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2020-03-01

Joint Finnish-Latvian Vehicle Development Delivers Patria’s 6x6

Following their announcement of a joint development programme for sustained army mobility enhancement aimed at developing a common armoured-wheeled vehicle system, Patria is to supply a 6x6 vehicle chassis platform to Finland and Latvia. With the development leading to actual vehicle system procurements in the future, the common system will enhance mobility, cost-efficiency, interoperability and security of supply of the armies of both countries.

The programme is also open to other countries by mutual consent of Finland and Latvia, as underlined by Jussi Järvinen, President of Patria’s Land Business Unit:

“This is an important opening for us, and we hope to see this new vehicle version in production as part of this programme. Patria’s 6x6 is a top-notch product combining excellent terrain mobility and ease of use. Long life-span and easy maintenance make it very cost-efficient and it adapts to several missions. Naturally, it would be great if there were also other countries joining forces with Finland and Latvia.”

Patria’s 6x6 Innovation

Patria’s modular, high-performance 6x6 vehicle is built on the heritage of the legendary Patria XA series and the success of Patria AMV 8x8 within various peacekeeping and crises management missions to transport soldiers on the battlefield. The Patria XA-series was introduced to the markets in the 1980s as a simple and robust vehicle providing much needed mobility and protection.

However, modern warfare requires large tactical troop transportation and the new 6x6 is perfect for any combat support roles, being robust and affordable enough to provide this tactical capability in larger fleet quantities. Presenting the 6x6 with the Patria Nemo turret at DSEI London 2019, Kari Grön, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Land outlined an entirely new personnel carrier: “There has long been demand on the market for a successor to the Pasi Armoured Personnel Carrier, which has been in production since the 80s. The new 6X6 brings the basic principles behind its predecessor into the present day, with its multifunctional transport capacity and modularity that adapts easily to the customer’s needs.”

Although the pre-design phase of the new 6X6 began many years ago, the final concept and production model were developed in 2016 and 2017 respectively, with the aim of creating an easy-to-use and adaptable APC with doors and windows in the cab like its predecessor. Boarding and leaving the 6X6 is easy, while in addition to the crew of 2-3 persons the vehicle has seats for 10 combat troops, depending on its purpose and layout.

As the driver can easily adapt to the controls in the 6X6’s truck-like cab, the 6X6 could be seen as a continuation of the familiar Patria AMV product family. Grön confirms that the AMV is the basis of a new vehicle model, although “the layout of this vehicle is very different. The AMV 8X8 was primarily designed as an infantry combat vehicle, whereas the 6X6 is a multipurpose transport vehicle. With regard to its chassis structure, the 6X6 is based on the same components as the AMV, but with one less axle. The vehicle is driven by all three axles and steered from the front two, or all three, depending on its equipage.”

Project leader Grön was also keen to emphasise that “Optional equipage can be added to bring the 6X6 closer to the AMV. For example, various ballistic and mine protection levels, weapon systems, self-protection systems and other interior equipment are available. The 6X6 is as wide and high as the AMV, but around half a metre shorter. Its price is about half that of the AMV, but everything depends on the equipage based on the customer’s specifications.”

High Level Survivability

Alongside the Patria’s unique mobility, its high payload capability ensures that, with the optional protection level STANAG level 4, there is enough payload for multiple Patria vehicle variants and equipment. The modular design then enables diverse specific configurations of this 6x6 to undertake a variety of highly demanding missions.

Optimised Amphibious Mobility

Similar to the Patria AMVXP, the 6x6 has robust and fully independent suspension, which combines with the high performance engine to ensure unforeseen mobility and crew comfort. The new Patria carries up to 10 dismounts plus a crew of two, with driver and commander in the front cabin, or 8-9 dismounts and a crew of three (driver, commander and gunner).

All their equipment is hosted inside the protected hull for a maximum 72-hour mission requirement. Steering by front two axles, the vehicle has mobility-optimised continuous all-wheel drive and amphibious capability for water crossing, with amphibious landing operations available as an option.

Affordable and Cost Effective

Originally designed for troop transport, the 6x6 Patria has been designed to provide the support of a high reliability and affordable armoured wheeled vehicle. Low through-life costs and a truck-like user interface also make the vehicle simple to operate, maintain and repair.

Additional benefits are provided by logistical commonality between the Patria 6x6 and Patria AMV 8x8. While the new Patria 6x6 meets the basic military transportation needs of tomorrow, a local manufacturing concept is also possible for this next generation vehicle.

Reference Text/Photo:
www.patriagroup.com

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