Plasan unveiled its new 4.8t light armoured all-terrain vehicle, Hyrax, at the Eurosatory 2018 exhibition in June 2018.
Hyrax comes with high-quality interiors and multiple seating configurations, accommodating up to six fully-equipped personnel. Capable of carrying payloads of more than 800kg, the 4×4 wheel-drive vehicle offers superior manoeuvrability in on or off-road conditions.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
Hyrax light armoured all-terrain vehicle design
The light armoured all-terrain vehicle is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis. It has a gross vehicle weight of 4,800kg and maximum payload capacity of 810kg.
Hyrax measures 4.57m-long, 1.95m-wide and 2.1m-high. It has a wheelbase of 2.85m and a ground clearance of 245mm.
Plasan offers four different optional seating configurations for the Hyrax light armoured vehicle, including 2+2+1 (two crew and three armed personnel), 2+4 (two crew and four armed personnel), 2+3 (two crew and three armed personnel), 2+1+1 (two crew and two armed personnel with space available to carry ammunition).
Armament and self-protection
Hyrax can be optionally equipped with a remotely-controlled weapon system (RCWS) such as Mini Samson or Light RCWS EB5. The weapon system features a display and control panel, which can be fully controlled by an operator from inside the vehicle.
The RCWS also incorporates a day / night sight system and an optional laser range finder, as well as an electro-optical video stationary and moving target tracking system.
Light RCWS EB5 is mounted with a Negev 5.56mm light machine gun and a 7.62mm MAG general-purpose machine gun, while the Mini Samson integrates a 7.62mm gun and a 12.7mm machine gun.
Hyrax incorporates the Plasan’s kitted hull modular armour technology. The weld-free protection solution features advanced bolted composite light armour panels. The vehicle offers EN1522 B6 or STANAG Level I ballistic protection, which can be upgraded to B7/STANAG Level II.
Hyrax light armoured vehicle engine
Powered by a Mercedes G300 CDI V6 engine, Hyrax has a power to weight ratio of 38hp/t. The Euro-3 compliant engine is capable of generating a power output of 183hp at 3,800rpm. The vehicle is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission system with touch shift.
Power supply for the onboard equipment and systems is provided by two alternators, along with three batteries of 60A.
Mobility features
The Mercedes-Benz 4×4 AWD system enables Hyrax light armoured all-terrain vehicle to tread on / off road, mud, snow, and asphalt roads without compromising on the stability and safety of the vehicle. It integrates three differential electrically-operated locks, which enable the vehicle to overcome harsh terrain conditions.
Rigid axles, reinforced springs, dampers and anti-roll bars fitted to the front and rear axles provide superior suspension for operations across challenging terrains.
Hyrax is fitted with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes as well as front seat airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), brake assist system (BAS), and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). It can be air transported by C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft.
The vehicle can negotiate slopes of 80%, climb step heights up to 400mm and can maintain a steady ride on side slopes of 54%. Its strong chassis, wide wheelbase, and all-terrain wheels enable it to easily cross trenches of 600mm width and ford depths up to 600mm.
