The Swiss army has relied on the PUCH all-terrain vehicles for nearly 20 years and after endless testing and stiff competition, the once favored all-terrain vehicles are going to be replaced by none other than the Mercedes G-Class 300 CDI.  The Mercedes-Benz G-Class started its life as a military vehicle so making the switch makes sense, the Swiss Army will get a tried and true military vehicle with technologies that only Mercedes can offer in a stripped down user friendly version for military and emergency service operators.

The 4-seater station wagon variant will account for 75 percent of the planned procurement volume for Mercedes-Benz G-Models, with the chassis variant for shelter-type bodies making up the remaining 25 percent.These will gradually replace the 4189 PUCH 230 GE vehicles which are still in service with the Swiss army. The planned procurement by armasuisse will be submitted to parliament as part of an arms program for ratification.

Mercedes G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class all-terrain vehicles

The Swiss army’s new all-terrain vehicle is to be used for transporting personnel and equipment throughout all areas of operations. The substantial technological upgrade for the Mercedes G-Class vehicles – such as are already in use in Switzerland – entails a further improvement in equipment for deployment in extremely cold conditions. The G-Models feature an enhanced ESP system which is tailored even more effectively to the respective vehicle variants and the different gross vehicle weights. A new feature on all variants is internally ventilated disc brakes on the front axle.

The 6-cylinder OM 642 diesel engine generates an output of 135 kW (184 hp) at 3800 rpm. The rated torque is 400 Nm at 1600 to 2800 rpm. This provides the station wagon with a top speed of 160 km/h on surfaced roads. The engine power is applied to the wheels by way of a 5-speed automatic transmission. With tires in size 265/70 R 16, the military variant of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a fording capability of 600 mm. The essential core attribute of the G-Class is its outstanding all-terrain credentials resulting from the permanent all-wheel drive, standard-specification reduction gear and three differential locks. The corresponding merits are an inclination gradient of 64 percent, ground clearance of 210 mm and a maximum climbing gradient for the G-Class of 100 percent.

Mercedes-Benz all-terrain vehicles are available with various body variants. These cover the classic station wagon, the chassis for box-type and platform bodies in 4×4 and 6×6 versions and numerous variants with protective equipment. This standard program and diverse seating arrangements from two to ten seats ensure that the right all-terrain vehicle is available for all types of operations.

It offers optimum performance not only off-road but on surfaced roads, too. With robust rigid axles at front and rear and a combination of long helical springs and large-volume telescopic dampers on the four wheel suspensions, the vehicle adapts perfectly to rough and uneven off-road terrain. The extremely high axle articulation of 260 mm ensures that all the wheels maintain their grip in extreme terrain.

Mercedes G-Class emergency service vehilcle

With special bodies, the Mercedes-Benz all-terrain vehicle is able to perform a diverse range of tasks. The increasing prominence of crisis reaction forces in international operations and the attendant growing importance of equipment which can be transported by air give rise to an increasing need for lightweight vehicles which offer crews adequate protection. For use with airborne units, the vehicle can be prepared for transportation as an interior or exterior load using helicopters. Various special solutions are available for commando forces.

The G portfolio offers the right vehicle whatever the requirements, from the civil G 65 AMG and G 63 AMG high-end vehicles through the G 500 and G 350 BlueTEC to military vehicles for tough deployment, all produced by experts to identical quality standards.

The G-Class has been demonstrating its legendary qualities in all terrains since 1979, bringing the hallmark Mercedes-Benz attributes to life in its own very special way: G is the fascinating formula for individual and professional solutions on wheels to meet exceptional practical requirements even in the toughest and most difficult conditions.

Under the G-Class’s distinctively angular body beats the heart of an uncompromising all-terrain vehicle. First-class technology, robust workmanship and impressive durability are the characteristics which make the G-Class a genuine Mercedes that is up to any task.

