Military vehicles and engineering support vehicles were originally designed for "mundane" tasks. However, do not forget that the "mundane" tasks solved by military vehicles may differ from the generally accepted idea of the use of vehicles. The history of military transport is full of unique projects that are not inferior in originality to projects of unusual armored vehicles.
For example, the car Sd.Kfz. 302 Goliath B-III is one of the first vehicles without a driver.
This unique caterpillar car has been produced since 1942. An electric motor was used as a power unit, which is already surprising for that time. Two engines from the Bosch concern accelerated the Goliath to a speed of 10 km / h. Control commands from the operator came via cable. The power reserve of this 300-tonne kilogram device was 1.5 kilometers. The main purpose of the Goliath B-III was the remote detonation of minefields, pillboxes and enemy structures. It should be noted that the German designers did not stop at this model and developed the idea of transport without a driver in the next project - Sd.Kfz. 301 B-IV Ausf - the first radio-controlled car.
The six-cylinder Borward 6B unit was used as the engine, which accelerated the four-ton car to 40 km / h. The range of the B-IV Ausf exceeded 200 kilometers, and remote control carried out by only one operator. The purpose of the B-IV Ausf is similar to the tasks of the Goliath B-III - remote detonation and reconnaissance.
Another unusual project The German military-industrial complex is the Kugelpanzer - a spherical, armored vehicle for reconnaissance and surveillance
The engine was a single-cylinder unit with a capacity of 25 "horses". The motorcycle “engine” accelerated the Kugelpanzer to only 8 km / h, so the launch of this armored, three-wheeled motorcycle did not take place.
Among domestic projects unusual cars wartime should be noted original idea snowmobile truck, designed on the basis of the GAZ-AA car. Although the GAZ-SH project remained purely virtual, its ideas were implemented in the construction of the BA-64-Z armored snowmobile.
The solution of the Russian designer Nezhdanovsky was used as a tracked system. The front wheelset gave way to ski supports. The beginning of work on the GAZ-SKh and BA-64-Z projects dates back to 1943, but already in 1944 they abandoned the creation of such structures. The main reason for this decision was the low controllability of such vehicles and poor maneuverability.
Failures with snowmobiles were compensated in another area of the automotive industry - the creation of amphibious vehicles. Among the original projects of amphibians of the post-war period, one can note the product of Lutsky car factory- front edge conveyor LuAZ-967.
This small-sized amphibious all-terrain vehicle was intended for transporting the wounded and reconnaissance at the forefront. The layout of the driver's seat is interesting - the central location of the steering assembly and the angle of inclination of the steering column made it possible to drive the LuAZ-967 car even while lying down. The all-terrain vehicle moved at a very frisky speed - up to 90 km / h on land and up to 3 km / h on water. The mass of the LuAZ-967 did not exceed 1 ton, which made it possible to transport this SUV to long distance with the help of aviation.
Another successful amphibian of Soviet designers can be considered the GAZ-46. This floating SUV was built from the nodes of another "rogue" - GAZ-69.
In terms of its shape, the GAZ-46 resembled an ordinary boat, to which wheels were attached by the will of the designers. Despite the ridiculous appearance, the GAZ-46 had enviable driving characteristics - 9 km / h when crossing water barriers and 90 km / h when driving on land. Power reserve - 500 km. The impressive speed of movement on water provided propeller screw, A good handling- water rudder
But neither LuAZ-967 nor GAZ-46 can compare with the original ZIL product - the PES-1 multi-purpose rescue vehicle, designed to search for and evacuate landed spacecraft.
This car had six driving wheels at once. The most advanced navigation equipment was installed in the driver's cab. The structural material of the PES-1 hermetic body was fiberglass. In the cargo hold rescue vehicle there was a winch and a crane (load capacity - 3 tons). The power reserve of PES-1 was originally 500 kilometers, but after modification fuel tank and the engine has been increased to 700 km.
