Tatra Trucks Unveils Third-Generation T815-7 at Eurosatory 2024.

Tatra Export, representing Tatra Trucks at Eurosatory 2024, used the show for the world premiere of the third-generation Tatra T815-7 Force range. The ceremonial unveiling of the range, represented by a flatbed 6x6 truck, occurred on 17 June 2024, the first day of the show. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The third-generation T815-7 retains Tatra's unique and proven tubular backbone-type tube chassis, with swinging independently suspended half-axles (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The truck displayed features a standard unarmoured cab, though Tatra will offer armoured cabs developed and manufactured in-house. The new standard unarmoured cabin is available in two- and four-door versions and includes an improved interior and a digitised dashboard. This standard cab can be quickly and easily swapped for an armoured cab, even under field conditions.

The third-generation T815-7 retains Tatra's unique and proven tubular backbone-type tube chassis, with swinging independently suspended half-axles. The suspension is provided by airbags, coil springs, or leaf springs in varying combinations to suit user requirements. Standard configurations include 4x4, 6x6, and 8×8, though the modular backbone tube concept allows for multi-axle versions with various steering and driven axles.

An interesting feature of the T815-7 is the optional engine location. The engine remains longitudinally situated between the frame rails, but it can be located further back and behind the front axle, an option that allows for a 110 mm reduction in overall cab height. Engine options include electronically controlled Tatra V8 and V12 air-cooled engines or Cummins or Caterpillar water-cooled units, specifically the six-cylinder C9.3B. Engines can be coupled to ten- or fourteen-speed Tatra automated transmissions with electronic shifting, the ZF TraXon automated transmission, or the ZF EcoLife 2 automatic version. Allison six- or seven-speed fully automatic transmissions are also an option. Transfer cases are Tatra's own and are available in single- or two-speed versions.

Serial production of third-generation Force models is underway, with the first examples ordered by the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. Military versions are expected to enter series production in 2025, with production running parallel to second-generation models in line with customer orders.

Another new product displayed by Tatra is the T158 Phoenix 10×10 bridge carrier, demonstrating the modular concept of Tatra's tubular backbone-type chassis. The truck displayed is fitted with a Tatra armoured cab and the KNDS Leguan mobile bridge superstructure. The Phoenix range, introduced in 2011, is a heavy commercial range of trucks targeted primarily at severe and arduous duty roles, but it is also suitable for many military roles. The Phoenix family is based on Tatra's backbone tube chassis design, though it marked a step-change for the company by sourcing cab and certain automotive components from OEMs for the first time on a truck of backbone tube construction.