Monday, we brought you information on the new Nagel Dakar, from Latvian manufacturer Dartz.  Dartz is renowned for their Prombron, in part because one of the model’s interiors was upholstered entirely of whale penis.  Thankfully, whale shaft never made an appearance in the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Light Armored Patrol Vehicle 6.x CONCEPT, but it does note some kick-ass armor.

We received a lot of  mail yesterday asking about the Nagel Dakar that we wanted to remind you of what Mercedes has to offer in the armored department.  The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle 6.X CONCEPT, Mercedes-Benz set the standard in armoured patrol vehicles.

Improving on its cousin, the LAPV 5.4, the new Mercedes-Benz LAPV 6.X Concept now boasts greater agility, higher protection and a greater payload capacity. Weight has been minimised to increase agility while still not compromising on protection and payload capacity.

Running a high torque common rail diesel engine, the 6.X is capable of 150km/h speeds while being able to transport 1.3 tonnes of cargo with its impressive payload.

The monocoque full steel body provides ballistic protection and sits upon a compact 2850mm wheelbase. This gives an astounding angle of approach / departure of 50?/ 45? for increased mobility and off road performance.

The vehicle’s modular armour plate system allows damaged plates to be removed quickly and be replaced with new or extra plates, and includes a mine deflector plate on the vehicles floor.

The variable lift front and rear coil-over air shock absorbers which are adjustable while driving, help lift the LAPV 6.X to an unprecedented 450mm of ground clearance. Coupled with the performance hydraulic braking system and four ventilated disc brakes no up or down hill slope will pose a problem.

Based on the G-Class’s proven axles, the LAPV 6.X ensures thrilling off-road capabilities and low drive train wear. An individual tyre inflation system is also able to detect ground conditions and adjust accordingly for best traction.

Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with EADS, a leading supplier of military technology brings a host of innovative high performance systems to the LAPV 6.X.

This includes:

• EADS vehicle data recorder system to automatically document vital mission data such as position, data link and vehicle usage status.

• EADS integrated communication system for UHF or VHF bands including a mobile Tetrapol base station for radio coverage out of a range of other networks

• EADS integrated mobile command, control and information system for seamless relay of commands through all levels.

• EADS jamming system for greater security, flexibility and scalability.

With the LAPV 6.X Concept, Mercedes-Benz has created the ultimate “go anywhere” vehicle.

The armed forces vehicle fleet service (BwFPS) took delivery of its 650th Unimog U 5000 right on time as the year comes to a close. The head of procurement at BwFuhrparkService GmbH, Uwe Günther, accepted the symbolic Unimog U 5000 keys from Michael Diez, head of government sales in the Mercedes-Benz sales organisation for Germany. Unimog deliveries are distributed to the appropriate armed forces locations in Germany and the logistics office via the mobility centres of BwFPS. The Unimog has a long tradition with the armed forces, starting in 1956 with the Unimog S and successfully continuing with tens of thousands of vehicles delivered right up to the present day.

The all-terrain Unimog U 5000 for the armed forces vehicle fleet service

A legendary vehicle with unsurpassed versatility, the Unimog U 5000 is a representative of the all-terrain Unimog series for difficult assignments far from the roads and beaten track. The Unimog is the most capable all-terrain vehicle in the gross vehicle weight class between 7.5 t and 12.5 t. Thanks to its outstanding suspension and running-gear, the Unimog is ideal for extremely tough off-road requirements and various military assignments.

The Unimog U 5000 for the German armed forces vehicle fleet service is supplied in the version with a long 3850 mm wheelbase. It is powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM 924 LA diesel engine developing 160 kW (218 hp) in the Euro-5 version.

