Singapore Army Introduces Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The Army unveiled its latest platform, the Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicle, at a commissioning event at Lim Chu Kang Armour Training Area this afternoon. Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean witnessed a synchronised assault by a battalion from the 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade (4 SAB) during a demonstration showcasing the enhanced firepower and networked capabilities of the Bionix II. The manoeuvres and firepower display were orchestrated using the Army's Battlefield Management System (BMS).

The introduction of the Bionix II is part of the ongoing transformation of the Army into a leaner and closely networked force. Besides delivering a mightier punch of firepower, the Bionix II also provides better crew protection and connectivity. It can be integrated with an array of platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Primus Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), and the Bronco Mortar Track Carrier (MTC). These capabilities will enable the 3rd Generation Army to respond rapidly and strike with precision against a spectrum of threats.

The Bionix II is jointly developed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and Singapore Technologies Engineering. This reflects the SAF's strong ties and effective collaboration with local defence agencies, and MINDEF's continued investment in conceiving and developing cutting-edge indigenous defence solutions.

BIONIX II CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENTS

System-centric Design. Incorporating new C4I capabilities, the Bionix II will be a key component of the 3rd Generation Army that seeks to deliver precision in manoeuvre, information and strike:

a. Force Connectivity. The Battlefield Management System (BMS) enables the prompt sharing of information about locations and movements of friendly and enemy forces in a fully networked environment. This capability in the Bionix II enables the Headquarters (HQ) to command and control its deployed forces more effectively.

b. Interoperability with Sensor and Strike Assets. The BMS onboard the Bionix II will enable the command HQs to coordinate the employment of various sensor and strike assets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Primus Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), and the Bronco Mortar Tracked Carrier (MTC).

Enhanced Firepower, Engagement and Survivability.

a. Improved Lethality. Compared to the 25 mm cannon on the original Bionix, the Bionix II is fitted with a 30 mm cannon which delivers an estimated 50% increase in penetration capability.

b. Better Fire Control System. The Day / Night Thermal Sighting System (DNTSS) is an improved version of the sighting system on the original Bionix. It includes an integrated eye-safe laser range finder for accurate target acquisition of up to 3 kilometres. The dual-axis stabilisation system allows enhanced tracking of targets and improves the overall First Round Hit Probability.

c. Enhanced Survivability. The Bionix II features an estimated 50% improved protection against conventional weapons and chemical threats.


Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control (IKC2)

Hardware AH Integrator - Improved Data Modem
BMS Terminal - Ruggedised PC
Software Battlefield Management System
BX-AH data communication software
Lethality
General Armament Turreted Mk44 30mm Cannon
1x 7.62mm MG Coaxial
1x 7.62 GPMG
Survivality Enhanced armour protection
Mobility
Max Road Speed 70km/h
Max X-Country Speed 40km/h
Max Water Speed 5km/h
Max Cruising Range 400km
Ground Clearance 0.4m
Fording 1.0m
Transmission GDDS HMPT 500-3EC Automatic
Engine DDC 6V 92 TA
Fuel Type Diesel
Power 475HP
Power to Weight Ratio 19.2HP/tonne
Dimensions
Length 5.970m
Width 2.780m
Height Overall 2.770m
Height of Hull 1.810m
Weight (Empty) 20020kg
Weight (Combat) 24800kg
Capacity 10

Some pics to suppliment this thread

It has a very high profile. That makes it an easy target.

Finn McCool said:

It has a very high profile. That makes it an easy target.

Click to expand...

I agree. I am wondering why couldn't S'pore design and build wheeled IFV? They seemed faster and more suitable for our needs of being agile.

Hmmmm.......... I doubt the height is really a that serious issue here. Bcos maybe the pics are distrorted thus they seem high. Btw, why i say height not important here is due tot the vegetation here. The vegetated areas here are usually a narrow path of abt 3meters with trees of various heights by the sides. The Lalang which is a tropical weed here grows in open field and can be as high as maize plant. For the sake of our temperate frens, Lalang are these species of weeds here that grows to 3m tall has a green stem and white flurry seeds at the top. Usually they are too thick to see thru wad is hiding at the other end.
Another thing is bcos our neighbours are still using a force of mainly 4x4 AFV, having the BX is no issue.
To Rhino, why SAF give up using wheels is due to past experience of having them stuck in the field during monsoon season. They usually have higher center of gravity, thus their chances of toppling while charging uphill is high too.

Kind of reminds me of the Bradley, but the shape of it is diffrent. It's also bigger, taller too. Like Finn said, it looks like it could be an obstacle for low-flying aircraft.

And also, from what you said, it sounds like it is very region-specific. That might turn off a potential forgen buyer who's country has a severe lack of three-meter tall plants to hide behind.

Though every armored vehicle has it's flaws.

It is not really a 3m plant reasons. Bcos our vegetation here is very densed and thick. A typcal Russian or NATO type IFV or AFV is going to have a hard time navigating through this small paths and traversing the turret is going to be a nightmare. Thus only vehicles that are small is acceptable.
That leaves those 4x4 or 6x6 as the only viable options. But we all noe wheels have high CG and high profile thus it is not veri gd.

Whe SG designed this BX, they had a tropical terrain in mind and wanted something to replace the M113 in the future. The armour is also expected to be better than the thin skinned M113.

Thus due to this special requirement, i doubt there is much international market available. As most nations with lesser vegetations can afford to get vehicles with maximum protection, firepower and mobility.

BTW, this vehicle cost around 2.5 million a piece.

Don't you think that wheeled IFV is more agile and could move easier and faster in Urban area. Singapore is a highly urbanised area, I know that fighting within ones own country can be hell... however if war was actually brought to S'pore or if we bring war to another nation, I think smaller wheeled IFV could be extremely useful in tightly packed cities and towns.

So I think Singapore should actually think of developing a wheeled version of the Bionix too.

I think a tracked vehicle would be more useful in an urban situation. Since the enemy is at closer range, even relatively simple weapons like RPGs are capable of knocking out IFVs and APCs. Look at what happened to the Russians in Grozny. Wheeled vehicles are more vunerable in that situation. Also, a tracked vehicle would be better at getting over rubble.

Singapore's forces are designed for offensives, and that means rural warfare in the muck. Fast wheels on the street are useless if they can't go fast here.
Plus (I don't know much about tropical vegetation) with all those Lalang vines, you can open a road with a tractor & Co, but not with wheels, at least not good enough for foot-soldiers to walk on I guess.

Russian vehicles are pretty small and flat, but I think their problem is that their ground pressure is comparable to those of the West-Or they are awfully thin skinned.

If Singapore is going to design a wheeled vehicle, I'd think it'd look very unconventional. First, the vehicle'd be pretty wide to allow for a lower body and CG. And I think you'd need to chain your tires often like our snowy pals so that you'll get grip, or have special tires. My guess is that it'll look like a crab.