This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)
A new tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) developed by Egypt has been unveiled in at the end of last year. The National Organization for Military Production, part of the Egyptian Ministry of Defense has developed the SENA 200, which seems very similar to the Soviet BMP series, but according to the Egyptian Defense Industry, it is an entirely new vehicle. The vehicle is based on tracked torsion bars and shock absorbers suspensions. The vehicle’s upper part is protected by armor plates.
The driver position is equipped with full digitalized displays to control and drive the vehicle. The internal layout has been designed to offer a high level of comfort, with individual seats for each soldier and the crew. Each side of the hull is fitted with three day periscopes and three firing ports.
The troop compartment is at the rear with the six infantrymen seated back-to-back. They enter and leave the vehicle via two manual doors located at the rear of the hull, each equipped with a small window and one firing port.
According to the company, the hull of the vehicle provides ballistic protection up to Level 4 against the firing of small arms 14.5×114mm AP (Armor Piercing). The vehicle floor offers mine protection up to Level 3 against mine blast explosion of 8 kg TNT under the body and the tracks. The front and the side of the SENA 200 can be also fitted with an anti-RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade).
The SENA 200 is powered by a stroke Diesel engine developing 360 hp. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 65 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. The vehicle has a low silhouette.
It has a combat weight of only 14 tons. According to armyrecognition.com, the SENA 200 seems to have amphibious capabilities and is propelled in the water by its tracks.
The SENA 200 can be fitted with a wide range of weapon systems and can be armed with an automatic cannon up to 30mm caliber.