Highland Systems, a Ukrainian corporation, unveiled an innovative multipurpose armored vehicle at the IREX defense expo in Abu Dhabi. A submersible variant of the armored MPV Storm, which features a hybrid propulsion system and complete amphibious capabilities, is forthcoming.
This is not the first tracked amphibious military vehicle; the BT-3F from Russia and the AAV-7 from the United States have both existed for some time. However, the Storm is the first vehicle to utilize a hybrid-electric powertrain, which, when the diesel range extender is engaged, provides a remarkable 18-36 hour range in hybrid mode, or 1.5-3.5 hours of battery-only operation, depending on speed.
.
Approximately 8,000 kilograms (17,600 pounds) in weight, this versatile six-seater is an exceptionally fast performer in its class due to its 2,500 horsepower electric powertrain. It has an impressive top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) on land and 30 km/h (18.6 mph) in the water, which is two to three times the pace of larger competitors. At this time, it can withstand surges of up to 60 inches (1.5 meters).
.
The Storm and its durable rubber tracks enable it to traverse a 200 cm (80 inch) wide moat or ascend perpendicular step-ups of up to 150 cm (60 inches) in height. It also has a ground clearance of 50 cm (20 inches). It is constructed with modularity in mind, according to GordonUA, so that replacements of individual components rather than an entire caterpillar are required; this, according to Highland, reduces operating costs by nearly 70% compared to other models.
Its armor provides STANAG-level or higher protection against ballistics, explosives, and IEDs, and it can be configured to operate entirely remotely, enabling unmanned or even autonomous missions.
.
At this juncture, the Storm is just a prototype. Highland announces that further testing and development will comprise a motorized version and a submersible version capable of diving beneath the water’s surface, in addition to the integration and evaluation of standard combat modules. GordonUA was informed by company representative Alexander Kuznetsov that Highland intends to transition to serial production due to the promising outlook for demand.
.
.
