SIDAM-25

     Notes: This is a light antiaircraft system based on the M113 chassis.  A turret is added, with quadruple 25mm KBA autocannons.  In addition, the engine is replaced with a more powerful engine, and the fuel tanks are moved to the rear, on either side of the ramp (in the same manner as the M113A3).  Each gun has a ready supply of ammunition in the form of a belt of 150 rounds of ammunition; in addition, each gun is a dual-feed weapon that also has a belt of 15 rounds of APDS ammunition for use against light vehicles. Normally, only the two bottom guns are loaded with APDS rounds. The guns may be elevated to +87 degrees or depressed to -5 degrees. The SIDAM-25 has a laser rangefinder with a range of 10 kilometers to help point the guns and calculate a fire solution. The SIDAM-25 is not equipped with radar, but can network with radar vehicles and use a radio link to help aim the guns.

     The M113A2 base chassis is powered by the turbocharged 6V53T, which develops 215 horsepower and has an improved cooling system.  The automatic transmission was also improved, with an additional forward speed.  The SIDAM-25 also has neutral (pivot) steering capability, with the pivot steering handles being located at the front of the driver’s compartment above and in front of the tillers; however, most SIDAM-25s have them disconnected as it was found that the SIDAM-25 easily throws tracks under pivot steering, even when simply turning in place.

     The SIDAM-25 also has a smoke grenade launcher kit; this consists of a pair of four-tube launchers mounted on either side of the front of the hull, above the fenders.  Originally designed specifically for white or dark smoke vehicular grenades, these launchers were later modified to permit the use of colored smoke or IR screening smoke as well.  The grenades are electrically fired, with a control box on the top of the wall of the engine compartment in front of the commander’s position. The turret unbalances the SIDAM-25, and it is not amphibious.

     The SIDAM-25/Mistral is a sole prototype vehicle that is a standard SIDAM-25 with three launchers for Mistral SAMs mounted above each bank of autocannons.  Sights appropriate for the missiles are added along with an enhanced night vision suite.