The Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is a well-protected light armoured 4×4 vehicle that has been developed as a joint venture between Germany’s Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It was developed for the German Army’s Protected Command and Function (GFF) Group 2 requirement. The AMPV was designed by RMMV and KMW, with body styling by Porsche Design Studio. Unlike many vehicles of similar size/capacity, the AMPV is not based on a commercial chassis, but has been designed and built specifically to meet military requirements. The design of the AMPV is based around a central armoured crew cell/citadel, this having a multi-layered floor for enhanced mine blast protection. The self-supporting armoured steel citadel accepts add-on passive composite armour modules which can be changed as new armour technology evolves or the threat level changes.
In the process, the development team took systematic account of experience gained during the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and other operations worldwide. The optional remote weapon station can be fitted with a machine gun (up to 12.7 mm) or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. A protected ringmount with similar armament options can also be fitted. If necessary, the protection level can be enhanced still further by integrating additional assemblies. These include Rheinmetall’s Acoustic Sniper Localisation System (ASLS) and Situational Awareness System (SAS), assuring 360° monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings. Rheinmetall’s Rapid Obscurant System (ROSY) system for generating a smoke screen is an option. Unlike conventional smoke/obscurant systems, ROSY creates an instantaneous, extensive, multispectral interruption of the line of sight, including a dynamic wall of smoke/obscurant that provides moving objects with sustained protection and concealment. The under-development Active Protective System (APS) will be a further option.
Gearbox is a fully automatic ZF unit, this coupled to a two-speed transfer case. The planetary hub-reduction drive axles have disc brakes and feature a central tire inflation system (CTIS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Tyres are 385/80R 20, wheels featuring runflat inserts as standard.Suspension is fully independent, each wheel featuring twin coil-over shock-absorbers supplemented by hydraulic bump stops. Suspension stroke is up to +/-150mm. The drivetrain features Steyr’s Automatic Drivetrain Management (ADM). ADM automatically controls and monitors longitudinal and cross-axle differential locks, thereby reducing strain on the driver, with full drivetrain lock-up possible for maximum traction. RMMV literature states ADM offers advantages that include shorter driver training, longer service and maintenance intervals, prevention of damage by driver error or mistake, and longer tyre life.
