Van Luxemburg
28-08-2007, 18:51
Monteluci-VLTC M6
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/MLM6A1.png
M6a Recon Model shown
In 2004, The Van Luxemburgian Arméi contacted VLT Automotive with the question if they could develop a domestic 4x4 vehicle, which would fit both the requirement for a light and a heavyweight 4x4 vehicle, to be placed under the M5 truck, of which the model range started at a mere 15 tons. Plans consisted of a 1 to 2.5 ton metric ton version, and a heavyweight 5 to 10 ton weighing version. The Arméi gave consent for a civilian version, although this is still in development.
The order was originally given to VLTC Commercial vehicles, but was soon assisted by Automobili Monteluci, which used to build many military-spec vehicles some 50 to 60 years ago. The two development teams soon settled themselves at the high-tech Monteluci Factory in Venezia, where the secrecy of the project could be guaranteed. The facilities in Venice, occupying a large amount of land, was connected by underground tunnels to guarantee Monteluci models wouldn’t be pictured before they were launched. This was an advantage for the VLTC/Monteluci development team, since VLT preferred to not show the vehicle in public before the first deliveries had been made to the Van Luxemburgian Arméi.
In the first stages of the project, VLT experimented with modified versions of the MOWAG Eagle IV, then fielded by the VL Military. These modifications mainly consisted of fitting different engines, which would produce more power. Several experiments:
- Monteluci 2.0 MD 200, a 200 Horsepower 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine, used by Monteluci in their Duca. This engine was found to be too much adapted to the civilian market, and was geared towards road use and thus power output, while reliability had yet been unproven.
- Monteluci 4.7 V8, a serious experiment in which the engineers from VLTC and Monteluci mounted a 4.7-litre V8 in the engine bay of an Eagle IV. The 470 HP engine was originally meant for high powered sportscars, and didn’t live up to the expectations of the developers, while the fuel mileage was horrific.
- Monteluci 6.0 V12, a ‘fun’ experiment which consisted of mounting a 640 HP V12 engine in the Eagle IV. Although the tests were spectacular (the 7.600 kg vehicle could get from 0-100 in under 10 seconds and could achieve a top speed of over 170 km/h) this has never been a serious experiment.
- VLTC 6.0 V6, a commercial Diesel engine that was also used in vans and light trucks. The engine, outputting around 315 HP, and creating some 1100 Newtons of torque. This 6-liter V6 Diesel engine was eventually chosen to be the powerplant of the M6, as it was then called. The commercial diesel had already proven itself in various commercial vehicles from VLT, while it was relatively easy to produce and cheap to run.
With this as a base, the designers from VLTC decided to use a technology of the M5 Truck to be used in the 4x4, HPVS. Standing for Hydropneumatic Vehicle System, the system had been proven in both the construction scene, as well as on the M5. Since it was proven to be very reliable in the M5, this time the system would also be used for the frontline version of the M6. The HPVS system is operated by hydraulic cylinders, which are connected to eachother on either side. The system monitors the soil it is on, and adapts to it. The HPVS system is remarkably light and compact, while servicing is not needed very often. In reality, the system can handle overload and probably does not need to be replaced before the vehicle itself.
The HPVS system stabilises each side of the vehicle individually, thus there is no need for crossbeams, meaning the weight of the chassis will be low. Better driving behaviour, extended rough terrain capability, automatic vehicle levelling variable loading heights and increased chassis stability are all advantages of the HPVS system. A Crosswise levelling system (in which the cabin remains level at all time), Vehicle Weight Indicator (which monitors the actual vehicle weight and can warn the driver when the vehicle is overloaded), Automatic Roll Stabiliser (which improves transverse support and will actively prevent vehicle roll, so it will not lean over in corners. This reduces tyre wear) and the Electronic Vehicle Steering (which can be used to steer with all 4 wheels instead of just the front two. This option can be engaged from the dashboard of the vehicle, and improves agility of the vehicle).
