As part of Otokar and Leonardo’s cooperation in the field of land systems, the TULPAR tracked platform was integrated with Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII turret. The resulting configuration combined main battle tank-level firepower with TULPAR’s mobility, protection and modular architecture.
Before the firing tests, the engineering teams from the two companies carried out a comprehensive integration program covering the mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces between the platform and the turret. Functional checks, safety inspections and system verification activities assessed the integrated system’s performance, reliability and interoperability.
TULPAR’s firing performance tested
Following completion of the integration phase, TULPAR underwent a series of firing tests under static and dynamic conditions. The performance of the integrated system was examined through representative operational scenarios.
During the tests, the turret and platform operated compatibly, while the weapon system, fire-control system, stabilization performance and overall system functionality met the planned test objectives. The work also assessed the potential to develop TULPAR in line with future mission requirements and configure it with different systems.
Company executives assess the program
Sedef Vehbi, Otokar’s deputy general manager responsible for military vehicles, said the completion of the program demonstrated TULPAR’s ability to integrate large-caliber turret systems. Vehbi said this capability was designed to meet requirements for mobility, survivability and firepower.
Vehbi said the work reflected Otokar’s engineering capabilities and its modular architecture for rapidly integrating mission-specific weapon systems in line with the operational needs of different users. He noted that the cooperation strengthened the company’s capacity to offer integrated land-combat solutions to international users.
Luca Perazzo, Leonardo’s deputy general manager for the Defense Systems business area, said the integration of the HITFACT MkII turret with TULPAR demonstrated the turret’s modularity. Perazzo said the turret was equipped with a 120-millimeter smoothbore gun, could provide the same firepower as a main battle tank system and could be integrated into light or medium-class platforms.
Perazzo also said the system could use Vulcano 120 ammunition for precision-guided fire. He added that Leonardo’s medium-caliber weapon systems also include the HITFIST turret family, which can be equipped with 30-millimeter X-GUN technology.
