GKN Simba

{{About|the military vehicle||Simba (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} {{Infobox weapon | name = GKN Simba | image = Philippines army Simba APC.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = GKN Simba | origin = United Kingdom | type = [[Armoured personnel carrier]] | is_ranged = | is_bladed = | is_explosive = | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = yes | is_missile = | is_UK =  | service = 1990s-Present | used_by = [[Philippines]] | wars = Anti-guerilla operations in the Philippines | designer = GKN | design_date = | manufacturer = [[GKN]] | production_date = 1993-1997 | number = 152 (2003)<ref name="FIR">{{cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=424 |title=Forecast |publisher=www.forecastinternational.com |access-date=2020-03-08}}</ref> | variants = See ''[[GKN Simba#Variants|Variants]]'' | weight = 11.2 - 11.9 tons (Depending on role) | length = {{convert|5.35 |m|ftin|abbr=on}} | part_length = | width = {{convert|2.5 |m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|2.19| m|ftin|abbr=on}} low profile cupola | diameter = | crew = 3+8/10 | cartridge = | caliber = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =  | breech = | recoil = | carriage = | elevation = | traverse =  | blade_type = | hilt_type = | sheath_type = | head_type = | haft_type =  | filling = | filling_weight = | detonation = | yield =  | armour = 8 mm steel armor (maximum estimate) | primary_armament = 1 x 7.62 mm Machinegun | secondary_armament = 40 mm grenade launchers | engine = Perkins 210 Ti diesel turbo charged intercooler engine | engine_power = 210 bhp | pw_ratio = 18.75 bhp/ton | suspension = | vehicle_range = {{convert|660|km|abbr=on}} | speed = {{convert|100 |km/h|abbr=on}} | guidance = }}

The '''Simba''' is a wheeled [[armoured personnel carrier]] designed by [[GKN|GKN Sankey]].<ref name="GS">{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/simba.htm|title=GKN Simba|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> It is currently in service with the [[Philippine Army]].<ref>{{cite book | title =Philippines Army Weapon Systems Handbook | date=May 2007 | publisher=International Business Publications, USA | isbn=9781433061981 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fol3VuSS9BkC&pg=PA52 | access-date = 2013-03-14}}</ref>

Any export sales are dormant as of 2020 since production for the Simba has ceased.<ref name="FIR"/>

==History== The Simba Light Combat Vehicle (LCV) was designed by [[GKN]] primarily for export market sales, originally meant to complement the [[GKN Saxon]].<ref name="FIR"/> A prototype was first displayed in 1978 at the Aldershot Exhibition.<ref name="ARSimba">{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/simba_variants_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_fr/simba_gkn_defence_alvis_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_personnel_carrier_british_army_united_kingdom_techn.html |title=Simba GKN Defence Alvis wheeled armoured vehicle personnel carrier British army United Kingdom techn | Simba variants wheeled armoured vehicle FR | United Kingdom British army military equipment |publisher=Armyrecognition.com |date=2009-02-10 |access-date=2020-03-08 |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305103418/https://armyrecognition.com/simba_variants_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_fr/simba_gkn_defence_alvis_wheeled_armoured_vehicle_personnel_carrier_british_army_united_kingdom_techn.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In June 1982, it was seen again with a 90mm Cockerill gun.<ref name="ARSimba"/>

Trials were conducted in Fort Magsaysay, where the Simba was tested against American, British, French and German armored vehicles as reported on January 19, 1990,<ref name="AWR">Manila's Blazing Lion of Iron, page 60, Asiaweek, January 19, 1990.</ref> it was selected by the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] which placed an initial order of 150 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/1/1393/s1.html|title=An Appraisal Of Technologies Of Political Control|access-date=2009-04-12|date=1998-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020103433/http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/1/1393/s1.html|archive-date=2008-10-20}}</ref> On July 14, 1991, the ''[[Malaya (newspaper)|Malaya]]'' reported that the acquisition was done at a cost of $USD54 million.<ref name="Malaya91">RP to acquire British Simba by Noel Bartolome, July 14, 1991, Malaya.</ref>

Of the 150 vehicles ordered, eight were delivered in complete kit form from GKN, two in knocked-down kit form and another two in kit form.<ref name="FIR"/> The remainder were later assembled in the [[Philippines]] in a facility owned by the joint venture company Asian Armored Vehicle Technologies Corporation in [[Subic Bay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/07/03/94009/kickbacks-negotiated-deals-mar-afp-procurement-setup|title=Kickbacks, negotiated deals mar AFP procurement setup|website=philstar.com}}</ref><ref name="FIR"/> The Simba was then valued at $USD360,000 each.<ref name="Malaya91"/>

While the Philippine Army adopted it, a small number was pressed into service with the [[Presidential Security Group]].<ref name="GS"/> It is known to be used currently by the Army's Armor Division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080864|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308151918/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080864|archive-date=2020-03-08|title=PH Armor Division showcases new capabilities, equipment | Philippine News Agency|website=Philippine News Agency |date=8 March 2020}}</ref>

The vehicle was proposed to the Malaysian Army, but they decided to adopt the much heavier, six-wheeled [[SIBMAS]] instead.<ref name="GS"/>

