BNCFM SIBMAS

History of the BNCFM SIBMAS

In the mid-1970s, Belgium's BN Constructions Ferroviaries et Metalliques (BNCFM) transitioned into SIBMAS, an export-focused 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle. Initially designed as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), it evolved to include variants like the Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) and Armored Fire Support Vehicle (AFSV). The diverse lineup featured mortar transporters, cargo vehicles, ambulances, and command post vehicles.

Development of the SIBMAS began in 1975, with the Malaysian Army receiving deliveries until 1985, totaling 186 vehicles. The IFV variant, powered by a 320 hp MAN D2566 MK turbo diesel engine, accommodates 11 passengers and possesses amphibious capabilities, albeit at a speed of 11 km/h in water. The hull design incorporates angled panels, a bulletproof screen, and armored features, ensuring both functionality and protection. Crew access doors, viewports, and additional machine gun mounts contribute to its versatility.

The ARV variant, designed for armored recovery, sacrifices troop transport for heavy-duty cranes and traction winches. Meanwhile, the AFSV-90 variant is armed with a potent 90mm Cockerill Mk III gun, a 7.62mm FN MAG Coaxial General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun. Its advanced Fire Control System enhances combat effectiveness, and the turret includes self-controlled smoke grenade launchers. Introduced in 1983, the SIBMAS design has found adoption solely within the Malaysian Army.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service: 1983

Origins: Belgium

Status: Active.

Crew: 3

Production: 186+

Manufacturer: BN Construcions Ferroviaries et Metalliques (BNCFM) Belgium

Operator: Malaysia

Roles

Amphibious Assault: Cross open water under your own power with or without preparation.

Air Defense/Airspace Blockade: The base model or variants can be used to search, track and neutralize aerial elements at a distance.

Technology: In-vehicle systems provide solutions for various technical tasks on the battlefield.

Infantry Support: Support allied ground forces using weapons, inherent capabilities, and/or shipborne systems.

Tanks: Fight with armored vehicles of similar form and function.

Recon: Can perform reconnaissance/reconnaissance missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, etc. - usually due to lightweight construction.

Utilities: Generally user-centered design to perform various battlefield missions, usually in an indirect combat manner.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 24.0 feet (7.32 m)

Width: 8.2 feet (2.5 m)

Height: 9.1 feet (2.77 m)

Weight: 35,274 lbs (16,000 kg)

Tonnage: 17.6 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 x MAN D2566 MK 6-cylinder in-line turbo diesel engine, 320 hp driving 6x6 four-wheel drive.

Speed: 62. 1 km/h (100.0km/h)

Area: 621. 4 miles (1,000.0 km)

Weapons

APC (base): 1 x 7.62mm general purpose machine gun on top of hull.

AFSV: 1 x 90mm Cockerill Mk III main gun. 1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. 1 x 7.62mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) machine gun. 16 x Smoke Grenade Launchers.

2 x 7.62mm machine guns in the turret. 1 or 2 x 20mm guns in the turret.

VARIANTS

SIBMAS - APC base model; three crew, eleven seats; 1 7.62mm GPMG.

SIBMAS AFSV-90 - Light Tank/Armored Fire Support Vehicle; 90mm main gun in a two-person turret; three-person crew; AA machine gun and coaxial machine gun.

SIBMAS ARV - Armored Rescue Vehicle; with powered winch and hoisting crane; without turret and weapons.

SIBMAS CAR - CARgo Transponder Transmission

SIBMAS AMB - Armoured Ambulance

SIBMAS COM - Command Post Vehicles

SIBMAS MOR - Mortar Carrier

Infantry fighting vehicle SIBMAS - 20mm gun in the turret

SIBMAS AA - 2 x 20mm guns in turrets for anti-aircraft services.