The AMPV armoured multipurpose vehicle
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The Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (AMPV) is a family of 4×4 vehicles being developed jointly by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Defence. The vehicles will enter into full-scale production by the end of 2011.
A prototype of the variant AMPV 2A was exhibited at the IDEX show in February 2011.
AMPV variants
The AMPV family consists of two series. AMPV 1 is the smaller type agile liaison vehicle. AMPV 2 is a larger variant, which has a length of over 5m, width of 2.2m and height of 2.1m. The vehicle has an empty weight of 7.3t and can carry a payload of 2t. AMPV 2 offers a high level of protection and a heavy payload capacity. It meets the requirements of the GFF Class 2 vehicles.
The entire vehicle family, however, shares common engineering principles and technology. The complete range of vehicles features identical components to enhance the supply and training for all vehicles in the AMPV family.
Design and features
The patrol version will have an armoured cabin and unprotected load space. The mission module carriers will feature a safety cell extending all the way to the rear of the vehicle. The AMPV can accommodate four soldiers and a variety of armaments.
The layout is common for all vehicles, with a power pack at the front, a four door armoured cell in the middle, and provision for a roof mounted weapon station and cargo area at the rear. The self-supporting armoured cell can be attached with inter-changeable add-on passive armour modules.
The compact dimensions and very high protection levels of the AMPV will make it suitable for police and security forces deployed in high-threat operations.
AMPV development
Rheinmetall and KMW entered into a joint venture to develop a highly protected family of AMPV for Bundeswehr’s GFF (protected command and role-specific vehicle) procurement programme. The vehicle was developed to deliver key capabilities such as high mobility, combat effectiveness and better survivability under a single platform.
The design and layout of the vehicle were planned based on the operational experience gained by the German armed forces in Afghanistan and other regions.
The AMPV family will meet the demands of the modern military. The more compact variant AMPV 1 is still under development. This variant will have a gross weight of 7.5t.
As of February 2011, four AMPV 2 prototypes were grounded for company trials. A special patrol version of the AMPV 1, suitable to be loaded into the CH53 transport helicopter, is also planned.
Armament
The vehicle can be fitted with a FLW 100 / 200 remote control weapons station on the roof. The weapons station is armed with either a 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Self-protection
The vehicle features a self-supporting cell made of armour steel and composite armour, and integrates spall liners and reinforced flooring.
The structure offers excellent protection against landmines and IEDs. The vehicle can be fitted with add-on armour modules for extra ballistic protection.
The AMPV can protect the troops from hostile fire, IED attacks, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents, and extreme climatic conditions.
Engine
The vehicle is powered by a 3.2l diesel engine installed to the forward centre of the vehicle. The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission and delivers an output of 200kW.
Mobility
The AMPV family delivers high mobility as well as overall battlefield survivability. The vehicle has a robust chassis and independent wheel suspension to withstand maximum punishment. The permanent all-wheel drive and automatic differential locking management provide high manoeuvrability. All wheels are equipped with a central tyre inflation system to assure excellent mobility even in rough terrains.
The vehicle can easily manoeuvre through narrow paths due to its turning circle of 15m. The high performance power pack delivers excellent performance under all conditions and provides a maximum speed of 110km/h and a range of 700km.