The M6 is delivered in two versions: The lightweight and unarmoured M6a, and the heavyweight, armoured and armed M6b. Both versions have been equipped with a winch, so they can pull themselves out of tricky situations at all times. Run-flat tyres prevent the cars from having to stop in a warzone, and lights can be partially blinded by the push of a button. All vital components can be easily replaced ‘in the field’. The M6a can be equipped with armour and can be armed as well, although this will increase weight of the vehicle, and mine protection will be limited. The lightweight M6a is meant for rapid and cheap production, for use behind the frontline, as peacetime transport or patrol duties with little danger. With a total (laden) weight of 3000 Kilograms, the M6a can be easily transported by a Chinook, or even Blackhawk or NH-90 helicopters.
The M6b however, is a heavyweight vehicle putting some 5000 kilograms on the scales: it can be loaded with an additional 2500 kilograms. It is placed on a stretched chassis of the a version, and is made stronger by mounting stronger axles and chassis components. This version can transport up to ten troops in a mine- and bullet-protected, environment, resisting small arms fire of up to 7.62mm, while an increased armour kit (which adds extra weight) means it can survive attacks with anti-materiel snipers of up to 12.7mm. Whilst able to resist automatic arms fire under 12.7mm, a .50 (or 12.7mm) barrage will penetrate the skin of the vehicle if fired on the same spot multiple times. The b version can be equipped with a remote controlled weapons station, which can be operated from one of the rear seats; This weapon system can mount most weaponry by simple conversion kits that allow mounting weaponry on it. If required, the RC weapons system can be swapped for a normal machinegun or ATGM, even though this leaves a weak spot in the M6b’s armour.
The M6 can be equipped and modified in many ways, due to the heavy variant (‘b’) being modular and able to carry many different loadouts. The most logical solution for any task, the transport module, can be equipped to load troops or goods, or serve another task if needed. Other availabilities include a Command & control module, medical unit or ammunition transport. These modules are all included in the price of the M6b.
M6a
ENGINE
No. of cilinders: 6, V
valves per cilinder: 4
engine displacement: 5991 cm3
bore x stroke: 125.2 x 120.0 mm
compression: 17.8:1
max. power output: 471 kW (315 PS) @ 2300rpm
max. torque: 1100 Nm @ 1200rpm
Fuel injection: commonrail
turbo: Yes, 2
Transmission: VLTC 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (optional)
Fuel tank: 150 Liter
Fuel type: Diesel
Range: 750 km
Max Speed (on-road): 160 km/h
Max. Speed (off-road): 100 km/h + depending on conditions (flat grassland)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4.5 m
Width: 2.05 m.
Height: 1.8m
Weight: 3000 kg (Laden) 1800 Kg (Unladen)
Fording depth without preparation: 0.8 metres
With deep water fording kit: 1.2 metres
Max. slope: 65%
Max. Side slope: 40%
Crew: 1 + 4/ 1+ 6 (with modifications)
Armament: mounting available for heavy and light weaponry (ranging from light MG’s to ATGM’s and grenade launchers)
Armour: None
Price: $32,000 USD
6-speed automatic: +$2000 USD
M6b
ENGINE: SEE M6a
Fuel tank: 200 Liter
Fuel type: Diesel
Range: 600 km
Max Speed (on-road): 130 km/h
Max. Speed (off-road): 80 km/h + depending on conditions (flat grassland)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 5.9 m
Width: 2.05 m.
Height: 2.3m
Weight: 7500 kg (Laden) 5000 Kg (Unladen)
Max. Slope: 60%
Max. Side slope: 35%
Fording depth without preparation: 0.8 metres
With deep water fording kit: 1.3 metres
Crew: 2 + 4/ 2+ 12 (depending on module)
Armament: Remote-controlled mounting available for heavy and light weaponry (ranging from light MG’s to ATGM’s and grenade launchers)
Armour: can resist bullets up to 7.62mm standard, up to 12.7mm with extra armour.
Price: $62,000 USD
6-speed automatic: +$2000 USD
Extra armouring: +$8000 USD
(OOC: Image made by Mattia Mariani.)
