Could the Wildcat finally phase out the Hummer that is currently a mainstay military vehicle when it is released? Well, this is a potential candidate for Medium Personnel Carrier (MPC) missons, and here’s a short snippet on the Wildcat’s capabilities.
IMI says that the Wildcat incorporates the lessons learned in urban combat by the IDF. It uses a 4×4, off-the-shelf chassis from Tatra of the Czech Republic, a 325 hp Cummins diesel engine and an Allison transmission, with an IMI-built welded-steel body. The basic vehicle is C-130-transportable and is protected against 7.62 mm fire, but is designed with two optional armor kits: Kit B handles 14.5 mm and improvised explosive device (IED) threats and Kit C adds slat armor for RPG protection. The kit elements are designed to be installed in the field and handled by a two-man team. Another standard option is the IMI WAVE remotely operated weapon station. The basic vehicle accommodates three crew in front and nine soldiers in the back. Important features include three firing ports on each side, with upward-looking windows for better situational awareness in urban canyons, and powered rear and side ramps for quick entry and exit. The 4X4 chassis is mobile – it can cross a 900 mm trench, ford to 1.5 m and exceed 60 mph on the flat – and agile, with a 17.5 m turning circle. IMI says that it was the only 4X4 to survive the MPC testing. Commercial components also reduce cost: IMI claims that the Wildcat costs half as much as the US Stryker, for equivalent capability.
Sounds like a mean machine to me – too bad the cost will run into the millions (or even billions) for a decent fleet in any self-respecting military.
Publisher’s note: do they call it “wildcat” because of the “moustaches” in the front? I think that it is so ugly that adversaries will run away screaming or laugh to death.
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