Perhaps the most iconic of all light tactical vehicles is the Toyota Land Cruiser Technical. These pickup trucks have been a platform of choice for emerging middle-powers and small insurgencies since the Chadian-Libyan conflicts of the late 1980s.
Armoured vehicle specialist, SVI, has explored the potential of the proven Land Cruiser 70 with its Max 3. Developed to add payload, traction, survivability and anti-drone capability, Max 3 features an array of features way beyond conventional Toyota Technical builds.
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For USAFRICOM strategists who need to respond to the unique vehicle logistics challenges of operating on the second-largest continent, the SVI Max 3 offers a compelling light-duty small team vehicle solution.
Enhanced sustainment
Its appearance might resemble something from a Mad Max movie, but the SVI Max 3 utilises a familiar platform and mechanical components to ease operational endurance. By leveraging the extensive distribution of Toyota Land Cruiser pickups and parts worldwide, logistics can effectively integrate local supply chains – especially when operating in underdeveloped, conflict zones.
Max 3 is also diesel-powered, enabling easier integration with military truck fuel supply chains and local replenishment in isolated regions where gasoline is often unavailable.
SVI’s Max 3 is graded to offer B6 level of ballistic protection, keeping in-cab occupants safe during an assault rifle attack. Meticulous design and fabrication ensure there are no ballistic gaps in the cab structure, accounting for dynamic deflections when incoming fire strikes the engine block.
SVI’s engineers have meticulously designed and fabricated the unique cab structure to offer a B6 protection rating. That means the Max 3 will resist sustained fire from large-calibre 7.62mm rifles, such as the AK-47.
Tri-axle benefits
Conventional 4×4 light-duty assault vehicles have limitations regarding loadability, which curtails their tactical payloads and ability to carry on-board replenishment fuel. SVI’s solved that issue by adding an axle to the Max 3, making it a 6×4. The third axle dramatically enhances payload and traction, offering a larger tyre contact surface for improved flotation when operating in desert conditions.
Another benefit of the third axle is the addition of two extra disc brakes. This aids deceleration and reduces the emergency stopping distance when evasive tactical manoeuvring is required during an ambush.
Cleverly, the third axle is purely designed to increase the vehicle’s payload to 3,300 lb and isn’t driven. This means operators of the Max 3 receive several tri-axle vehicle benefits without the additional mechanical complexity and potential third differential breakdowns associated with a 6×6.
Anti-drone capability
Drones are an increasingly defining feature in the modern battlespace, and SVI’s product engineers have integrated an anti-drone sensor suite and grenade system for Max 3. The roof-mounted EO/IR gimbal locates drone threats, calculating interception trajectories that trigger an automated grenade launcher.
Once the proximity grenade detonation has disabled the drone, an integrated motorcycle can deploy from its custom loadbed mount, allowing teams to retrieve the drone. The motorcycle also offers hyper-agile cross-country strike capability for a team operating the Max 3.
Weapon options and cost
Air mobility was a guiding consideration during the Max 3’s development, and it is configured to be C-130 Hercules air transportable and deployable. Beyond the integrated anti-drone grenade launcher system, the Max 3 also features mounts for 50-calibre heavy machine guns or 60- and 81mm mortars, depending on operator needs.
For operators seeking the ability to leverage widely available civilian mechanical parts in developing region conflicts, SVI Max 3 is the Land Cruiser Technical reimagined. With better ballistic protection, improved payload and advanced anti-drone capability, all at the remarkably reasonable economics of only $100 000 per unit.
