105 mm Tank Gun Combat Weight 15,000 Kg . Unladen Weight 12,500 Kg . Length 6,450 mm . Width 2,700 mm . Height 2,040 mm Top of Hull Max. Speed 100 kph Open road Max. Speed in Water 8 kph Propellar Driven Range 730 Km Open road Max. Vertical Step 600 mm . Max. Trench 2000 mm . Ballistic Protection 7.62 mm AP All Round Ballistic Protection 12.7 mm AP Frontal Arc Ballistic Protection 12 kg TNT Anywhere under the Vehicle Engine Cummins 6 CTA 8.3 350 bhp or Perkins Phaser 300 Ti 6 300 bhp Transmission ZF 6 HP 500 6 Speed Automatic

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