The Mildef Tarantula HMAV[2] is a Malaysian 4×4 V-hull mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle that provides high level protection against a variety of battlefield threats such as mines and improvised explosive devices. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by Mildef International Technologies alongside Science Technology Research Institute for Defense (STRIDE) and the Malaysian Armed Forces.[3] It was first launched on 11 February 2021.
| Mildef Tarantula HMAV | |
|---|---|
 Tarantula during in-field testing | |
| Type | Armoured personnel carrier / Mine-resistant ambush protected |
| Place of origin | Malaysia |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2013 |
| Manufacturer | Mildef International Technologies |
| Produced | 2021 – present |
| No. built | 2 prototypes[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 14 tonnes (gross weight), 11 tonnes (empty weight) |
| Length | 5.6 metres |
| Width | 2.5 metres |
| Height | 2.5 metres |
| Crew | 10 person |
| Armor |
|
Main armament | 12.7mm RCWS |
| Engine | Caterpillar engine 330 hp |
| Power/weight | 23.57 hp/ton |
| Transmission | Allison automatic transmission |
| Suspension | 4×4 |
| Ground clearance | 430 mm |
| Maximum speed | 110 km/h |
The vehicle was developed as a wheeled armoured personnel carrier with mine-resistance capability and also to have good agility in the battlefield.[4] It was made to reduce dependence on foreign-made armored vehicles.[5]
History
editThe development of the vehicle took four years to complete with the total cost of RM16 million for the research and development. One prototype was built and launched on 11 February 2021 and it's expected to be tested by the Malaysian Armed Forces. This vehicle uses 70% local components while the other 30% was made from foreign components such as the transmission, the engine and the weapon system.[6]
The development of the vehicle was assisted by the Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) with the Malaysian Armed Forces.[1] On 2 April 2021, Mildef HMAV has been officially named "Tarantula".[2]
According to the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, some unnamed Middle Eastern countries have expressed interest in acquiring the Tarantula.[7] Mildef has said that they are looking to export the Tarantula to ASEAN member countries, followed by countries outside the region.[5]
In the DSA 2022 convention, Mildef unveiled the Tarantula in an APC configuration.[3]
On August 8, 2023, it's reported that Mildef will deliver 178 Tarantulas, which will start in 2024.[8]
In DSA 2024, Mildef unveils second prototype of Tarantula which is the modification version of the vehicle according to Malaysian Army requirements. The vehicle are more lighter where the mass is 12 tonnes compared to 14 tonnes for the first prototype. There are also some other modification and upgrade includes in the second prototype.[9]
Design
editThe Tarantula has a length of 5.6 metres, width of 2.5 metres and height of 2.5 metres. The weight of the vehicle is 14 tonnes. It is powered by a Caterpillar engine with a capacity of 7.2 liters of turbocharged diesel with a horsepower of 330 and 1116 Nm of torque and capable of reaching speeds up to 110 kilometres/hour.[7]
The Tarantula has been qualified with NATO's STANAG 4569 standard where their ballistic protection is compatible with STANAG 4569 Level 2 for ballistic and artillery. The vehicle is compatible with STANAG 4569 level 2B and the hull protection is compatible with STANAG 4569 level 2A.[7]
The main armament consists of a 12.7mm RCWS.[10] It's equipped with smoke grenade dischargers for self defence protection.[10]
After the Tarantula was first announced in February 2021, the vehicle was tested for nine days through 700 km of road testing and 300 km off-road, followed by highway endurance, fuel efficiency, load, winching, slope, mounting and dismounting, climbing and braking, including a one-metre fording test.[11]
According to Mildef CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa, the construction of the Tarantula consists of 70% local content (chassis, body and engine system) and 30% (axle, six-speed transmission and engine) foreign content.[1]
Operators
editCurrent operators
edit
Future operators
edit
Malaysia: In 2024, Malaysian Army has selected the Mildef Tarantula HMAV as its new armoured vehicle. 136 units planned for this acquisition.[13]
Potential operators
edit
East Timor: In October 2023, East Timor has expressed interest to buy the Mildef Tarantula HMAV.[14]
See also
edit- Mildef Rentaka, reconnaissance vehicle made by Mildef
References
edit- ^ a b c "NST-Mildef unveils locally-made high mobility armoured vehicles". nst.com.my. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Tarantula HMAV 4×4". malaysian defence.com. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ a b "DSA 2022: Mildef from Malaysia unveils its new Tarantula 4x4 armored vehicle | DSA 2022 News Official Show Daily | Defence security exhibitions 2022 show daily news category".
- ^ "Malaysia News Agency:Bernama-Mildef unveils Malaysian-made armoured vehicle". bernama.com. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ a b Selan, Siva (11 February 2021). "First made-in-Malaysia armoured vehicle unveiled". Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ "Malaysian Defence-Unifil contender out on show". malaysiandefence.com. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ a b c "Malaysia produces its first armoured vehicle, the Tarantula HMAV 4x4". The Star. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ "Mildef to supply Tarantula vehicles to Malaysian Armed Forces".
- ^ "DSA 2024 – MILDEF unveils three new 4×4 vehicles".
- ^ a b "MILDEF Malaysia 4x4 armoured recon vehicle revealed - paultan.org". February 15, 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ "MILDEF HMAV 4×4 Successfully Completes First Round of Military Evaluation Testing". Asian Military Review. 25 March 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ Frahan, Alain Henry de. "Mildef International Technologies unveils Malaysian-made high mobility armored vehicle | Defense News February 2021 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2021 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
- ^ "Its Leased AW149 Helicopters for the Army As Well".
- ^ "Timor Leste Berminat Dapatkan Tarantula HMAV 4×4". 2 October 2021.