Kynos » Aljaba 8x8

The Aljaba 8x8 (Quiver) was designed to tow and retrieve MBTs up to a weight of 60,000 kg. It is built on a flexible rectangular chassis that is resistant to the stresses imparted when travelling over uneven terrain. The chassis is reinforced by longitudinal members with special cross-members attached. A swing-arm suspension with leaf springs and trailing arms is employed. The forward control cab is formed from a steel frame mounted on elastic shock-absorbers and has seating for the driver, crew member and three passengers. The Aljaba 8x8 is powered by a Deutz 19-litre V-12 turbocharged diesel and uses a ZF semi-automatic gearbox with torque converter. All four Rockwell 13,000 kg axles are driven, the front two being steered with power assistance. Each wheel hub has a planetary reduction gear and each pair of axles can be pneumatically locked. The dual-circuit pneumatic brakes act on all wheels and the brake circuits are also used to provide air for the de-icing, protection and alarm systems. An air take-off is provided each side of the vehicle for tyre inflation. The special 24.00R 20.5XS-PR16 tyres may be fitted with chains for extra traction and the spare wheel is provided with handling gear. For recovery the Aljaba is equipped with two 25,000 kg winches with 26 mm cable that normally operate to the rear, but the left-hand winch cable may be routed forward using a pulley fixed to the chassis. The first production vehicles were delivered to the Spanish Army in 1987. After the acquiring all the actives of Kynos SA company by the Group Servicios Y Proyectos Avanzados (SPA) in 2003, it is produced under the SHE Cavallo name.