Patria goes back to basics
Following a thorough market analysis Patria of Finland decided that there was room for an affordable, more truck-like vehicle in the armoured troop transport field, and unveiled its new Patria 6×6, which according to the company has a price around half that of the AMV, not considering of course possible weapon systems. The cost-driven approach is shown by the fact that the company offers two types of suspensions: the independent double wishbone suspensions can in fact be equipped either with hydro pneumatic dampers or with coil springs, the latter a more conservative solution. Many components are taken from the AMV, but for example the suspensions wheel travel is lesser, 350 mm rather than 450 mm. At 24 tonnes maximum GVW, the Patria 6×6 has an 8.5 tonnes payload capability with an all Level 2 protection, ballistic and anti-mine/IED. The considerable payload allows however to increase that protection to an all Level 4, while maintaining around 4 tonnes payload.
The 5-cylinder diesel turbocharged 395 hp engine, linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission, is located behind the driver, on the left of the vehicle, a corridor on the right linking the driving cabin, which can host 2-3 persons, to the rear compartment, where 10 soldiers can be hosted. The driving cabin features a single windscreen, the windows in the two side doors adding to visibility and situational awareness. Steering is made on the two front axles; however as an option the third can also be counter-steerable in order to reduce the turning radius. The Patria 6×6 is 7.5 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, can reach over 100 km/h with a range of over 700 km. The amphibious capability is offered as optional, the vehicle being fitted with two hydraulically driven rear propellers, standard fording depth being 1.5 meters.
A modular multifunctional transport vehicle, the Patria 6×6 can be fitted with different types of weapon systems, such as the company Nemo 120mm mortar system, which can be fired without the need of adding stabilisation systems. The standard armament in the APC version will come in the form of a remotely controlled weapon station, however other solutions might be adopted according to customers’ needs. Patria is ready to develop dedicated variants of its 6×6, which was designed as a simple and cost-effective vehicle, following the trail pioneered by its predecessor, the Pasi, the company being ready to consider partnering solutions for relocating part of the production process in the customer’s country.
