Rheinmetall Man and Torsus Develop New 4X4 TGE Terrastorm Special Forces Vehicle.

Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (RMMV) and the Slovak company Torsus announced a strategic partnership at the Eurosatory 2024 in Paris to develop variants of the MAN TGE and Torsus Terrastorm for special forces. The two companies showcased the mission-specific customization options for the Terrastorm HD 4×4 with a double-row cabin and a covered loading platform.
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Rheinmetall 4X4 MAN TGE Terrastorm Special Forces Vehicle 
(Picture source: Rheinmetall)

The Terrastorm was developed in Slovakia based on the chassis and drivetrain of the Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion, focusing on extreme off-road capability and adaptability. It is equipped with a Euro VI D 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine producing 103 kW of power with 340 Nm of torque, or 130 kW with 410 Nm, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The basic commercial model has been pushed beyond normal off-road capability limits, to transport personnel and materials to the most inhospitable regions of the world. Torsus utilized its experience from developing the Praetorian, claimed to be the world's first mass-produced off-road bus. The Terrastorm was also tested on the famous Tatra test ground to evaluate its off-road capability while verifying its utility and comfort as a road vehicle.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, in collaboration with its Czech partner TORSUS, unveiled the Terrastorm for the first time at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris. The Terrastorm, based on the MAN TGE crew cab, has been significantly enhanced by TORSUS for military use. Until now, light commercial vehicles in the 3.5 to 5.5-ton weight classes were primarily seen as supply vehicles or 'white fleets' for tasks close to the site. However, with the evolution of all-wheel-drive technology and the emergence of new fields of application such as drone control and anti-drone defense, these vehicles are increasingly used in operational areas.

The Terrastorm can be used close to the site, for supply tasks in the civil-military sector, but also for purely military operations, e.g., EOD tasks. Thanks to robust bodywork, a highly efficient off-road suspension setup, and large off-road tires, the versatile vehicle known as the 'Terrastorm' is well-suited for off-road areas.

In its panel van form, it has already proven itself as an ambulance during flood operations in Italy with its fording depth, raised axle vents, and air intake. With three different lengths in the panel van, it can be used for everything from compact rapid response units (communication, logistics, emergency units, drones and counter-drone) to evacuation tasks (several injured people lying down or sitting down) or drone control units—with drones on board. TORSUS has a wealth of experience here with numerous solutions for various UAV systems, which have been successfully used in Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

With two different wheelbases in the chassis solution, combined with single or double cabs, the utilization window is significantly extended: flatbeds, flatbeds with cranes (e.g., recovery of unexploded ordnance or air defense debris), or box bodies allow access to all-around utilization. From site tasks (range control, shooting range maintenance) to transport and supply tasks of all kinds to emergency vehicles, whether for the military fire service, communications, or evacuation, can also be presented with national bodybuilder partners for a local value-added share.

In addition to the above-mentioned applications, use in homeland defense brigades is also conceivable. TORSUS also has numerous solutions for this and offers complete, ready-to-use solutions. With the impending tightening of troop transport regulations, which will see numerous armies banning the transport of personnel on flatbeds with seats installed at right angles to the direction of travel, such 'Terrastorm' vehicles are emerging as a modern and cost-benefit-optimized solution.

With the second appearance of the MAN TGE, RMMV thus sharpens its portfolio and rounds off the lower weight classes. Further steps, such as all-wheel drive for the weight class up to 5.5 tons and other military-specific requirements like camouflage lighting or usability in extreme climate zones, are being sought.

Rheinmetall 4X4 MAN TGE Terrastorm Special Forces Vehicle  (Picture source: Army Recognition)