Built by Belgium’s Fabrique National, the Model AS 24 was an airdeliverable, motorized folding combat trike which came complete with its own trailer. In addition to operational use in the Congo, the country of Peru is said to have also used the AS 24.
Specs:
Passengers: 4 including Driver
Weight: 374 lb (170 kg)
Cargo: 770 lb (350 kg) of men and equipment.
Height: 2 ft 10 in (85 cm)
Engine: 15 hp (11 kW) Two-cylinder, two-stroke, 15 cubic inch (0.245 litres, 245cc) model FN 24
Speed: 60 mph (97 km/h)
Can you image driving that thung at 60mph? I can see how it could catch some air.
The US Army even evaluated the vehicle in 1963 but didn’t adopt it.
Although other commercial three wheelers were adopted by specialists units such as USAF CCT, eventually they were abandoned due to safety concerns of roll overs, particularly during turns.
If you want to see how to configure the AS 24 once it had successfully parachuted safely to the ground, check out this video.
We’ve mentioned the Polaris Defense DAGOR in the past. It’s gained a lot of interest here domestically and now it’s making its international debut.
Polaris was the first ATV manufacturer to supply militarized off-road vehicles to the U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Army over 20 years ago. The extensive success of those vehicles in theater led to the introduction of a complete line of military-specific vehicles, including several successful contracts throughout the Middle East. Polaris Defense continues to work closely with the United States and Allied forces, with products operational in over 70 countries.
Throughout EMEA, the Polaris Defense family of ultra-light vehicles is aligned with the region’s broad, emerging ultra-light mobility needs. To meet light mobility requirements, Polaris Defense provides a family of ultra-light vehicles: the MV850 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), the MRZR lightweight tactical all-terrain vehicle (LTATV), and the DAGOR ultra-light combat vehicle (ULCV), which is making its international debut at IDEX. These vehicles all provide off road mobility at full payload, and with ease of transportability using tactical air assets.
With the ability to carry a nine-man infantry squad, DAGOR is Polaris’ largest offering in size and payload. DAGOR was designed for light infantry and special operations forces to be easily transported by tactical air and to carry its full 3,250 lbs of payload in extreme off-road terrain to be mission effective. DAGOR also is supported with a COTS supply chain making it easy to use and easy to maintain anywhere in the world.
Polaris Defense has been a leader supplying a family of ultra-light, off-road vehicles that are widely adopted within the U.S. military, and have been sold to more than 20 countries worldwide, including here in the Middle East. U.S. Special Forces also recognized and thanked Polaris in 2014 for the company’s rapid delivery and support of the Lightweight Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) contract with their MRZR platform. The USSOCOM contract and MRZR contracts here in the Middle East, include support of user evaluation and government testing, delivery of vehicles with tactical accessories, and providing training and sustainment parts.
At IDEX 2015, Polaris Defense is showcasing the MV850 ATV, MRZR LTATV, and DAGOR ULCV. With a robust global network of dealers, distributors, and subsidiaries, Polaris Defense provides full life-cycle support of these vehicles throughout the world.
In this Army photo by SGT Edward F French IV, a 3rd Group SF NCO participates in Mule training at Fort Bragg. Mules have long been used as pack animals in rough terrain. It’s no longer a common skill so occasionally, SF will hold a course to train its members.
In the U.S. Army photo by SGT Eliverto V. Larios, paratroopers, assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, drive Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicles (LTATV) through a familiarization course on Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 22, 2015. The Soldiers will incorporate the vehicle into upcoming training events to assess the capabilities of the LTATV as an air-droppable, maneuver and small arms platform.
General Dynamics was exhibiting their Flyer vehicle, selected for use by USOCOM. Fighter Design USA had several accessories on that vehicle including these quick release ratchet straps to hold cargo in place.
Ratchet straps are commonly used to secure odd sized loads to the exterior of vehicles. The problem is that you can necessarily access them very quickly as you pop the ratchet loose, fighter Design’s Adam Slank took a look at it and came up with a different way. The solution is simple, yet ingenious making it easier to quickly access the equipment held in place with the ratchet strap. You pull a single pin and the entire strap is free. I really like solutions like this.
