The Defense Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand has announced successful prototype testing of the Royal Thai Army’s new 4×4 military transport vehicle.
The test, conducted at a tactical training ground in the eastern province of Prachinburi, saw the vehicle prototype perform various tasks, including slope climbing, obstacle crossing, and cargo and personnel transport.
It also demonstrated its ability to traverse rough, muddy, watery, and sandy terrains.
สถาบันเทคโนโลยีป้องกันประเทศ โดยโครงการยานเกราะล้อยางได้นำโครงการวิจัยและพัฒนาต้นแบบรถบรรทุกทางทหาร 4X4 ชนิดช่วงล่างอิสระ(Swing Semi-Axles) เข้าทดสอบและประเมินผลโครงการฯ ณ สนามฝึกทางยุทธวิธี กองพลทหารราบที่ 2 รักษาพระองค์และสนามฝึกขับและทดสอบยานพาหนะ กรมการขนส่งทหารบก จ.กาญจนบุรี pic.twitter.com/r5FAmnFMpO
— DTI Thailand (@DTIThailand) September 16, 2024
According to the DTI, the vehicle “was able to perform missions in all terrain conditions,” which enabled it to pass the test successfully.
The 4×4 truck will now await necessary certification before moving to initial production and fielding.
Features
Domestically built by DTI, the transport vehicle is based on the 815-7 heavy military truck from Czech firm Tatra.
It features a trapezoidal and hemispherical rear cargo compartment, which provides enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices.
It is also equipped with light armor to withstand small-caliber bullets.
The truck also reportedly boasts an independent suspension system for improved handling and stability.
Once in service, the vehicle is expected to complement other 4×4 vehicles in the Royal Thai Army inventory, such as the German UNIMOG U1100 L/29 with a 1.25-ton capacity and the Japanese Isuzu FTS 33 H2E with a larger 2.5-ton capacity.
