Finland’s Protolab has introduced two newly upgraded variants of the 6×6 Protected Multi-Purpose Vehicle (PMPV) Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), the PMPV 2 and PMPV 3.
The new variants have been developed based on user feedback and are ready to meet the requirements of Finland’s upcoming domestic 6×6 APC procurement program. This program is expected to begin when competitor participating vehicles complete R&D and market surveys have been concluded.
Protolab is also pursuing international APC programs with the variants, under both direct commercial sale and technical cooperation/technology transfer agreements; and is currently awaiting results and feedback from a number of ongoing programs.
The variants maintain the original vehicle’s highest possible integrated mine protection and ballistic protection levels, with testing verifying the chassis’ ability to withstand at least five mine detonations, exceeding the highest requirements of STANAG 4569.
“The results of the mine blast testing, carried out by an independent, internationally recognized test body, are outstanding,” Juhani Kivimaki, Chief Technical Officer, Protolab, said. “Typically a vehicle must survive the single required kinetic blast to achieve the highest STANAG rating, whereas we put a single PMPV chassis through five blasts – one of which was double the required explosive mass; and still ended up with a vehicle that could be repaired for service.
“We understand that this is an extremely significant achievement, and will be a major drawcard for military forces seeking the very highest protection levels for their troops in the field.”
The new versions incorporate higher engine power ratings to provide better performance in both on-road and off-road conditions.
The PMPV 2 is powered by a 325 hp diesel engine, while the PMPV 3 can be fitted with either a 360 hp or 450 hp diesel engine. The vehicle cooling system has been updated to meet the requirements of both new engine versions, redirecting cooling air to assist in making the cabin more comfortable for crew in hot operating conditions. Both versions use Allison transmission, Katsa 2-speed transfer box, basic axles including steering rear axle and commercial off-the-self (COTS) components to maximize cost-efficiency, agility and durability, simplify maintenance and minimize life-cycle costs.
The PMPV can carry two crew and ten fully-equipped troops, or a cargo payload of up to 10,000kg. Improvements to the crew compartment include a re-designed layout to enhance passenger comfort and space for equipment, increased room for C4I equipment, and improved options for reconfiguring the vehicle for different operational profiles, such as command and control, troop carrier or medevac.
In the standard APC crew transport configuration three different seating versions are available: a suspended seat with a 5-point seat belt which is used also as the driver and commander seats in all vehicles, a fixed seat with a 2-point lap belt which has proven extremely efficient and sturdy in use, and a new compact seating system with a 2-point lap belt. Crew entrance and egress have also been improved, and the locking system of hatches throughout the vehicles has been redesigned for easier use.
“The PMPV’s narrow (2.55m) width, steering rear axle, unique protective structure and advanced mobility both on- and off-road have been designed to provide superior capability in the urban environment for the range of tasks faced by special operations, security and crisis management forces in the field,” Juha Moisio, Business Development Director, Protolab Oy commented. “We have introduced these two new variants in direct response to market feedback, and anticipate significant interest from the international APC market from customers looking to replace their existing 6×6 vehicle fleets with a cost-effective, protected and highly mobile solution.”