Spanish company Urovesa introduced a groundbreaking innovation: the PITON High-Tech NBC (Nuclear Biological, and Chemical) reconnaissance vehicle at Eurosatory 2024. This multi-purpose armored vehicle, specifically designed for the Spanish army, excels in detecting and analyzing nuclear, biological, radiological, and chemical (NBC) threats. The PITON is an advanced addition to the VAMTAC family, built on the ST5 platform. The development of this vehicle commenced in October 2022 following a contract from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, backed by a 67.6 million euro budget. Remarkably, Urovesa developed an operational prototype in just 16 months. This prototype is currently undergoing rigorous technical validation and operational evaluation with various army units before mass production begins.
The PITON’s capabilities are further enhanced by integrated weather sensors, perimeter cameras, and an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for surveillance and sample collection. The UGV is housed in a specialized compartment at the rear of the vehicle, ensuring it can be deployed efficiently. Designed to operate with a four-person crew, including a commander, driver, and two operators, the PITON ensures safety without the need for individual protective equipment. This is achieved through an internal overpressure system. The vehicle boasts state-of-the-art technologies such as flame photometry, ion mobility, and gas spectroscopy detectors, enabling rapid and precise threat identification.
The introduction of the PITON High-Tech NBC reconnaissance vehicle highlights Urovesa’s commitment to advancing military technology and enhancing the Spanish army’s capabilities in nuclear biological, and chemical reconnaissance and response. In addition to its advanced detection systems, the PITON features an Aunav positioning arm for sample collection and an onboard 3D printer used to mark contaminated areas post-analysis. These innovations make the PITON a critical asset for the Defense NBC No. 1 “Valencia,” eight army brigades with light reconnaissance sections, and the commands of Ceuta and Melilla.
The URO VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico, “High Mobility Tactical Vehicle”) is a versatile Spanish four-wheel drive military vehicle, resembling the U.S. Humvee due to similar requirements. Over 2,000 VAMTACs have been delivered to the Spanish Armed Forces and are also used by several other countries, including in Afghanistan and Syria. The VAMTAC comes in three models: I3, S3, and ST5, each available in different configurations. Powered by Steyr Motors’ M16 “Monoblock” engine, a six-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine producing 135 kW, the VAMTAC features a five-speed automatic transmission. The I3 model uses a 166 hp engine, while the S3 model has a 188 hp engine.
