MX-7 Gagamba

The MX-7 Gagamba is one of several vehicles that the Philippine Army evaluated in 2007 for use as an Armored Escort Vehicle (AEV). The MX-7 is a modified British "Ferret" scout car, imported and modified by a Filipino used-metalworking and machining company called Steelcraft. This is the same company that produced such armored vehicle prototypes as the MX-1 "Kalakian", and the MX-8. The latter was evaluated at the same time as the MX-7.

Steelcraft modifications are listed below:

*Diesel engine
*Modified drivetrain with 5-speed preselected transmission
*Upgraded windshields

Various online Philippine defense fora have started referring to the vehicle as the "Gagamba", the Tagalog word for "Spider". This nickname was first mentioned on the Philippine Defense Forces Forum (PDFF). Steelcraft's company designation for the vehicle remains "MX-7", while the Philippine Army has yet to choose an official name.

Compared to its primary competitor, the MX-8, the MX-7 is reportedly cheaper. However long term maintenance costs are expected to be higher since most of its specialized components, estimated at 50% of the vehicle, are not commercially available in the Philippines.

"Features"

Country

:* Philippines

Crew

:* Two (2)

Armament

:* One (1) 7.62 mm Machine Gun

Purpose:

:* Scout & Reconnaissance

"Source"

:* [http://timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=7253.0 "Another Phil Army Armored 'Escort' Vehicle?"] thread at the Timawa Forums