URO VAMTAC
Overview
VAMTAC TOW
VAMTAC with TOW anti-tank missile launcher.
Source: Outisnn -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Morocco
Over 4.500 by 2022
Atlas (Moroccan production)
Morocco
Romania
Description
Introduction
The VAMTAC is a modern era armored patrol vehicle of Spanish origin. The design has been based on the uparmored models of the HMMWV family.
Design
The VAMTAC has a similar layout as the HMMWV weapons carriers. It has a four door body with sloped rear cargo compartment. As with the HMMWV the VAMTAC is also available as a chassis cab model with two or four doors. This may be fitted with a variety of rear bodies such as weapons platform, shelter and ambulance body.
Firepower
The VAMTAC is usually armed with a pintle mounted 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun. In the anti-tank role a Milan or TOW launcher is fitted. It is also used as platform for the Mistral surface to air missile. In foreign service various weapons are fitted, such as FN MAG, DShK and even ZPU 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns.
Protection
The armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Since the armament is pintle mounted, often without gun shield, the gunner is partially or fully exposed.
Mobility
The 4x4 chassis provides a good mobility on roads and in the field. A 166 hp or 188 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum road speed is very high at 135 km/h.
Users
Spain is the major user of the VAMTAC having received about 2.100 of the first 2.300 produced vehicles. The VAMTAC has been exported to various nations. Morocco assembles it under license as the Atlas. Current production numbers over 4.500 vehicles.
Variants
VAMTAC
The standard model of the VAMTAC is the infantry mobility variant which can be used in a number of roles. It can be fitted with a pintle mounted 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun, Milan launcher or TOW launcher.
VAMTAC I3: Original production model with 166 hp engine. Was previously called VAMTAC T3. About 500 produced.
VAMTAC S3: Improved production model with 188 hp engine. Originally called VAMTAC T5.
VAMTAC ST5: Updated model produced since 2013.
VAMTAC ST5 BN3: Uparmored ST5 to STANAG level 3, produced since 2015.
VAMTAC SK95: ST5 in the light artillery tractor role.
VAMTAC LTV : Light Tactical Vehicle, produced since 2018.
VAMTAC chassis cab
The chassis cab version of the VAMTAC acts as a sort of pickup truck with armored crew compartment and usually unarmored rear compartment. It is available with two door cab, compact four door cab with small rear bench and full size four door model. A variety of models have been produced.
Mistral platform: Two door model with flatbed with Mistral SATCP launcher.
Ambulance: Two door model with large unarmored ambulance body.
Van: Two door model with three door van superstructure.
Shelter: Compact four door cab with shelter, for instance for command role.
Details
Media
VAMTAC
Two Romanian VAMTAC with 12.7mm DShK in a public parade.
Source: Constantin Barbu
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC
Firing drills with a Romanian VAMTAC with 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun.
Source: US Army (Sgt. Marla Keown)
Copyright: public domain
VAMTAC
Forward view of Romanian VAMTAC.
Source: Petrica Mihalache
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC ambulance
VAMTAC chassis cab with ambulance body.
Source: Outisnn
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC
VAMTAC four door chassis cab with specialist equipment.
Source: Oscar in the middle
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC
A VAMTAC with the Spanish national police UIP special unit.
Source: Outisnn
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC van
Spanish army VAMTAC with van type body.
Source: Mario Antonio Pena ZapaterÃa
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC
Romanian VAMTAC chassis cab in EOD role.
Source: Petrica Mihalache
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VAMTAC
US soldier firing a 12.7mm DShK on a Romanian VAMTAC.
Source: US Army (Sgt. Marla Keown)
Copyright: public domain
VAMTAC
VAMTAC in use with GEO in counter terrorism role.
Source: sporras
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Armament options
12.7mm M2HB
Many vehicles in Spanish service are armed with the 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun on a pintle mount.
BGM-71 TOW
In Spanish service the VAMTAC is used as weapons carrier for the TOW missile.
Mistral
In Spanish service the Mistral SATCP launcher is carried on the chassis cab variant of the VAMTAC.
12.7mm DShKM
VAMTAC in Romanian service is armed with the 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun with gun shield.
Mk 19 MOD 3
The Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher can be fitted, and is for instance used in Malaysia.