Portsmouth Aviation's Hercules LSA 4x4: A New Standard for Flexibility in Battlefield Operations at DVD 2024.

At the DVD 2024 exhibition in Millbrook, Portsmouth Aviation Land Systems presented the Hercules LSA 4x4 (Light Strike Assault Vehicle), a multi-role vehicle designed to meet a variety of military requirements. Manufactured in the United Kingdom, this versatile vehicle aims to enhance operational flexibility for armed forces, offering options for logistics, command and control, casualty transport, and infantry support. Its design emphasizes high mobility, modularity, and adaptability to accommodate different mission scenarios.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Hercules LSA 4x4 is built to meet STANAG 4569 Level 1 protection standards, providing defense against ballistic threats, side explosions, and IEDs (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The Hercules LSA 4x4 is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain, enhancing its versatility. It features a Steyr M16 3.2L, 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a power output of 160 kW. A ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case boosts its off-road capabilities, complemented by an open differential for low-range maneuvers. This configuration allows the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and provides a range of over 800 km with an 80-liter fuel tank.

Weighing 2,750 kg, including the STANAG 4569 Level 1b protection kit, the Hercules offers a payload capacity of up to 3,000 kg, depending on mission requirements. It also has a gross train weight (GTW) of 9,250 kg. Measuring 5,030 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,835 mm in height, its compact dimensions enable it to operate in a variety of environments. A ground clearance of 309 mm ensures adaptability across different terrains. The Hercules LSA 4x4 is designed to handle slopes of up to 60% when fully loaded and features a turning radius of less than 10 meters, enhancing its maneuverability in confined spaces.

The Hercules LSA 4x4 is built to meet STANAG 4569 Level 1 protection standards, providing defense against ballistic threats, side explosions, and IEDs. Its modular design supports multiple configurations, including roles such as casualty transport (CAST), logistics (LOG), command and control (C2), and as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The vehicle’s architecture includes five doors, with options for open or closed configurations, offering removable doors and windows for weather protection. Additionally, it is equipped with an integrated Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) to ensure safe operation in various climatic conditions.

The vehicle features a 24V 150 Ah battery, a self-recovery winch with a capacity of 3,625 kg, and lashing points compatible with various transport configurations. Its versatility extends to transportability, as it can be deployed by road, rail, sea, and air, including sling-load transport by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, providing strategic flexibility in diverse operational theaters.

Portsmouth Aviation Land Systems designed the Hercules LSA 4x4 to meet the evolving demands of modern military operations. With its focus on modularity, protection, and adaptability, the vehicle addresses the growing need for highly mobile multi-role combat vehicles. Ongoing testing and preparations for large-scale production indicate that the Hercules is poised to become a significant asset for military forces seeking a versatile operational platform.