Among rare cars Soviet era it is necessary to note the project truck off-road- NAMI-020 - the prototype of the entire Ural truck family.
This car did not differ in any special body shapes. The main advantages of the NAMI-020 project were hidden inside. Just imagine a domestic truck in 1955, which was equipped with a locking system center differential, gearbox with synchronizers, centralized system tire pressure monitoring, power steering, system preheat motor at the start and other "chips" of modern cars.
Specialists of the Scientific and Automotive Institute (NAMI) did their best, mass production this project hit only in the 60s. It was NAMI-020 that became the prototype for the Ural-375 and Ural-377 series, and then the BM-21 MLRS 9K51 Grad launcher. Such luck accompanies rare products of both the domestic and global automotive industries.
But, despite the successes and failures in the construction of snowmobiles, amphibians and trucks, the Soviet designers of military vehicles were most successful in creating multi-axle tractors intended for transporting ballistic missiles. Such projects still have no analogues in the world practice of automotive industry. One of the first "monsters" of the domestic automotive industry was the MAZ-529 - a ten-meter single-axle tractor with a load capacity of 15 tons.
The date of issue of the first production model is 1956. It was used both in the missile forces and for engineering and logistics support. The experience of designing the MAZ-529 helped in the creation of the next giant - the four-axle MAZ-535. This tractor transported goods weighing up to 65 tons on semi-trailers (modification MAZ-537).
A 12-cylinder unit with a capacity of 525 “horses” was used as an engine, accelerating an 18-ton car to 60 km / h. Good performance for a 1960. The next step in the design of tractors for launchers was the MAZ-543.
It is this tractor that receives a special driver's cab, made from a prototype of the future carbon fiber - a polyester resin that fastens fiberglass threads. The low specific gravity of the cabin allows you to redistribute the center of gravity of the MAZ-543 and guarantees special conditions for the launcher operators (thermal and sound insulation). WITH technical side MAZ-543 is a clone of the 537 model.
In 1966, in a series of tractors, MAZ enters fundamentally new car- the basis missile system RT-21 Temp-2S. The chassis of this launcher is MAZ-547 - a multi-axle tractor (6 wheelsets), transporting 82 tons of deadly cargo to any launch site in the country.
The design of the 547 model used the experience of MAZ543 (non-metal cab and engine layout in the body) and MAZ537 ( chassis and damper system). Ten of the twelve MAZ547 wheels were driving, and the first three wheelsets were also controlled. Subsequently, the chassis for the Topol missile system and the MoAZ-7915, an airfield tractor towing loads of over 250 tons, “grew” from this model.
MoAZ-7915, a tractor with a length of more than 14 meters and a carrying capacity of 275 tons.
Complex "Topol - M". Length - 22 meters. The number of wheel pairs is 8 pieces. Of these, only the first 6 pairs are steerable, which allows you to turn the car on a circle with a diameter of 16 meters.
Such "monsters" of the Soviet automotive industry, combining high cross-country ability, reliability in operation, and a solid load capacity, are not found among the products of either European or American automakers.
Most people see military equipment at parades or in TV reports. Typically these are vehicles. high cross with built engines. In our review, there are 25 of the "coolest" military vehicles, which extreme lovers, and just technology lovers, would certainly not refuse to ride.
1 Desert Patrol Vehicle
The Desert Patrol Vehicle is a high-speed, lightly armored buggy that can reach a top speed of almost 100 km/h. It was first used during the Gulf War in 1991 and then used in large numbers during Operation Desert Storm.
2. Warrior
Warrior - British 25-ton fighting machine infantry. More than 250 FV510 IFVs were modified for the desert war and sold to the Kuwaiti army.
3. Volkswagen Schwimmwagen
The Schwimmwagen, which translates to "Floating Car", is an amphibious four-wheel drive SUV that was widely used by the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS troops during World War II.
