Meet New Armored MPV

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A new multi-role armored vehicle has been exposed. The Storm developed by Ukrainian company Highland Systems is an armored multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a hybrid powertrain and fully-amphibious capabilities. The vehicle is designed for use in a wide range of specialist military and civil applications.

The Storm’s hybrid-electric powertrain gives it an impressive 18-36 hour range in hybrid mode with its diesel range extender running, or the ability to operate purely on battery power for 1.5-3.5 hours depending on your speed.

Weighing in at around 8,000 kg (17,600 lb), this versatile six-seater’s 2,500-horsepower electric powertrain makes it a seriously quick performer for its category. Top speed on land is 140 km/h (87 mph), and it’s capable of 30 km/h (18.6 mph) in the water, two to three times as fast as larger competitors. It’ll currently handle waves up to 1.5 meters (60 inches).

With its durable rubber tracks, the Storm can climb vertical step-ups as high as 150 cm (60 inches). The tracks are built to be modular, reports GordonUA, so parts can be replaced instead of replacing an entire caterpillar, and this, says Highland, makes it nearly 70 percent cheaper to run than other models.

Its armor offers protection from ballistics, mines and IEDs up to STANAG level 1 or 2, and it can be configured to run entirely by remote control, allowing unmanned or even autonomous missions.

At this stage, the Storm is just a prototype. Testing and development will continue from here, and Highland says this process will include a submersible version capable of diving below the surface of water, and a wheeled version, as well as the integration and testing of standard combat modules, according to newatlas.com.