Saur I

Infobox Weapon
name=Saur I


caption=Saur I during presentation
origin= Romania
type=Armoured wheeled vehicle
is_vehicle=yes
designer=ROMARM
design_date=2006
manufacturer=Automecanica Moreni
crew=
length=
width=
height=
weight=
armour=STANAG 4569 Level 4, STANAG Level 4569 3a, STANAG Level 4569 2b
primary_armament=7.52mm beltfed MG (modular system - can be reequipped with 30mm autocannon)
secondary_armament=
engine=
engine_power=
suspension=
speed=>100 km/h
pw_ratio=16KW/t
vehicle_range=

The Saur I (formerly "Zimbru 2006") is an armoured personnel carrier developed by ROMARM in 2006

Development

Late in 2006, ROMARM completed the first prototype of a new multi-role armoured infantry fighting vehicle called Saur. In the past this has been referred to as the Zimbru 2006. This has been developed as a private venture by ROMARM based on its considerable experience in the design, development and production of a wide range of wheeled vehicles for the home and export markets. Saur I was developed to meet the requirements of the Romanian Army but as of late 2007 no production orders had been placed for the Saur. To meet an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), the Romanian Ministry of National Defense has placed a contract with MOWAG of Switzerland for a total of 31 Piranha III (8×8) armoured vehicles with deliveries to run from 2007 through to 2008.

Description

The hull of the Saur I is of all-welded steel which provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters with the highest protection being given over the frontal arc. According to ROMARM, the vehicle has the following levels of protection:
* Ballistic - STANAG 4569 Level 4
* Under wheel station - STANAG Level 4569 3a (8kg TNT anti-tank mine)
* Under hull - STANAG Level 4569 2b (6kg TNT anti-tank mine)Layout of the new Saur AIV is in line with more recent 8×8 developments in other countries with the driver's position towards the front on the left and the power pack to the right which makes the chassis easier to adopt for a wide range of battlefield missions. The troop compartment extends to the rear of the hull with the roof hatch arrangement depending on the mission. In a typical AIV role the commander would be seated to the rear of the driver and also be provided with a single-piece hatch cover. Both the drivers' and commanders' hatch covers open to the rear and to the immediate front are three periscopes for forward observation. The middle one can be replaced by a passive periscope for driving at night. The weapon station would be in the center of the roof with two hatches over the rear troop compartment which open outwards and can be locked in the vertical position. The troops would typically be seated on individual seats down either side facing inwards. The Saur I is capable of speeds in excess of 100km/h.

References

* " [http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jaa/jaa_a052.html Jane's armour and artillery] "
* " [http://www.financiarul.com/articol_2700/ministerul-apararii-ignora-noul-transportor-8x8-romanesc.html MoND ignores the new Romanian APC] "
* " [http://www.cpisc.ro/infopat95a.htm CPISC] "
* " [http://www.cugetliber.ro/Arhiva/noiembrie2006/07/pag%2016.pdf Cuget Liber archive 07.11.2006] "