4. Willys MB
Manufactured from 1941 to 1945, Willys MB - small SUV, which became one of the symbols of World War II technology. This legendary car, which could reach a top speed of 105 km / h and drive almost 500 km on one gas station, was used in a number of countries during World War II, including the USA, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union.
5. Tatra 813
Heavy army truck with a powerful V12 engine, it was produced in the former Czechoslovakia from 1967 to 1982. Its successor, the Tatra 815, is still in use around the world today, both in military and civilian applications.
6. Ferret
Ferret is an armored fighting vehicle that was designed and built in the UK for reconnaissance purposes. Over 4,400 Rolls-Royce-powered Ferrets were produced from 1952 to 1971. This car is still used in many Asian and African countries.
7.ULTRAAP
In 2005, the Georgia Research Institute unveiled the ULTRA AP combat vehicle concept, which boasts bulletproof glass, the latest technologies easy booking and excellent economy (the car needs six times less gasoline than a Humvee).
8. TPz Fuchs
The amphibious armored personnel carrier TPz Fuchs, which has been produced since 1979 in Germany, is used by the German army and the armies of several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, the United States and Venezuela. The car is designed for the transfer of troops, mine clearance, radiological, biological and chemical reconnaissance, as well as radar equipment.
9 Combat Tactical Vehicle
The Combat Tactical Vehicle, which was tested by the US Marine Corps, was built by the Nevada Automotive Test Center to replace the famous Humvee.
10. Transporter 9T29 Luna-M
The 9T29 Luna-M transporter, made in the USSR, is an armored heavy truck for transporting short-range missiles. This large 8 wheeled truck was widely used in some communist countries during the Cold War.
11. Tiger II
The heavy German tank Tiger II, also known as the "King Tiger" was built during World War II. A tank weighing almost 70 tons, with armor in the forehead of 120-180 mm, was used exclusively as part of heavy tank battalions, usually consisting of 45 tanks.
12.M3 Half track
M3 Half-track - American armored vehicle, which was used in the US and UK during World War II and the Cold War. The car could develop a maximum speed of 72 km / h, and refueling was enough for 280 km of run.
13. Volvo TP21 Sugga
Volvo is a world famous car manufacturer. However, only a few fans of technology know that cars for military use were also produced under this brand. The Volvo Sugga TP-21 SUV, which was produced from 1953 to 1958, is one of the most famous military vehicles that were made by Volvo.
14. SdKfz 2
Also known as the Kleines Kettenkraftrad HK 101 or Kettenkrad, the SdKfz 2 tracked motorcycle was produced and used by Nazi Germany during World War II. The motorcycle, which could accommodate a driver and two passengers, had a top speed of 70 km/h.
15. Super heavy German tank Maus
The super-heavy German tank from World War II was enormous (10.2m long, 3.71m wide and 3.63m high) and weighed a whopping 188 tons. Only two copies of this tank were built.
16. Humvees
This military SUV has been produced since 1984 by AM General. The all-wheel-drive Humvee, which was designed to replace the Jeep, is used by the US military and has also found use in many other countries around the world.
17. Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck
HEMTT is an eight-wheel diesel off-road truck that is used in american army. There is also an all-wheel drive ten-wheel version of the truck.
18. Buffalo - vehicle with mine protection
Built by Force Protection Inc, the Buffalo is an armored vehicle equipped with mine protection. A 10-meter manipulator is installed on the car, which can be controlled remotely.
19. M1 Abrams
Multi-purpose military truck Unimog.
The Unimog is a multipurpose 4x4 military truck manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, which is used by the troops of many countries around the world.
23. BTR-60
The eight-wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier BTR-60 was produced in the USSR in 1959. The armored car can reach speeds of up to 80 km / h on land and 10 km / h in water, while carrying 17 passengers.
24 Denel D6
Manufactured by Denel SOC Ltd, a South African state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, the Denel D6 is an armored self-propelled artillery vehicle.
