Armoured G-Wagon Concept
Author: Bertrand Iroegbu
Mercedes showed this mean-looking mutha at the recent Eurosatory event. The G-Wagon Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle 6.X Concept is the successor to the LAPV 5.4 and offers improved agility, greater protection and heavier payload capacity.
At 150kph it isn't exactly a fast car but it can carry 1.3 tonnes of cargo thanks to a diesel lump. The monocoque full steel body is armoured for ballistic protection. And even if the armour plating is damaged the modular system allows individual plates to be replaced quickly or extra plates added. There's even a mine
deflector plate on the floor.
The variable lift front and rear coil-over air shock absorbers are adjustable while driving and can raise the vehicle up to provide nearly half a metre, 450mm, of ground clearance. There's an individual tyre inflation system.
It is of course based on the proven G-Class but features substantial military hardware, including a data recorder system that documents ‘mission data'; integrated communication systems; mobile command, control and information system; and even a jamming system for greater security.
Two other models were also on display:
LAPV 5.4
The smallest model, the LAPV 5.4 which takes its drivetrain from the G 280 CDI, is equipped as standard with ballistics protection Level 2 as well as mine protection according to the NATO STANAG standard (a higher level of mine protection is available as an option).
The vehicle's drive unit transfers power to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission with integrated step-down ratio and also three fully-lockable differential locks. Two variants of the vehicle are available: a five-door model with fully-armoured passenger and luggage compartments, or a four-door model with rear body assembly.
World premiere – LAPV 7.X Concept
The LAPV 7.X Concept vehicle is the bigger brother of the LAPV 5.4 and LAPV 6.X and a combination of the features of two Mercedes-Benz model series. As is the case with the two lighter LAPV's, the vehicle's engine/transmission and cockpit are taken from the G-Class, while the frame and the axles are from the Unimog range.
It comes as standard with ballistics protection according to STANAG Level 3 and mine protection to at least Level 2a. As a result, the LAPV 7.X has a greater payload and even better off-road capability as well as a more extensive level of protection.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/armoured-g-wagon-concept-2850666.html
About the Author
Bertrand Iroegbu