Flagship of New Family of Logistics and Tactical Carriers

Arquus took the opportunity of a virtual demonstration day on 17 September to unveil the flagship vehicle of its brand-new logistics and tactical range – the ARMIS 6×6.

Emerging from a strong legacy of logistics and tactical carriers that includes the VLRA and GBC180, ARMIS is built to military specifications incorporating time-tested civilian technologies, with the support of the Volvo Group and with detailed feedback from military operators.

With an upgraded, hardened chassis, the ARMIS 6×6 is at ease off-roading and crossing even the most difficult terrain. It is equipped with an 11l 460hp (euro 5) engine, which allows it to clear 50% ramps. Similar to the Jaguar EBRC engine, the unit enables great agility, meaning ARMIS can accompany the latest generation of combat vehicles on the battlefield. Its gearbox, featuring the Ultra-Low Crawler option, enables it to stop safely on slopes. Brake assist also helps to save the main brakes on steep slopes.

The vehicle meets the operational constraints of the armed forces. Mobile and rugged, it is suitable for long deployments, complex missions and harsh environments with reduced maintenance requirements. Versatile, the ARMIS 6×6 is able to fulfil a wide range of logistical and tactical missions for the armed forces. Its multifunction platform is capable of transporting personnel in a secure and ergonomic manner, cargo, systems or 10 or 15-foot shelters. Modular, it offers multiple configurations, ensuring efficiency, ease of use and tactical freedom for the commander in the field.

The ARMIS 6×6 demonstrated earlier this month was an unprotected version, but the vehicle is also available with a STANAG 4569-compliant ballistic, mine and IED-protected cabin. Its architecture with a remote cabin gives it the highest level of protection, which can be upgraded as deemed appropriate. The ARMIS 6×6 has a common cabin with the 8×8 variant to facilitate vehicle handling and maintenance. Air- and rail-transportable, the vehicle can be upgraded to meet mission and theatre requirements as well as the evolving threat environment.

The ARMIS cabin features up to three seats and is configured with weapon mounts or covers, and fitted for communication systems, backpacks, water packs and other equipment. It also features screens to manage remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) and battlefield management systems (BMS). It can accommodate a range of weaponry, from manual circulars to Arquus’ HORNET range of RCWS, already selected by the French Army to equip the new combat vehicles of the SCORPION programme. The ARMIS 6×6 can be integrated into the SCORPION ‘bubble’ and is designed to accommodate the latest-generation communication and information systems.

ARMIS incorporates selected, in particular the Volvo-developed Automatic Traction Control (ATC), which Arquus can now offer on all its ranges. ATC automatically manages axle engagement to optimise vehicle mobility, allowing very high capacities at optimal operating cost. The driver maintains control and can decide to engage the various locks manually. This technology ensures better vehicle handling, fuel savings and reduced stress on axles and tyres. The vehicle also features modern road safety technologies (ADAS, ABS/EBS, ESP), which lighten driver workload allows for mission focus. These innovations ensure easier maintenance and savings in ownership and usage costs for operators.

Designed for technical and technological evolution over time, the ARMIS 6×6 is predisposed to accept all the latest Arquus innovations in terms of remote operation, automation and energy optimisation. With the support of the Volvo Group, and relying in particular on the experience of the PEA VAB ELECTER, Arquus is currently working on the development of eco-responsible versions for all its ranges, thus offering new tactical capabilities in the field. It can be equipped with Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) in order to allow predictive maintenance and simplify fleet management, taking advantage of EVTA Vérité, a tactical evaluation recently conducted successfully with on the French Army VAB fleet.

Maintenance is supported by the Arquus network, which in France places each Army regiment less than 15 minutes from a point of service. This unique network proves its worth daily in supporting over 10,000 trucks for the armed forces and now ensures 95% availability for the Army’s VT4 multi-purpose light vehicle fleet. The network is able to handle ARMIS fleets both in France and abroad.