Armor International presents its new Hunter XL armored vehicle.

During the last celebration of the Colombian Independence Day, Colombian Armor International has presented its new MRAP vehicle (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected), called Hunter XL. Erich Saumeth reports.

Hunter XL (Picture source: Erich Saumeth/Forum militar.org.ua)

The new model is part of the Hunter family but has been identified with the designation XL, for its larger size and capabilities compared to the first model of this company the TR-12.

The 4x4 Hunter XL has been developed from a Workstar 7300 chassis supplied directly by Navistar Defense and for strictly military (non-commercial) use, motorized by an International type engine (unspecified for confidentiality reasons) with a 6-speed forward synchronized automatic transmission (also unspecified for confidentiality reasons). The vehicle has been designed as an independent monocoque mounted on a Navistar Workstar chassis, with a V-shaped floor and protected compartment for the engine. This vehicle is based on the matrices of the TR-12, expanded to increase its operational performance.

According to its manufacturer, it can withstand impacts of 5.56 × 45 mm, 7.62 × 39 mm and 7.62 × 51 mm caliber ammunition, as well as explosions of anti-personnel mines, unexploded ammunition and IEDs. The roof is equipped with a Browning M2 HQC QCB machine gun, an FN Herstal M-249, an M-60E4, or a 40 mm Milkor MK-19 grenade launcher.

The Hunter XL has thermal and reverse cameras, 12 windows, 5 doors, 11 hatches and a crane system with a winch. Its wheels are of the "run-flat".type. Preliminarily framed within category 1, the XL can transport - depending on the tactical configuration - 18 + 1 or 17 + 1 occupants with their respective equipment.

The vehicle has a digital control panel designed by Armor (typical of the Hunter line), for the configuration of accessories, including double air conditioning, double smoke extractor, alternator, 110 and 120 V outputs.

To date, the vehicle is being evaluated by the Colombian Army for possible operational incorporation.