ADJ May 2008 17

Today’s mi l i tary t rucks though not asglamorous as their other heavier and armedcombat brethrens are essential for a modernmilitary to function well. Generally, trucks andtrai lers are responsible for t ransport ingpersonnel, equipment, food, water, ammunition,and fuel once on the ground, represent thelogistical backbone of military operations. Thenew generation trucks have taken a moretactical and multi-purpose role. These truckshave been converted into platforms such ascommand centre, artillery, air defence systemsand others.

Trucks basical ly fa l l into threeclassifications: military light trucks, of whichthe Humvee is the best known, weighing 8,500to 10,000 pounds; medium-duty trucks, with2.5- or 5-tonne payload capacities; and heavy-duty vehicles such as equipment transportersand line haul tractors, commonly called semis.Although built to withstand a wide range ofenvironmental conditions and threats, the truckfleets of many armies is ageing and thusbecoming less effective over time.

To overcome readiness problems caused byan ageing truck fleet, to support a more agilemilitary force, and to reduce costs over thelong term, many armies in the Asia-Pacific regionare focusing on procuring the latest generationof military trucks and transporters. Here ADJlooks at the basic medium/heavy-duty trucks(transport purposes) that are available for theAsian market. With many land forces in the Asia-Pacific examining the procurement of newmilitary trucks and transporters, our attentionmoves to the options available to them. Theoptions include, but are not limited to, the RenaultSherpa 5, AvtoKrAZ-6322, Iveco, MAN 8x8,Mercedes Benz Unimog, Oshkosh and VolvoTruck M6 (4x4).

MAN SX SeriesThe Steyr 26 M 37 6x6 and Steyr 32 M 41 8x8trucks are militarised examples of the MANF2000 range of commercial trucks assembledby MAN Sonderfahrzeuge AG at the formerÖsterreichische Automobilfabrik ÖAF-Gräf undStift AG plant in Vienna.

The F2000 chassis also serves as the basefor the MAN FX range of tactical trucks. TheSteyr 26 M and 32 M trucks are designed tocarry a maximum load of 12,000 and 18,000kg,respectively, both on and off-road. They are ofconventional design, being based on a C-sectionlow distortion ladder frame chassis with rivetedcross-members. The three-seat forward-control commercially derived cab is of all-steelconstruction and tilts forward 70º to allowaccess to the engine and transmission. Thedriver has a suspended seat and single or twinpassenger seats can be fitted. The cab is fully

enclosed and a circular roof hatch is fitted.This can mount a light machine gun if required.

Motive power is provided by a MAN six-cylinder diesel engine developing 370hp in the26 M, 410hp in the 32 M. This is coupled to a16-speed ZF manual gearbox. A ZF hydraulictorque converter is an opt ion to theconventional clutch, a further option being afully automatic ZF gearbox. Conventional beamaxles and leaf spring suspension is employed,the rear axles being fitted with cross-axledifferential locks as standard. A differentiallock is optional on the front axle(s).

OshkoshThe performance of tactical transport trucksthat the US military is operating in Iraq is alsobeing looked at. Of particular interest is theOshkosh (6x6) Medium Tact ical Vehicleoperated by the US Marine Corps as its tacticallogistics vehicle.

All versions of the Oshkosh (6x6) MediumTactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) arebased on the same 6x6 drive configurationwith the engine under a forward bonnet. Thechassis frame is constructed using bolted/huck bolted formed channel made of carbonmanganese steel while the three-seat cab isof welded aluminium extrusion constructionwith adhesive bonded aluminium skins. Thealuminium hinged windscreen, roof, side-walls, door frames and rear wall can be foldeddown to reduce overall height to 2.489m.

Power is provided by a Caterpillar C-12electronically controlled ADEM III six-cylinderdiesel developing 425hp. This is coupled to anAllison HD 4070P electronically controlledseven-speed transmission with a TC-541torque converter.

