The recently publicised AM General CHIEFTAIN is described as being the US company’s newest Extreme Tactical Security Vehicle or ETSV.
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Promoted as part of AM General’s Partner Vehicles range, along with the Arquus BASTION armoured personnel carrier, the CHIEFTAIN is a four-person double cab pick-up truck with an armoured crew cell which the company claims is both ‘Special Operations Ready’ and ‘National Guard Ready’.
With a GVW of 5670kg and kerb weight of 4626kg, including 130 litres (34.5 US gallons) of fuel, this armoured cab truck offers a potential payload in excess of one metric tonne, though with four 95th percentile males on board wearing body armour and combat helmets available cargo load would reduce quite considerably. Illustrated with 7th Generation Toyota Hilux bodywork, CHIEFTAIN is powered by a 4.5 litre Cummins turbocharged diesel engine through a 6-speed Allison transmission offering either 4×4 or 4×2 drive in high range or 4×4 low range through a transfer box and it has locking differentials on both axles. According to company publicity material, the vehicle has upgraded engine, torque, and braking system which offer key advantages over typical COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) solutions. The company also states: “With nearly a decade of combat use, the proven chassis and armoured cell offer versatile, reliable design at the lowest sustainment cost in its class”.
Additional features include a heavy weapon pintle point, six light machine gun pintle points and internal personal weapon stowage. CHIEFTAIN is also pre-wired for five radios, ECM systems, and a FLIR tower. No dimensions are indicated but the company claims the vehicle has aggressive angles of approach and departure plus a high level of off-road capability. Validated operating temperature range is said to be from -32°C to +57.7°C.
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