Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, is launching its new medium wheelbase variant of the General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) at Eurosatory this week. The ‘long wheelbase’ option was launched at DSEI last year with much ongoing interest from military audiences. Babcock is now pleased to unveil the medium wheelbase variant, reinforcing the ‘family approach’ to base vehicles, able to deliver a range of roles and requirements. With a chassis length which enables greater off-road mobility, the medium wheelbase will allow comfortable orientation through unpredictable terrains in all weathers. Replacing the Land Rover Defender, the vehicle is based upon the Toyota Land Cruiser, but with significant re-build and enhancements. It builds upon the characteristics, performance, and core architecture of the iconic military Land Rover, whilst applying our engineering expertise and the latest technology.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director of Engineering and Systems Integration within Babcock’s Land business said: “The GLV family provides military and security forces with a complete solution for light-utility vehicles. Babcock has a deep understanding of the armed forces through years of partnering and that is applied to our engineering so we can offer militaries the best possible vehicle for operational success. We’re very proud to present the GLV medium wheelbase to Eurosatory 2024.”
At just 12.6 metres, the turning circle of the medium wheelbase is the tightest available when compared to other military vehicles in its class. The medium wheelbase has four individual crew seats and storage capacity for a four-person team to comfortably stow what is required for a 72-hour patrol, making it the perfect command and control vehicle or small team patrol vehicle. The GLV family is built around the proven and reliable Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series platform and is able to fulfil a multitude of tasks for the armed forces, offering a common vehicle base with variant modules that meet the needs of different missions across multiple theatres of operation. All variants come with an automatic gear box and a powerful 2.8 litre diesel engine as well as unique military body enhancements which put crew safety and comfort to the fore.
The GLV series offers a common vehicle base with various role modules to meet the needs of different missions in evolving theatres of operation. Optimum functionality is provided through value-engineered specifications that prioritise operational effect whilst maintaining passenger comfort and ease of operation. The GLV design enables us to integrate various signals and communication technologies, enabling the vehicle to perform a key role within an integrated C4ISTAR eco-system. The payload also allows for the integration of self-defence counterstrike capability to intercept missiles and unmanned aerial threats without compromising on mobility. The GLV is a resilient workhorse built around the proven Toyota Land Cruiser LC70 vehicle which has been used by militaries and aid agencies all around the world. End user comfort, safety, manoeuvrability, and protection has been foremost in the design and production of the GLV, as has the ability to integrate evolving technologies and mission systems.
