AUTOMOTIVE TECHNNIK SHOWS OFF ITS NEW ARMOURED PINZGAUER
12th Apr 05. At a demonstration at Aldershot’s Long Valley of its range of products, Automotive Technik, showed off its latest product, the armoured variant of the 6×6 Pinzgauer which has entered production, following successful trials. The first units are part of Automotive Technik’s £15m second tranche contract to fulfil the New Zealand Ministry of Defence LOV (Light Operational Vehicle) requirement, which includes sixty of the new armoured variant out of a total of 312 vehicles.
Recent events around the world have brought issues of national and international security and protection into sharp focus. Both military and civilian emergency services have had to reassess both the design and level of protection specified on vehicles which are used for patrol and peacekeeping duties, as well as those deployed in theatre. These are the operational environments for which the new armoured Pinzgauer has been specifically designed.
The new armoured Pinzgauer 6×6 has been developed to meet the increasing demand for light armoured, high performance personnel carriers. The vehicle was developed as a joint venture between Automotive Technik and specialist armoured vehicle builder, S MacNeillie of Walsall and provides an important addition to the Pinzgauer model range. The basic rolling chassis is common with the latest soft-skin Pinzgauer 6×6 variants, already in service. The LOV armoured Pinzgauer is built to the New Zealand MoD’s specification for ballistic protection – whilst also meeting NATO and international standards. The Pinzgauer’s legendary agility, speed and performance, particularly off-road, is also retained.
The high-hardness steel MacNeillie monocoque bodyshell also complies with the European CEN standard, Class B6 for ballistic protection. This includes resistance to 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball round at 10 metres. This puts the unit’s armour well within the protection required for the AK47 and AKM Kalashnikov Assault Rifles. The underside is protected by floor armour, with a material extensively used for protection against bomb blast and fragmentation. The bodyshell is also designed to offer flexibility in the way it is configured – and up-armouring is possible with the use of appliqué systems. Roof options include a ring mount or hatch.
A run-flat wheel system, specially developed by Hutchinson, is also included, which aids mine blast protection. The system incorporates an alloy split wheel rim and ‘variable function’ run-flat insert. The bodyshell is also designed to offer flexibility in the way it is configured – and up-armouring is possible with the use of appliqué systems. Roof options include a ring mount or hatch.
Automotive Technik Group Chief Executive, Alan Stanley says, “A significant number of other military procurement organisations and specialist civilian and emergency services have already indicated strong interest in the vehicle. We believe it is a strong contender to fulfil the increasing demand for light armoured, high performance personnel carriers”.
BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold put the latest version of the best –selling 4×4 Pinzgauer the Pinzgauer XM (X-treme Mobility) through its paces. To date there are 26000 vehicles in service in 30 countries with 28 Armed Forces. The drive gave full credence to both the legend and the reputation of the vehicle as the best in its class. Rugged performance, high payload for size, multi-role versatility, air-portability and exceptional all-terrain mobility have made the Pinzgauer ‘the vehicle of choice’ for a wide range of operational military and special forces roles around the world. The vehicle is also attractive for a number of civilian emergency service applications, such as fire and rescue.
“Something’s changed,” The Editor said as we ploughed through another deep wading scenario and over a sand lip, “Yes,” said Pinzgauer Chief Engineer, Jonathan Etherington, ”It is the