==Controversy== Congressman Rodolfo Albano questioned the adoption of the Simba in the 1990s, suggesting that it was done due to cronyism since Multiparts Motors International President Antonio Lopa was related to President Cory Aquino by marriage.<ref name="AWR"/> Lopa denies direct relations, but has mentioned that a relative is married to her elder sister.<ref name="AWR"/>

JUSMAG officer Major General Thomas Harvey questioned the AFP's purchase, saying that the vehicle was never in full production at the time it was being tested in the Philippines.<ref name="AWR"/> While the V-150 was a bit more expensive that the Simba, the former was made available with American military aid assistance after they withdrew from Clark and Subic Bay.<ref name="AWR"/>

==Design== [[File:2nd Scout Platoon Armored Fighting Vehicle.jpg|thumb|2nd Scout Platoon Armored Fighting Vehicle]]

The driver is seated conventionally front-left with the Perkins diesel [[Powerpack (drivetrain)|powerpack]]<ref name="ARSimba"/> to his right and the troop compartment extending up to the rear of the vehicle.<ref name="FIR"/> The gearbox is a semi-automatic Clark 13.1 HR 28422, with four forward and two reverse gears.<ref name="ARSimba"/> This is combined with a transfer box which allows to go from 4 x 4 to 4 x 2.<ref name="ARSimba"/> Its LHD configuration is a sign that GKN has produced the vehicle with foreign exports in mind.<ref name="ARSimba"/>

The troops on seats down either side can dismount the vehicle via large door in the rear or the door in the left side of the hull.<ref name="ARSimba"/> The driver and commander can dismount via the cupola hatch and the driver's side door. Around ten persons are seated inside, although eight persons are an ideal load.<ref name="MT">{{Cite web|author=ARG |url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/simba.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518164122if_/http://www.military-today.com/apc/simba.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=18 May 2007 |title=Simba - Armored personnel carrier |access-date=2020-03-08}}</ref>

The vehicle usually has a one-man turret armed with a [[.50 BMG]] (12.7x99mm NATO) [[M2 Browning]] [[heavy machine gun]].<ref name="MT"/> Some vehicles were fitted with a one-person [[gun turret]] armed with a 25mm cannon and a co-axial 7.62mm [[General-purpose machine gun]].<ref name="MT"/> The turrets can be retrofitted with an automatic grenade launcher via pintle mount.<ref name="GS"/> The Simba was made by fabricated conventional steel alloy allor, meant to protect the occupants from 7.62mm ammo.<ref name="FIR"/>

A wide range of optional equipment can be fitted to the vehicle including run flat tires, front-mounted [[winch]], heater/air-conditioning system, and various weapon systems.<ref name="FIR"/><ref name="GKNSimbaJTCV">Foss, page. 326.</ref>

==Variants== The following variants were known to have been offered:

In Service: * Armored Personnel Carrier - 123 units delivered.<ref name="MT"/> One prototype retained by manufacturer in the United Kingdom * Ambulance - 17 delivered<ref name="ARSimba"/> * Infantry Fighting Vehicle 25m gun - nine used by [[Presidential Security Group]]<ref name="GS"/> * Command and Control - one in use{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Proposed: * Fire Support Vehicle with 90mm gun - one prototype retained by manufacturer in the United Kingdom<ref name="MT"/> * Anti-tank variant with TOW/HOT launcher<ref name="GS"/><ref name="ARSimba"/> * Anti-aircraft with 20mm cannons<ref name="GS"/> * 81mm Mortar Carrier<ref name="MT"/> * Internal Security Vehicle equipped with dozer, side-mounted anti-riot screens and loudspeaker<ref name="MT"/>

==Operators==

* {{PHL}}: ** [[Philippine Army]]: 141 Units ** [[Presidential Security Group]]: Nine units armed with 25 mm Bushmaster cannon<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/491751/stalled-simba-puts-palace-guards-manila-police-on-anticoup-mode | title=Stalled 'Simba' puts Palace guards, Manila police on anticoup mode | date=20 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tvd.im/land-systems/5088-gkn-simba.html | title=GKN Simba }}</ref>[[File:GKN Simba IFV.jpg|thumb|Gkn Simba IFV]]

==Preserved Vehicles==

* One Simba in Olive Drab colors preserved at [[Philippine Military Academy]], Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City Philippines.<ref>https://www.pma.edu.ph/gallery.php{{failed verification|date=June 2024}}</ref> * One Simba in Armor "Pambato" Division Colors at Camp O'Donnell, Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, Central Luzon, Luzon Philippines.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} * One Simba damaged by [[Improvised Explosive Device]] was retired and serves as Gate Guard at Camp Siongco, Maguindanao.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==References== {{reflist}}

===Bibliography=== {{commons category|GKN Simba}}

* {{citation |title=Jane's Tank and Combat Vehicle Recognition Guide (Second Edition) |first=Christopher F. |last=Foss |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-00-472452-6 |year=2000}}

[[Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers]] [[Category:Armored personnel carriers of the Philippines]] [[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period]] [[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s]] [[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the United Kingdom]]