WVH-70 Lusitano
| WVH-70 Lusitano | |
|---|---|
 Basic cargo WVH-70 with drop side racks. | |
| Type | 4x4 tactical truck |
| Place of origin |  Carthage |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2002-present |
| Used by | Carthage |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Army Vehicle Research Center Elissa-Arishat Defense |
| Designed | 1998-2002 |
| Manufacturer | Elissa-Arishat Defense Kisangani Motor Works New American Motors |
| Unit cost | $240,000 (FY2009) |
| Produced | 2000-present |
| No. built | 1,050,000 |
| Specifications (WVH-70) | |
| Weight | 11,500 kg (25,400 lb) (curb w/fuel) 17,700 kg (39,000 lb) (laden) |
| Length | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Width | 2.49 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (optional third space for gunner) |
| Armor | Modular armor kits (A/B levels) |
| Engine | Elissa-Arishat CII-6/12M 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel 330 kW (440 hp) |
| Payload capacity | 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) |
| Transmission | Elissa-Arishat HT-195-10P 10-speed semi-automatic Magonid Motors 2-speed Series 7000 transfer case |
| Suspension | Magonid Motors ST4C independent suspension |
| Fuel capacity | 200 l (53 US gal) |
Operational range | 620 km (390 mi) |
| Speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
The WVH-70 Lusitano is a series of four-wheel drive diesel-powered tactical trucks used by the Carthage Defense Forces. The Lusitano was purpose-designed as a military vehicle to meet the requirements of the Defense Forces for a high-mobility 6-tonne tactical truck to replace the existing inventory of WVH-68 Arabian trucks introduced in the 1970s and reaching the end of their service lives. Introduced in 2002, over one million trucks have been produced for Defense Forces use by the end of 2015.
The WVH-70 is the first of two truck designs to be produced under the Logistics Modernization Initiative, a major program including the introduction of new packaging and transport standards across the Defense Forces. Unlike the commercial WVH-68, the WVH-70 is a new design created specifically to meet the Defense Force's requirements and its ongoing development is managed by the Army Vehicle Research Center. While the Army is the lead service in the WVH-70's development, the truck is used by all branches of the Defense Forces in various roles.
History
Design
The WVH-70 is built on a platform frame constructed of manganese steel providing high torsional stiffness and a reinforced load-carrying body for cargo. The engine, transmission, fuel tank, and cooling assemblies are mounted within a space frame structure located under the frame between the wheels and are designed to be easily slid out on rails for servicing. The placement of the engine allows for a spacious forward cab with space for two seated crew and an optional fold-down center seat for a third crewman who may also operate the roof-mounted weapon station.
The cab is manufactured of aluminum and is designed with mounting points for the Logistics Vehicle Modular Protection System (LV-MPS) armor kit.The cabin is equipped with both heating and air conditioning for crew comfort and an overpressure CBRN protection system for operation in contaminated environments. The vehicle may be transitioned to blackout mode with a single switch which deactivates all light sources within and outside the cabin. All crew stations may be fitted with night vision devices for navigation at night in blackout conditions. An optional kit to add infrared spotlights also exists. The driver is provided with a backup camera for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Powertrain
The Elissa-Arishat CII-6/12M straight-six turbocharged diesel provides up to 330 kilowatts (440 hp) on a 12-liter displacement. The CII-6/12M is a variant of the industrial CII-6 series and is modified for military use with multi-fuel capability and additional air filters and cold start capability for operation in inclement climates. Electronic engine control automatically limits engine power based on tire pressure and provides diagnostic feedback to drivers and maintenance personnel. The engine meets Category 4A emission standards as required by the Environmental Protection Act of 1985.
Power from the engine is delivered to the Elissa-Arishat HT-195-10P 10-speed semi-automatic transmission, providing eight forward and two reverse gears. The transmission itself is connected to the Magonid Motors Series 7000 transfer case providing two speeds, including a low-range gear for off-road performance. The Lusitano features permanent all-wheel drive and provides power take-offs for the VTR-74 High Mobility Powered Trailer as well as winches.
