Military vehicles are usually funded by taxpayers, so it only makes sense to offer some affordable options. Australian company Supacat has stepped up with a Hilux-based military truck that promises to keep costs down throughout its lifecycle. Enter the MUV, short for Medium Utility Vehicle, which is built on a dual-cab chassis-cab version of the Toyota Hilux and packed with accessories. The standout feature? An extra set of wheels at the back, transforming it into a 6×6 powerhouse. The three axles paired with grippy tires allow this truck to tackle tougher terrains while benefiting from Toyota’s reliable ladder-frame chassis. Supacat claims that the model is suitable for “off-road and littoral operations”, which explains the snorkel and off-road bumpers.
Additional accessories include a rugged
bull bar at the front, extra LEDs complementing the halogen headlights, metal
side steps, a GPS antenna, and a proper military wrap. The custom rear bed
provides ample space for weapons and military equipment, neatly arranged in
modular shelves and racks. The modularity of the MUV means it can be easily
reconfigured and updated when new technologies become available. Plus, its
availability of parts and serviceability promise to make maintenance a breeze
for regional defense forces. Affordability was the driving force behind its
development, leading Supacat to utilize as many commercial-off-the-shelf
components as possible.
With a payload capacity of 3 tons and a gross vehicle mass rated at 6.5 tons, the MUV is
no lightweight. While technical specifications are still under wraps, Supacat
offers an upgrade for the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque in the standard Toyota
Hilux. The engine can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.
As reported by Drive.com.au, the
Australian Defence Force recently announced the addition of the Polaris Dagor
to its fleet, following the rejection of military-spec Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Series 6×6 trucks built by Queensland-based AEP Engineering. It remains to be
seen if New South Whales-based Supacat will have better luck with its
Hilux-based MUV.
