BMC at Eurosatory 2022 in France

BMC is a well-known Turkish automotive and armaments conglomerate.
It has participated in Eurosatory for many years, presenting its latest military-type vehicles and trucks prepared for the armed forces. It was no different this time, either.
At the same time, the company’s booth once again did not feature a new, interesting product – such as the heavy semi-trailer-ballast tractor – 8×8 Tank Transporter already ordered by the Turkish and Macedonian armies, but this time an ordinary logistic support vehicle or one that can act as a base for specialized and specialized bodies, including weapons systems, was on display.
This vehicle was a 3-axle type BMC 10 Ton Tactical Wheeled Vehicle – 10 TON TWV 6X6 (10-ton Tactical Wheeled Vehicle) 6×6 – 380-26 Z 6×6. In the classification system, it is a means of transport in the high payload and high mobility categories, with a permissible total weight of 26,000 kg. It is powered by the proven Cummins ISM 385 E30 engine – a 10.8-liter inline 6-cylinder with turbocharging and charge air cooling. It achieves a maximum power of 283 kW/385 hp at 1900 rpm and a maximum torque of 1835 Nm at 1200 rpm, and can run on F-34 fuel. Drive from it is transmitted by a fully automatic 6-speed (6+reverse) Allison 4500 series transmission and a ZF VG 2000 2-speed transfer case. All the bridges – AxleTech 4000 type – are two-stage, with reduction in the wheel hubs and differential locks, topped by interlocks. The load on each of these bridges – both front and rear – is set at 10000 kg. The above means a technically permissible total weight of 30000 kg (3×10000 kg), although realistically this weight depends on, among other things, the size and type of tires fitted. In this case, only single tires of size 14.00R20 were mounted on 10×20 rims. The front and rear suspension is fully mechanical and includes parabolic leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers and after stabilizer bars. The chassis frame has a traditional ladder system with cross members and reinforced stringers made of high-strength steel. The operation of the primary braking system, with only drum brakes, is assisted or replaced by an engine brake. The 24-volt electrical system, with 4×12-volt, 120-Ah batteries and a 70-A alternator, is protected against weathering, tearing, abrasion and fire. The cab is short, daylight, and tilting. The steel front bumper includes round headlights on the sides – in the upper corners protected by a mesh, towing hooks in the middle and – between them – horizontal air intakes, and has been heavily truncated towards the rear. This truncated portion was routed along its entire length and strongly extended in the middle section, as a result of which it should more effectively protect the underside of the engine. There is an escape hatch on the roof, and entry and exit is provided by three steps, including a lower swinging one. Inside, there are three seats: a comfortable adjustable driver’s seat and two passenger seats. The cab also has air conditioning and an independent auxiliary heating system. The BMC Type 380-26 Z 6×6 is distinguished by: wading depth of 800-1000 mm (800 mm without preparation) , ground clearance of 400 mm, top speed of 90-95 km/h, range of 800-1000 km, angle of attack of 35°, angle of descent of 31-40°, unladen weight – as a classic logistics transporter – 12550 kg, payload of 13450 kg, wheelbase of 4000 mm, overall length of 8285 mm, overall height of 3190 mm. The vehicle can climb hills with an incline of up to 60% and move on inclines of up to 25-30% (maximum side slope). Specified environmental conditions are: meeting MIL STD 810G, operating temperature range – BASIC HOT – (A2) +49°C, low temperatures – MID COLD – -32°C, high humidity (B1). Standard equipment includes a low-temperature engine start kit, black-out and camouflage lighting, NATO-compliant hitching hooks, hitching lugs for rail transit or in aircraft cargo holds. Meanwhile, the list of option equipment included a manual transmission, a power take-off on the transfer case or gearbox, ABS, a central wheel inflation system (CTIS), run-flar inserts in the tires, air conditioning, a loading crane, a machine gun mounted on the roof of the cab, gun mounts inside the cab, various types of bodywork on request, a winch for self-evacuation, and a Jacobs exhaust brake/brake. In the armed forces, a model like the 10 TON TWV 6X6 can successfully perform a number of tasks. In addition to its traditional function as a logistics transporter, it can perform with a water/fuel tanker with a capacity of up to 8,000/10000 liters, with a sub-container frame or with containers of special equipment, or as a carrier of various weapons systems. Therefore, it can successfully perform many functions, including in the transportation of ammunition and cargo, as an artillery tractor, light tugboat or multifunctional platform-carrier. For a long time, BMC representatives have made no secret of the fact that the purpose of taking part in Eurosatory and promoting even such a truck is by no means to sell it in Europe – Western Europe.
This is because these prestigious fairs are also visited in large numbers by delegations from countries in Asia or Africa.
And it is to them that this offer is directed, including products perceived as not bad in quality, with good parameters, and at the same time cheaper and simpler than their Western European counterparts.
The pool of customers for such vehicles is therefore not at all small.