Based in Sepang, MILDEF International Technologies has spent four years and around RM 16 million in terms of R&D cost to build what has been deemed as Malaysia’s first armoured vehicle. Up till a few days ago, it has been simply referred to as the High Mobility Armoured Vehicle (HMAV) 4×4.
As announced by the Senior Minister for Security Cluster, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, MILDEF’s creation is now officially known as the Tarantula HMAV4x4. The name was apparently inspired by tarantulas’ capability to adapt to their surroundings as well as their reputation of killing animals much larger than themselves and the fact that there are indeed one particular tarantula species that can only be found in Malaysia.
Powered by a 330hp Caterpillar 7.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, the Tarantula HMAV4x4 has a top speed of 110 km/h. It has also been designed to meet the NATO STANAG Level 2 and Level 2B standards when it comes to ballistic and artillery protection.
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The prototype you saw in this video also carries a remote control weapon system and hydraulic rear door ramp while the vehicle can also be fitted with a central tire inflation system. According to MILDEF, the Tarantula HMAV4x4 has recently passed the 9-days evaluation tests by the Malaysian Army and Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) which covers 1,000km of road and off-road distance in addition to having to go through an obstacle course.
Even though the Tarantula is technically still under testing, MILDEF has said that it managed to attract attention from overseas customers which is a good sign for the outfit as well as the local defence industry in general. For more, do check out our initial report regarding Tarantula HMAV4x4 right here.