25. Armored personnel carrier ZIL
Made to order by the Russian army, latest version armored personnel carrier ZIL is a futuristic-looking all-wheel drive armored vehicle with diesel engine with a capacity of 183 hp, which can carry up to 10 soldiers.
It is worth noting that military equipment is sometimes not cheaper than luxury cars. For example, if we are talking about, then even their rent costs millions of dollars.
During armed conflicts, it happens that regular cars used for military purposes. But history knows many examples when cars originally created for the army, acquired over time new life in civil automotive industry.
Jeep
The most famous example of such a retraining can be called a car. The history of this brand begins in 1941, when the US Army Department placed an order for the production of military off-road vehicles at several car factories. At first, they were produced under the names Willys MB and Ford GPW, but over time, this model received the nickname Jeep, which became a full-fledged trademark in 1950.
During World War II war jeep became known to the whole world, becoming one of the symbols of America's involvement in the conflict. And in 1944, the first civilian model under this brand appeared - the Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep).
Now, under the name Jeep, a wide variety of models of both civilian and military vehicles are produced in different price category. But each of them can be easily recognized thanks to the radiator grille inherited from the 1941 model.
Hummer
In the late seventies, the Pentagon decided to initiate the development of an army vehicle that would have a solid size and be much more passable than the Jeep. The creation of a new American military SUV was entrusted to AM General in 1979, and in 1981 the HMMWV was already in service.
HMMWV (Humvee) gained wide popularity during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991, and in 1992 mass production of its civilian model, the Hummer H1, began.
In total, three variants of the elite were released. SUV Hummer. And even though its production stopped in 2010 due to economic reasons, military Humvees are still being produced.
LuAZ-967
Relatively successful attempts to convert military vehicles into civilian ones also existed in the Soviet Union. The most notable example of such a transformation is the LuAZ-967 floating transport vehicle. This absurd appearance the car was produced at the Lutsk Automobile Plant in 1961-1989 by order of the airborne troops. It was used to evacuate the wounded and transport ammunition, as well as towing and, rarely, as a mobile platform for firearms.
And already in 1967 there appeared civil version this car - LuAZ-969. Subsequently, it developed into a whole series of passenger and cargo modifications which were produced before 2001.
LuAZ-967 in all its variants was one of the ugliest cars in the Soviet Union, for which he received many neutral and frankly mocking nicknames, for example, "Louise", "Iron", "Jerboa", "Fantômas", "Lunokhod" and " Volynian".
Tiger
For the appearance of an armored car in Russia, we must thank Bin Jabr Group Ltd from the United United Arab Emirates and King Abdullah II Design of Jordan, who provided $60 million to develop a multi-purpose vehicle designed for the military. However, the contract with them regarding the mass production of this car was never signed, and Russia decided to produce cars for its own needs.
Most modifications of the Tiger have military purpose. This is a convenient armored car that can protect the people inside from small arms. But soon after the advent of army cars, civilian versions of it were also developed.
The first owners of civilian Tigers were Nikita Mikhalkov, Valery Shantsev, Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Andrey Mikhalkov. But now the opportunity to buy such a car has appeared for everyone who wants to pay 120 thousand dollars for the purchase.
Knight XV
The Knight XV civilian SUV went through a series of retrainings before appearing before us in its current form. It all started with the appearance in 1999 of a truck Ford Super Duty (Ford F550). On its platform, the Canadian company Terradyne Armored Vehicles Inc. started production armored vehicles for military needs with the name GURKHA. They have not become as popular and massive as Jeep or HMMWV cars, but they are still in service in Canada itself, as well as in Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Iraq, Egypt, Jamaica, the USA and some other countries.
The civilian variation of GURKHA, which received the name, became more famous. Outwardly this giant SUV looks like a Hummer on steroids. He has big sizes and weight, and also has much more powerful armor that can withstand even a hit from a grenade launcher.
