TMV » 6x6M SF
A significant new chapter in the development of British military vehicle manufacturer, TMV, begins at the DVD 2010 show with the unveiling of a fully-functioning six-wheel drive, six-wheel steer military vehicle in Special Forces guise. The newcomer is part of the on-going development of the innovative TMV platform and modular product range, with production scheduled for 2011. The TMV 6x6M SF comes just twelve months after TMV revealed the vehicle prototype that showcased the company’s innovative and flexible approach to military vehicle design. The new-from-the-ground-up, uniquely-engineered TMV 6x6M is designed to provide enhanced levels of protection against mines and IEDs (up to STANAG 4 levels of protection), delivering a high-performance capability both on and off-road, with class- leading levels of payload fitting between current light utility vehicles and medium tactical trucks. To achieve best blast protection for occupants and minimise transmitted energy, a twin ‘V’ hull design has been developed by TMV and is universally used in the construction of all TMV model variants. Unique to TMV, it is constructed of stainless steel formers clad with belly blast plate throughout, its shape facilitating the dissipation of the blast energy wave at the point of impact, and also at the base of the occupant-protected cell. Driver and commander positions are mounted well behind the front wheels, thereby minimizing transmitted forced following blast. 4-wheel variants are available in 6.0t GVW to 9.5t GVW solutions, 6-wheel variants are available in 7.5t GVW to 18.0t GVW solutions, 8-wheel variants available in 9.5t GVW to 22.0t GVW solutions (2012). With the engine and transmission housed within the V-tub hull and mounted low-down in the middle of the vehicle, weight distribution is optimised to greatly assist the dynamic performance of the TMV 6x6M. Fully-independent air suspension - assisted with twin coil-over dampers on all wheels - delivers excellent dynamic handling and good passenger comfort, and adjustable ride height allows the centre of gravity to be kept low for higher speed use, but crucially allows the vehicle to ride higher when a mine or IED threat is anticipated. The six-wheel steer system is adaptive, and can be programmed to allow touch-button change of steering configuration per axle, according to specific needs in the field. The vehicle is powered by a mid-mounted Cummins ISBe5 in-line four-cylinder, 4,500cc turbocharged, water-cooled diesel engine, with a power output of 147 kilowatts (200bhp), generating up to 900Nm of torque. In the TMV 6x6M, this enables a limited top speed of 85mph/137 kph. The Allison 2500SP 6-speed, fully-automatic transmission utilised in the TMV 6x6M is also common to a wide range of military and civilian applications. It drives through a transfer gearbox with Hi and Lo ratios and via six Dana lockable differentials, which transfer the power via driveshafts to the six wheels, located with upper and lower wishbones on all axles. Brembo ventilated disc brakes, with twin-piston calipers and 300mm discs, are common to all wheels, providing excellent stopping power. Internal diesel fuel tanks enable a typical vehicle range of 700 miles/1,120 kilometres. Twin half-inch machine guns mounted to a 360 degree ring mount, can be replaced with grenade launchers and up to four front and rear 7.62 mounts, smoke grenade launchers fore and aft for cloaking. IR systems are available for efficient night work.
