Type Armoured vehicle In service 2006–current Designer Hatehof | Place of origin Israel Used by Israel Defense Forces | |
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Manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Carmor Integrated Vehicle Solutions | ||
The Wolf Armoured Vehicle (Hebrew: זאב) is an armoured personnel carrier, used mainly by the Israeli Defence Force. It was created to provide a better handling and better protected armoured vehicle than the M113 (Bardelas). The Wolf is a heavily armoured crew carrier, manufactured by the company Carmor. It combines a commercial truck's speed and maneuverability and APC-like armour, qualities necessary for low-intensity confrontation. The Wolf's chassis is based on a Ford F-550 truck, and is equipped with a 6-litre V8 engine. The engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, which drives all four wheels, making this a four-by-four.
Contents
Concept and purchase
The idea for the Wolf was born from the need of transporting soldiers safely during missions in an urban environment, and in peacekeeping missions. Recently the Israeli Ministry of Defense ordered 150 Wolf Armoured Vehicles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and an order for Carmor, for some to be used in urban combat. This is currently in production. The vehicle's first reported use was by the Israel Defense Forces in Operation Bringing Home the Goods on 14 March 2006.
Build
The Wolf consists of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Ford F-550 chassis modified by Manning Equipment, an OEM up-fitter located in Louisville, KY so it can be easily maintained anywhere. It is equipped with a diesel, 6 litre 325 HP engine and automatic 5 speed transmission. It can weigh up to 8 tonnes. The automotive systems require no changes when the armor is applied. The armor protects crew compartment, automotive elements and wheels. The armor envelope is built independently from the chassis, so it is possible to use the same armor envelope on another chassis (of the same model) when the chassis goes out for service.
Design
The vehicle is completely protected, including the wheels, which have run flat tires. The armour is 3 long tons (3,048 kg), and is not critical to the Wolf's overall weight, since its maximum load is 8 long tons (8,128 kg). All of the doors of the vehicle are bulletproof, including the engine and gearbox compartments. There are six doors—four on the sides and two at the rear—which enables troops to get in and out easily and quickly with all of their equipment. The vehicle interior is equipped with a double air conditioning system, seats and brackets for items that a soldier might need. Since no major changes have been done to the F-550 chassis, except the addition of armor, the vehicle does not have any problems with engine overheating or handling. The Wolf weighs approximately 8 long tons (8,128 kg), and can carry a crew of up to 12 personnel, with an additional 2 stretch beds, if necessary. The doors are designed for a quick getaway. Most of the original parts were kept, with the only notable changes being the rear axle and tires.