Inside the Knight XV there are four comfortable seats for passengers. It is not only the most safe car in the world, but also one of the most comfortable. Its cost is 629 thousand US dollars.
Military automotive equipment, abbreviated as BAT, is rightfully considered the base that provides tactical and operational mobility for all types of units. The armed forces of the state are making a lot of efforts to improve their military fleet, creating innovations and demonstrating undeniable power. Today, the article is devoted exclusively to military vehicles of both domestic and foreign production.
Russian military vehicles
Tiger
Russian military vehicles have always been the pride of the nation, just like other military equipment. One of these assets can be called the Tiger SUV. The model is popular not only among the military society, but also among civilians.
Interestingly, the Tiger was originally designed for the military department of the United Arab Emirates, which turned out to be quite generous and provided capital in the amount of $ 60,000,000 for the production of prototypes.
The first finished samples appeared on display at IDEX-2001. For some unknown reason, then the customer abandoned his intentions and Russia expressed a desire to keep the development.
Today, small-scale production of the "Tiger" is carried out by AMZ (Arzamas machine building plant). The cost of a "tiger on wheels", depending on the chosen modification, varies between 100-120 thousand dollars. The car is equipped with a powerful North American turbocharged diesel engine Cummens 180 hp, 5.9 liters and APC suspension. The mass of the "Tiger" is 5.3 tons, and the capacity is from two to ten people. Clearance height 430 mm. It overcomes fords without problems, up to 1.2 meters deep.
T-98 "Combat"
Another model of the Russian armored SUV. Specialization "Combat" - comfortable transportation commanders in extreme conditions combat zones. Provides highest level protection from B2 to B7 and is ranked as one of the fastest SUVs in its class.
The car is presented in two versions: 5 and 9 (12) seater sedan and station wagon, respectively. All-metal frameless body made of high-alloy steel withstands bullets up to 12.7 caliber.
The total weight of the T-98 is 4,250 kg. The volume of the fuel tank is 125 liters. Max speed car 180 km / h, and up to 100 "Combat" accelerates in just 10 seconds.
The first car rolled off the assembly line in 2000, and its popularity continues to this day. Relatively recently, the T-98 military vehicles migrated to the category of not only army equipment. Now they are available to civilians. Price iron horse depends on the modification requested future owner, and from the hands it can be purchased for 10,000,000 rubles.
World War II vehicles
Military cars played a significant role during the Great Patriotic War.
Take, for example, the GAZ-M1 car, popular in Soviet times, aka “emmka”. It is the prototype of the American "Ford-A".
Serially produced for Gorky plant in the period from 36 to 43 years of the twentieth century. Over the entire period of its existence, over 62,000 units were produced.
The metal parts in the cabin were finished in expensive wood, and the upholstery was made of brown and gray cloth.
Then there were several major modifications.
- M1 Taxi. The release fell on 37-41 years. Equipped with a taximeter had a difference in body color.
- GAZ-415. Issue from 39 to 41 years. Loading capacity of the car is 500 kg. More than 8,000 pickups have been produced for all the time.
- M11. Produced from 40-41 years. 6-cylinder GAZ-11 engine with a modernized radiator lining and hood.
- GAZ 61-37. The release fell on 41-45 years. Went exclusively in small batches. It is considered the world's first all-wheel drive sedan. For a period of just over 4 years, only 200 copies were produced.
The base model had a tank of 60 liters, a clearance height of 210 mm. Vehicle weight 1,370 kg. GAZ M-1 could reach speeds of up to 105 km / h without any problems.
Military vehicles of foreign production
SWAT Pit-Bull VX
A real American bunker on wheels. The SUV was recreated on the model of an army armored car, but for the most part it is designed for operation by US special forces.
According to Alpine Armoring, the creators of the SUV, not a single passenger died. Full protection is provided by a special unique design, characterized by the presence of a "shell" that dissipates the energy of the explosion. The manufacturer claims that the armor can withstand the impact of 7.62-caliber bullets.
