The Arquus Trapper is a light armoured vehicles developed by French company ACMAT (Arquus Defense). The Trapper is a rebadged version of the Ford Everest sports utility vehicle. Recently the whole Renault Trucks Defence company, current owner of the ACMAT brand, was renamed as Arquus. Also its whole vehicle lineup was renamed “Arquus Trapper” from “ACMAT VLTP-NP” (Vehicule Leger Tactique Polyvalent Non Protege)”. The Ford Everest was developed in Australia and is produced in Thailand. Though some modifications were made to adapt this vehicle in order to meet military requirements. The Trapper has got a different engine and stronger suspension. This purely commercial design was chosen in order to reduce procurement and servicing costs.
Essentially used as a a personnel carrier, the Trapper is a polyvalent vehicle which can be used for a wide range of missions. These vehicles have been selected by the French Army as a liaison vehicle. Its sturdiness and performance are compliant with NATO standards. Its 160 hp engine is compliant with the Euro 3 standard. The Trapper can operate with low-quality fuel thanks to its reinforced double gasoil filtration system. Trapper is characterized by its lower purchase and running costs. The Trapper is equipped with a diesel engine with a high torque, which grants it exceptional crossing abilities for its category.
The Trapper light utility vehicle has a payload capacity of 900 kg. It is mainly intended to carry soldiers and communication equipment. The vehicle also boasts a large cargo capacity, with up to 1 t payload. This vehicle can be used for fast movement of soldiers. It is equipped with body protection and a bull bar which further improve its robustness.Despite its civilian nature this light utility vehicle has got good off-road mobility. Also this vehicle is air transportable. It can be airlifted by tactical military aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, or A400M.
In 2016 French armed forces ordered 3 700 of Trapper light utility vehicles to replace their ageing Peugeot P4, that was introduced back in 1982. 4,380 vehicles under French Army designation VT4 will equip the forces by 2025, including 3,980 of them in the ground forces. With a total weight allowed of 3.5 tons, it carries four soldiers equipped with the Félin system or five soldiers (non-equipped with the Félin). This 4×4 of commercial range, named Trapper by the manufacturer, is militarized by Arquus in its factory of Saint-Nazaire. 4,380 VT4 will equip the French army by 2025, including 3,980 in the ground forces.
