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Faun Herkules



Overview

Faun Herkules

A damaged Faun Herkules left behind during the retreat of Iraqi forces from Kuwait to Basra during the 1991 Gulf War.
Source: US Navy - © Public domain

Origin
Germany
Type
Heavy equipment transporter
Entered service
Late 1980's (estimate)
Status
Limited service
Development
1980's
Developer
Germany - Faun
Production
1987 - ?
Producer
Germany - Faun
Notable users
Iraq

Description

Introduction

The Faun Herkules is a heavy equipment transporter of German origin. It was developed in the mid 1980's by Faun for civilian use. Many companies specialized in transporting heavy and oversize loads use trucks produced by Faun. The Herkules was also marketed in a military role as a tank transporter.

Design

The Faun Herkules wasn't specifically designed as a tank transporter, but does well in this role. The large 10-cylinder diesel is located at the front. The front axle is used for steering. The two rear axles with double wheels provide the traction. Unlike many tank transporters the Herkules is not fitted with a winch behind the cab.

Cargo capacity

When used as a tank transporter the Herkules is used with a two or three axle semi-trailer. The gross combination weight with a semi-trailer can be up to 100 t. This is not enough to transport the heaviest Western tanks, but adequate for Soviet tanks and various engineer vehicles. Alternatively the Herkules can be used for towing a full trailer. In this role a weight box is placed over the fifth wheel for improved traction. The gross combination weight in this role can be as high as 230 t.

Mobility

The Herkules is fitted with a KHD 10-cylinder diesel engine. This produces a maximum power of 320 hp. The tractor truck can reach a speed of 73 km/h on roads. When fitted with a semi-trailer the maximum speed is reduced. The Herkules is mainly intended for use on asphalt roads, but can be used on dirt roads as well.

Protection

The Herkules is a softskin vehicle. No armor package was ever developed for this vehicle.

Users

Most Faun Herkules were used in a civilian role. The Herkules was reportedly exported to several nations as a tank transporter. One of the known users is Iraq.

Details

Facts Faun Herkules
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Tractor truck
Crew
1 + 2 (driver, 2 passengers)
Dimensions
Weight
11.1 t empty
Length
7.9 m
Width
2.5 m
Height
3.1 m
Cargo capacity
5th wheel load
24.9 t
5th wheel height
1.45 m
Gross combination weight
100 t with semi-trailer
230 t with full trailer
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 6x4
Wheelbase
4.5 m
Steering
Front axle
Tire size
12.00 x20
Suspension
Leaf spring
Automotive
Engine model
KHD Type F10 L413F
Engine type
10-cylinder air-cooled diesel
Power output
320 hp at 4.500 rpm
Transmission
ZF Type 16 S 130
Gears
16 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel
340 L
Mobility
Speed
73 km/h on road
Turn radius
10.5 m without semi-trailer
Power to weight ratio
28.8 hp/t tractor truck only
3.2 hp/t at max GCW
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.4 m
Gradient
27 %
Protection
Armor type
None, softskin vehicle
NBC system
None
Smoke system
None

Media