Among Best-Protected 4×4 APCs Currently Available

Ahead of a formal physical presentation scheduled for September, Arquus on 24 June unveiled the latest addition to its range of tactical vehicles, the 4×4 FORTRESS Mk2.

Designed to confront the increasing range of threats encountered on today’s battlefield, the vehicle combines the very high mobility of the FORTRESS with brand new capabilities in terms of protection and firepower. More aggressive and even better protected, the FORTRESS Mk2 is a modern, high-performance vehicle, very well adapted to current and future operational commitments. It combines mobility, firepower and protection in a single multi-purpose vehicle, developed to meet the demanding requirements of Arquus’ customers and partners.

Designed to transport a combat group of 11 soldiers over all terrains, the FORTRESS Mk2 combines optimal protection against all ballistic threats and mines encountered on the battlefield and unprecedented capabilities in off-road mobility thanks to its independent suspensions and very powerful engine. The vehicle has been designed with very high levels of protection against ballistic threats, mines and IEDs, thanks to an innovative under-body architecture. This new protection, particularly coherent and balanced, makes the FORTRESS Mk2 one of the most protected 4×4 APCs currently on the market.

This increase in protection has been achieved without any increase in mass, thanks to use of the latest Arquus technologies in terms of armour and body architecture. This major evolution has therefore been completed while maintaining the exceptional mobility of the FORTRESS. Since its launch in 2014, the FORTRESS has always been very popular due to its excellent off-roads capabilities, and has quickly been adopted by a European special forces unit.

FORTRESS Mk2 retains the 6-cylinder 340hp engine, which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 23 hp/t, a top speed of 120 km/h and a range of 1,200km. It has been specially designed to carry Arquus’ HORNET range of remote-controlled weapons stations (RCWS), created as part of the SCORPION programme and carrying a range of weapons from 5.56 to 12.7mm. The vehicle is also equipped with Arquus’ BATTLENET vetronics suite, designed to operate with the HORNET turrets and featuring Blue Force Tracking (BFT).

These developments make the FORTRESS Mk2 an agile, well-protected, well-armed vehicle capable of going on the offensive in all terrains and conditions. In line with all former ACMAT vehicles, the FORTRESS Mk2 is rustic, durable, reliable and modular, which simplifies and reduces maintenance needs. Customizable, it can be configured for right- or left-hand drive.