OTTER RAPID DEPLOYABLE AMPHIBIOUS WET GAP CROSSING SYSTEM Overview
The OTTER system can also be used in natural disasters such as floods.
Being the only 8×8 vehicle in its class in the market today, the OTTER has unprecedented redundancy, operational capability in soft soil, cross-country mobility and amphibious performance.
Exceptional road and off-road performance: its all-wheel 8×8 driveline, central tire inflation and adjustable ride height control features provide an incomparable off-road driving performance and speed especially on loose, muddy and rough terrains. The ability to operate in soft soils allows for significantly less preparation on riverbanks to enter and exit the water. The all-wheel-steering feature minimizes the vehicle’s turning radius. The vertical obstacle and trench crossing capabilities are also superior due to the shorter distance between axles in the 8×8 concept. Moreover, the 8×8 configuration gives a maximum axle load of around 9 tons, the significantly low ground pressure providing longer wheel life due to less wear. The OTTER can cope with 60% gradient and 30% side slopes.
360° manoeuvres in high river currents: the OTTER system has two water pump jets that provide advanced water operation capabilities enabling the vehicle to carry out 360° manoeuvres within high river currents such as pivot turns and side moves. During water operations the axles are retracted in order to decrease the water drag.
In the ferry role, a single OTTER system can transport MLC 21 tracked vehicles. Two OTTER systems can be coupled together forming a pontoon that can transport an MLC 85 T vehicle. By coupling three systems ramp to ramp, up to MLC 120 W vehicles can be transported over wet gaps. As well as its role as a ferry, 8 OTTER systems can be combined together ramp to ramp to form a 100 m long bridge capable of carrying MLC 85 T and MLC 120 W vehicles. For specific missions, numerous OTTERs can be coupled together to cross wider distances.
