Arachnid on Wheels, the Tarantula HMAV 4X4!

MILDEF International Technologies Sdn Bhd recently introduced the official name for Malaysia's first 4x4 high-mobility armored vehicle (HMAV), the Tarantula HMAV 4x4.

The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the Senior Minister of Defense of Malaysia at Wisma Perwira Tentera Darat, Sungai Besi Prime Camp, Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, major media reported that Malaysia's first HMAV had been completed through various nine -day evaluation tests such as highway endurance, fuel consumption, load testing, pulley efficiency, installation and opening, climbing and slope testing, brake use including fording test. which covers a distance of 700 km on road and 300 km of off-road route.

The tests were carried out in accordance with the standards set by the Malaysian Army.

Here are a few facts about this Tarantula HMAV 4x4:

1. The name is inspired by a group of large, hairy toothed spiders in the Theraphosidae family that is known as the 'earth tiger' in Asia. Not only that, the Malaysian Earthtiger Tarantula species is unique and only found in Peninsular Malaysia.

2. Tarantula HMAV 4x4 is capable of reaching the top speed of 110 km/h.

3. The vehicle was manufactured on a modular platform that is equipped with basic specifications, all the way up to the most advanced specifications, in order to meet the specification standard requirements of the country. 

4. The Tarantula HMAV 4x4 is designed to load a modern weapon system, as well as a Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) system to allow it to mount 360 degrees during combat.

5. The armor protection system complies with international standards, namely the Stanag 4569 Level 2B for subordinate protection and Stanag 4569 Level 2 for body armor protection to protect the crew inside.

6. Under the hood, the 4x4 HMAV is powered by a Caterpillar engine with a power and weight ratio of 24 hp/ton.

7. The vehicle uses an independent suspension system with a coil spring that not only promotes mobility, but also offers distinctive comfort.

8. There is a Centralized Tire Inflation System (CTIS) feature that can be accessed from the dashboard panel that allows the filling of air pressure or removing excess pressure from the tire. 

9. The rear door of the Tarantula HMAV 4x4 comes with a hydraulic system that makes it ideal during military missions or any UN peacekeeping mission.