Read the full story on Backfire News
In a recent demonstration, the Mexican Army revealed its replacement for aging Humvees: the Ocelot. With the first release of 340 of these armored vehicles, the North American nation is looking to modernize its military.
Read how Ukraine equipped Toyota Mirai fuel cell.
For many, the Ocelot is an unusual military vehicle. Some may already know that the Foxound as it is called by the British armed forces, is made by General Dynamics Land Systems in the UK, although Mexico bought its units from Force Protection. In international markets it is called Ocelot.
According to the company, this baby carrier weighs 6.9 tons and can handle a payload of up to 2 tons. Being taller and geared for more traction on the road, it reaches a top speed of 70 mph.
Under the hood is a six-cylinder diesel engine made by Steyr, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The driving range is claimed to be 500 km.
The turning circle on the Ocelot is 12 meters, which is incredibly strong. Remember that the car has rear steering, which allows for smooth maneuvering, something that can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
Recent wars in the Middle East have exposed the Humvee’s shortcomings when it comes to roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices. That has given birth to a new generation of light transports designed to survive such explosions, the Ocelot being one of them.
It has a V-shaped “spine” that houses the powertrain and drivetrain and internals, designed to repel explosives, protect soldiers and hopefully keep the vehicle operational.
Like many modern military land vehicles, the Ocelot is a model in its design. That means it can be done with various upfits. That means some may be used as transportation, some may be used as an ambulance, etc.
The Ocelot is not exactly new, and Foxhounds have been serving the British military for over a decade at this point. Nevertheless, the design is suitable, which must be the reason why Mexico decided to start integrating it in its armed units.
Image via México Aeroespacial y Defensa/YouTube
Source link