The independent suspension is based on individual Magonid Motors ST4C MacPherson strut units equipped with computer-controlled pneumatic cylinders replacing the conventional spring-over-shock design. The use of independent single-point suspension reduces both unsprung weight and total vehicle weight while improving mobility and roll control. The suspension can automatically compensate for loading conditions and provide a constant ride height, allowing the vehicle the same mobility characteristics both laden and unladen. The driver can manually adjust the suspension to raise, lower, and tilt the vehicle to aid in loading and unloading operations. The suspension is rated at 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb) for the front axle and 13,500 kilograms (29,800 lb) for the rear axle.
The standard tires issued to the WVH-70 are the 24 R21 Magonid Motors DRT156 series, although initial demonstrators used the smaller 1600 R20 tire size. A spare tire is carried in the left underbody compartment ahead of the engine cooling system and the central tire inflation system can partially compensate for a flat tire. Beadlocks are used to secure the tires to the wheel hubs down to pressures of 70 kilopascals (10 psi). The wheels are driven through portal gears to maximize ground clearance.
Mobility
The Lusitano is designed to deliver similar mobility to tracked fighting vehicles and to keep up with an armored force on the move. It can climb gradients up to 60% and can traverse a 40% side slope carrying its maximum load. It can ford up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) of water and climb a 600 mm (24 in) step. Maximum road speed is 120 km/h (75 mph) and the onboard 200 liters (53 U.S. gal) fuel tank provides a maximum range of 500 kilometers (310 mi). Approach and departure angles are both greater than 40°.
Uniquely, all four wheels are steered giving the WVH-70 a turning circle under 11 meters (36 ft), comparable to a light utility vehicle. This steering system also enables the Lusitano to "crab walk" diagonally, improving its ability to navigate rough terrain and avoid obstacles.
Designed for use in a wide variety of climates, the Lusitano can operate in temperatures as high as 52°C and as low as -32°C. A special cold weather kit can reduce the minimum operating temperature to -46°C if required. The engine filtration systems are designed for operation in sandy and dusty environments and are equipped with a self-cleaning system to reduce maintenance.
The WVH-70 is designed to fit in all Carthaginian strategic airlifters as well as the newer RTS-223 Razorbill tactical airlifter but is too tall for use in the RTS-221 Raven airlifter. The Lusitano is rated for both low-velocity air drop and low-altitude parachute extraction when mounted on a Mark 8 stressed landing platform. While too large to fit internally in most helicopters, the WVH-70 is rated for sling loading beneath heavy lift helicopters such as the QHU-51 Kittiwake. A single truck may be carried internally in the QHU-52 Cassowary.
Fuel economy
As a result of the Logistics Modernization Initiative, the WVH-70 is the first cargo truck in Carthaginian service designed from the outset to maximize fuel economy beyond meeting baseline design criteria. Data collected during the design, testing, and evaluation phases were used to identify sources of fuel inefficiency and solutions to address these issues.
Major sources of fuel economy improvements include:
- Significant reductions in vehicle weight through the increased use of composites, including a composite load bed and cabin features. The weight reduction versus vehicles of comparable capability is estimated at up to 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lb).
- Engine optimization for operation on the SFT-08 jet fuel used by the Defense Forces as a standard fuel type.
- Full electrification of all engine accessories including the engine cooling fans, coolant pump, hydraulic pump, enabling all accessories to operate at their optimum output regardless of engine RPM.
- A mild parallel hybrid system in -AM1 variants with engine start/stop and regenerative braking features to reduce fuel consumption when idling and to recover energy during braking.
- 10-speed semi-automatic transmission designed to optimize gear shifting over conventional automatic transmissions.
