The Komodo wheeled tactical vehicle variants seen during IndoDefence 2012. Image courtesy of Ominae via Wikipedia.
The Komodo vehicle features an armoured steel hull. Image courtesy of Ominae via Wikipedia.
The Komodo rocket launcher variant is designed to carry Mistral surface-to-air missiles. Image courtesy of Rama via Wikipedia.

Komodo 4x4

The Rantis Komodo 4×4 wheeled tactical vehicle is designed and developed by Indonesian weapons manufacturer PT Pindad. The vehicle is offered in a number of variants, which include reconnaissance, armoured personnel carrier (APC), command post, ambulance, rocket launcher, special operations support vehicle (battering ram), and cannon towing.

Designed to transport or launch surface-to-air missiles, the missile launcher platform has been selected by the Indonesian Army, while the special operations support vehicle was ordered by the Indonesian Army Special Forces (Kopassus).

The Indonesian Police Special Forces (Brimob) selected the Komodo APC variant for missions such as search-and-rescue, bomb disposal and riot control.

Development of the tactical vehicle

PT Pindad began the development of the Komodo tactical vehicle in November 2011. The vehicle was introduced during the Ritech Expo 2012 held in Bandung, Indonesia, and the line-up took part in the IndoDefence 2012 exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia.

PT Pindad signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT LEN Industri to collaborate on the development of communications systems for the Komodo vehicles in October 2015.

Komodo armoured vehicle design and features

The Komodo vehicle features an armoured steel hull and offers superior manoeuvrability. It can accommodate up to five personnel.

The vehicle measures 5.65m-long, 2.25m-wide and 2.15m-high. It has an empty weight of 5,800kg and a combat weight of 7,300kg. Its wheel base and wheel tracks are 3.60m and 1.90m respectively.

The rocket launcher, reconnaissance and cannon towing variants are equipped with a four-door double-cab, which can accommodate up to five personnel, while the other variants are provided with a two-door regular cab. The cab features two-piece windshield assembly with ballistic glass. Each door is fitted with a bulletproof glass window.

The on-board navigational and communications systems include AM and FM radio communications, intercom set, global positioning system (GPS), and night-vision goggles (NVG).

Armament

The reconnaissance variant is optionally provided with a roof-mounted remote control weapon station to carry a 7.62mm-calibre machine gun for defence against small arms and light vehicles.

“The Indonesian Police Special Forces (Brimob) selected the Komodo APC variant for missions such as search-and-rescue, bomb disposal and riot control.”

The missile launcher platform variant can be armed with Mistral surface-to-air missiles (SAM).

Protection features

The armoured steel hull and bulletproof glass windows protect the crew from 7.62mm armour-piercing rounds. The add-on armour of the cabin provides ensures maximum protection against ballistic threats. The vehicle can be optionally equipped with smoke grenade launchers on the roof.

Engine details

The Komodo vehicle runs on a four-stroke, inline, six-cylinder diesel engine, which develops an output power of 215HP at a rate of 2,500rpm. The engine is coupled to an optional transmission system, which features six forward gears and one reverse gear.

The vehicle is installed with a rigid axle suspension system and has a power-to-weight ratio of 29.4hp/t. The front suspension employs a bushing arm with coil spring, while the rear suspension uses a trailing arm with coil spring, stabiliser bar and telescopic shock absorber.

The driveline components also include power steering system, 12.5 R20 tyres and hydropneumatic control disc brakes on all four wheels. The vehicle is also installed with two 12V / 100Ah batteries and a 24V / 100Amp alternator.

Komodo tactical vehicle performance

The vehicle’s maximum off-road and highway speeds are 50km/h and 100km/h respectively. It can travel at a speed of 80km/h on flat surfaces, and negotiate gradients of 60% and side slopes as high as 30%.

The fording depth is 0.75m and the turning radius is more than 7m. With a fuel capacity of 200l, the Komodo can operate over a maximum range of 450km. It can cross vertical obstacles of 0.4m and trenches of 0.5m. Its approach and departure angles are 45° each.

The Global Armoured Vehicles and Counter IED Vehicles Market 2011-2021

This project forms part of our recent analysis and forecasts of the global armoured vehicles and counter IED vehicles market available from our business information platform Strategic Defence Intelligence. For more information click here or contact us: EMEA: +44 20 7936 6783; Americas: +1 415 439 4914; Asia Pacific: +61 2 9947 9709 or via email.