SISU GTP 4x4 general purpose vehicle was designed and developed by SISU Auto. Image courtesy of SISU Auto.
The general purpose vehicle has an overall length of 6m. Image courtesy of SISU Auto.
SISU GTP 4x4 offers STANAG 4569 Level 1 standard protection. Image courtesy of SISU Auto.

SISU GTP 4×4 general-purpose vehicle was designed and developed by Finnish commercial and defence vehicle manufacturer SISU Auto. It is the latest variant in the SISU GTP family of 4×4 armoured vehicles.

The SISU GTP range also includes armoured personnel carrier (APC), recovery, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) variants.

The general-purpose vehicle variant can be configured for a range of defence applications. It is easy to maintain and incorporates interchangeable components to meet multiple mission requirements.

Orders and deliveries

The Latvian Ministry of Defence made a decision to procure the GTP light and medium 4×4 tactical vehicles with an investment of $221m (€200m) in November 2018. GTP 4×4 was chosen as the preferred armoured vehicle through a competition that was contended by Paramount Group’s Marauder, Otokar’s Cobra, and AM General’s High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

However, following appeals by other bidders over the decision, the Procurement Monitoring Bureau (IUB) ordered the Ministry of Defence to suspend the contract for further evaluation of bids.

SISU GTP 4×4 general-purpose vehicle design and features

SISU GTP is based on a 4×4 wheeled chassis, with an independent suspension system and differential locks, enabling the vehicle to provide superior off-road mobility.

“The armoured vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM926 six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, which offers a maximum power-to-weight output of 22hp/t.”

The vehicle is 6m-long, 2.5m-wide and 2.55m-high and has a combat weight of 14,000kg. It can accommodate a squad of ten personnel and offer a maximum payload capacity of 5,000kg. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 3.8m and a ground clearance of 0.4m, in standard configuration.

The general purpose variant comprises two main components, the SISU Backbone structure and the crew body. The Backbone platform can hold multiple configurations of crew body. Its modular design allows for interchangeability of crew bodies to meet various operational needs of the armed forces.

The platform integrates an engine in the front, and wheel elements and a compatible body in the middle and rear. The structure forms a rugged base, making the vehicle reliable in adverse operational theatres.

The all-purpose vehicle constitutes a two-piece bullet-proof windshield at the front and two doors on either side of the hull. The cargo platform at the rear allows for the carriage of goods, equipment, and ammunition.

Armament and self-protection features

The vehicle comes configured with a single hatch on the roof, which is equipped with a circular ring mount. The ring can be mounted with a 7.62mm/12.7mm calibre machine gun.

The SISU GTP 4×4 general-purpose variant can be installed with a remotely controlled weapon station.

The crew body offers Stanag 4569 Level 1 ballistic and mine blast protection and can be integrated with add-on protection kits for improved protection. The add-on armour kits ensure protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and explosively formed projectiles (EFPs). The vehicle can be optionally equipped with a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection system.

SISU GTP 4×4 general-purpose vehicle engine and mobility

The armoured vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM926 six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, which offers a maximum power-to-weight output of 22hp/t. Auxiliary power requirements of the vehicle are served by a 24V electrical system.

The engine is coupled to a six-speed Allison automatic transmission system. The vehicle can be fitted with 365/85 R20 or 395/85 R20 wheels equipped with pneumatic disc-brakes and anti-lock braking system (ABS). It also has an optional feature of a central tire inflation system (CTIS).

The APC offers a maximum speed of more than 100km/h and can attain a maximum range of 700km. It has the capability to ford water bodies with a depth of 0.85m and has an approach angle of 45°. The stability tilt and climbing gradient of the vehicle is 37° and 60%, respectively.

The GTP 4×4 general-purpose vehicle can be shipped by land, air, and sea.