Armormax TAC-6 6x6 vehicle

Armormax Defence unveiled the TAC-6, a new and versatile 6x6 tactical vehicle that can be deployed for a wide range of functions in both military and civilian applications. The vehicle was initially developed for the French special forces, and Armormax Defence has since refined it to fulfil numerous roles, including firefighting, weapon transportation, and border patrol.

Built on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 series, the TAC-6 has been modified to include a third axle that boosts its off-road capabilities and payload capacity to 4,400 kg. The vehicle has been subjected to rigorous testing, covering over 250,000 kilometres across varied landscapes in Africa and Europe to assess its mobility and resilience. The TAC-6's design incorporates a third axle, which increases its traction by 50% compared to traditional 4x4 vehicles. This feature allows the TAC-6 to perform well in sandy terrains, providing unparalleled flotation and stability.

The TAC-6 has been engineered to maintain reliability in demanding environments, with the ZF 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission specifically designed for this vehicle. The vehicle's transfer case is made from aerospace-grade aluminium and uses DANA drive shafts and other standard OEM components for easier field maintenance.

Armormax Defence has equipped the TAC-6 with a variety of weapons systems, including the Centauri 12.7 mm remotely operated weapon station and the To The Point International (TTPI) Gunslinger 12.7 mm manual turret. During testing phases in Europe, the French military installed 60- and 81-mm mortars and a 12.7 mm turret on the TAC-6. Preparing for future demonstrations like the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, Armormax Defence is collaborating with a global supplier to fit and test an 81 mm mortar.

The TAC-6 has been designed with military deployment in mind, including the capability to be transported in a standard 20-foot ISO shipping container, which facilitates easier and less conspicuous international deployment. Armormax Defence offers various armour packages for the TAC-6, including STANAG Level I vehicle armour capable of withstanding shell fragments and bullets from 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm firearms. The vehicle incorporates lightweight armour and 40 mm ballistic glass that replaces the original window panes.

The TAC-6 is under consideration for the South African Special Forces, and the South African National Defence Force is also evaluating it for new border patrol vehicles. The vehicle has the potential to be deployed in national security tasks, and its versatility allows for a wide range of variants. The TAC-6 incorporates a hydraulic stabilizer that, when activated at speeds below 5 km/h, locks the axle to the chassis to minimize lateral pivoting movements caused by recoil from heavy-calibre weapons, enhancing firing stability for weapons such as 20- and 30-mm cannons.

As Armormax Defence prepares for the Africa Aerospace and Defence show in September, the company is offering the TAC-6 with various armour packages and gearbox options. The cost of the conversion of the base for a manual gearbox starts at 1.5 million rands (USD 78,000). Armour options for STANAG level 1 start at 850,000 rands (USD 44,200), while a light and discreet armour set starts at 880,000 rands (USD 45,800) or 1.3 million rands (USD 67,600) for B4 and B6 armour levels, respectively. The TAC-6 is an impressive vehicle that has been designed to operate in a range of environments and fulfil multiple roles.