The suspension uses a system known asthe Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspensionwhich utilises a coil spring and upper and

lower control arms at wheel position. Thissystem provides each front wheel with a totalvertical travel of 406mm and a travel of 325mmon the rear axles. All four cargo body modelshave removable tailgates and dropsides. Theload area for the MK23 and MK25 is 4m longand the MK27 and MK28 is 6.12m long. Theflatbeds can accommodate ISO compatibleloads such as containers and shelters.

Renault Sherpa 5Renault Trucks has acquired vast experiencein the field of mobility, applicable to civilian ormilitarised trucks as well as tactical or combatvehicles. It offers a comprehensive range ofwheeled military and armoured vehicles forlogistical and tactical transport, as well as forcarrying armament systems.

Of emerging interest is their new range ofSherpa tactical trucks which offer outstandingmobility and payload capacity. In combat zones,support vehicles must be able to operate asclose to the action as possible, deploy in aminimum amount of time, and be able to carryout swift, individualised supply missions toelementary units. This range of rigid trucks isdesigned to carry out all transport operationson the field, including the most challenging.The versatile tactical vehicles in the RenaultSherpa range ful f i l these requirementsperfectly: fording capacity; able to operate oneven the most challenging terrain at consistentaverage speeds.

These vehicles—epitomising versatility—are just as much at home on asphalt roads asdirt tracks, and possess all the qualities neededto ensure their success whatever the task,and whatever the conditions: performance,comfort, sturdiness, efficiency and a longworking l i fe. Furthermore, most of thesemodels can be fitted with an armoured cab asan additional option. The Sherpa 5 can carry a

Military Trucks for Asian Market by Kelvin Fong

18 ADJ May 2008

LANDFORCES

total payload of seven tonnes over roadsurfaces or the most challenging terrains suchas sand, stones and mud. Nexter (formerlyGiat) was the launch customer for the Sherpa5 which became the platform for the Caesar155mm self-propelled howitzer sold to Franceand Thailand. The Sherpa 5 is also C-130 airtransportable and has an armoured cab, heater,right hand drive, bead lock, centralised tyreinflation, automatic gearbox ZF 6HP602 and apermanent 6x6 power take off.

Mercedes-Benz UnimogThe overall layout of the latest generationUnimog remains the same as that of earliermodels, that being conventional with the engineand cab at the front and the standard troopcarrying/cargo body at the rear; both mountedon a torsionally stiff chassis. Any significantvisual differences in the new models are limitedto a gri l le that has been reshaped toaccommodate the radiator that comes with theEURO 3 emissions compliant engines.

In addit ion to new engines, the latestgeneration Unimogs are also fitted with aMercedes-Benz EPS (Electronic PneumaticShift) gearbox for the first time. Compared toa manual gearbox this reduces both driverfatigue and driveline stresses, particularlywhen operating off-road for extended periods.The standard cab is an all-steel tillable two-door model that seats two or three (two-passenger bench seat optional). A roof hatchis standard; the backrest of the passengers’seat tilting forward to form a standing platform.

Hydraulic suspension for driver and singlepassenger seats is an option, as is air-conditioning. A seven-seat crew-type cab isa further option. Left- or right-drive versionsof all models are available. The cab mounts tothe chassis via three bearing mounting points.The chassis is a C-section torque-resistantladder-type design with tubular cross-members. Tow and/or recovery points can befitted front and rear. Platforms, box-typebodies and flats for shelters are mounted onthe chassis by means of a torsion-free sub-frame. The standard troop carrying/cargo-typebody can seat up to 16.

Motive power for the latest Unimog range isprovided by one of two Mercedes-Benz EUROIII emissions compliant diesel engines: OM 904LA in models U3000 and U4000, and OM 924LA in model U5000; the OM 924 LA being abored and stroked version of the OM 904 LA.For the first time in the Unimog range theseengines are coupled to a Mercedes-Benz eight-speed electrical-pneumatic shifting (EPS)gearbox. A further eight working gears areopt ional. The two-speed transfer box isintegrated within the gearbox and al laggregates are sealed against dust, sludgeand water. In the event of an electronicsfai lure, some gears may be engagedpneumatically via an emergency switch.

