264 Duros with a new engine with the Euro 6 emission standard will be delivered by the end of 2020. 419 vehicles already delivered, fitted with the old engine, will also be retrofitted with the new one. In the summer of 2019, the general contractor GDELS-Mowag and the DDPS opted for another solution consisting of equipping the vehicles with an F1C engine from FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies). The FPT F1C is a modern turbo-diesel engine that meets the stringent ecological requirements of the current Euro 6 emission standard. The ecological benefits outweighed the financial aspects and were decisive in the choice of engine.
The Federal Assembly of Switzerland had approved the modernization of 2,220 Duro personnel carrier vehicles as part of the 2015 additional armament program. The modernization program provides for the upgrade of the carrier vehicle with a new engine with a particulate filter (now Euro 6), a new electrical installation and new vehicle lighting, a modification of the braking system, integration of ABS (anti-lock braking system) and ESP (electronic trajectory control) and a new personnel transport superstructure with roll bars and 4-point belt system. In addition to dramatically increasing troop safety, these measures will keep the Duros in service until 2040.
The DURO (Durable Robust) is a series of wheeled, multi-purpose military transport vehicles produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems/MOWAG 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 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.
