SOFINS 2021: UNAC RIDER air droppable vehicle to enter in service with French airborne troops.

According to information obtained during the SOFINS 2021, Special Operations Forces Network Seminar and Exhibition, from the French company UNAC, the Rapid Intervention Droppable Equipment for Raiders (RIDER) will enter in service with airborne troops of the French Army.

The French Company UNAC presents its new air-droppable vehicle RIDER at SOFINS 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Rapid Intervention Droppable Equipment for Raiders (RIDER) is a vehicle with a high projection capacity by military transport aircraft and helicopter with high intrinsic mobility and logistics consisting of a robust and compact vehicle and a large capacity trailer.

The RIDER is a lightweight tactical and compact vehicle for the transport of materials, supplies, and fighters, as close as possible to the engagement zones. The vehicle incorporates a front axle composed of a double-wishbone suspension to respond to significant off-road travel and a rear train consisting of trailing arms allowing the excellent takeover of mechanical stress.

The RIDER, equipped with inter-wheel differentials and interlockable axle is propelled by a custom kinematic chain meeting the technical requirements of mobility and crossing. The cockpit is equipped with a protective hoop, fixed on a one-piece tubular steel welded frame.

The RIDER is fitted with two weapon stations mounted on the roof of the vehicle and on the right side. The trailer has a large loading platform, fold-down sides and four lashing and stowing rings.

The RIDER is designed like an all-terrain vehicle, with two seats located at the front of the vehicle and a cargo area at the rear. The vehicle is powered by a KOHLER KDW1404 Tiers III and can reach a maximum road speed of 75 km/h with a range from 300 to 500 km. The vehicle has a weight of 1,000 kg with a maximum payload of 900 kg.