A team of engineers from Pearson Engineering are now supporting field tests of a specialised variant of the Guarani 6×6 in Brazil. The prototype VBE Eng variants of the 6×6 Guarani have been configured to allow front end equipment from Pearson Engineering to be integrated quickly and easily. The set-up, based on system integration with the vehicle’s hydraulic and electrical supply, and the addition of a Vehicle Integration Kit, will allow the Guarani 6×6 to be rapidly configured in the future to accept different types of mobility, counter-mobility and survivability equipment, whenever the mission requires it.
The project, which commenced in 2020, was paused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with agreement from all parties, and was resumed in August of this year, progressing to field tests at the São Paulo War Arsenal (AGSP). The team in Brazil are currently supporting the integration of an Excavator Manipulator Arm, Loader Bucket Attachment and General Purpose Dozer Blade. Pearson Engineering’s range of equipment for lightweight vehicles has extended in recent years, in keeping with their popularity around the world.
The VBTP-MR Guarani (Viatura Blindada Transporte de Pessoal – Média de Rodas) is a 6×6 armoured personnel carrier developed by Iveco and the Brazilian Army as part of its “URUTU-III” modernization program aimed to replace all EE-11 Urutu by 2015. The 8×8 version of the VBTP-MR is the base of Iveco’s Superav armoured personnel carrier.[4] In the program other Brazilian Companies also participated, such as IMBEL (Communications), ELBIT (Armaments), Usiminas and Villares(development of national ballistic structural steel). On September 2021, the Brazilian Army launched a test campaign of a new engineering variant.
For more than three decades, Pearson Engineering has provided Armed Forces with the mobility and counter-mobility equipment they need to succeed in their missions around the world. From homebase in Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom, the company are proud to be recognised around the world for contribution to armoured vehicle programmes. More than 75 people work at Pearson Engineering and are able to draw upon the expertise of co-located sister companies at Armstrong Works. Specific tasks include breaching mine fields, protecting against improvised explosive devices, earth moving and gap crossing.
