| Wolf armoured vehicle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Armoured vehicle |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2006[1]–current |
| Used by | Israel Defense Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Hatehof |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems andCarmor Integrated Vehicle Solutions |
| No. built | 150 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8 tonnes |
| Length | 5.75 meters |
| Width | 2.38 meters |
| Height | 2.35 meters |
| Crew | 12 personnel |
| Engine | 6-litre V8 turbo-diesel 325 BHP Diesel |
| Transmission | Five speed automatic |
TheWolf Armoured Vehicle (Hebrew:זאב) is anarmoured personnel carrier, used mainly by theIsraeli Defence Force. It was created to provide a better handling and better protected armoured vehicle than theM113 (Bardelas). The Wolf is a heavily armoured crew carrier, manufactured by the companyCarmor. It combines a commercial truck's speed and maneuverability andAPC-like armour, qualities necessary forlow-intensity confrontation. The Wolf's chassis is based on aFord F-550 truck, and is equipped with a 6-litreV8 engine capable of reaching 325horsepower.[2] The engine is combined with a 5-speedautomatic transmission, which drives all four wheels, making this afour-by-four.[3]
The idea for the Wolf was born from the need of transporting soldiers safely during missions in an urban environment, and inpeacekeeping missions. Recently[when?] theIsraeli Ministry of Defense ordered 150 Wolf Armoured Vehicles fromRafael Advanced Defense Systems[4] and an order forCarmor, for some to be used in urban combat. This is currently in production as of 2019. The vehicle's first reported use was by theIsrael Defense Forces inOperation Bringing Home the Goods[5] on 14 March 2006.
The Wolf consists of acommercial off-the-shelf (COTS)Ford F-550 chassis modified by Manning Equipment, an OEM up-fitter located inLouisville, KY so it can be easily maintained anywhere. It is equipped with a diesel, 6 litre 325HP engine and automatic 5 speed transmission.[2] It can weigh up to 8tonnes. The automotive systems require no changes when thearmor is applied. The armor protects crew compartment, automotive elements and wheels. The armor envelope is built independently from the chassis, so it is possible to use the same armor envelope on another chassis (of the same model) when the chassis goes out for service. The hull roof can accept aRemote Weapon Station (RWS) which allows the occupants to engage enemies without exposure.[6]
The Wolf is a multiroled truck. Its main purpose is for infantry transport, however, some vehicles may be transformed specifically as an ambulance.[citation needed]
The vehicle is completely protected, including the wheels, which haverun flat tires. The armour is 3long tons (3,048 kg), and is not critical to the Wolf's overall weight, since its maximum load is 8long tons (8,128 kg). All of the doors of the vehicle are bulletproof, including the engine and gearbox compartments.[3] There are six doors—four on the sides and two at the rear—that enable troops to get in and out easily and quickly with all of their equipment. The vehicle interior is equipped with a doubleair conditioning system, seats and brackets for items that a soldier might need. Since no major changes have been done to the F-550chassis, except the addition of armor, the vehicle does not have any problems with engine overheating or handling. The Wolf weighs approximately 8long tons (8,128 kg), and can carry a crew of up to 12 personnel, with an additional 2stretch beds, if necessary. The doors are designed for a quick getaway. Most of the original parts were kept, with the only notable changes being the rearaxle and tires.[citation needed]
Brazil –Military Police of São Paulo State.[7]
Georgia – at least 28[8] operated by both military and police units.[citation needed]
Ethiopia –Ethiopian National Defense Force 5 bought, 70 more to be made under local production.
Israel –Israeli Defense Forces.
North Macedonia – used by law enforcement agencies.[citation needed]
Romania – used by the Military Police units of theRomanian Land Forces.
Peru – 13Military Police
Military equipment produced byRafael Advanced Defense Systems | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missiles, rockets, and projectiles |  | |
| Remote weapon stations | ||
| Air-defense systems | ||
| Surface vehicles | ||
| Electronic Warfare | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
1 Joint venture withIAI.2 Joint venture withDSTA.3 Joint venture withRaytheon.4 Joint venture withHatehof.5 Joint venture withNorthrop Grumman. | ||