Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles’ (RMMV) versatile Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is a compact, high-mobility, extremely survivable tactical system designed for deployment worldwide. At this year’s MSPO, RMMV presented for the first time a variant of the vehicle specially configured to meet the needs of the Polish military, with an eye to the particular requirements of the country’s special operations forces, but also a wide variety of other units.
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The AMPV is the outcome of a partnership with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Right from the outset, purely military requirements dictated the vehicle’s design. In the process, the development team took systematic account of experience gained during the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and other operations worldwide. As a result, the AMPV is now the best-protected vehicle in its class anywhere. In the meantime, it has been thoroughly and successfully tested by a number of national procurement agencies, and is already in full-scale production.
Various weapon stations can be integrated into the AMPV. The spectrum ranges from manned ring-mount systems to highly advanced remote control weapon stations. Potential armament options include a 40mm automatic grenade launcher or a .50 cal. BMG. The special operations variant on show at MSPO features a remotely operated weapon station made by Polish defence contractor Tarnow, armed with a heavy machine gun.
Weighing in at 7.8 tonnes when empty, the AMPV can carry a payload of over two tonnes. In line with special operator requirements, the vehicle’s storage capacity has been carefully optimized: there is plenty of space for extra equipment. Even so, it remains extremely compact, measuring just 5,660 mm in length, 2,300 mm in width, and 2,180 mm in height. This means that the AMPV can be airlifted in medium-sized transport aircraft like the C-160, C-130 or A400M. Moreover, heavy-duty transport helicopters such as the CH-47 and CH-53 can carry it as underslung cargo.
Thanks to its powerful 272 hp/200 kW diesel engine, the AMPV attains a maximum speed of 110 km/h. Automatic transmission, automatic differential lock management, a robust chassis with independent suspension and double wishbones together with a central tyre inflation system all contribute to the vehicle’s excellent performance even in tough terrain.
On paved roads, it has an operating range of 700 km. The AMPV can handle inclines of 60% and transverse gradients of 40%. It features a maximum fording depth of 850 mm, and can cross trenches measuring 750 mm across. The AMPV can tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500 kg. It is able to operate at temperatures ranging from -46°C to +55°C. Two 150-amp generators supply the vehicle with electricity.
The AMPV’s superbly protected, self-contained armoured fighting compartment has enough space for five fully equipped soldiers. Moreover, the fighting compartment’s protection level can be augmented with add-on armour modules, making it more than a match for heightened threat scenarios. Advanced bullet-resistant glass combines excellent visibility with maximum protection, while a high-performance heating and cooling system and NBC filtration assure a high level of battlefield sustainment. Special operations often call for offensive driving techniques, which is why the AMPV also features built-in impact protection.
If necessary, the protection level can be enhanced still further by integrating additional assemblies. These include Rheinmetall’s Acoustic Sniper Localisation System (ASLS) and Situational Awareness System (SAS), assuring 360° monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Unlike conventional smoke/obscurant systems, the Group’s innovative Rapid Obscurant System “Rosy” creates an instantaneous, extensive, multispectral interruption of the line of sight, including a dynamic wall of smoke/obscurant that provides moving objects with sustained protection and concealment. The protection system’s multi-mission capability assures a 360° defence against multiple aggressors, including swarming and wave attacks. Thanks to effective screening measures in the visual and infrared spectrums, including integrated IR jamming and decoying effects, the system reliably wards off all types of TV-, EO-, IR-, IIR, laser- and SACLOS-guided weapons.
An advanced battlefield management system networks all of these capabilities, assuring excellent command and control. Due to the open architecture of the vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems, weapons and equipment kits can be easily integrated, while new devices can be connected in ‘plug and play’ mode.
The AMPV underscores once again Rheinmetall’s commitment to excellence and status as a top supplier of systems and equipment for armed forces and security services around the world.