Milkor 4×4 is a new armoured personnel carrier (APC) developed by Milkor, a South African defence vehicle manufacturing company. Milkor has developed a new protected vehicle, the Milkor 4×4, using internal research and development funding. Designed to meet the infantry carrier requirements of armed forces in the African continent, the Milkor 4×4 APC is used for troop transportation, casualty evacuation, and riot control missions. Development began in 2017, production of the vehicle started in 2018 and Milkor received the first order from an undisclosed customer during AAD 2018.
To reduce through-life-cycle costs, the vehicle is based on on an Italian Iveco Trakker chassis integrating a 4×4 wheel drive configuration. It encompasses a conventional vehicle layout with the engine stationed in the front, crew section in the middle and a troop compartment in the rear. It is fitted with an all-welded steel body, with the protected engine compartment at the front and the crew compartment extended to the rear.The Milkor hull is all-welded steel armour and conforms to level B7 small-arms ballistic protection. The lower half is a traditional V-shape to provide protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). According to the company, the hull was designed to withstand a 7 kg anti-tank mine (ATM) exploding under it, and a double ATM of an unspecified type exploding under a wheel.
The vehicle is based on a reinforced commercial chassis integrating a 4×4 wheel drive configuration. A typical crew includes the commander, driver, and eight dismounts that are seated in a rear troop compartment: four on either side facing inwards on blast-attenuating seats. The crew can rapidly enter or leave via a large power-operated ramp in the rear with integrated steps. The vehicle features bullet-/splinter-proof windows and four roof hatches that can be locked in the vertical position to provide protection for troops firing weapons. The monocoque hull structure of the vehicle offers a high degree of stability, flexibility, and strength required during key missions. It also enhances the reliability and operational efficiency of the vehicle.
The Milkor 4×4 is powered by an Iveco turbo diesel engine, which has a maximum power output of 176kW coupled to an Allison 3000 series automatic transmission with one reverse and five forward gears.. The power to weight ratio offered by the engine is 17kW/t. Its maximum speed attained by the vehicle is 110km/h, while the maximum range is 1,000km. The large tyres fitted on the chassis offer smooth manoeuvrability when travelling through rough terrains and harsh weather conditions. The vehicle lacks amphibious capabilities, but its high ground clearance enables fording shallow water obstacles. Steering is power assisted on the front wheels. The first example vehicle is not fitted with a central tyre inflation system, but this will be a future option.
