HDT Storm is a multi-purpose search and rescue tactical vehicle (SRTV) designed and manufactured by HDT Global, for the US Air Force (USAF). The vehicle in USAF service is designated as Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Rescue Vehicle (GAARV).
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The vehicle is deployed to assist the USAF’s Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) units in personnel recovery missions. It can quickly transport personnel into the battlefield to provide superior mobile rescue capability.
The air deployable recovery vehicle can also perform disaster relief and other humanitarian assistance operations. It has a high cargo capacity to carry medical and rescue equipment.
Orders and deliveries of HDT Storm SRTV
HDT Storm SRTV was unveiled at the Modern Day Marine exhibition held in September 2012.
HDT Global’s Expeditionary Systems Group (ESG) secured a Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Rescue Vehicle (GAARV) contract from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to manufacture the Storm vehicle in January 2013. Production of the vehicle began in August 2013.
The USAF received first set of GAARV vehicles in November 2013. The vehicles provide enhanced capabilities to the Guardian Angel rescue teams of the 88th Test and Evaluations Squadron (TES) Guardian Angel Test Division to search for and recover individuals in difficult geographic locations.
The GAARV is being tested to evaluate its effectiveness and compatibility with Guardian Angel, which is the USAF’s non-aircraft weapon system.
HDT Storm SRTV design and features
The 4×4 chassis of the Storm SRTV features tubular frames for mounting equipment and weapon systems. It offers superior mobility and versatility in all environmental conditions. The vehicle can be configured to execute multiple military operations.
The SRTV has a length of 4.9m, width of 2.03m and a height of 1.68m, while the wheel track is 2.02m. The vehicle has a curb weight of 1,960kg and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,651kg. Storm can carry up to three litters and has a towing capacity of 3,855.5kg. The vehicle is equipped with a rollover protection system (ROP) to offer superior safety for the personnel.
The ultra-lightweight Storm vehicle can be carried internally by fixed-wing aircraft including M/HC-130P/N/J, C-130/C-130J, KC-130J and C-17. It can also be transported by the CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters.
The HDT Storm can drive on and drive off the aircraft without shoring. It can be fielded by low velocity aerial delivery airdrop or Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) systems. It is fitted with a weapon system with 360° field of fire.
Engine and mobility of HDT Storm
The Storm SRTV is powered by a high-performance engine, which produces a power of 430hp and develops a torque of 425ft-lb.
The tactical vehicle can attain a maximum speed of 161kmph, and has a range of 563km at a speed of 72kmph. The speed can be accelerated from zero to 97kmph in less than 15 seconds at GVWR. The vehicle can ford at a depth of 101.6cm in water.
The Storm vehicle features long travel suspension and has an approach angle of 74°, a departure angle of 37° and a break over angle of 32°, while the side hill angle is 45°.
The ground clearance is 45.7cm, while the cutting brakes enable U-turn manoeuvre on steep hills within the vehicle dimensions and ensure high speed J-turns. The vehicle has a turning diameter of 12.2m without cutting brakes curb to curb and 6.1m with cutting brakes.
The vehicle can execute missions with higher power output at an altitude of 3,048m above mean sea-level. It can perform evasive manoeuvres in confined spaces and can traverse over impassable terrains including vertical rock faces.
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