BMC Kirpi

The BMC Kirpi (Turkish for “Hedgehog”) is a mine-protected vehicle (MRAP) that provides significant protection against mines and ballistic threats. Kirpi combines standard and optional armor, as well as a V-shaped bottom that helps protect the team inside from land mines and self-made explosive devices.

Its main task is to transfer people from one place to another, protecting it from all types of threats. However, it can carry out various operational functions, being equipped with the necessary equipment for the mission.

The first Kirpi prototype was made in 2009. BMC won a tender for 614 units of MRAP vehicles from SSB – the presidency of the defense industry in 2009. Armored vehicles from this batch were named Kirpi 1.

The Turkish ground forces used the Kirpi 1 extensively in their operations, and since the Kirpi entered service, the losses of the Turkish ground forces began to decrease significantly. Following this initial success of Kirpi, total sales have grown to over 1,500, including over 200 for export.

After 7 years of service, the Kirpi 2 was shown in 2018, which received several improvements over the Kirpi 1. BMC signs another contract with SSB in 2018 for 529 of these armored vehicles.

Among the changes: independent suspension on 4 corners, improved integration of the air conditioning and engine cooling system, additional composite armor to make the vehicle lighter, which has increased the carrying capacity, and a number of other changes.

BMC Kirpi is designed to carry 13 people, including the driver, commander and gunner facing forward. The other 10 people are facing each other, 5 on each side. Everyone is seated in special explosion-proof seats. There are two hatches and a closed Manuel turret that can be replaced with an automatic weapon station. The BMC Kirpi 4×4 weighs 18 tons and can carry up to 2 tons.

The BMC Kirpi is powered by a EURO 3 compliant Cummins diesel engine developing 375 hp (275 kW). A cold start kit is installed, and the cooling system is adapted for tactical use at temperatures ranging from -32 °C to + 55 °C.

The engine is combined with an Allison 3000 six-speed fully automatic transmission and an Axletech two-speed transfer case with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drive. A pneumatically controlled longitudinal differential lock is installed. Axletech axles are designed for a payload of 9,500 kg and has springs, telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.

An automatic fire extinguishing system inside the passenger compartment and engine compartment is standard equipment.

BMC Kirpi is available in several variants:

• basic 4×4 designed to carry 13 people
• 6×6 MRAP which can accommodate 15 people
• combat tactical vehicle
• truck
• medical vehicle designed to transport two doctors with two bedridden patients or two doctors with one bedridden and two sedentary patients
• mine detection and clearance vehicle