The ACV-29 (or Advanced Combat Vehicle) is a state venture by the Pelaxian defense manufacturer SND. The now state owned company was tasked by the Ministry of Defense to design a highly improved derivative of the prolific M113, which was the Pelaxian Army’s armored personnel carrier of choice since the 1960s.

Advanced Combat Vehicle 29
ACV 29
Type	Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Place of origin	Pelaxia
Service history
In service	2030 - present
Used by	Pelaxia
Production history
Designer	Sistemas Nacionales de Defensa - SND
Designed	2020-2029
Unit cost	USD$5.1 million
Produced	2029-present
Specifications
Weight	25 tonnes
Length	6.7 m
Width	3.15 m
Height	2.1 m
Crew	3 (Commander, driver, gunner)
Passengers	6 to 8

Armor	Classified, Modular armor protection. Active protection system (optional)
Main armament	Modular RCWS with a 30mm auto-cannon, or a 12.7mm machine-gun. With capacity to add Two Flecha ATGM launchers (optional)
Secondary armament	7.62mm coaxial machine gun,
Engine	Diesel
Power/weight	23 hp/tonne
Transmission	Fully Automatic
Suspension	Torsion bar
Operational range	490 km
Speed	65 km/h on road, 56 km/h off-road

On paper, the ACV-29’s appeal is its reputation as an artisinal armoured vehicle. More than just a battle taxi, it’s able to perform whatever role its customer needs. To name a handful of examples, the ACV-29 can serve as a towing vehicle, an ambulance, a mortar carrier, a tank destroyer and an anti-aircraft gun.

History

Development began in 2020. A $87 million contract was awarded to SND for the prototype in 2025. Three prototype vehicles were delivered to the Pelaxian Army in 2028. A contract for the first batch of ACV-IFVs and ACV-APCs vehicles was signed in October 2028 worth $386.7 million. Production began in November 2029 after a nine-year development period. ACV-29s will be deployed from 2029 through 2032.

Design

Construction

The AVC-29 chassis is constructed entirely out of fiberglass, reducing the weight of the vehicle and enabling it to travel at higher speeds without bulky and powerful engines. The AVC is to be lighter than other IFVs, increasing both speed and payload.

The design was finally deemed production-ready in 2029, following 9 years in development and a research budget expenditure of approximately USD $90 million. More than 80% of the vehicle's design is domestic.

Armaments

In the IFV configuration the remote controlled turret is armed with an FNSS 30 mm cannon capable of firing APFSDS, high-explosive, smoke and multipurpose munitions, and a 7.62mm machine gun. This is combined with an advanced fire-control system and gun stabilizer usually found on third-generation main battle tanks that makes the ACV able to move and engage the targets with high degree of accuracy at the same time.

Anti-tank armament for this variant includes an indigenous 3rd-generation ATGM, with performance similar to the Israeli Spike and armour penetration of 700 to 1,000 mm (28 to 39 in) of RHA base.

Mission Hardware

All ACV-29 configurations and variants are fitted with:

360ª Situational Awarness
See Through Armor System
Wireless Intercom System
Navigation System
Auxiliary Power Unit
Drivers Thermal Sight
Sniper Detection System
Battlefield Management System
Identification Friend-or-Foe System

Protection

Composition of the ACV-29 armor is still secret. It is assumed that this IFV has multi-layer armor with glass fiber, ceramic and aluminum alloy. It is known that front arc provides protection against 30-mm armor-piercing rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle is also fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems.

Variants

ACV-APC

The most basic configuration of this vehicle and also the most requested. It can be fitted with a manned gun turret or unmanned RCWS with a 12.7mm machine-gun. It can also be costumized to serve as a Command Vehicle. Both are in service with the Pelaxian Army.

ACV-IFV

Original variant, fitted with a 30 mm cannon, can be fitted with two additional Flecha anti-tank missiles. It is in service with Pelaxia and hasn't been exported.

ACV-TD

Tank destroyer variant fitted with 4 Flecha ATGM launchers. In service with the Pelaxian Army.

ACV-MS

Self-propelled mortar variant capable of carrying a 120mm mortar.

ACV-R

Recovery and repair vehicle variant. In service with the Pelaxian Army.

IFV-E

Export variant fitted with a 20mm auto-cannon.

Air Defence

Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun variant, fitted with a 40 mm gun. In service with Pelaxia for defence of strategic objectives.

Advanced Combat Vehicle 29

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