KMW Special Operation Vehicle (SOV)

The Special Operation Vehicle (SOV) was jointly developed by Bremach and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The SOV can accommodate three to six personnel depending on the mission requirements. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

A high firepower level is offered by the SOV, thanks to three different gun mounts. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The vehicle comes with ballistic protection and a mine-protected underside. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The SOV is fitted with 5t electric winch with 25m steel rope. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

A close view of the lights on the front of the vehicle. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The SOV can be air-transported with weapons stay mounted. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

Three weapon mounts are included on the SOV. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The rear gunner’s position on the SOV. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The smoke grenade launchers on SOV offer passive protection against threats. Image: courtesy of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

The Special Operation Vehicle (SOV) is an open-topped light armoured vehicle developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The vehicle can be used for long-range reconnaissance and special operations.

The SOV was showcased at MSPO in September 2014. It was tested by German and Austrian Special Forces. The vehicle can be internally transported in a CH 47 Chinook or a CH-53 Sea Stallion.

KMW Special Operation Vehicle (SOV) design and features

Bremach and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann began the development of the SOV in 2012. The vehicle is based on Bremach heavy-duty chassis, which offers ballistic protection and underside mine protection. It was integrated by AMZ Kutno and the first prototype was completed by June 2014.

The vehicle measures 4.9m long, 1.9m wide and 2.6m high, and can accommodate three to six personnel. Its modular design allows for the development of different mission variants, including an armoured personnel carrier with an open roof, a fully-armoured pick-up, an armoured vehicle with flatbed, and a vehicle with enclosed protected cabin.

The SOV features an innovative folding roll-bar that reduces the preparation time for airlifting the vehicle in less than two minutes time. It is air-transportable with weapons stay-mounted for immediate combat readiness operations. The vehicle includes a 5t self-recovery electric winch with 25m steel rope.

Armament and self-protection

Three weapon mounts feature on the vehicle. These include auxiliary front and rear mounts, which can be fitted with a number of weapons, including a 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher on the main ring mount for gunner and two 7.62mm or 5.56mm machine guns on pedestal mounts.

The SOV is also installed with a Wegmann 76mm / 40mm multi-purpose self-sufficient light protection system for launching smoke grenades, enhanced munitions and special charges. The system offers effective passive protection against threats from a range of 20m.

The vehicle features a high-placed crew area that provides excellent survivability against improvised explosive device (IED) and mine explosions.

Engine and performance details of the SOV

The vehicle is powered by an IVECO 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which develops 125kW (400Nm) of power. The power-pack ensures a maximum speed of 130km/h and a combat range of 900km.

Curb weight of the vehicle is 5,000kg, while its combat weight is 7,500kg and it has a payload capacity of 2,500kg.

Mobility of the SOV

The vehicle offers cross-country mobility with high off-road performance and well balanced power-to-weight ratio. It has a turning radius of less than 13m. The wheels are fitted with 255 / 100 R16z oponami run flat tyres. The front and rear slope angles of the vehicle are 42° and 37°, respectively.