Pit-Bull VX has a 6.7 liter turbodiesel engine. Weighs about 4 tons. The clearance height is 40 cm. It is able to overcome fords up to 1.2 meters deep. SUV capacity up to 6 people.
The cost of the "bunker on wheels" is approximately $200,000.
IVECO LMV
Multi-purpose army armored car, developed by the Italian designers of a subsidiary of the corporation. The first prototype was released in 2001. Interestingly, in Italy it is simply called "Lince", which means "lynx". Currently, the car is actively used in 10 countries, and in each it has its own "underground" nickname.
By the way, several copies are in the possession of Russia. They were created jointly with KAMAZ.
At preliminary preparation LMV can overcome fords up to 1.5 meters deep, and without preparation 0.85 meters. The armored car is equipped with a 185 hp turbodiesel engine. The clearance height is 400 mm. Weight about 6.5 tons. Capacity up to 8 people.
Mercedes Gelandewagen
One of the most popular German-made military vehicles among the common people. "Cube", as it is often called, is found in almost any city and is well known to everyone. Nowadays Gelandewagen is considered a very "authoritative" car and few people know that quite recently, despite the strong similarity, it was not like that.
Rumor has it that the SUV was created on special order for NATO. But there is a very reliable historical fact, which tells that the authors of the project turned to the German representation only in the second place, having initially proposed the idea to a third-party state. The former, of course, were not enthusiastic about their position and even refused, arguing the high cost of the project.
Now Mercedes Gelandewagen actively used by special forces and the military in more than 20 countries around the world. The SUV is designed for operation in especially difficult conditions. About 1,000 units were purchased by the United States, since their "native" Hummer H1, due to its size, simply did not fit in a helicopter.
Gelandewagen has more than 25 various modifications designed for different purposes. The most interesting thing is that you can’t just buy these cars. You will need a special certificate proving the need for an SUV.
Dartz Kombat
The SUV is produced by Dartz Motorz Company, which is the "daughter" of Dartz Grupa and specializes exclusively in military equipment. Among the military circle, the car is very popular in special operations. Good for lightning attacks and the elimination of street riots and riots.
Received scandalous popularity after the manufacturer offered its customers interior decoration interior skin penis whale. It is not known how many applicants were found. But high sales, for sure, were due to a special gift that the buyer received. The car was supplied with a bottle of luxury vodka, decorated with gold.
It is one of the few armored cars that in the VIP version are made to order for civilians. Despite the rather high cost, 150,000 - 1,500,000 dollars, the SUV is popular. Such overclocking in price is due to many modifications. At the request of the client, the car can be assembled with or without reservation.
Equipped with a powerful 400 hp V8 turbodiesel engine. Weight - 4 tons. Ground clearance- 200-415 mm, depending on the model. Capacity up to 7 people. Can overcome fords up to 0.7 m deep.
Renault Sherpa
French version of the tactical military SUV. The first time the car was not given special attention, but everything changed after the 30,000th run to the North Pole. Today, Renault Trucks Defense presents 4 main modifications designed for different areas of application:
- for anglers;
- for rescue operations;
- VIP version;
- for collectors.
Sherpa has a 215 hp turbodiesel engine with a displacement of 4.6 liters. The mass of the vehicle is 3.8 tons. Ground clearance 600 mm. Maximum capacity up to 6 people. The cost, depending on the modification, is 120,000 - 400,000 dollars. Overcomes fords up to 0.75 meters.
FED Alpha
An American modern army armored car, on the creation of which the TARDEC research center and the British engineering company Ricardo painstakingly worked. The highlight of the SUV is the economical consumption of fuel with maximum efficiency. This option is very useful, if you do not forget that most of the time the vehicle will be in the epicenter of hostilities.
