Light Armoured ATV Uses G-Wagon Chassis
Protection specialist Plasan and Mercedes-Benz are presenting the Hyrax – a light armoured all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
The vehicle uses the G-Wagon chassis, engine and drivetrain – including an 4×4 AWD, centre, front and rear differential locks – from Mercedes-Benz, while Plasan adds the protected cabin and other integrated features. The end result? An agile, super lightweight mobility platform: the Hyrax.
According to Plasan, Hyrax is extremely manoeuvrable off-road and in urban terrain – even with the increased weight of a protected cabin, it can be driven like a normal 4×4 G-Wagon. The cabin comes with an integrated protection of B6 (proof against 7.62x51mm and shrapnel), which can be upgraded to B7 and STAND 4569 Level III. Plasan offers optional vehicle configurations for up to a six-man crew.
The principal design aim was to create a simple, cost-effective, operationally relevant vehicle. Its appearance at FIDAE is its first in South America, but it is currently competing in various Israel Defence Force tenders – although it is a brand-new design with no current user so far. Plasan is offering kit-style delivery, where final assembly, or elected components, could be the province of indigenous industry in countries such as – for example – Argentina, Brazil or Chile. Mercedes-Benz’ worldwide dealer system offers assurance for repair and spare parts services. Assembly in South America would make this vehicle even more cost-effective for regional operators.
This 4.8t 4×4 is powered by a reliable G300 CDI V6 engine developing 186hp, can ford to 600mm, mount a 400mm step, navigate an 80% slope and 54% side slope and has a 600mm trench-crossing capability. Payload, according to Plasan, is 810kg, and it is transportable by air in a C-130.
Several lightweight RWS can be integrated as options, fully controlled from inside the cabin, including day and night sight systems and an optional laser range finder. The system is also capable of EO video tracking of moving and stationary targets. As examples, Plasan cites the Light RCWS EB5 (which can use the IWI NEGEV 5.56mm or FN Herstal MAG 7.62mm machinegun) and Rafael’s Mini Samson (for calibres of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50 BMG, 14.5mm, ATGM Launcher or a 40mm AGL).
André Forkert in Santiago for MON
