Now what could be better than a 4x4 G-Wagen wonders Biglorryblog. Well how about the all-new G280 6x6 G-Wagen which I understand has been developed to meet the capability required by the MoD at the lower end of the forthcoming OUVS programme. OUVS? Search me...hopefully one of my anorak army can tell me what that stands for. Anyway, at 6.5-tonnes GVW the G280 6x6 has a payload of up to 3-tonnes, whilst retaining mobility and agility. Put you foot hard down on the go-pedal and the Euro-4 Mercedes V6 turbocharged CDI diesel a hearty 184hp and a throbby 400Nm of torque. Now click through here for more.
Meanwhile, electrically-operated '100% differential locks' on all axles make sure you won't get stuck in the mud while the 4230mm wheelbase allows several modular configurations (from Command - FFR - vehicles to Ambulances). And in armoured configuration it can carry up to 5 troops, radios, additional Force Protection kit and personal equipment. The Germans are certainly bigging it up. They tell BLB: "We believe this cost-effective and proven vehicle is ideal for the British Forces and the lower end of OUVS -providing payload weight and volume." And here's some news for Pete Lynch all my other Aussie readers---it's currently the preferred choice and being tested by the Australian army.
Comments (1)
'...the preferred choice...'. Ja? Well, that's a relief. The Stewart & Stevens/LDV truck to be built here in the Midlands was the armys 'preferred choice' for the £1.3Bn contract for 7,000 Support Vehicles and look what happened to that. Awarded to MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG instead.
The MoD doesn't care what the army wants, the army will get whatever suits the politicians, not the soldiers. We British now have German army trucks because the deal to sell the Austrians a handfull of Eurofighters required some offsets (sacrifices) to sweeten the deal.
The army must've learned from it's mistake during the last contract and is labelling this Wagen the 'preferred choice' in the hope of getting some decent kit this time.
Posted by Howard | July 10, 2008 12:57 AM
Posted on July 10, 2008 00:57