Puma 6x6 Iveco.

Technical Data

• Armament

  The primary armament of the Puma 6x6 in its standard APC configuration consists of a 12.7 mm Browning M2HB heavy machine gun, mounted on a manually operated pintle or cupola ring above the commander’s position. The weapon is used for self-defense, suppression, and convoy protection roles and is often paired with a bank of three smoke grenade launchers mounted on either side of the hull toward the rear, providing forward-fired screening capability. Some variants mount a 7.62 mm MG 42/59 in place of the heavier weapon, depending on mission requirements and vehicle role.

  In addition to the standard troop carrier variant, the Puma 6x6 was also designed to accept heavier or more specialized weapon systems. Conceptual and prototype versions have been tested with anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) such as the MILAN and TOW systems, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like the MBDA Mistral, and an 81 mm mortar. A key prototype included an Oto Melara 12.7 mm remote-controlled turret, allowing the gunner to aim and fire the weapon from within the protected hull, significantly improving survivability in hostile environments.

• Design and protection

  The Puma 6x6 is constructed with an all-welded steel monocoque hull offering ballistic protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 2. Mine protection is also provided up to STANAG Level 2a/2b, defending against light anti-tank mines beneath the hull and wheel stations. The upper hull sides are angled inward to help deflect projectiles and blasts. Unusually, the hull sides are fabricated from single-piece steel plates, rather than being constructed from welded panels, increasing structural strength and reducing potential points of failure.

  The vehicle’s crew configuration includes a driver and a gunner/commander, with seating for six to eight dismounts in the rear compartment. The driver is seated at the front left of the hull and operates the vehicle through a forward-opening, domed hatch with three day periscopes, one of which can be replaced by a passive night periscope for low-light driving. The engine compartment is situated to the right of the driver and separated by a bulkhead.

  Troops enter and exit the vehicle through a rear door that swings left, or side doors with vision blocks and firing ports. Additional roof hatches provide egress and allow for firing from a standing position. The commander’s cupola, mounted at the center of the roof, features a single rear-opening hatch and five day periscopes for all-around visibility. Externally, a winch is mounted on the rear right of the vehicle for self-recovery or utility use.

• Mobility

  The Puma 6x6 is motorized with an Iveco 8042.45 four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 180 horsepower at 3,000 rpm. This powerplant offers a favorable power-to-weight ratio for a light armored vehicle and is coupled to a Renk Reco automatic transmission with five forward and one reverse gear. The transmission includes a torque converter and directs power through a transfer case to the front and rear differentials, from where it is transmitted via propeller shafts to the wheels.

  The vehicle features a fully independent suspension system, with each of the six wheels mounted on an arrangement of upper telescopic struts and lower transverse links, which include radial links and anti-roll torsion bars. The hydropneumatic struts, supplied by Messier, provide superior ride quality and cross-country mobility. Steering is power-assisted on the front wheels, enabling smooth handling in both urban and off-road conditions.

  Fitted with Michelin 11.00 × 16 run-flat tires, the Puma 6x6 can remain mobile even after sustaining tire damage. A central tire inflation system (CTIS) can also be integrated to adjust tire pressure on the move, optimizing traction for various terrains.

  Performance statistics confirm the Puma 6x6’s battlefield agility: it achieves a maximum road speed of approximately 100 km/h and has a cruising range of 700–800 kilometers. It is capable of climbing gradients of 60%, traversing side slopes of 30%, crossing vertical obstacles of 0.5 meters, and fording water up to 1 meter deep without prior preparation. The Puma’s compact size, favorable ground clearance, and drivetrain efficiency make it ideal for rapid-deployment missions and reconnaissance tasks across a wide range of operating environments.

• Combat Equipment

  The Puma 6x6 is equipped with a suite of modern onboard systems aimed at enhancing survivability, situational awareness, and crew comfort. Standard systems include a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) overpressure protection system, a fire detection and suppression system for both crew and engine compartments, and a climate-controlled air conditioning system.

  Observation and targeting equipment include periscopic vision blocks, night-driving periscopes, and weapon sights for the commander and driver. The vehicle can be fitted with GPS-based navigation, encrypted tactical radios, and a battlefield management system (BMS) as optional upgrades. Firing ports built into the hull allow troops to engage threats while remaining protected inside. The overall design allows for rapid reconfiguration into specialist roles, offering the Italian Army a highly adaptable and sustainable light armored platform.