While defence is focusing again on conventional symmetrical confrontations, in many areas of the world wheeled heavy protected vehicle retain their importance. Following a thorough market analysis URO Vehículos Especiales of Spain decided to add to its portfolio a high mobility heavily protected 4×4, the VAMTAC Ax4, which was unveiled at Eurosatory
The original idea was to develop a vehicle capable to carry a full infantry team plus crew in a well-protected cabin, with all the features of a high mobility platform. The URO military tactical line brand is the VAMTAC, the acronym for Vehículo de Alta Movilidad TÁCtico,high mobility tactical vehicle in English. Until now the VAMTAC line had three products: the VAMTAC LTV, for Light Tactical Vehicle, a 4-tonne class platform available in unarmoured and lightly armoured configurations; the VAMTAC SK, an 11-tonne class light truck multi-purpose platform; and the VAMTAC ST5, also an 11-tonnes class tactical vehicle capable to accept heavier armoured cabins. All those vehicles feature independent suspensions to answer the high mobility requirement.
A fourth member of the VAMTAC family was unveiled at Eurosatory, the VAMTAC AX4, gross vehicle mass being here 17 tonnes, with a payload capacity of at least 5 tonnes, depending on configuration.
At the Paris exhibition the prototype was fitted in the armoured personnel carrier variant, capable to host a two-man crew at front, three more passengers in the second row of front-looking seats, and six more in the rear compartment on two rows of three seats each alongside the cabin walls. Two doors per side, both hinged at the front, allow ingress and egress, the rear compartment being accessible via a ramp. Each door has a small transparent window and a firing port, three windows and the same number of firing ports being also visible on each rear side wall, while no transparent surface is present at the rear.
The chassis is fitted with fully independent heavy duty double A-frame suspensions on all wheels, with coil springs and shock absorbers. Both axles are steering and feature double reduction and 100% differential lock. Wheels are fitted with 395/85 R20 pneumatics. Two powerpacks are proposed. The standard one is based on a multifuel 6.7 litres 6-cylindre in line diesel engine providing 281 hp (210 kW), with a maximum torque of 970 Nm, coupled to an Allison transmission with nine forward and one reverse gears. Should the customer require more power, a 370 hp (275 kW) option is available, with an 8.9 litres displacement and a 1,143 Nm torque, coupled to an Allison automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse gears. A two-speed transfer case ensures full time 4×4 drive with centre differential lock. Maximum declared speed on road is 110 km/h, the 250 litres fuel tank allowing an over 600 km range at cruise speed. The VAMTAC AX4 is 6.7 metres long, wheelbase is 3.9 metres, 2.5 metres wide and 2.65 metres high at roof. It can climb a 60% gradient and travel on a 40% side slope, fording depth without preparation being 1 metre (1.6 metres with fording kit).
The monocoque hull in its basic configuration is protected at Level 1 ballistic and Level 1 a/b according to STANAG 4569; payload allows to increase ballistic protection up to Level 4 and mine/blast protection up to Level 3 a/b.
According to the brochure distributed at Eurosatory, UROVESA is already considering three variants, an ambulance, a communications vehicle and a mortar carrier. All those will retain the four-door front section, the rear one being heavily modified. The ambulance will maintain only the window at the far rear, no indication on how many litters could be fitted being provided. The comms version has a fully protected rear module with a hydraulic mast at the rear carrying antennas, the mortar carrier featuring an open flatbed.
EDR On-Line understood that the VAMTAC AX4 has nearly finished company tests, which started in late 2025, and is now moving into the industrialisation phase, that should bring to production by mid-2027.
The Spanish company is looking at Africa and Gulf regions, where several countries already have in service UROVESA products, Oman id the third principal customer with around 1,100 vehicles. The company is convinced that its’ new product will fit the increased payload and protection requirements that are emerging in those areas. Moreover 2027 should see the Spanish Army issue a requirement in that category of platforms. EDR On-Line understood that UROVESA is ready to develop a 6×6 version of its AX4, to be probably named AX6, should a 21-tonne requirement emerge.
Photos by P. Valpolini
