WASHINGTON — The vehicle selected by the US Special Operations Command [USSOCOM] as the vehicle of choice for their Terrestrial Mobility Program 1.1 [GMV 1.1] is the F72-HD where the abbreviation ‘HD’ means Heavy Duty.
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The F72-HD was officially unveiled by Flyer Defense [manufacturer] as the next-generation mobile, highly efficient, and agile 4×4 special forces vehicle.
The F72-HD can be transported anywhere in the world in the domestic cargo sector of a CH47 helicopter or a C-130 transport aircraft. The vehicle can carry 2,500 kg of payload and easily adapt to difficult, rugged, and restrictive terrain in all weather conditions.
Engine and power
The F72-HD is powered by a 2.0 L GM DOHC BiTurbocharged intercooler JP8 / F24 / Diesel Direct Injection Common Rail Fuel System engine. The engine delivers 220 horsepower [164KW] and torque of 332 ft.-lb [450 Nm]. The transmission is a Tiptronic automatic six-speed, distributed 2-speed, high 4 × 2, or low full time 4 × 4.
Depending on the requirements, the vehicle can be equipped with a 12V Alternator [140 amp] or a 12 V / 28V Alternator [50/210 amp]. The suspension is a 4-wheel coil-over-shock independent adjustable suspension with 4 air spring variable rides. The brakes are power assist 4-wheel discs with ABS, and the wheel and tire size are 37 x 13.5 R17 load range E with bead lock and VFI run flat.
The top speed according to the manufacturer of the F72-HD is 95 mph [153 kph], while the operating range is 300 miles [483km] at Mission Profile or 500 miles on flat ground at 40 mph [1,046 km].
Weapons
The armament of the F72-HD is a choice that makes it highly adaptable to the mission or basic functionality. The Kongsberg Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station [CROWS II] can be integrated as required, which means that the vehicle will have a 50-caliber light machine gun.
The station itself is quite rich in choice, as it allows the integration of Mk 19, machine gun 12.7 mm M2 .50 caliber, 7.62 mm machine gun M240B, and 5.56 mm automatic weapon M249 Squad.
However, light weapons can be chosen, such as the integration of a separate 12.7 mm machine gun or a 30 mm cannon. However, the F72-HD is designed to launch Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, as well as four M72 LAWs anti-tank missiles.
Dimensions
The F72-HD is designed to carry a maximum of seven personnel, including the person in charge of the weapons system.
The wheelbase is 126 ”[320 cm]. The F72-HD is 182 ”[462 cm] long, 79.25” [201 cm] chassis wide, and 72 ”[183 cm] high, but adjustable. The gross weight of the vehicle is 13,000 lb [5897 kg]. The approach angle is 73.4º / 55.5º w / push bar & winch, the departure angle is 53.1º, the ramp over angle is 146.7º, and the vertical step is 18 ”[45.7 cm]; 24 ”[61 cm] diagonal. The fuel tank is 23 gal. [87.5 L].
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