The Mountain Lion armoured utility vehicle, manufactured in South Africa by DCD Defence, is to be offered with complete runflat wheel assemblies provided by Tyron and its South African partner, Global Wheel.
DCD has selected the Tyron and Global Wheel partnership following successful evaluation of the complete wheel solution on theirSpringbuck APC. During the assessment the wheels were extensively tested on extreme harsh African terrains.
"By offering Mountain Lion with the complete wheel assembly not only are DCD reducing their production time but the end user is being provided with a proven, highly reliable solution, which keeps the vehicle moving in the event of sudden tyre deflation," said Richard Glazebrook, managing director of Tyron Runflats.
"Amongst the significant benefits of our rubber runflat solution are the ability to change the tyres without any special tools even at the roadside and the considerable benefits of rubber in absorbing the shocks from rough terrain."
Tyron ATR wheel assembly has a unique multi-part rubber runflat fitted to the Global Wheels two part bolt-together steel wheels. This system is locally manufactured specifically for the Mountain Lion.
The Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflat is not only a multi-piece unit but also successfully passed ballistic tests. Emphasis was placed on the connections to ensure that under severe ballistic attack the ATR is not compromised as rubber absorbs far more energy than hard materials from kerb strikes and IEDs.
The Global Wheels bolt-together wheels are available in both steel and aluminium, the rubber of the ATR is enhanced to ensure beadlock, which offers a guaranteed high level off-road flat tyre performance which is not possible with composite runflats.
With Tyron ATRs fitted, the Springbuck APC can be driven for a minimum of 50km even with all tyres being damaged.
The DCD Mountain Lion armoured utility vehicle can fulfil multiple roles on the battlefield. Its unique design incorporates a single piece v-shaped armoured hull to provide maximum protection from blast, as well as protection from conventional ammunition.
Mountain Lion is equipped with DCD’s unique, combat-proven, Four Wheel Steer system, which dramatically reduces the turning circle, enhancing the vehicle’s mobility in close terrains and urban areas.
Tyron is exhibiting its range of ATRs in Hall 5, stand H 731 during Eurosatory 2016 from 13 to 17 June.