From an all-terrain vehicle designed for the recreation of the elite of the Emirates, the tracked all-terrain vehicle turns into a warrior of desert special operations.
When conflicts are fought in remote rugged and desert areas, mobility becomes a major issue for military planners. Convoy movements, limited only to known transport routes, where they may be exposed to improvised explosive devices and ambushes, become predictable and vulnerable. Elsewhere, security forces and border guards are dealing with the daunting task of closing long and transparent borders in an effort to block illegal immigration, stop drug smuggling, and control pipelines and mines without theft of oil and minerals. To accomplish these and many other tasks, off-road mobility is becoming essential.
The SAND-X T-ATV is built to cross the desert as quickly and safely as possible to support the troops. SAND-X T-ATV pilots can cross dunes in all directions and can either follow a predetermined route or choose their own path, eliminating long detours. Hard-to-reach places in the desert, so-called black spots, are now easily, quickly and safely accessible by ground forces using this new generation of desert vehicles.
Defense-Update reviewed several advanced manned and unmanned platforms, including tracked and wheeled ATVs, ATVs and motorcycles. But the new sand-tracked all-terrain vehicle (T-ATV) deserves a category of its own. Originally developed as a recreational vehicle for the Emirati elite, it has recently been introduced as a desert patrol vehicle for the security and military market (special operations and other military applications).
The T-ATV is an ATV category defined by a hybrid system that combines low pressure tires with a continuous track in the stern to provide traction while adding stability and safety at all speeds, lean angles and terrain. The T-ATV is steered like a motorcycle or snowmobile. As the name suggests, it is designed to tackle more varied terrain than most other vehicles.
The tires used can be matched to the terrain used, while the rigid Kevlar composite track is designed to work on a variety of terrain types including deep and dry sand, rocks, gravel, mud, shallow water, slush, snow or ice. A vehicle is considered to be much safer off-road than on-road. The recently unveiled new military Sand-X T-ATVs are powered by a 1200cc Rotax 4-stroke, fuel-injected, automatic transmission Rotax petrol engine capable of running up to 350 km of rough terrain without refueling. UAE-based developer Sand-X Motors recently unveiled two versions of this entertainment vehicle designed for special operations, military and security applications. According to the manufacturer, the Sand X T-ATV is faster and safer than any other vehicle for moving in the sand, and can carry more ammunition combined with more fuel for long-range operations.
A motorcycle-style steering wheel acts on two tires on the front axle. This ensures precise handling. In addition, stability on the roll axis increases dramatically. An exceptionally low center of gravity and Kevlar track provide optimal traction for precise control of power and speed. The risk of overturning or directional instability is minimized with such a low center of gravity and wide stance. In addition, providing traction with just one track, the Sand-X T-ATV does not need any ground clearance to overcome obstacles. A team crossing desert terrain in Sand-X can reach the target in a straight line through dunes, rocks or other obstacles that interfere with the mobility of other vehicles.
Traveling over rough terrain at high speed allows security or special forces to save time by effectively pursuing fast moving targets and controlling large areas with less force. The all-terrain vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in less than three seconds and can reach a top speed of 185 km / h over rough terrain. It can carry a payload of up to 300 kg and is equipped with an optional extra powerful cooling system to support operations in tropical / desert conditions.