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/VanLuxemburg/MLM6A1.png
M6a Recon Model shown
In 2004, The Van Luxemburgian Arméi contacted VLT Automotive with the question if they could develop a domestic 4x4 vehicle, which would fit both the requirement for a light and a heavyweight 4x4 vehicle, to be placed under the M5 truck, of which the model range started at a mere 15 tons. Plans consisted of a 1 to 2.5 ton metric ton version, and a heavyweight 5 to 10 ton weighing version. The Arméi gave consent for a civilian version, although this is still in development.
The order was originally given to VLTC Commercial vehicles, but was soon assisted by Automobili Monteluci, which used to build many military-spec vehicles some 50 to 60 years ago. The two development teams soon settled themselves at the high-tech Monteluci Factory in Venezia, where the secrecy of the project could be guaranteed. The facilities in Venice, occupying a large amount of land, was connected by underground tunnels to guarantee Monteluci models wouldn’t be pictured before they were launched. This was an advantage for the VLTC/Monteluci development team, since VLT preferred to not show the vehicle in public before the first deliveries had been made to the Van Luxemburgian Arméi.
In the first stages of the project, VLT experimented with modified versions of the MOWAG Eagle IV, then fielded by the VL Military. These modifications mainly consisted of fitting different engines, which would produce more power. Several experiments:
- Monteluci 2.0 MD 200, a 200 Horsepower 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine, used by Monteluci in their Duca. This engine was found to be too much adapted to the civilian market, and was geared towards road use and thus power output, while reliability had yet been unproven.
- Monteluci 4.7 V8, a serious experiment in which the engineers from VLTC and Monteluci mounted a 4.7-litre V8 in the engine bay of an Eagle IV. The 470 HP engine was originally meant for high powered sportscars, and didn’t live up to the expectations of the developers, while the fuel mileage was horrific.
- Monteluci 6.0 V12, a ‘fun’ experiment which consisted of mounting a 640 HP V12 engine in the Eagle IV. Although the tests were spectacular (the 7.600 kg vehicle could get from 0-100 in under 10 seconds and could achieve a top speed of over 170 km/h) this has never been a serious experiment.
- VLTC 6.0 V6, a commercial Diesel engine that was also used in vans and light trucks. The engine, outputting around 315 HP, and creating some 1100 Newtons of torque. This 6-liter V6 Diesel engine was eventually chosen to be the powerplant of the M6, as it was then called. The commercial diesel had already proven itself in various commercial vehicles from VLT, while it was relatively easy to produce and cheap to run.
With this as a base, the designers from VLTC decided to use a technology of the M5 Truck to be used in the 4x4, HPVS. Standing for Hydropneumatic Vehicle System, the system had been proven in both the construction scene, as well as on the M5. Since it was proven to be very reliable in the M5, this time the system would also be used for the frontline version of the M6. The HPVS system is operated by hydraulic cylinders, which are connected to eachother on either side. The system monitors the soil it is on, and adapts to it. The HPVS system is remarkably light and compact, while servicing is not needed very often. In reality, the system can handle overload and probably does not need to be replaced before the vehicle itself.
The HPVS system stabilises each side of the vehicle individually, thus there is no need for crossbeams, meaning the weight of the chassis will be low. Better driving behaviour, extended rough terrain capability, automatic vehicle levelling variable loading heights and increased chassis stability are all advantages of the HPVS system. A Crosswise levelling system (in which the cabin remains level at all time), Vehicle Weight Indicator (which monitors the actual vehicle weight and can warn the driver when the vehicle is overloaded), Automatic Roll Stabiliser (which improves transverse support and will actively prevent vehicle roll, so it will not lean over in corners. This reduces tyre wear) and the Electronic Vehicle Steering (which can be used to steer with all 4 wheels instead of just the front two. This option can be engaged from the dashboard of the vehicle, and improves agility of the vehicle).
