GDELS launches new variant of Piranha 10x10 armored vehicle called HMC Heavy Mission Carrier.

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) announced on April 15, 2024, the addition of a new variant to its Piranha family of wheeled armored vehicles: the Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC). This new model represents a milestone in the evolution of this family of vehicles, with new features in terms of load capacity and total weight.
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Two models of the new Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) variant (Picture source: GDELS )

The Piranha HMC is characterized by a gross vehicle weight of up to 40 tons and a payload capacity of 17 tons. It features advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies, including a 10x10 all-wheel-drive powertrain and a unique multi-link suspension system (MLS), with steering on the 1st/2nd and 4th/5th axles. These features ensure compliance with European road regulations by minimizing axle load, while also providing exceptional off-road mobility and trench crossing capabilities with a reduced turning radius of less than 18 meters.

The Piranha HMC was developed in response to the growing demand for highly maneuverable wheeled armored vehicle platforms capable of handling increasingly demanding mission profiles.

According to Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Vice President of Global Sales & Services at GDELS, "the PIRANHA HMC directly addresses the evolving payload and space requirements of our global clientele for versatile and multi-purpose missions including direct and indirect fire, air-defense, and tactical bridging capabilities."

The Piranha is a family of 8x8 armored vehicles originally designed in the early 1970s by the Swiss company Mowag, now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). Over the years, the PIRANHA has evolved through five major versions, each designed to meet specific military requirements across various weight categories. These vehicles are utilized by 21 countries worldwide in a multitude of roles, reflecting their adaptability to the changing demands of modern warfare. The latest models, PIRANHA 4 and 5, offer enhancements in payload, internal space, mobility, protection, firepower, and comfort, supporting diverse missions such as infantry, command, ambulance, engineer, mortar, and repair roles.

The Piranha 5, for instance, integrates advanced features including modular armor, a modern electrical architecture, and the capacity to mount various weapon systems ranging from medium-caliber guns for infantry fighting roles to large-caliber artillery for fire support. This vehicle is powered by a Scania DC13 diesel engine linked to a ZF automatic transmission, ensuring optimal mobility with a high power-to-weight ratio and a sophisticated independent suspension system. The design optimizes crew safety with a modular protection system against ballistic threats and mine blasts, while also accommodating up to ten personnel in the rear compartment. With its capability to ford up to 2.0 meters and cross trenches of 2.2 meters, the PIRANHA remains a prime example of high-performance military engineering suitable for a wide range of operational environments.

General Dynamics European Land Systems, a part of the global General Dynamics Corporation, specializes in both wheeled and tracked military vehicles. Originating from the founding of Mowag in Switzerland, GDELS has expanded its presence across Europe, integrating several defense manufacturers and maintaining its leadership in the military vehicle market by supporting complex modern military operations with the PIRANHA series and other advanced land systems.

Defense News April 2024