The combined effect of these modifications is expected to achieve a 34% fuel economy improvement over the legacy WVH-68 Arabian, achieving 3.32 kilometres per litre (7.8 mpg‑US)*. The original WVH-70 without mild hybridization has an estimated fuel economy of 3.1 kilometres per litre (7.3 mpg‑US)*. The improvements in fuel efficiency are expected to yield significant reductions in operating costs throughout the lifetime of the vehicle, especially for overseas deployments.
Load handling
The Lusitano is rated for loads up to 6,000 kilograms (13,000 lb) in the High Mobility class and can accept loads as heavy as 9,000 kilograms (20,000 lb) with minor performance degradation to the Improved Medium Mobility category. The standard open-bed cargo variant is equipped with folding side panels and tie down points for canvas or tarpaulin covers to protect cargoes from exposure. A folding bench seat kit is also available for troop transport roles. The standard M13R winch has a maximum rated line pull of 7,000 kilograms (15,000 lb).
In conjunction with either the hydraulic loading ramp or the Hydraulic Mobility Trailer and the onboard winch system, the cargo variant is capable of self-loading palletized cargo such as the Common Modular Intermodal Platform (CMIP), although these loads must be manually secured for travel. The flatbed cargo variant has space for eight Common Modular Intermodal Containers (CMIC) and may carry more if stacked and secured.
The WVH-70CH variant is equipped with a hydraulic hooklift hoist to handle compatible palletized loads including ISO shipping containers. This allows the truck to rapidly load and unload bulky cargo and goods already secured to a hooklift compatible platform. This variant was developed to answer the demand for rapid loading and unloading of ammunition for artillery units.
Armor and armament
The Common Protected Cab was designed to be fielded across both the WVH-70 Lusitano and WVH-71 Anoa fleets and to be compatible with the LV-MPS armor kit. In the standard unarmored configuration provides sealing against CBRN contamination and limited STANAG 4569 level 1 protection from small arms, shell fragments, and light explosives. The level 2 protection kit adds STANAG 4569 level 2 protection from machine gun fire and heavier improvised explosive devices, including ballistic glass panels over the existing windows and windshield. The level 3 kit is the heaviest armor kit available, further improving undercab protection against mines and adding a layer of slat armor around the cab to protect against rocket-propelled grenades.
A weapon station may be mounted to the cab roof manned either by the passenger or an additional gunner. The Mk 23 weapon station includes a protective cupola surrounding the gunner including ballistic glass panels for visibility and may mount any machine guns in Carthaginian inventory as well as the G/IAG-127 automatic grenade launcher. In 2007 a kit was introduced to add compatibility with the FRC-354 remote weapon station allowing the armament to be operated from within the vehicle with all crew under armor.
Variants
- WVH-70 - Standard flatbed cargo with side rails and hydraulic loading ramp.
- WVH-70CR - Flatbed cargo variant fitted with load handling crane.
- WVH-70CH - Cargo variant fitted with a hooklift system to handle compatible ISO containers and loading platforms.
- WVH-70VE - Cargo variant fitted with an enclosed bed to function as a cargo van.
- WVH-70RV - Recovery vehicle equipped with crane, higher-power winches, and light repair equipment.
- WVH-70DB - Dump truck fitted with hydraulic dump body.
- WVH-70AM1 - Improved base variant including a new hybrid electric powertrain for improved range and power generating capability. All variants were switched to this base model beginning in 2012.
Related equipment
- VTR-73 - Single-axle hydraulic mobility trailer rated to carry up to 6,000 kilograms (13,000 lb) over the same terrain as the WVH-70. The VTR-73 includes a extendable hydraulic ram, tilting mechanism, and winch capable of self-loading and assisting the towing vehicle in navigating rough terrain.
- VTR-74 - Double-axle high mobility powered trailer rated to carry up to 12,000 kilograms (26,000 lb). The VTR-74 is equipped with a driveshaft able to receive power from the towing vehicle's power takeoff, enabling the trailer to contribute to the vehicle's mobility.