During its military parade that took place for the National Day (a parade considerably scaled-down because of the dramatic consequences generated by the chaos ensuing from the deadly floods that ravaged some parts of the country from 13th to 15th of July), the Belgian army unveiled its new Soframe 8x8 armored recovery trucks.
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New Soframe PRV recovery truck of the Belgian army towing a Pandur (Picture source: Yves Radermecker)
Belgium bought 28 units of 8x8 recovery trucks equipped with an armored cabin, adapted by Soframe on a Mercedes Arocs chassis. The vehicle is delivered in two versions :
* The Protected Recovery Vehicle (PRV) nicknamed Aurus consists of a carrier vehicle equipped with a towing system with tow-lift and tow-pull capacity, a hauling and self-hauling system, an integrated lifting system a crane function and a hauling function. 13 units purchased.
* The Combat Recovery Vehicle (CRV) nicknamed Taurus consists of a carrier vehicle equipped with a towing system with tow-lift and tow-pull capacity, a hauling and self-hauling system. 15 units purchased.
The DeFNder Light 7.62 remote-controlled weapon station with cabin controls and smoke can launchers (ROSY) provides active protection to the personnel and the vehicle. The ROSY system allows the vehicle and its occupants to be concealed from enemy fire. It provides protection against anti-tank weapons guided by TV, EO, IR, IIR, laser and SACLOS. Unlike smoke systems conventional, it not only creates a large and instantaneous multispectral screen but also produces dynamic smoke/screen which can protect a vehicle by the movement against multiple attacks. ADC (warrant officer) Sylvain Moonen, manager of equipment at DGMR Landsystems, insists: "Such an armament on a logistical vehicle is a world first! "
The engine is a 4-stroke turbodiesel OM 450, 6 cylinders in line, 12.816 liters, developing 476 hp (350 kW) at 1,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 2.300 Nm at 1,100 rpm. This engine has been « calibrated » in Euro III standard to accept even poor-quality diesel fuel. The G 330-12 automatic gearbox offers 12 forward and 4 rearward gears.
The crew cabin for both vehicles provides a high level of ballistic and mine protection. According to Belgian military sources, the ballistic and mine protection is similar to the Dingo II armored personnel carrier also in service with the Belgian army.
The CRV recovery truck can tow up to a 39-tonne vehicle, while a PRV version can tow up to a 35-tonne vehicle, less in other modes involving other recovery modes than only towing.
New Soframe PRV recovery truck of the Belgian army during trials (Picture source: Yves Radermecker)
New Soframe PRV recovery truck of the Belgian army during trials (Picture source: Yves Radermecker)
New Soframe PRV recovery truck of the Belgian army during trials (Technical drawing source: Soframe)
New Soframe CRV recovery truck of the Belgian army (Technical drawing source: Soframe)
