The 'Africa Truck', which has a gross vehicle weight of 28 tonnes and an empty weight of 12 tonnes, has been designed to be as modular as possible and can accommodate a range of superstructures or a hook lift system. It is also designed to be as simple as possible with a focus on maintenance in the field far from even forward workshops, although its electronically controlled engine might present a challenge in this regard.

 

The 269 kW diesel drives through an Allison automatic gearbox with a DVS-developed two-speed transfer case. It uses rigid axles with differential locks, while the suspension comprises parabolic leaf springs with double-acting hydraulic shock-absorbers. The vehicle uses 16.00 R20 tyres on 10x20-inch split rims, with provision for a central tyre-inflation system. The steering is hydraulically assisted.

 

The demonstrator vehicle is 10 m long, 2.6 m wide and 2.74 m high, and features a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 30 m. It has a ground clearance of 455 mm, approach and departure angles of 40° and 30° respectively, can climb a 60% gradient, and has a maximum speed of 110 km/h.

 

Ballistic protection is to STANAG Level 1, although it can also protect against 7.62 x 39 mm armour-piercing incendiary rounds with appliqué armour, while mine protection is offered against an 8 kg minimum blast anywhere under the vehicle.

Source : www.janes.com