KOBLENZ, Germany - Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is to supply the German armed forces with 110 Zetros GTF armored logistics vehicles. The Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement and Daimler AG signed a corresponding agreement on May 14. Under the terms of the agreement, the German armed forces are to receive 25 Zetros 4x4 GTFs over the course of this year. These vehicles will provide greater protection to German soldiers.
In the 5-ton payload class, only the Zetros 4x4 GTF from Mercedes-Benz - the sole cab-behind-engine vehicle in contention - was found to meet the armed forces' requirements. A trial vehicle underwent in-depth testing at the defense technology offices from 2008, displaying convincing performance on all fronts. The offer submitted by Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2011 provides the basis for the agreement, which has now been concluded with the delivery of 110 Zetros GTFs.
The first four of the 25 vehicles to be delivered this year are set to pass through the integrated verification process to confirm due delivery in accordance with the terms of the agreement and to determine their suitability for deployment. At the end of this process, the approval for use will be issued. The remaining 85 armored logistics vehicles will be delivered up to July 2014. With the Zetros GTF, Mercedes-Benz will be supplying the German armed forces with the first armored transport vehicles designed specifically for this capability profile.
The Zetros 1833A 4x4 GTF cab-behind-engine vehicle has been designed specifically for operation in difficult territory. Powertrain and chassis originate from Mercedes-Benz's large-scale production program, with assemblies that have been tried and tested on numerous deployments. This ensures reliable operation even in adverse conditions and a dependable supply of replacement parts through Mercedes-Benz's worldwide service organization, according to the company. The use of series-production components and assemblies additionally enables a short response time between receipt of order and delivery of the entire order volume.
The cab-behind-engine design means that the engine/transmission unit is located under the hood over the front axle. For maintenance and repair work, the hood can be tilted forward independently of the cab, affording access to the assemblies.
This arrangement for the drive and cab results in a low overall height for the vehicle, which not only improves its tactical mobility but also facilitates transport by rail or air through compliance with corresponding transport profiles. Last but not least, the cab-behind-engine concept results in a more even axle load distribution, which alters substantially in truck operations on account of varying payloads.
The armored cab, which is located behind the front axle, offers the crew two full-sized seats and stowage space for their personal equipment and communications facilities. The cab is produced in armor steel with additional protection elements. The cab is equipped as standard with an effective ventilation system to afford protection from ABC weapons and with air conditioning.
The vehicle is powered by an OM 926 LA 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine complying with the Euro 3 standard. This engine is able to generate an output of 240 kilowatts and maximum torque of 1,300 Nm over a broad rev range even when running on poor-quality fuel, such as is commonly encountered in the field. A fully automatic Allison 3000 SP transmission with six forward gears transfers the tractive power without interruption to the two permanently driven axles. This means that the ideal tractive power is available at all times, particularly in difficult terrain, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on the special features of the terrain.
