Germany's KMW, known as Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Industrie, used to be Europe's largest developer and producer of ground combat vehicles, but now it is a subsidiary of China National Chemical Corporation (CNCEC). Is it a surprise?
This happened in 2016, when ChemChina bought its parent company, Krauss-Maffei Group, for $1 billion, and is now long since listed in China.
Let's get back to business and move on to this KMW Special Operations Vehicle, also known as the SOV. the German-origin 4×4 all-wheel drive off-road vehicle is a long-range patrol vehicle specially designed in the mid-2000s for the German Special Forces to allow for quick transit via Chinook medium transport helicopters.
The vehicle was developed by Klaus-Maffei Wegmann in cooperation with Bremach, as the SOV special operations vehicles need to be suitable for long-range reconnaissance and special operations, the actual vehicle was first unveiled in 2014, as of now there are still a variety of customers to buy this special vehicle, let's just call this KMW special operations vehicles as "light cavalry". "
KMW Special Operations Vehicle
KMW Light Cavalry overall body protection, but the passenger protection is general, mainly to be able to rapid movement of combat, the front of the diamond-shaped cross-section design in the military vehicles are often used, to be able to play a role in the reduction of shock waves and light weapons. The thin forward air grille ensures breathability and takes into account defense, the unique V-shaped front bumper has a high degree of passability, and the entire vehicle is equipped with anti-roll bars.
The front windshield is a complete split type, which can be opened and closed, combining frontal protection for the driver and firepower output for the passenger position. There is a spare tire holder on each side of the body, where the spare tire is placed to also provide some protective support for the compartment, and a front end bracket for quick mounting of external equipment such as winches.
The vehicle seating for the 2 +1 +1 layout, the body side of the pedal and anti-roll steel frame combined together in a simple and practical, the front row of the main seat to concentrate on driving the vehicle, the co-pilot can be free to shoot, the middle passenger can control the addition of heavy weapons to provide a strong output, the back row of passengers can be the rear of the output, which is the modern battlefield light cavalry, firepower powerful and fast.
Vehicle seats with airbags shock absorption, two-spoke steering wheel is the right size, the dashboard and multi-function center console are protected by internal armor, stirrup pedals for all-metal non-slip treatment, wheels for the desert driving heavy off-road tires.
KMW light cavalry empty vehicle weight of 5 tons, the maximum load of 2.5 tons, body length of 5.99 meters, 1.94 meters wide, 2.63 meters high. Vehicle using Italian Bremach heavy chassis, with a certain anti-mines and bombs, the body has a little ballistic protection. There are three weapon racks on the vehicle that can mount a variety of weapons externally, such as the main rack that can be mounted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, and front and rear racks that can be used with either a 7.62mm or a 5.56mm machine gun.
The vehicle is modular in design and can be quickly re-mixed according to mission requirements, such as transporting personnel with up to six passengers. The vehicle has great cross-country mobility, using its speed and maneuverability to avoid head-on firefights, just like light cavalry to accomplish missions through surprise or hasty attacks.
It is powered by an Iveco 3-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 168 hp, a top speed of 130km/h and a maximum range of 900km, with an extraordinarily long range providing the basis for a wide range of circuitous maneuvers. Maximum climb 60% gradient is about 31 degrees, side slope 30% gradient is about 16.9 degrees, vertical obstacle 0.5 meters, wading obstacle 1 meter.
The KMW Light Cavalry can be loaded into the cabin of a CH-47 or CH-53 helicopter, or can be lifted and airlifted for rapid mobility, with a foldable roll cage that can be quickly retracted. With the roll cage folded, the vehicle's height is reduced from 2.63 meters to 1.87 meters, and it can deliver firepower at any time without having to dismantle its weapons.
This article comes from the author of the automobile home car family, does not represent the views of the automobile home position.