The MOWAG DURO (Durable Robust) or DURO is a series of wheeled, multi-purpose military transport vehicles produced bythe Swiss company MOWAG (since April 2010 the name has changed to General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag GmbH) in both four and six wheel drive. It was initially developed for Switzerland by Bucher-Guyer AG in Niederweningen, Switzerland. An initial 3000 vehicles order for the Swiss Armed Forces came through in 1994. In January 2003 the production was transferred to MOWAG in Kreuzlingen. Over 4,000 DURO 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles are now in service worldwide. Main customers are Switzerland, Germany, Venezuela, and the UK. In addition to these, the vehicle is used in many other countries for special purposes.
The DURO is a modular platform concept for a family of 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles. It is a well-protected (in the armored version), highly-mobile, off-road tactical transport vehicle based on the proven De-Dion axle, one that was specially developed for military applications. The DURO was deployed in Afghanistan and is a highly mobile and versatile platform for all kinds of application. The DURO family provides payload capacities from 3.5 tons to 6.5 tons and offers a large load capacity with the different function modules. These include NBC, Reconnaissance, Ambulance and Armored Personnel Carrier. Depending on the mission role, 4×4 and 6×6 versions are available in a chassis/cab configuration only, or with the function module. The cabin is available in armored or non-armored configurations.
Mobility is enhanced and unmatched thanks to the unique De-Dion suspension with its large axle articulation and high wheel travel; the roll stabilizer system which allows axle twisting and restricts body rolling, Self-locking TORSEN differentials; High torque CUMMINS diesel engine with Allison automatic transmission, and, finally, safe on-road handling with exceptional performance. Armored/non-armored Troop Carrier, Logistics, Military Police/Anti-riot, Flat bed, Command & Communication, EOD, NBC Laboratory, Armored Ambulance vehicles. Integrated Logistic Support Through-life support, high system availability, ease of maintenance, low life-cycle cost.
The DURO and EAGLE family of vehicles use the same chassis and drive train components. They are multi-purpose vehicles, with a chassis/cab in 4×4 and 6×6 versions, and offer a variety of interchangeable function modules. Unmatched in their payload/gross vehicle weight ratio, they are in service with various armed forces. DURO has validated ballistic, mine protection and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) protection. This includes mine-protected seats and all the engineering expertise of a company focused on armored vehicles. The DURO IIIP ( also named DURO GMTF) is a version only available in 6×6 form. It is heavily armoured and has a remote controlled machine-gun. The YAK is a upgraded, ballistic and mine-protected, variant of the DURO IIIP 6×6 chassis used by the German Army. It is made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. The GDELS (MOWAG) Eagle IV and V were based on the DURO IIIP chassis.
