An off road vehicle has been devised that has a section with an axle that can be added or subtracted as required.
Devised by Supacat at Dunkersville, Devon, the HMT 4x4 Extenda (E) has a complete section, with an axle, that can be attached or detached. In 4x4 mode, it has high mobility, but its payload carrying ability is less. In 6x6 mode, it can carry more but mobility is reduced.
The conversion takes a few hours, provided one has access to a fork lift truck to manoeuvre the extension section. In the back of the second differential is a power take off, into which the drive shaft from the third differential on the extra section can be plugged in. The extension section has its own suspension and extra air reservoirs for braking. All power is delivered through quick fit connectors. The top part of the vehicle is also flexible, allowing it to be configured into ambulance, fighting or logistic support modes. The vehicle is in service with defence forces overseas, but not with the British Army. It can, of course, be used for civilian purposes as well as military
|