The M6 is delivered in two versions: The lightweight and unarmoured M6a, and the heavyweight, armoured and armed M6b. Both versions have been equipped with a winch, so they can pull themselves out of tricky situations at all times. Run-flat tyres prevent the cars from having to stop in a warzone, and lights can be partially blinded by the push of a button. All vital components can be easily replaced ‘in the field’. The M6a can be equipped with armour and can be armed as well, although this will increase weight of the vehicle, and mine protection will be limited. The lightweight M6a is meant for rapid and cheap production, for use behind the frontline, as peacetime transport or patrol duties with little danger. With a total (laden) weight of 3000 Kilograms, the M6a can be easily transported by a Chinook, or even Blackhawk or NH-90 helicopters.
The M6b however, is a heavyweight vehicle putting some 5000 kilograms on the scales: it can be loaded with an additional 2500 kilograms. It is placed on a stretched chassis of the a version, and is made stronger by mounting stronger axles and chassis components. This version can transport up to ten troops in a mine- and bullet-protected, environment, resisting small arms fire of up to 7.62mm, while an increased armour kit (which adds extra weight) means it can survive attacks with anti-materiel snipers of up to 12.7mm. Whilst able to resist automatic arms fire under 12.7mm, a .50 (or 12.7mm) barrage will penetrate the skin of the vehicle if fired on the same spot multiple times. The b version can be equipped with a remote controlled weapons station, which can be operated from one of the rear seats; This weapon system can mount most weaponry by simple conversion kits that allow mounting weaponry on it. If required, the RC weapons system can be swapped for a normal machinegun or ATGM, even though this leaves a weak spot in the M6b’s armour.
The M6 can be equipped and modified in many ways, due to the heavy variant (‘b’) being modular and able to carry many different loadouts. The most logical solution for any task, the transport module, can be equipped to load troops or goods, or serve another task if needed. Other availabilities include a Command & control module, medical unit or ammunition transport. These modules are all included in the price of the M6b.
M6a
ENGINE
No. of cilinders: 6, V
valves per cilinder: 4
engine displacement: 5991 cm3
bore x stroke: 125.2 x 120.0 mm
compression: 17.8:1
max. power output: 471 kW (315 PS) @ 2300rpm
max. torque: 1100 Nm @ 1200rpm
Fuel injection: commonrail
turbo: Yes, 2
Transmission: VLTC 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (optional)
Fuel tank: 150 Liter
Fuel type: Diesel
Range: 750 km
Max Speed (on-road): 160 km/h
Max. Speed (off-road): 100 km/h + depending on conditions (flat grassland)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4.5 m
Width: 2.05 m.
Height: 1.8m
Weight: 3000 kg (Laden) 1800 Kg (Unladen)
Fording depth without preparation: 0.8 metres
With deep water fording kit: 1.2 metres
Max. slope: 65%
Max. Side slope: 40%
Crew: 1 + 4/ 1+ 6 (with modifications)
Armament: mounting available for heavy and light weaponry (ranging from light MG’s to ATGM’s and grenade launchers)
Armour: None
Price: $32,000 USD
6-speed automatic: +$2000 USD
M6b
ENGINE: SEE M6a
Fuel tank: 200 Liter
Fuel type: Diesel
Range: 600 km
Max Speed (on-road): 130 km/h
Max. Speed (off-road): 80 km/h + depending on conditions (flat grassland)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 5.9 m
Width: 2.05 m.
Height: 2.3m
Weight: 7500 kg (Laden) 5000 Kg (Unladen)
Max. Slope: 60%
Max. Side slope: 35%
Fording depth without preparation: 0.8 metres
With deep water fording kit: 1.3 metres
Crew: 2 + 4/ 2+ 12 (depending on module)
Armament: Remote-controlled mounting available for heavy and light weaponry (ranging from light MG’s to ATGM’s and grenade launchers)
Armour: can resist bullets up to 7.62mm standard, up to 12.7mm with extra armour.
Price: $62,000 USD
6-speed automatic: +$2000 USD
Extra armouring: +$8000 USD
(OOC: Image made by Mattia Mariani.)