Wolf Armoured Vehicle
| Wolf armoured vehicle | |
|---|---|
| File:Wolf Armoured Vehicle.jpg The Wolf Armoured Vehicle. | |
| Type | Armoured Vehicle |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2007 - Current |
| Used by | Israel Defense Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Hatehof |
| Manufacturer | RAFAEL Hatehof |
| No. built | 150 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8 tonnes |
| Length | 5.75 meters |
| Width | 2.38 meters |
| Height | 2.35 meters |
| Engine | 6-litre V8 turbo-diesel 325 BHP Diesel |
| Transmission | Five speed automatic |
The Wolf is mainly used by the Israeli Defence Force. It was created to provide a better handling, better protected version of the M113 (Bardehlas). The Wolf is a heavily armoured crew carrier, manufactured by the Hatehof company. It combines a commercial truck's speed and maneuverability, and APC-like armour. Because of this, it is mainly used in a low-intensity confrontation. The Wolf's chassis is based on a Ford F-550 truck, and is equipped with a 6-litre V8 engine. The engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, which drives all four wheels, making this a four-by-four. [1]
Creation
Concept
The idea for the Wolf was born from the need of transporting soldiers safely during missions in an urban environment, and in peacekeeping missions. [2]
Build
The Wolf consists of a commercial Ford chassis so it can be easily maintained anywhere. It is equipped with a diesel, 6 liter 325 HP engine and automatic 5 speed transmission. It can weigh up to 8 tonnes. The automatic systems require no changes when the armor is applied. The armor protects crew compartment, automatic elements and wheels. The armor envelope is built independently from the chassis, so it is possible to use the same armor envelope on another chassis (of the same model) when the chassis goes out for service. [3]
Design
Protection
The vehicle is completely protected, including the wheels, with run flats. The armour is three tons, and is not critical to the Wolf's overall weight, since its maximum load is eight tons. All of the doors of the vehicle are bullet proof, including the engine and gearbox compartments. [4]
Comforts
Six doors, four on the sides and two at the rear, which enables troops to get in and out easily and quickly with all of their equipment. The vehicle interior is well-equipped with a double air conditioning system, comfortable seats and all the items a soldier might need.
Testing
The Wolf successfully passed all of the Israel Defense Forces testing. [5]
Changes
Since no major changes have been done to the chassis, except the addition of armour, the vehicle does not suffer from engine overheating or handling problems. The Wolf weighs approximately 8 tons, and can carry a crew of up to 12 personnel, and along with the crew, 2 stretch beds can be carried. The doors are designed for a quick getaway. The designers at Hatehof have managed to keep the Wolf's major parts original. The only change was in the rear axle, and the tires.
The German Version
The Wolf is an air mobile wheel vehicle which is developed by the German company Rheinmetall Landsysteme. It's in service with the German Army and can also be used for reconnaissance and patrol missions.[6]
Purchase
The Israeli Ministry of Defense ordered 150 Wolf Armored Vehicles from Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. [7] and Hatehof. The new vehicle includes a Rafael made 7.62 mm MAG stabilized weapons station, with armor that protects it from light arms, machine guns, explosive charges, and anti-tank missiles. [8] RAFAEL and Hatehof will share thousands of work hours in production of the new vehicle, mostly in the Tziporit Industrial Park, near Nazareth. [9]
References
- ^ "First Section".
- ^ "Second Section - First Paragraph".
- ^ "Second Section - Third Paragraph".
- ^ "Third Section".
- ^ "Second Section - Seventh Paragraph".
- ^
"German Version". World Wide Military. Retrieved November 2007.
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- ^ "Fifth Section - Second Paragraph".
- ^ "Fifth Section - Second Paragraph".