The all-terrain Unimog U 5000 owes its high torsional flexibility to a flexible frame design incorporating two U-section side members with welded tubular cross-members. Standard equipment includes portal axles at the front and rear with differential locks, wheel hub drive, wishbones, a torque tube, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilisers at the front and rear. The portal axles and the cranked frame with a diagonal torsional flexibility of up to 600 mm ensure a high ground clearance with a low centre of gravity at all times, while keeping all the wheels on the ground. The long travel of the coil springs allow even hazardous cargo to be safely transported over the most difficult terrain without damage. With a torque distribution of 50/50 between the front and rear axles, the vehicle is able to manage uphill/downhill gradients of up to 100% and an angle of inclination up to 38° without difficulty.

The all-terrain Unimog chassis of the U 5000 combines traditional Unimog attributes such as solidity, robustness, durability, reliability and an almost legendary all-wheel drive concept with the very latest engine and transmission technology and ergonomics at the highest level. The modernised all-steel cab with a roof hatch is also available as a crewcab. Like the engine, transmission, platform and body it has three mounting points, compensating every vehicle movement.

Bodybuilder Sonntag produces the non-distorting BwFPS standard platform

Mercedes-Benz supplies the Unimog chassis for the 650 Unimog U 5000 units. The bodybuilder Sonntag in Lennestadt, a longstanding partner of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and a development partner for bodies, produces the standard BwFPS platform and is responsible for the vehicle body. Both companies, Mercedes-Benz and Sonntag, have cooperated very successfully in completing this project for the German armed forces. The bodies are not rigidly bolted in place, but rather have a deformation-free connection with the frame made possible by a double mounting at three points. The BwFPS vehicle has a 4-point Twistlock demounting system which makes rapid body exchange possible.

Mercedes-Benz military vehicles – the complete vehicle family from 0.5 t– 110 t payload

Mercedes-Benz AG offers a full range of vehicles specifically for the military, with payloads from 0.5 t to 110 t. This range is backed up by the experience and expertise of the world’s largest and oldest commercial vehicle manufacturer.

In all commercial vehicle classes, the range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles with special military equipment excels with excellent off-road performance and a fording depth of 800 ‑ 1195 mm. Derived from the civilian truck variants, the range comprises military payload classes from 0.7 t for the G‑Class, 0.5 t to 2.0 t for the Mercedes-Benz vans, 3 ‑ 5 t for the Atego, 5 – 7 t for the Axor and 7 t to 18 t for the various two, three or four-axle Actros models.

The dedicated portfolio of military vehicles complies with military specifications such as all-wheel drive with single tyres, first-class off-road capabilities, ballistic protection, air and rail loadability, fording depth up to 1195 mm, blackout lighting system, roof hatch, tyre pressure control system etc. This portfolio extends from the G-Model to the Unimog series U 4000 to U 5000, the Zetros and the heavy Mercedes-Benz Actros, Axor and Atego all-wheel drive trucks.

All-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz vehicles are designed for maximum off-road capabilities. All-wheel drive, inter-wheel and inter-axle locks and high-torque engines ensure that even extreme driving conditions are manageable. The technology used in Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive vehicles ensures a climbing ability of up to 80 %, and in the case of the Unimog even up to 100 %.

Daimler Buses North America has delivered three Setra TopClass S 417 touring coaches to the Canadian Navy in Ottawa. These S 417 are versions specially designed for the Canadian Navy and are to be used in the Ontario, Quebec and Prairie regions.

On the outside of the coaches vivid graphics depicting warships and Navy personnel at work act as an attention magnet. In the interior of the vehicles there are electronics kiosks and computer systems to provide information about employment opportunities in the Canadian Navy. This is the first time this customer takes delivery of an S 417 USA with access at the rear. Normally, vehicles for the North American market only have an access at the front of the vehicle.

The vehicles, with a length of 13.72 metres, are powered by a Series 60 Detroit Diesel six-cylinder in-line engine with an output of 339 kW (461 hp). These engines deliver a maximum torque of 2100 Nm at 1100 rpm.

“We hope to further consolidate our market position in North America through this top-class order,” says Lothar Holder, head of Setra coach sales at EvoBus GmbH.