Armored Vehicle Can Drive Sideways

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A military vehicle subsidiary company of the automotive company Volvo, Arquus, has displayed its latest armored 4X4 vehicle at the Paris Air Show. The new vehicle, Scarabee (named after the French word for beetle), will very likely replace France’s military fleet of armored vehicles by 2025.

The Scarabee is an impressive vehicle. Aside from its attractive futuristic looks, the vehicle comes equipped with several radar systems and can be operated remotely if needed.

The truck is powered by a diesel engine, as well as an additional electric powered engine, all while being lighter and smaller than the American Humvee.

Popularmechanics.com mentions that the vehicle can also come equipped with a 30 millimeter anti tank cannon as well as a 12.7 millimeter machine gun turret.

However, the most interesting feature of the Scarabee is its steering system. Apart from the vehicle being an all-wheel drive vehicle, each wheel can turn itself independently from each other. This makes the armored vehicle capable of driving sideways, slanted, and in many other unorthodox methods.

The steering system allows the truck to make 180 degree turns in an incredibly tiny turn radius, allowing for a very versatile combat vehicle.