Thunder is a mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) armoured personnel carrier. Image courtesy of Stark Motors.

Thunder MRAP vehicle carries a driver, a commander, a gunner and six troops. Image courtesy of Stark Motors.

The Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) received Thunder MRAP vehicles in April 2020. Image courtesy of Stark Motors.

Thunder mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) armoured personnel carrier (APC) was developed by Qatar-based military and special vehicles manufacturer Stark Motors.

Qatar donated eight APCs, including Nomad and Thunder MRAP vehicles, to the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) in April 2020.

The compact dimensions and superior protection capabilities make Thunder an idealMRAP vehicle for urban and asymmetric warfare missions.

Thunder MRAP vehicle design and features

The thunder MRAP vehicle features a custom-made monocoque armoured hull based on a 4×4 chassis. Its conventional layout houses an engine in the front, crew cab in the centre, and a troop section at the rear.

The modular design allows the manufacturer to reconfigure the vehicle as a troop carrier, command and control platform, and observation vehicle.

The cabin offers seating for two personnel, including a driver and a commander, while the troop compartment can carry seven infantrymen, including a gunner. The vehicle features military-grade seats with four-point seat belts.

The crew can enter and exit thearmoured vehicle through a door on either side of the hull, while the troops can embark and disembark through two side doors and a rear door. Each door is installed with heavy-duty hinges and security locks. Gun ports are provided on the side walls and the rear door.

The vehicle is installed with two charge-coupled device (CCD) day/night cameras for front and rear view, a thermal imaging night driving camera and a 7in display in dashboard.

The cabin roof top and top hood are mounted with four LED search lights, while the forward and rear sections of the vehicle are mounted with an electric winch and a pintle hook, respectively.

The vehicle also integrates front and rear air conditioning systems, two exhaust fans at the rear section of the vehicle, and an overpressure air filtration system with recirculation unit.

The vehicle comes with a basic maintenance tool kit, which includes a hydraulic OEM lifting jack and a fire extinguisher. It also integrates Nato standard connectors and cables, as well as two 12v 190ah batteries and a 220amp alternator.

Armament aboard Thunder MRAP APC

The MRAP vehicle can be installed with an universal gun mount for mounting 7.62mm, 12.7mm, and 40mm weapon systems. The gunner is provided with a roof hatch to access the roof-mounted weapon system.

The roof can be fitted with an open turret on electrical geared bearing, a gunner’s stand and gun racks for the troops.

Self-protection

The V-shaped hull of the Thunder MRAP offers up to STANAG 4569 Level 3 blast protection and ballisticprotection up to CEN 1522 FB7 level.

The sides and rear hull of the vehicle are fitted with add-on steel armoured panels to further improve the survivability of the vehicle.

The transfer case under body, transmission cover and engine are provided with STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection. The vehicle also features self-sealing fuel tanks. The two-piece windshield and window glass offers CEN 1063 BR7 protection.

The vehicle can be optionally equipped with an automatic engine bay fire suppression system.

Thunder MRAP vehicle engine and mobility

The Thunder MRAP vehicle is powered by a 6.7l, six-cylinder turbo diesel engine developing a maximum power of 350hp at 2,600rpm. The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission system.

The armoured vehicle is fitted with a hydraulic steering, and ISAS front and rear suspension with lockable differentials. It features pneumatic disk brakes installed with anti-lock braking system (ABS). The turning radius of the vehicle is 9m.

The APC comes with 80/335 R20 radial tires, heavy-duty wheel rims and run-flat inserts and a fully automatic central tire inflation system (CTIS). It offers superior performance in harsh off-road conditions.