Shooting tests successfully concluded with 8x8 demonstrators

Prototypes D1 and D2 were evaluated

It included a Spike missiles launch

The official shooting tests by the joint venture (UTE in Spanish) Wheeled Tank Combat Vehicle (VCR in Spanish) 8x8 concluded successfully on the 23rd of July, at the “Álvarez de Sotomayor” manoeuvring and shooting range in Viator (Almeria). The prototypes under evaluation were the D1, equipped with the UT30MK2 tower, and the D2 which has the Samson 30 weapons station. In both cases, the tests included shooting with the 30 mm ATK gun, 7.62 mm machine guns and the launch of the Spike missile.

The official shooting period, which ran from the 20th until the 23rd of July, took place after the internal preparatory work was carried out by the companies the previous week. Although the tests were initially to be held at the “San Gregorio” National Training Centre (in Zaragoza), it was eventually decided that they would be realized in Almeria where the headquarters of the Experimental Brigade is located.

The activity was presided over by the Deputy to the Director of Armament and Material (DGAM), General Abajo; and attended, among others, by the Head of Terrestrial Systems, General Camarero; The Deputy Director of Instruction, Training and Evaluation, General Freire; and the chief of the 2nd Legion Brigade “King Alfonso XIII”, General Llago. For his part, General Abajo highlighting the urgent need for the signing of the series to be completed as planned and for the UTE to demonstrate in a reliable manner, the degree of maturity of the demonstrators, especially the Mission System.

In this sense, the results can be considered satisfactory and, although additional tests must be carried out, it has already been put forward that both towers constitute a good option for the programme. 

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