Terradyne Armored Vehicles Inc. has successfully delivered 13 specially adapted armored ambulances based on the robust Gurkha MPV platform to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Terradyne Armoured Vehicles Inc. is an armoured car manufacturing company with head offices located in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. This milestone was reached on November 9, 2023, when these Canadian-manufactured vehicles arrived in Ukraine. These armored ambulances have been meticulously tailored to meet the complex requirements of the current situation in Ukraine, with a primary focus on the safe and efficient evacuation of wounded personnel from the frontlines to the nearest medical facilities. The acquisition of these advanced armored ambulances comes at a total cost of 124 million hryvnias, which is approximately 3.24 million euros. This significant investment in the safety and well-being of Ukraine’s armed forces has received financial support from the UNITED24 initiative, amounting to 9,532,000 hryvnias, equivalent to €248,759. These vehicles are expected to play a pivotal role in the evacuation of injured personnel from high-risk areas, ensuring they receive timely and essential medical care. The combination of advanced protection, mobility, and durability offered by the Gurkha MPVs positions them as invaluable assets in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to protect both its soldiers and civilians.
The Terradyne Armored Vehicles Gurkha, often referred to as the Terradyne Gurkha, is a tactical armored vehicle designed and built by Terradyne Armored Vehicles Inc., a Canadian company based in Ontario. The Gurkha boasts three different variants, all constructed on the solid foundation of a Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis. The origin of the Gurkha can be traced back to its development in 2005 by Armet Armored Vehicles. In 2011, the design and rights for the Gurkha vehicle were acquired by Terradyne Armored Vehicles. The name “Gurkha” is a tribute to the brave Gurkhas, Nepali soldiers who have a storied history of service in the British Army. Terradyne Armored Vehicles became a subsidiary of Magna International in August 2011. However, in 2014, Terradyne transitioned to private ownership while maintaining its workforce and location. Importantly, the Terradyne Gurkha Multi-Purpose Patrol Vehicle (MPV) is built exclusively for government and law enforcement agencies. The Gurkha MPV is mounted on the rugged Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis, presenting a 4×4 armored vehicle that seamlessly combines mobility and high-level protection. Compliant with stringent B7/STANAG 2 standards, these vehicles offer comprehensive defense against a wide range of threats, including small arms fire, 7.62mm ammunition, explosives of up to 6kg, and even 155mm high explosive artillery shells.
The heart of the Gurkha MPV lies in its potent 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine, which generates an impressive 330 horsepower and a robust 750 Nm of torque. This formidable power is efficiently managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission, propelling the vehicle to peak speeds of 130 km/h. The MPV’s 4×4 drivetrain, equipped with a shift-on-the-fly capability, allows for a seamless transition between two- and four-wheel drive modes, a crucial feature for maneuvering through diverse and challenging terrains. One of the standout features of these Gurkha MPVs is their self-sealing tires, which are designed to retain functionality even after sustaining damage. These tires significantly reduce the risk of downtime in combat zones, a vital factor in ensuring the safety and success of rescue and evacuation missions. Weighing in at approximately 7,484 kg, the weight of the Gurkha MPV may vary depending on specific armor configurations and optional equipment chosen. The vehicle’s dimensions are equally impressive, measuring 6.4 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height. To enhance safety, especially during high-speed emergency responses, the vehicle is equipped with 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
