Rook

   The Rook is an armored critical incident vehicle developed by a US Company Ring Power Tactical Solutions. Interestingly this company is an official dealer of the Caterpillar company. The Rook is used by SWAT teams and various law enforcement forces across the United States. It provides an additional safety for SWAT team members while facing lethal assault conditions in tight areas.

   The Rook tactical vehicle is based on the Caterpillar 287C skid steer loader. The Rook uses wide and rugged rubber tracks that reduce noise and prevent damage of surfaces in the  living areas.

   The Rook has an operational weight of a whooping 5.9-6.4 t, depending on configuration. Due to its compact dimensions  this vehicle can be used inside confined spaces and even inside buildings.

   The armored vehicle is rather versatile due to diversity of its custom-made attachments. These attachments include an armored deployment platform, that is a major component of this vehicle. It is used to transport SWAT team, marksmen or special equipment. This platform provides armor protection from the front, sided and top. The front shield has a bulletproof glass with built-in firing ports. Also there are sliding door that allows assault team to advance without going over the shield. This platform can carry 5 fully-equipped gunmen and deliver them at a maximum height of 4 meters. This allows to reach upper floors of the buildings under armor protection. The platform can be equipped with cameras for observation of the area. Additional cover is provided for the team members or support personnel standing behind the vehicle. This armored deployment plaftorm weights 1 346 kg.

   Another main attachment of the Rook is a hydraulic breeching ram. It has much more power than a traditional hand-carried ram. It can easily breach through block walls, concrete, reinforced steel doors, protected windows, wooden structures and so on. The tool can be extended to up to 3 meters. The ram has a drill tool that can penetrate through the obstacle. It is equipped with infrared imaging and 360 degree vision cameras. Hence the ram can be used as a tool for surveillance. The cameras can inspect the area before the team will enter it.

   The Rook can be fitted with a grapple claw. It can be used for removing road debris. It can lift loads with a maximum weight of up to 2 040 kg. The grapple claw can be used to move various objects and even cars. It can be also used to shred light structures.

   Another attachment is a vehicle extraction tool. It can be used for lifting vehicles and moving them around.

   These attachments allow the Rook to carry out various missions. All of these tools and attachments can be easily attached or detached from the vehicle.

   Operator of the Rook is protected by armored plates and bulletproof glass. Its armor complies with NIJ IV armor rating. Armor of this vehicle provides protection against .30-06 caliber (7.62x63 mm) armor-piercing bullets. It also provides protection against less powerful .308 (7.62x51 mm) and .223 (5.56x45 mm) armor-piercing rounds.

   Operation of the vehicle is simple and functional. It operates in the same way as a conventional Caterpillar 287C loader. The operator uses dual joysticks to control the Rook, its attachments and cameras. Sealed cabin is equipped with air conditioning and heating.

   Optional equipment includes a night vision system or FLIR thermal thermal imaging system. Wireless remote control system is also proposed as an option. Interestingly an overpressure Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection system is also available for the cab.

   The Rook is carried to its deployment area on a Goosneck trailer.

Article by ZAAL TCHKUASELI    Want to publish your own articles? Visit our guidelines for more information.