The prototype vehicle will be used by a joint Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Army project team to design, install and test New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) communications and digital systems ahead of the construction of the new vehicle fleet.
“This vehicle is the first VAMTAC ST5 Medium variant to be built by UROVESA for the Ministry of Defence, as part of a project to replace the NZDF’s most frequently deployed operational vehicle fleet,” Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary, Capability Delivery said.
Once the communications design and testing phase is finished, the vehicle will be used for operator training and operational release tasks.
“The construction and testing of this vehicle prototype is a significant milestone for the project team, who are working to deliver 60 new VAMTAC ST5 Light and CK3 Medium-sized utility vehicles, as part of tranche one of the project,” Sarah Minson said.
The VAMTAC vehicles will, like their predecessors the Unimog and Pinzgauer, be used to transport personnel and equipment during security and stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and search and rescue deployments.
READ MORE
“UROVESA vehicles are known for their versatile, efficient and robust design. They are already used by more than 20 countries, including Singapore and a number of NATO member nations.
“The new VAMTAC fleet will be equipped to drive safely while off-road in challenging conditions, with high ground clearance using 4x4 drive and inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks. The medium sized vehicle will have a maximum speed of 110 kilometres an hour with a high torque Cummins 6.7 litre turbocharged and intercooled engines.”
“The new fleet’s off-road mobility will be further enhanced by the vehicle’s central tyre inflation system, which allows the driver to select and adjust the tyre pressure from within the cab.”
Pictured: Images show the protoype being loaded on to the C-130J ahead of it making its way to New Zealand.
Note: The name, VAMTAC is an abbreviation of ‘Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico’, which is Spanish for ‘High Mobility Tactical Vehicle’.
