AGRAB (Scorpion) 120 mm Mobile Mortar System (United Arab Emirates), Self-propelled mortar systems

Development
Development of the AGRAB (Scorpion) 120 mm Mobile Mortar System (MMS) commenced early in 2006 by the International Golden Group with the first prototype system completed in mid-2006.Funding for development was provided by the International Golden Group in anticipation of future operational requirements for a weapon system of this type in the Gulf Area.By early 2007 AGRAB 120 mm MMS had undergone extensive firepower and mobility trials with over 800 120 mm mortar bombs being fired.In early 2012 following trials with the latest configuration of the Agrab (Scorpion) Mk 1 120 mm MMS, the International Golden Group (IGG) was awarded an AED786 million contract for the delivery of 72 Agrab Mk 2 production systems to the UAE Armed Forces. IGG is the main contractor for the Agrab programme and will have systems responsibility and will facilitate and manage integration of the subsystems and the acceptance of all systems to the UAE Armed Forces.Following trials with the first prototype in 2007, the following year the UAE Armed Forces awarded a contract to the IGG covering the supply of four units for operational evaluation.These four systems were subsequently delivered for extensive operational trials in 2008 through to 2010.The original Agrab Mk 1 consisted of a BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa RG31 Mk 5 (4 × 4) Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) with a fully protected cab.On the rear of this is a Singapore Technologies Kinetics 120 mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (SRAMS) controlled by an integrated Fire-Control System (FCS).

Description
The Agrab Mk 2 is based on the latest BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa RG31 Mk 6E MPV and provides the occupants with a high level of protection against a variety of battlefield threats including small arms fire, shell splinters, Anti-Tank Mines (ATM) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).When compared to the earlier Mk 5, the Mk 6E has a higher payload capacity, wider track and larger tyres and gross vehicle weight is 19.5 tonnes combat ready.It is powered by a Cummins turbocharged diesel developing 300 hp coupled to an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission which gives a maximum road speed of up to 90 km/h and a road range of more than 800 km. The crew can enter and leave the vehicle via front doors in either side of the crew compartment, a door in the rear or a roof hatch.All of the doors are provided with a bullet/splinterproof window in their upper part.Mounted on the roof is a protected weapon station that would typically be armed with a .50 M2 HB Machine Gun (MG) or 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) for self-defence purposes. Customer selected grenade launchers such as the 81 mm or the recently developed Rheinmetall ROSI grenade launchers can be installed to provide screening coverage through 360°. Standard equipment for the vehicle includes an air conditioning system, central tyre inflation system and a front mounted winch for self-recovery operations or to recover other vehicles.A 40-litre water system is also provided and additional stowage is provided

The complete article appears in the following publication:
Publication Title Jane's Armour and Artillery
Publication date Feb 09, 2012
Section Self-propelled mortar systems
Publication synopsis Jane's Armour and Artillery provides you with information essential for recognition, procurement and threat assessment relating to the world's armour and artillery systems that are currently in use or under development. Each entry includes accurate and reliable details of development, photographs to aid identification, descriptions, variants, specifications, status and manufacturer.
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