The UK-based Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicle maker, Automotive Technik of Guildford, has announced a major order for its 6×6 military TUM-HD (Truck Utility Medium – Heavy Duty) soft-top variant as the carrier for the UK Ministry of Defence’s ground to air missile defence role. The order is for around 100 vehicles, which equates to over £7 million of work for the company.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The decision to equip British Army units with the Pinzgauer to fulfil the role is in line with the current world-wide trend towards rapid reaction, light and air-portable forces, which can be deployed quickly wherever they are needed. It is the first time the British Army has specified the higher payload 6×6 Pinzgauer variant in significant numbers. The current fleet, approaching 1,000 vehicles, is predominantly based on the 4×4 Pinzgauer TUM-HD, many of which have seen action with UK Forces in the Gulf.
The UK MoD order is for the latest development of the Pinzgauer, which uses a Euro III high-torque version of Volkswagen’s 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo-intercooled diesel engine, driving through a four-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Vehicles are expected to enter service with operational units from 2004.
