Built upon the chassis of the American Ford F550 series heavy-duty truck, the Hatehof Wolf is a locally-produced Israeli 4x4 light armored vehicle primarily in service with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The Wolf is a multi-mission design intended for all manner of protected service including general patrol, Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), cargo transport, Command & Control (C2), special forces use and MEDEVAC (ambulance). Indeed, the Israeli Army has selected the Wolf as a replacement for its aging fleet of American M113 APCs. The Wolf incorporates many proven protection features for the crew into its base design, providing a multi-faceted battlefield player suitable for fulfilling the requirements of any modern fighting force. The Hatehof Wolf was introduced in 2005 and maintains an active presence in the IDF today (2014), having passed all requisite evaluations prior.
The 8.8-ton Wolf displays a conventional automobile-style arrangement with a front-mounted engine compartment identified by a center grille at front. The grille is straddled along either side by a bank of headlamps for low-light driving. Rear-view mirrors are added to each extreme forward corner of the engine compartment to serve the driver. The remainder of the hull is occupied by the operating crew and any passengers. Windows are carefully implemented to provide necessary situational awareness as well as ballistics protection (including metal screening). Hinged side doors provide access to the first and second rows of seating. The hull roof can accept a Remote Weapons Station (RWS) which allows the occupants to engage enemies without exposure. Overall dimensions include a length of 5.75 meters, a width of 2.38 meters and a height of 2.35 meters. It is of note that wheeled vehicles hold an advantage over the once-popular "track-and-wheel" alternatives in both cost and maintenance and have been increasingly selected by militaries ahead of tracked forms during the last decade.
The Wolf features a modular interior which allows the vehicle to be configured to suit operator requirements -in this way a singular vehicle can serve many roles as opposed to the purchase of several individual specialized vehicles. Crew comforts include an air conditioner for hot climate operations and a rear-facing camera for assisted rearward driving. Armor protection is extended throughout the hull - which receives protection from land mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) - to include the crew compartment doors as well as the rear-facing door. Beyond the driver, the Wolf's interior can carry up to 12 persons and also holds room for two patient litters when configured for MEDEVAC. "Run flat" tired add another layer of survivability in which a damaged vehicle can remove itself from harm's way.
The Wolf's 4x4 capability is driven by a powerful V8 turbo-diesel engine unit outputting at 325 horsepower. This is mated to a five-speed transmission system and the vehicle chassis is fully suspended. The vehicle also sits high atop its axles to provide for excellent ground clearance and the wheels are spaced well-apart from one another, offering balance. All this promotes comfortable on-road qualities and strong off-road qualities through a single, robust product design.
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Specifications
Hatehof Ltd / Rafael Advanced Defence Systems - Israel Manufacturer(s)
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