Venezuela has launched a modernization program for its Brazilian manufacturing 6x6 armoured vehicle personnel carrier EE-11 Urutu. The first prototype was showed in February 2013 to the military authorities of the country, and the July 24, 2013, the vehicle was presented to the public during the Navy Day of the Venezuela.
The new upgraded EE-11 Urutu of Venezuela Marine Corps.
The new upgrade of the EE-11 Urutu is fitted with a one-man turret armed with a 20mm cannon Oerlikon GAM-B01/L90 and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The vehicle is powered with a new engine, the gearbox and the suspension were replaced.
This version is equipped now with a new electrical system and air conditioning. The new vehicle is named IMB-580. The vehicle is now under evaluation and testing for a period of eight months in the amphibious battalion of the Venezuelan army.
One of the major improvements is the installation of one thermal camera supplied by the Belgian Company Pegasus Technologies. The camera is mounted on the top of the 20 mm cannon to provide infrared and night vision for the gunner through a multi-function 10-inch color display Barco NV TX-126. This new system increases the day/night combat capabilities of the Urutu EE-11 in all weather conditions.
The vehicle uses also a new flotation system to improve the stability of the vehicle due of weight increase with the 20mm turret.
The variant with the 12.7mm heavy machine gun will be also upgraded with the new thermal camera. The overall modernization project concerns a total of 37 Urutu EE-11 vehicles, and could also be used to modernize the amphibious armored vehicle LVTP-7 purchased from the United States in the 70s.
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