The car is equipped according to the standard scheme starting from LED headlights and ending with the already popular Cummens six-speed automatic transmission gears. The designers have worked out the maneuverability of the armored car, so the latter can be used to work within the city. The FED test results, which took place back in 2011, showed very good results.
Toyota Mega Cruiser
Mega durable japanese SUV, whose release came to an end in 2002. The purpose of the creation of the car was to transport the wounded and transport the commanders. To some extent, this is a Japanese "hummer", it even looks like the latter.
The armored car was also used as a base for the installation of artillery weapons and compact air defense systems. Vehicle actively and fire services. But a certain amount was sold among individuals. Taking such a step, the manufacturer was very hopeful for mass production. But, for some unknown reason, the idea was a failure, so despite the excellent quality of the SUV, the project was covered. It should be noted that throughout the existence, Toyota Mega cruiser never left his native country.
All-wheel drive SUV with a turbodiesel 15B-FTE 155 hp And six-speed gearbox gear was equipped with the latest technology. In the cabin, with a capacity of up to 7 people, there was air conditioning and power windows. The designers did not forget about music either, placing an audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
The depth of the overcome fords is up to 1.2 meters. Vehicle weight - 2.9 tons. Ground clearance - 420 mm.
Hummer H1
Pretty too popular model among the civilian people. The first prototype, called HUMVEE, went into serial production in 1981. Now it is known under the abbreviated H1. At the time of testing, the car struck many. The indicators were significantly higher than the safety standards established by the Americans and met absolutely all standards. That is why H1 became the undisputed leader in the then open tender.
Today it is in service in more than 40 countries around the world. By the way, the SUV is no longer officially produced, however, by special order it can be assembled in any modification, depending on the place and purpose of operation. It is interesting to note that the copies intended for common use (H2 and H3) in their characteristics have nothing to do with the military version, except for the name.
The armored car is equipped with a 195 hp turbodiesel engine. The ground clearance is 406 mm. Capacity up to 6 people. The car weighs 3 tons. It can overcome fords up to 0.76 m deep.
In 2010, Russia approved the "Concept for the development of military vehicles of the Armed Forces Russian Federation for the period up to 2020". Its main idea is to produce vehicles based on unified families of armored vehicles. The concept involves the creation of certain platforms that will be able to be modified depending on the goals and objectives of operation. Within the framework of this Concept, for example, KAMAZ-63968 Typhoon was created. "Typhoon" is, in fact, a single wheeled body platform, which can have bodies of various configurations. Various target equipment can be mounted on the Typhoon base. The platform itself can become a communication vehicle, a mobile artillery system, a truck crane, a transport and launch vehicle for unmanned aerial vehicles, a tow truck, an escalator, etc.
The main feature of all modular armored platforms is the presence of serious armor that protects against small arms and land mines, which ensures reliable transportation of combat personnel. The emphasis on creating such protection was due to the fact that in most cases, combat losses among the troops occurred from undermining vehicles in a minefield or from land mines during the movement of columns.
The same modular "transforming machines" include other platforms, such as "Tiger", "Wolf", "Bear", "Bulat", etc. All of them have the ability to be modified for specific military and special purposes.
However, there are also models in the classic non-modular design. These include the incredible original design, which has already become a legend during development, "Falcatus". He is also better known to many as "The Punisher". Work on the car began back in 2008, and the development task was formed by the Ministry of Defense back in 2002. The first photos of an aggressive and angular armored car appeared only in 2012, however, rumors about the date of the start of the serial production of the Falcatus still haunt the minds of everyone interested in the subject of military vehicles.
In open sources, bit by bit, some information about the exact parameters is accumulated, performance characteristics, as well as specific plans and the start date of serial production of the car. Only a few times it could be seen in special editions of television programs, as well as in videos posted on the network, in which the Falcatus was accidentally captured by drivers passing by it. By the way, this is exactly the video of the real Falcatus, captured on our Russian roads and became one of the main motives for creating a whole series of infographics about new and conceptual domestic armored vehicles.
