Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC

The Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC prototype underwent further refinement towards having a near-production model for final approval. Photo c/o RTA Research and Development Office.


Thailand’s Defense Technology Institute (DTI), Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC together with Preecha Thavorn Industrial Company Ltd. revealed the upgraded version of its Black Widow Spider (BWS) 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) being developed for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) last 16 June 2019. 

The vehicle underwent improvements compared to the prototype that was released in 2015, as integration of the near-final systems have been made, including involvement of Thai companies.qqqqq

Theppon Aeromotics Industry Co. Ltd. designed and supplied the vehicle’s electrical systems, Israel’s Elbit Systems supplied the vehicle’s Battlefield Management System (BMS), and Datagate Co. Ltd supplied the anti-heat screen protection system.

The Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC can carry 12 soldiers including the 3-man crew, and can run a maximum speed of 100 km/h with a maximum range of 600 kilometers. It is fully amphibious and has two propellers mounted at the rear of the vehicle, allowing it speeds of up to 8 km/h. 

The vehicle is protected to Level 4 STANAG 4569, and can be armed with either a 1-man turret from ST Engineering Land Systems with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher, or Elbit Systems’ UT30 Mk.2 unmanned turret armed with a 30mm cannon.



[1] Royal Thai Army Research and Development Office
[2] AAG_th Thai Defense Page
[3] Army Recognition

Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on June 26, 2019 Rating: 5

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