Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I test-drove one of these "bad-to-the-bone" trucks last week. It was a blast (not literally, thankfully, but had it been, I most likely would still be here typing this up. )
How was the driving experience? Well, for someone accustomed to driving oversized stuff (farm equipment, oversized fertilizer spreaders) it really wasn't a big deal. They are, of course, on the top-heavy side, as it's an armored vehicle with a V-bottom hull. The truck is powered by a 400 HP Cummins ISL mated to a 6 speed Allison automatic transmission. Driver and TC (truck commander) wear 5 point harnesses, and passengers wear a 4 point harness (essentially a modified 5 point harness without the lower center web.
It's a pretty slick setup, and a bit more purpose-built than the IMG (International) rig. You have to climb in it like an aircraft, whereas the IMG door opens at the floor like a regular truck. This is because the driver and TC's compartment are V-bottomed so the seats JUST fit. Otherwise, it would be a very tall rig.
Had pretty good acceleration for a vehicle that weighs more than a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Brakes worked pretty well, too. The keypad operated 6 speed Allison ran smoothly, and worked very well as a braking system going down hills. I think once you get used to pushing the buttons, it's a pretty slick setup, but if you're unfamiliar with the keypad layout, you have to actually LOOK at it to know what you're doing, which can mean the difference in hitting the wrong gear (i. e. D instead of R) and fumbling to find the right one in the heat of battle. That's a driver training issue moreso than a system problem. A sharp TC will have his driver able to do it blindfolded half asleep.
Unlike civilian vehicles, there's no key start. What they have is a main power switch (pull out and flip up) and a "run-start" switch (momentary-on "start" that spring detents back to "on. ") The basic layout is more aircraft-like. That beats this multitude of "pods" that the civilian market has put on our vehicles to keep everything within fingertip reach of the driver, but made replacement difficult and expensive.
I drove it across soft ground, blacktop, gravel and dirt roads, including some side-slope and uneven terrain, and for the size and weight of the vehicle, it handled like a dream. I'd give it an A.
- RG33L
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Photo Copyright BAE Systems.
How was the driving experience? Well, for someone accustomed to driving oversized stuff (farm equipment, oversized fertilizer spreaders) it really wasn't a big deal. They are, of course, on the top-heavy side, as it's an armored vehicle with a V-bottom hull. The truck is powered by a 400 HP Cummins ISL mated to a 6 speed Allison automatic transmission. Driver and TC (truck commander) wear 5 point harnesses, and passengers wear a 4 point harness (essentially a modified 5 point harness without the lower center web.
It's a pretty slick setup, and a bit more purpose-built than the IMG (International) rig. You have to climb in it like an aircraft, whereas the IMG door opens at the floor like a regular truck. This is because the driver and TC's compartment are V-bottomed so the seats JUST fit. Otherwise, it would be a very tall rig.
Had pretty good acceleration for a vehicle that weighs more than a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Brakes worked pretty well, too. The keypad operated 6 speed Allison ran smoothly, and worked very well as a braking system going down hills. I think once you get used to pushing the buttons, it's a pretty slick setup, but if you're unfamiliar with the keypad layout, you have to actually LOOK at it to know what you're doing, which can mean the difference in hitting the wrong gear (i. e. D instead of R) and fumbling to find the right one in the heat of battle. That's a driver training issue moreso than a system problem. A sharp TC will have his driver able to do it blindfolded half asleep.
Unlike civilian vehicles, there's no key start. What they have is a main power switch (pull out and flip up) and a "run-start" switch (momentary-on "start" that spring detents back to "on. ") The basic layout is more aircraft-like. That beats this multitude of "pods" that the civilian market has put on our vehicles to keep everything within fingertip reach of the driver, but made replacement difficult and expensive.
I drove it across soft ground, blacktop, gravel and dirt roads, including some side-slope and uneven terrain, and for the size and weight of the vehicle, it handled like a dream. I'd give it an A.
- RG33L
#adPhoto Copyright BAE Systems.
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