Development

Agile Operations in Europe

Agile Vehicle Technologies have optimised their existing 8×8 (Proteus) and forthcoming 6×6 (Trident) extreme terrain variants for use in compound asymmetric operations, into roles including covert offensive, defensive and support operations and in support of humanitarian operations.

The base vehicle can accept a number of fits and load configurations, any of which can be modified or optimised for particular purpose. The images below are indicative of configurations that may be selected for particular roles.

Background

Before launching into design changes we conducted a review and analysis of the current situation, some of which speculative based on sparse or inconsistent information, but grounded in wider research and analysis, along with a range of deep expertise in associated mobility and technology challenges. We concluded that there were two main timelines for solutions, an immediate offering based on rapid conversion of existing and extensively proven generic platforms, followed by the delivery of more specifically optimised solutions based on development work that was already well advanced but readily modified to deliver particular desirable characteristics.

Offering

Proteus. A conversion of existing Proteus 8×8 platforms; these are a well proven design that has been extensively tested in a variety of extreme environments. There are plenty of video examples illustrating performance of the base vehicle, under load in a variety of extreme environments on our web site here. A conversion of existing base Proteus variants can be made available rapidly with initial deliveries starting in 5 weeks or less.

Trident. The second offering is the Trident 6×6 platform with increased ground clearance and amphibious capability, even under load. The lead time for initial delivery – for discussion.

Special Fits. Both vehicles can be supplied as basic mobility platforms, or ‘fitted for’ or ‘for but not with’ role equipment and special fits.

Agile Proteus
Agile Proteus – illustrating load, upper structure and mount options

UAV Platform. Either vehicle can be modified to support free-flight or tethered drone operations, acting as a mobile transportation platform and charging base for short duration proximity operations, or as a tethered and continuously powered mobile platform for extended duration loiter ops.

Mobile Drone – deployment, charging and high-endurance tethering platform

Autonomy. Remote control, ‘follow-me’ and autonomy options are potentially available for both variants.

Agile Proteus

These vehicles are able to undertake a wide range of roles in difficult and mixed terrain during offensive, defensive, support and humanitarian operations. They are readily role-reconfigurable. The vehicle platforms are robust and durable, relatively cheap (disposable even) and capable of carrying loads in excess of 2 Tons over considerable distances.

Proteus Logistic
Logistic Role

The modular superstructure and large load area are capable of accommodating a wide range of specialist weapon or sensor fits along with substantial quantities of supplies and munitions. The rear load bed can accommodate up to two stretchers and/or medic along with combat medical supplies.

Intuitive, high precision controls allow optimal placement and safe negotiation of the most difficult terrains, whilst low ground pressure assures best mobility with minimal ground disruption.

Autonomy. We assume that initial requirements will be for manually operated vehicles. Autonomy packages of varying degrees of sophistication with full manual reversion are also available for Proteus.

Proteus (left) and Trident 32,35 & 40 in Utility Role

Agile Trident

Trident variants can become available from Oct onwards, these 6×6 all-wheel drive vehicles share characteristics of the Proteus 8×8 but benefit from improved ground clearance and native amphibious capability.

As of May 2022 the range was extended to include three larger variants well suited to coastal and littoral operations:

  • Mountainous Terrain and Inland Waterways: Trident 32, 35 & 40
    • Load Capacities afloat 1400 – 2100kg
    • Ground Clearance 369-483mm
  • Coastal, Littoral and Marshland: Trident 46, 50 & 60
    • Load Capacities afloat up to 5000kg
    • Ground Clearance 609-627mm

Trident is a pure hydrostatic variant, all wheels are hydraulically driven and chains are eliminated to improve robustness and reduce maintenance burden. The vehicle is designed to achieve very low ground pressure without the use of tracks and the body form has been optimised for load carrying capacity afloat. Improved ground clearance provides additional benefits in soft and rocky terrain.

A lightly armoured variant will be announced shortly.

Three variants from the Trident fully Amphibious range
Agile Ranges - Proteus - Trident - Gurkha
Side by Side comparison of Agile ranges and variants showing:
[Front Row] Trident 35 UGV, 35 Utility, 46 UGV, 46 Pick-Up, Proteus 8×8 Utility with role fits
[Centre Row]Trident 30, 35 UGV, 35 Utility, Proteus 8×8 UGV with RWS & sensor fit, Trident 60 cabbed, and
[Back Row] Gurkha 4×4 UGV and manned variants

Autonomy. We are not assuming the need for autonomy, however as for Proteus, varying degrees of remote and autonomous sophistication with full manual reversion are optionally available.

Trident Gen 1 Prototype Testing 2021Q3/4 (click to open in YouTube)

Amphibious Performance

Trident Afloat

Trident vehicles are natively amphibious, able to enter water, propel and steer themselves using only their wheels. Generating thrust by this means requires part of the tyre to be above the water line, typically 180-200mm will suffice. Native amphibious onboard loads are therefore limited by the amount of displacement possible with tops of the wheels exposed – beyond this weight the wheels will not propel the vehicle efficiently. This is illustrated by the Native Amphibious’ line [A] on the diagram below.

With inboard thrusters fitted the wheels can be fully submerged, increasing the displacement that can be achieved. In this case a significantly higher load can be carried, subject to correct stowage and stability considerations. The safe working level for thrusters is illustrated at line [B], the ‘waistline’ of the vehicle. An additional 200mm / 800kg displacement buoyancy freeboard is available above the waistline [B]-[C].

Trident Buoyancy
Trident Buoyancy: Load capacities with and without thrusters.

