URO VAMTAC

   The URO VAMTAC (Vehiculo de Alta Movilidad TACtico or high mobility tactical vehicle) was developed to meet a Spanish armed forces requirement. It is similar in concept and design to the US HMMWV. Production commenced in 1998. The URO VAMTAC is in service with the Spanish Army. Export operators are Belgium, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Malaysia, Morocco, Portugal, Romania and Venezuela.

   Vehicle has a payload capacity of 1 500 - 2 500 kg, depending on the version. It can also tow trailers with a maximum weight of 1 500 kg. The VAMTAC is available in a number of variants with different body types. The main forms are pick-up, command/control and chassis-cab. Pick-up and chassis-cab variants are available with two-door, four-door or reduced size four-door version. The chassis-cab variant is used to mount a vide variety of shelters, or cargo bodies. The command/control variant has four-doors and cargo area, covered with soft, or sloping hard top. Open top models are available.

   Armored version of this light utility vehicle is also available. It's body is completely made of ballistic materials for a more effective protection. Around 25% of the Spanish Army VAMTACs are fitted with add-on ballistic protection.

   Vehicle can be armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank guided missiles, 81-mm mortar, 106-mm recoilless rifle or air defense missiles.

   The URO VAMTAC is available with two Steyr turbocharged diesel engines, developing 166 hp (URO VAMTAC I3) and 188 hp (URO VAMTAC S3). Vehicle is fitted with automatic transmission and has a full time all-wheel drive. It has good cross-country mobility. Vehicle is air-portable inside military transport aircraft. Also it can be carried as external load underslung by the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The VAMTAC can be parachute-delivered from low altitude.

   Numerous variants include ambulance, fire-fighting vehicle, command post, weapon carrier, cargo carrier.

Variants

   URO VAMTAC S3, improved version, fitted with a more powerful diesel engine, developing 188 hp. It has a reinforced suspension and increased payload.