The newcomer is part of the on-going development of the innovative TMV platform and modular product range, with production scheduled for 2011.

The TMV6x6M SF, which will be demonstrated on the off-road course throughout the duration of the show, comes just twelve months after TMV revealed the vehicle prototype that showcased the company’s innovative and flexible approach to military vehicle design.

Responding to the changing nature of military threat, and its impact on the requirements of utility vehicles deployed in conflict situations, TMV adopted a fresh and unique design strategy and developed the vehicle concept from a clean sheet of paper, rather than accept compromise by modifying an existing platform.

Engineered to deliver extreme mobility, excellent dynamic performance, high payload and enhanced blast & ballistic protection, the TMV 6x6M delivers unparalleled levels of operational flexibility, focused on fulfilling key military requirements.

With the inherent design flexibility enabling extensions to 4x4 and 8x8 variants, the new-from-the-ground-up, uniquely-engineered TMV 6x6M is designed to provide enhanced levels of protection against mines and IEDs (up to STANAG 4 levels of protection), delivering a high-performance capability both on and off-road, with class- leading levels of payload fitting between current light utility vehicles and medium tactical trucks.

To achieve best blast protection for occupants and minimise transmitted energy, a twin ‘V’ hull design has been developed by TMV and is universally used in the construction of all TMV model variants. Unique to TMV, it is constructed of stainless steel formers clad with belly blast plate throughout, its shape facilitating the dissipation of the blast energy wave at the point of impact, and also at the base of the occupant-protected cell.

Located above the unique, integral V-shaped hull, the 6x6M modular superstructure is a layered approach of high-technology materials designed to minimise the weight of the appropriate protection solution.

This incorporates both steel and composite layers and the introduction of the new ‘SMART’ strike face material from Plasan. Protection is STANAG 3 ballistic and 2A and 2B blast (6kg mine under wheel and belly).

The superstructure – shown on the 6x6M in Special Forces guise - is mounted to outriggers attached to the unique hull, which minimises the blast energy impacting the personnel areas of the vehicle. This, combined with the lightweight structure and the high positioning of the occupants, provides improved protection from blast, while the lightweight footprint provides passive protection by minimising the triggering of land-based devices. Significantly, the ground pressure exerted by the 6x6M is appreciably lower than that of comparable vehicles.

Driver and commander positions are mounted well behind the front wheels, thereby minimising transmitted forced following blast. Protection solutions up to STANAG 4 blast and ballistic are available on higher GVW variants.

A modular principle is applied to the rear superstructure configuration, which is specified according to role and usage, and which can be configured in a variety of materials depending on level of protection required and payload demand. Besides SF, APC, Ambulance, Utility, Troop Carrier, Single and Crew Cab, Recovery and Munitions platform variants are all available. All are easily demountable in the field for adaptation to alternative roles and for servicing.

• 4-wheel variants are available in 6.0t GVW to 9.5t GVW solutions

• 6-wheel variants are available in 7.5t GVW to 18.0t GVW solutions

• 8-wheel variants available in 9.5t GVW to 22.0t GVW solutions (2012)

With the engine and transmission housed within the V-tub hull and mounted low-down in the middle of the vehicle, weight distribution is optimised to greatly assist the dynamic performance of the TMV 6x6M.

High power-to-weight ratio, coupled to permanent all-wheel-drive and adaptive all-wheel-steer, ensure a very high degree of on-road and off-road performance, with excellent manoeuvrability and approach/ departure angles (52%/50% respectively), due to minimal front and rear overhang.

Fully-independent air suspension - assisted with twin coil-over dampers on all wheels - delivers excellent dynamic handling and good passenger comfort, and adjustable ride height allows the centre of gravity to be kept low for higher speed use, but crucially allows the vehicle to ride higher when a mine or IED threat is anticipated.

The six-wheel steer system is adaptive, and can be programmed to allow touch-button change of steering configuration per axle, according to specific needs in the field.

These and all other vehicle controls and instrumentation are integral within a single multi-functional electronic module mounted in the centre of the vehicle dashboard. A menu-based system allows touch-button access and scroll-through adjustment of all major dynamic functions of the vehicle, together with a default electronic instrument display when in normal drive mode.

To achieve reliability and ease of maintenance, as well as meeting primary military and civilian specifications, the major components in the TMV 6x6M will be familiar, particularly to the armed forces, with the vehicle utilising as many standard proprietary parts as is practical.

The vehicle is powered by a mid-mounted Cummins ISBe5 in-line four-cylinder, 4,500cc turbocharged, water-cooled diesel engine, with a power output of 147 kilowatts (200bhp), generating up to 900Nm of torque.

In the TMV 6x6M, this enables a limited top speed of 85mph/137 kph, combined with first-class dynamic performance and driveability. As part of the design philosophy, the chassis has been packaged for all major four-cylinder long-stroke diesels commonly in use, allowing the customer to specify their powertrain and driveline thereby minimising the logistic footprint and cost in service.

The Allison 2500SP 6-speed, fully-automatic transmission utilised in the TMV 6x6M is also common to a wide range of military and civilian applications. It drives through a transfer gearbox with Hi and Lo ratios and via six Dana lockable differentials, which transfer the power via driveshafts to the six wheels, located with upper and lower wishbones on all axles. Brembo ventilated disc brakes, with twin-piston calipers and 300mm discs, are common to all wheels, providing excellent stopping power.

Internal diesel fuel tanks enable a typical vehicle range of 700 miles/1,120 kilometres.

For maintenance routines, all fluid, belt and filter checks and changing of engine cylinder head can be achieved through clipped panels on the intercooler mounts, allowing ease of daily use. Release of eight mounting points for the protected cell allows access for major overhaul and refurbishment enabling engine/gearbox change in eight hours.

The TMV 6x6M SF variant delivers class-leading lethality. Twin half-inch machine guns mounted to a 360 degree ring mount, can be replaced with grenade launchers and up to four front and rear 7.62 mounts, smoke grenade launchers fore and aft for cloaking. IR systems are available for efficient night work.

24V electrics are standard. 300A, 600A and 1000A options are all compliant with DEF STAN 59-411 class A & Mil Stan 461E. APC, Command and Liaison variant wiring routings have provisioned plug-in points for electrical, USB, Ethernet and ISDN connectors to achieve standard 1m cable run to any required equipment. This minimises on-board wiring and maximises available payload.

The modular design has been created to ease overseas assembly in a variety of forms. Vehicles can be supplied complete, SKD and CKD and sourcing of components up to 60% of local content is possible, depending on local country industrial capabilities.

As the chassis is self-jigging in assembly, investment to assemble is minimal and is supported by recognised military training providers and engineers/ technicians to ensure quality at the point of delivery.

TMV military vehicles are designed and manufactured by TMV Limited, Aston Way, Moss Side, Leyland, PR26 7TZ, UK, to whom all enquiries should be made.