Trident Variant Load Summary

Variant Designation323540465060
On Ground (kg)220022002200470050005000
Afloat: Wheels Only (kg)50010001600250028003100
Afloat: With Thrusters (kg)140018002100470050005000
Overview of maximum capacities on land and afloat

Video

A selection of YouTube videos illustrating performance of the base Proteus 8×8 and prototype Trident 6×6 platform in various configurations are available here: https://agilevt.com/videos/

Schematics

Agile Proteus

Agile Proteus – Lead Dimensions

Agile Trident 32

Trident 32 – Outline Dimensions

Agile Trident 35

Trident 35 Outline Dimensions

Agile Trident 46 Pick-Up

Agile Trident 46 Full-Cabbed

Agile Trident 50 [UGV variant]

Trident 50
Trident 50 UGV

Data Sheets

Trident 6x6 32Trident 6x6 35Trident 6x6 40Trident 6x6 46Trident 6x6 50Trident 6x6 60Agile Proteus
Length2991mm3143mm3244mm3549mm3752mm4764mm3128mm
Width (Body rim)1708mm1708mm1940mm2056mm2187mm2318mm1700mm
Load Length1956mm2108mm3154mm3458mm3662mm4170mm2110mm
Load Width1708mm1708mm1898mm2014mm2145mm2276mm1700mm
Ground clearance369mm407mm483mm559mm609mm734mm293mm
Body rim height898mm974mm1091mm1243mm1345mm1599mm730mm
Body height1098mm1174mm1316mm1468mm1569mm1820mm1044mm
ROPS height1982mm2016mm1914mm
Load Cap Land2000kg2000kg2100kg4700kg5000kg5000kg2200kg
Load Cap Water500kg1000kg1600kg2500kg2800kg3100kg300kg
Load Cap Afloat [thrusters]1400kg1800kg2100kg4700kg5000kg5000kgkg
Passengers (max)8pers8pers2pers2pers2pers2pers8pers
Fuel Capacity inboard100L100L120L120L120L120L100L
Hydraulic SystemClosed loopClosed loopClosed loopClosed loopClosed loopClosed loopClosed loop
Hydraulic MotorsRadial pistonRadial pistonRadial pistonRadial pistonRadial pistonRadial pistonRadial piston
Steering TransmissionSkid steerSkid steerSkid steerSkid steerSkid steerSkid steerSkid steer
Steering ControlControl leversControl leversControl leversControl leversControl leversControl leversControl levers
ThrottleProgressiveProgressiveProgressiveProgressiveProgressiveProgressiveProgressive
Service & Parking BrakeInternal diskInternal diskInternal diskInternal diskInternal diskInternal diskInternal disk
Electrical12V Neg E12V Neg E12V Neg E12V Neg E12V Neg E12V Neg E12V Neg E
ChassisSteel ladderSteel ladderSteel ladderSteel ladderSteel ladderSteel ladderSteel ladder
ChainANSI
BodyHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALUHDPE/ALU
Hydraulic Oil gradeISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46ISO VG 32/46
Hydraulic Oil capacity50L50L50L60L60L60L40L
Speed land50kph50kph60kph65kph65kph65kph40kph
Speed water15kph15kph15kph15kph15kph15kph9kph
Range @ 30kph990km990km1020km1020km900km900km990km
Duration33hrs33hrs34hrs34hrs30hrs30hrs33hrs
Turning Circle0m0m0m0m0m0m0m
Fording Depth1.198m1.274m1.391m1.543m1.645m1.899m1.03m
Approach angle64deg69deg81deg88deg92deg102deg64deg
Departure angle77deg84deg96deg103deg107deg115deg54deg
Under Veh/Breakover angle87deg87deg76deg69deg66deg58deg95deg
Stability tilt angle48deg46deg49deg48deg49deg47deg58deg
Grade30deg30deg30deg30deg30deg30deg30deg
Step height406.4mm444.5mm508mm584.2mm635mm762mm330mm
Tyre dia (max)812.8mm889mm1016mm1168.4mm1270mm1524mm990.6mm
Tyre width (min)356mm356mm508mm508mm508mm508mm356mm
Hub dia (standard)381mm381mm381mm381mm381mm381mm304.8mm
Weight 8x8 4M/6x6 6M1400kg1500kg1600kg1700kg1800kg1900kg1300kg
Ground pressure (wheels) 4/6M9kPa [1.3psi]9kPa [1.3psi]6kPa [0.8psi]5kPa [0.7psi]5kPa [0.7psi]4kPa [0.5psi]12kPa [0.8psi]
Ground pressure (max AUW wheels)23kPa [3.3psi]21kPa [3psi]8kPa [1.1psi]15kPa [2.1psi]15kPa [2.1psi]12kPa [1.7psi]32kPa [2.7psi]
Max Axle Load3600kg3600kg7200kg7200kg7200kg7200kg3600kg
Winch3500kg3500kg3500kg5000kg5000kg5000kg5000kg
EngineVariousVariousVariousVariousVariousVariousVarious
Engine TypeTD4TD4TD4TD4TD4TD4TD4
Engine Displacement1498cc1498cc1498cc1498cc1498cc1498cc1498cc
FuelD/JP8D/JP8D/JP8D/JP8D/JP8D/JP8D/JP8
Fuel Consumption3L/hr3L/hr3.5L/hr3.5L/hr4L/hr4L/hr3L/hr
Engine Peak Power75kW75kW75kW75kW75kW75kW75kW
Power/Weight Max53.5kW/T50kW/T46.8kW/T44.1kW/T41.6kW/T39.4kW/T57.6kW/T