STORM is a new multi-role amphibious armoured vehicle (MPV) being developed by Ukrainian R&D and project management company Highland Systems in partnership with UAE-based armoured vehicle manufacturer STREIT Group.
STREIT Group provided financial assistance, materials, and facilities for the development of a STORM armoured vehicle prototype, which was unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi in February 2021.
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The armoured vehicle can be used in a range of specialist military, civil defence, rescue, and law enforcement applications. It is designed to offer amphibious capability with exceptional mobility and reliability even in harsh environments.
Development of submersible and wheeled versions of the STORM armoured vehicle is underway.
Design and features of STORM armoured vehicle
The STORM multi-role armoured vehicle will have a length of 5.88m, width of 2.87m and height of 2.36m. With a gross vehicle weight of 8,000kg, the vehicle can accommodate up to six personnel.
The vehicle can carry payloads of 3,500kg on roads, while its load carrying capacity in amphibious mode will be 2,000kg. It is operated manually by its crew members and can be configured with remote control systems for autonomous operations.
The tracked version of the vehicle can be fitted with either steel or rubber tracks based on the requirement. The tracked electric vehicle can pass over few pressure-activated mines without activating them as the weight is spread over six road wheels, which results in a pressure of 230g/cm2.
Protection
The STORM multi-role armoured vehicle features latest ballistic, improvised explosive device (IED) and mine blast protection systems. It will offer mine protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 1 or STANAG Level 2.
Featuring armoured plating and additional security features, the vehicle will offer B6 level ballistic protection.
Propulsion
The all-terrain combat vehicle will be powered by a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system which can generate a maximum power output of 2,500hp in a series, two-line configuration. The power-train will include two electric motors with a combined output of 440kW, with each motor providing 210kW of power and 4,400Nm of torque. A third motor with an output of 150kW and a torque of 1,000Nm will also be provided to power the HamiltonJet waterjet.
The vehicle can operate entirely on battery for up to 3.5 hours at 90km/h speed and 1.5 hours at 100-140km/h speed. The battery can be fully charged in two hours and 30 minutes.
In the hybrid mode, the vehicle will have a range of 18 to 36 hours on road. The vehicle can float for four hours on water.
Mobility of STORM armoured vehicle
The propulsion system will allow the vehicle to attain road and water speeds of up to 140km/h and 30km/h respectively. The maximum reverse speed of the vehicle will be 20km/h.
The STORM military vehicle will have a ground clearance of 50cm and surmountable rise of up to 75%. It can overcome 2m-wide moat and cross a vertical obstacle of up to 1.5m. The vehicle can withstand waves up to 60in in the open ocean.
Highland Systems product offerings
Highland Systems entered the armoured fighting vehicle market with the launch of STORM tracked amphibious vehicle.
The company manufactures highly versatile multi-purpose armoured vehicles including STORM multi-purpose vehicle, Phantom multi-purpose vehicle, and Buggy Hunter MK-200. It also produces Stiletto ammunition, Fury submarine and Trimaran mega yacht.
Its products are integrated with advanced technologies to improve efficiency and performance during the operations.