Iveco M 150.30The Iveco M 150.30 WM (4×4) 7,000kg truck isthe lightest component of the Iveco HeavyRange of tactical trucks and is manufacturedby Astra Veicoli Industriali SpA, Astra being partof the Iveco organisation. For the domesticItalian market, the vehicle is marketed as theAstra SM 44.30. The three-person cab isconstructed using glass fibre reinforced resins,has a flat single-piece windscreen and wasdesigned from the outset to accept add-onarmoured protection.

The roof is fitted with an observation hatchand a machine gun ring-mount is optional. Thestandard cab is rail-transportable to STANAG2832, while an optional low-profile cab allowsthe vehicle to be transported by C-130 aircraftwith minimal preparation. The chassis frame isof conventional channel section design but ismanufactured from specific high-grade steels.Front and rear towing/recovery points arestandard and a self-recovery winch is optional.

Three chassis lengths are available: 6.45,7.275 and 7.875m (with respective wheelbasesof 3.5, 4.2 and 4.8m). In addition to conventionaldropside cargo/troop, tanker or flatbed/sheltermounting bodies, the M 150.30 chassis isdesigned to accept a variety of specialisedequipment. The British Army took delivery ofthree air-transportable vehicles fitted withEADECO well-dri l l ing equipment. Forcommonality and ease of support the M 150.30and other vehicles in the Iveco Heavy Rangenow make extensive use of drivel inecomponents (engine, gearbox, transfer box andaxles) used in the Iveco Eurotrakker range ofmilitarised commercial trucks.

The M 150.30 is powered by an Iveco EUROIII compliant 9.5-litre 300hp diesel engine,although a EURO II version, without electronicengine management systems, remains availablefor certain markets. Four-wheel drive is full-time, longitudinal and cross-axle differentiallocks are fitted and drive is transmitted viaeither a ZF 5 HP 500 five-speed automaticgearbox, or ZF 16 S 109 synchromesh 16-

speed manual gearbox, and Iveco two-speedtransfer box.

KAMAZ Military TruckKAMAZ or KAMA Heavy-Duty Truck ProductionPlant is a Russian manufacturer of a widerange of diesel engines and military trucks of3 tonnes-40 tonnes load capacity, includingall-wheel drive multipurpose trucks of theMustang family. KAMAZ assembled its firsttruck model in February 1976 and now, 30years later, the heavy duty models areexported to many countries including EasternEurope, China, the Middle East, and NorthAfrica. Its trucks are known for their simpleyet functional design, robust appearance andgreat efficiency. Today Kamaz is the largesttruck producer in Russia.

KAMAZ experience of trucks’ successfuloperation in military and defence structures,as wel l as design reserve, were theprerequisites for developing the multi-purposeMustang military truck family, including KAMAZ4350 (4x4), KAMAZ 5350 (6x6), KAMAZ 6350(8x8), with load capacities of 4 tonnes, 6tonnes and 10 tonnes, respectively.

A new KAMAZ-43501 truck with scaled-down wheelbase and tires has been producedon the base of KAMAZ-4350 chassis with aload capacity up to 3 tonnes to substitutevehicles of similar load capacity powered withpetrol engines. The major features of two-axleKAMAZ-43501 and KAMAZ-4350 trucks aretheir manoeuvrability in comparison to similarRussian and foreign trucks, smooth running,high steering response even in extreme roadconditions. By using the anti-roll bars installedon both axles, the truck is capable of passingsharp turns and heavy road sections easilywithout rolling or swinging. The trucks areprovided with a three-seat comfortable cabwith zones for crew rest, arms and specialequipment arrangement. To protect from smallarms and shell fragments, all Mustang militarytrucks may be equipped with cabs withexternal or internal armouring.

