|
|
Improved protection is required for utility
and logistical vehicles, supply trucks and prime movers. When
heavier trucks are concerned, armor protection is simpler
and is usually more straightforward than the work associated
with lighter vehicles such as the HMMWV,
since trucks can trade off some of their cargo capacity for
the additional protection; especially as such protection is
usually limited for the cab.
Protected
cabins are tailored for new trucks, or offered as replacement
cabs. An example is the HEMTT replacement cab, designed by
Armor Holdings. Utilizing the modular systems and bulkhead
connections of the original HEMTT cab, the armored cab can
be installed in the field, on the HEMTT vehicles within hours,
improving the heavy tactical fleet crew survivability.
|
| |

The new cab provides small-arms protection, defeating IED
and AT mine attacks and offers overhead protection against
fragmentation. Further protection to the exposed gunner's
position is provided with an optional gunner's protection
kit. Extensive protection, both external and covert, is provided
for trucks and prime movers used by the German Army in Kosovo
and for coalition trucks operating in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2004 Armor Holdings introduced an armored version of the
Oshkosh Trucks MTVR
family of tactical trucks. For missions requiring wheeled
Armored Personnel Carrierss (APC), combat support and tactical
logistics applications, Oshkosh is offering the Australiann
Bushmaster,
ecently combat tested in Afghanistan.
Protected cabs are also provided for various trucks including
M997 (HEMTT), M1070 (HETS), M915 trucks and M1074/1075 Palletized
Load Systems (PLS) at an additional weight of 1.3 - 1.9 tons.
For medium trucks, the "low signature armored cab"
is in development for the 2.5 and 5 ton FMTV Tactical vehicle
System (TVS) retaining air mobility of the truck. The FMTV
is produced by Stewart Stevenson Services which, in 2005 acquired
Automotive Technik Holdings Limited (ATL) of the UK, producer
of the Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicle are themselves being
acquired by Armor Holdings, which are producing the armoring
kits for these trucks. Several NATO Armies are employing protected
containers such as the TransProtec
to safely transport troops to and from forward bases in the
combat zone. The US Army is evaluating the MTTCS,
based on a composition of modular armor elements link to shelter-sized
transportable module.

Heavy Armored
Trucks - Comparison Table |
Vehicle Name |
Producer |
GW (t) |
Load Capacity, Crew + Passengers |
Protection Level |
Bushmaster |
ADI / Australia |
16.5 |
2+8 |
Bullet proof, IED, Mine |
Cougar |
Force Protection / USA |
17.5 |
2+8 (4x4) + 2 t. load
2+12 (6x6) 2 t. + load |
Bulletproof, IED, Mine |
Casspir |
TFM/ / South Africa |
10.8 |
2 + 12 / 1.8 t. |
Bulletproof, Mine |
Dingo |
KMW / Germany |
9.2 |
1+4 (1.2 t.) |
Bulletproof, IED, Mine |
Oryx |
International, USA |
12 - 15 |
2 + 8 or 2 + 10 / 6 t. |
Bulletproof, IED, Mine |
Truck APC |
International / US |
14 - 32 |
2 + 8 / 2 + 12 |
RPG, Bulletproof, IED, Mine |
SandCat |
Plasan Sasa / Israel |
5.5 - 7 |
1 + 3 / 1 + 5 |
Bulletproof, IED, mine |
Wildcat |
IMI / Israel |
15 |
2 + 10 |
RPG, Bulletproof, UED, Mine |
|
|
|