BMR 3560 50 APC The BMR series of six-wheeled APCs has been referred to as the BMR-600 series. It was originally devised during the early 1970s, with the first prototype appearing in 1975. Initial production by various concerns who became the SANTA BARBARA Group commenced in 1979, with the first vehicles being handed over to the Spanish Army the same year. The BMR series has several unusual features, not the least being the independent hydropneumatic suspension which allows the ground clearance to be varied to suit the terrain being traversed. The hull is welded aluminium, spaced at the front to enhance ballistic protection. The base vehicle, the BMR 3560.50, is an APC with a crew of two (the driver and
machine gunner/radio operator) plus space for nine troops and the vehicle commander who normally dismounts with the troops via the large poweroperated ramp which forms almost the entire rear hull wall, Although the vehicle is amphibious this feature is optional; power once in the water is provided by two water jet units or from the road wheels. The machine gunner operates a 12,7 mm MG on an external mounting; up to six firing ports are located around the hull, The BMR 3560.51 is a command vehicle while the BMR 3560.53 is a carrier for either an 81 or 120 mm mortar. The BMR 3560.54 is an armoured
Spain ambulance while a more drastic modification forms the BMR 3560.55 which is an armoured repair and recovery vehicle with a hydraulic crane arm. The BMR 3560.56 is a radio communications vehicle. The Spanish Army has fitted a 90 mm gun turret to some of their vehicles (BMR 3564), Various types of weapon station have been tested on the BMR 3560.50 APC. At one time a prototype carrying four HOT ATGWs was rolled out but did not reach the production stage. Export sales of most production variants have been made to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Production totals to date are about 1,500 with some 1,000 going to the Spanish armed forces.