KrAZ-6322

SH

P M

edia

Sdn

Bhd

ADJ May 2008 19

Heavy Duty AvtoKrAZ-6322Ukrainian automaker AvtoKrAZ has establisheditself by developing military vehicles that meetthe requirements of military vehicles’ multi-functionality. Owing to their high technicalcapabilities, KrAZ heavy-duty military vehiclesespecially trucks are used by most of the worldarmies. Scores of special military equipmentproducts are mounted on KrAZ chassis. TheKrAZ trucks are equipped with diesel enginesfrom the Yaroslavl motor plant (Russia), withpower of 240hp to 400hp. At a customer’srequest, vehicles can be equipped with theengines of leading foreign manufacturers, suchas Deutz, Cummins or Volvo. Even in completeoff-road conditions and extreme temperaturesKrAZ military vehicles can carry pontoon parks,missi le systems and radio-engineeringcomplexes, transport crew and differentcargoes. They can travel in conditions and onterrain in which other military vehicles cannotoperate.

The KrAZ-6322 (6x6) is a vehicle of highcross-country ability, equipped with a platformand intended for different cargos and crewtransportation; it can drive on all roads, off-road and in cross-country. Its payload providesa capacity of 12,000kg at a maximum negotiableslope of 58%. The KrAZ-6322 provides acapability to tow aircraft of 75 tonnes onconcrete surfaces at an airfield, and can house32 soldiers with their ammunition.

Recently AvtoKrAZ Holding Company haswon a tender for the delivery of KrAZ-6322heavy-duty four-wheel drive vehicles ofdifferent modifications announced by theIndonesian National Police. These trucks willbe on service as part of the UNO peace-supportmission in Sudan. The trucks delivered, whichare used by the armies of Yemen, Angola, India,Egypt and the Iraqi Security Forces, include theKrAZ-6322 platform vehicles, tanker trucks fortransportation of water and fuel, and recoveryvehicles.

KrAZ vehicles wil l be manufacturedaccording to the requirements specified by theUNO for automobile technique. The presenttrucks will be coloured in white with a laydownof the UNO logo. This delivery of trucks is thefirst relating to the UNO during some years.Earlier KrAZ trucks implemented the targets aspart of the peacekeeping contingent of theUkrainian Armed Forces in Sierra Leone,Lebanon, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Volvo FM12The Volvo FM12 range of trucks succeeds theearlier FL12 range but is effectively an evolutionof the same concept. As with all Volvo models,the majority of the major components includingengines, transmissions, cabs and chassisframes are designed and manufactured in-house. With the exception of the high mobilityFM12 8x8 designed in cooperation with Timoney

Technology of Ireland and fitted with Timoneyindependent suspension, the entire range arebased on the standard commercial FM range.The base engine used throughout the range isa development of an existing 12-litre unit and isavailable with power outputs of 340, 380, 420and 460hp. Transmissions include manual, semi-automatic and full automatic versions.

Military all-wheel drive versions are equippedto meet NATO specifications with front/reartowing facilities, recovery points, blackoutlighting and inter-vehicle start sockets and soon. Waterproofing for deep salt-water wadingand winterisation for operation in extreme coldis also possible. The FM12 model range issuitable for a variety of applications, such astractors, cargo vehicles and tankers, whenfitted with the appropriate superstructure. TheSwedish Army operates a number of thesevehicles equipped with load handling equipment.

Volvo has developed a cab armouring systemwhich, by way of an appliqué kit attached tobuilt-in fixing points, allows a standard cab tobe fully protected within a short space of time.Depending on cab size and protection levelsrequired, the total weight of the add-on armourwill be approximately 1,500 to 1,600kg. Loadingon the original cab structure is limited toapproximately 1,100kg, the rear wall of the cabbeing fixed to the chassis frame. The optionalmine protection is also designed for fixingdirectly to the chassis frame.