Around the world, light military vehicles have quickly become important parts of countries’ military systems. These vehicles not only possess high flexibility and mobility, but also provide the ability to perform diverse tasks in harsh battlefield environments. This article will take you into the exciting world of the best light military vehicles, from multi-purpose variants to vehicles capable of moving on many different terrains.
1. Iveco VM 90
The Iveco VM 90 is a multi-purpose military vehicle originating from Italy. This is a unique combination of the features of a truck and a tactical SUV, manufactured by Iveco, based on the platform of the Iveco vehicle line. The VM 90 version has evolved from the civilian version 40.10WM, which was originally designed for law enforcement and civil protection missions.
A version called the Torpedo was supplied to the ground forces of the Italian navy and air force. Iveco VM 90 is equipped with a diesel engine.
The Torpedo version has a basic design, has a rear-tilted shape and the ability to carry 10 people besides the driver. This version is suitable for tactical troop transport, although not equipped with armor, but is also capable of towing small caliber artillery or used as another tactical command point.
The Iveco VM 90 was widely used in various parts of the Italian army, participating in many diplomatic and combat missions.
This version has also been developed to meet the need for better human protection. The safety version comes with full armor, replacing the rear cockpit with a canvas-covered Torpedo version. The steel cockpit is equipped with a rear window and holes for using weapons without exposure, as well as tools such as trap guns or other weapons.
2. GAZ Tigr
The GAZ Tigr armored personnel carrier, often compared to the “Russian Hummer,” is the result of development by the GAZ Automobile Plant and was initially intended exclusively for military units operating in dangerous areas. dangerous.
In 2001, the first version of this vehicle, the GAZ-2975 Tigr, was officially launched, then tested at the end of 2006 and mass production began in 2007.
The Tigr vehicle is capable of carrying up to 10 people with full military equipment, and it has undergone testing for its operational and combat capabilities before being equipped with Russia’s OMON special forces. This vehicle line is bulletproof for 7.62 mm bullets and all types of mine fragments.
GAZ-2975 Tigr is equipped with an engine with turbocharging and air cooling system, combined with a 5-speed gearbox. All four wheels are mounted on independent suspension, allowing speeds of 80 km/h on rough terrain and 140 km/h on flat terrain. In addition, the Tigr vehicle is capable of wading through water 1.2 m deep.
In recent years, there have been hundreds of changes in the design of armored vehicles, including improvements in bulletproof materials and technical capabilities.
Currently, the GAZ-2330 Tigr has become part of the armed forces of Russia and a number of other countries, and is highly regarded as one of the best armored personnel carriers.
3. Pinzgauer II
Pinzgauer II is a model that uses six wheels, 6×6, compared to four wheels on the original version. This allows the vehicle to transport more weight flexibly, especially when engine power increases from 87 horsepower to 194 horsepower.
With a cargo capacity of up to 3.8 tons, Pinzgauer II can carry 14 soldiers along with equipment and is capable of towing trailers or artillery when needed. The cab placed above the chassis helps the vehicle cross water depths of 1.5 m and can operate within a range of 1,000 km, which can be doubled with an additional fuel tank, creating a flexible vehicle LUV in this list.
Although the Pinzgauer II belongs to the larger category of light military vehicles, it is still capable of being transported by Hercules or Chinook aircraft to combat zones where it can perform ambulance missions. , reconnaissance, tactics and communications.
4. Beijing BJ2022
The Beijing BJ2022 is produced in many different versions, including hard and soft tops, along with two-door and four-door pickup configurations. The car has the ability to change the height of the hood by folding the windshield and the canvas roof can be removed. Can carry from 5 to 8 people with a maximum load capacity of 500 to 750 kg, depending on engine model.
To create flexibility, the Chinese military chose a Nissan powertrain for the BJ2022. The vehicle has many different engine options, including diesel and gasoline engines with a capacity of two to three liters, making the BJ2022 a flexible and practical light military vehicle, making an important contribution to the force. China’s fighting force.
5. Humvee (HMMWV)
Humvee is a military vehicle produced to serve in the United States armed forces since the early 1980s. Its original name is High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. , often abbreviated as Humvee.
The Humvee was designed to replace the Jeep M151 series, used after World War II. It is a light tactical vehicle with many multi-purpose features such as patrol, reconnaissance, combat, light attack support, cargo transport, and even as a command vehicle and light transport. .
Humvee is equipped with a V8 diesel engine with a capacity of 150 horsepower, automatic transmission, four-wheel drive system (4×4) and the ability to travel by plane. The Humvee is capable of towing loads of up to 3,000 kg, and payload ranges from 1,200 to 2,200 kg, depending on version.
The vehicle uses an independent suspension and chassis similar to the frame axle, helping to create 16 inches of ground clearance. Disc brakes are equipped on all four wheels, mounted inside each differential. The front and rear differentials use a Torsen mechanism, while the center differential operates using a conventional mechanism and is capable of locking.
There are currently at least 17 HMMWV variants in service with the US armored force, including cargo/personnel missions, autonomous weapons launch vehicles, and ambulances (which can carry four to eight wounded soldiers). , M220 TOW missile launch vehicle, M119 howitzer artillery carrier, M1097 Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger launch vehicle, MRQ-12 direct air support vehicle, S250 defense carrier, and many other missions.
Source: Auto Pro
