DEFEA 2021: ELVO with Plasan showcases Hyrax Light Armored All-Terrain Vehicle.

Israeli company Plasan and its Greek partner ELVO presents the Hyrax, a light armored all-terrain vehicle fully developed by Plasan in cooperation with the OEM Mercedes-Benz.

ELVO and Plasan showcase Hyrax Light Armored All-Terrain vehicle at DEFEA 2021, International defense exhibition in Greece. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Israeli defense holding company SK Group and Plasan have purchased the Greek manufacturer of wheeled and tracked vehicles ELVO (Hellenic Vehicle Industry). The Greek company will be jointly owned by Israeli entities and will produce special vehicles for customers in Greece and abroad.

Powered by 183 horsepowers developed by a Mercedes’ G300 CDI 6V Euro-3 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, that delivers 400 Nm of torque, Hyrax has a power to weight ratio of 38 HP/T, thus maintaining the class’ agility, acceleration, and power braking. This aspect is becoming essential not only on highways but also ascending or climbing mountainous dirt roads with full armor and combat load. At the Gross Vehicle Weight of 4,800 kg Hyrax carries up to 810 kg of payload when fully manned and loaded for a mission. As for air mobility, the vehicle is sized for transportation in C-130 aircraft.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) driveline uses a central differential locking system that includes electrically operated front and rear locks that enable all four wheels to overcome harsh terrain conditions. With a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and ground clearance of 245 mm Hyrax can climb a 400 mm vertical step, cross trenches 600 mm wide, and ford 600 mm of water, using its integral, elevated air intake. It safely negotiates 80% slope and 54% side slopes. The AWD maintains high stability and safety on and off-road, moving on dirt, mud, snow and paved roads. Hyrax maintains all the G Class’ safety features, including power steering, ABS, ESP, BAS, EBD, and airbags for the front seats.

A major advantage of the Hyrax’ is its reliance on a commercial rolling chassis rated for 4.5-ton gross vehicle weight. Unlike other vehicles that require extensive modification to meet payload requirements, the robust frame and automotive system is ready to support the armored cabin, sustaining the vehicle’s dynamics through the full operating envelope, even in the fully combat-loaded configuration. Built in cooperation with the original manufacturer (OEM), Hyrax is approved under the manufacturer’s warranty and is fully supported through the manufacturers’ worldwide service network.

As an armor-protected vehicle Hyrax utilizes Plasan’s battle-proven kitted hull technology. This modular design employs advanced, light armor that defeats small arms, fragments and armor-piercing rounds, meeting EN1522 B6, B7 and STANAG 4569 Level 1 in the basic configuration and is upgradable to B7 and STANAG Level 2. The armor is made of composite materials and includes a large transparent windshield and side windows on all sides.