OVIK Cameleon IV440 Modular Mission Vehicle
The CAMELEON IV440 is a four wheel drive modular mission system vehicle designed by Jez Hermer MBE, CEO of OVIK Special Vehicles. Designed and developed in 2010, the CAMELEON IV440 is based upon the IVECO Daily 4x4 chassis but incorporates a number of modifications designed by OVIK plus a range of specialist mission modules which can be interchanged rapidly, giving the vehicle a multi-functional utility. OVIK integrates a bespoke hydraulic load changer system and reinforces the IVECO Daily 4x4 cab, adding roll suppressor, top hatch, light covers, winch and bull bars.
OVIK CAMELEON IV440 | |
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OVIK CAMELEON IV440 Modular Mission Vehicle with Patrol Module. | |
Type | Modular Mission Vehicle |
Place of origin | United Kingdom |
Service history | |
Used by | United Kingdom, France, New Zealand |
Production history | |
Designer | OVIK Group |
Specifications | |
Weight | 5.5 tonnes (GVW) |
Length | 5432mm |
Width | 2016mm |
Crew | driver + 2 passengers (front car), up to 10 passengers (rear car) - depending upon module |
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Main armament | 7.62mm light machine gun on swing mount |
Secondary armament | various weapon mix including 5.56mm / 7.62mm / 12.7mm (.50 cal) / 40mm grenade launcher |
Engine | IVECO 3.0 litre in-line four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Engine power 202 kW (176 hp) |
Concept of use
The general concept behind the CAMELEON system is to provide military forces, civil and emergency services and commercial users with a modular vehicle which can be reconfigured, rapidly, into a range of different roles. The load changer system enables the vehicle crew to re-role the CAMELEON into a completely new capability in under one minute; role changing is a one-man operation.
CAMELEON IV440 is designed to offer mission commanders and fleet managers very broad force packaging or flexibility in fleet management. Utilising what OVIK describe as a 'Modular Mission System', the simple, crew-operated mission module changer combines with a range of specialist mission modules to provide a very broad range of flexibility.
Defence
CAMELEON IV440 offers a wide range of standard mission modules suitable for operations across the combat, combat support and combat service support functions. Vehicle crews simply change modules to re-configure the platform.
Civil
CAMELEON IV440 offers a wide range of standard mission modules suitable for operations in support of policing, medical support, emergency, fire and rescue, humanitarian support and disaster relief.
Commercial
CAMELEON IV440 offers a wide range of standard and specialist mission modules suitable for commercial operations including forestry, buildings and construction support, road maintenance, de-icing, gritting and snow management, accommodation and welfare support modules etc.
Principles of Operation
The CAMELEON IV440 utilises a lightweight, hydraulic load changer system (sometimes referred to as a DROPS system) to enable rapid platform reconfiguration. From a troop carrier to an ambulance, from an ambulance to a mortar platform etc. Once the mission module is aboard the base vehicle, the CAMELEON system hydraulically locks the load into place, ensuring complete safety and security – even in the event of a vehicle roll-over.
Role 1. Defence
Combat Role
CAMELEON provides a range of specialist combat role mission modules designed to provide the commander with firepower and combat troop transportation. CAMELEON offers a range of weapons mounting solutions from light to heavy mounting systems, including twin medium machine guns, twin heavy machine guns and combination mounts for .50 (12.7mm) calibre, and 40mm grenade launchers.
Combat Support Role
CAMELEON can deliver a broad spectrum of combat support capabilities. From specialist tactical command modules to indirect fire support platforms, combat ambulances and engineering support modules.
Combat Service Support / Sustainment Role
CAMELEON specialist logistic support modules provide support to combat operations. Fuel delivery, repair and recovery functions, ambulances, command centres, combat emergency surgical facilities.
Specialist Defence Roles
CAMELEON can be configured to support specialist operations. For example, the IV440 chassis system can be modified to suit a range of requirements – bodywork can be reconfigured to provide additional firepower, stealth and flexibility.
Role 2. Civil
Police
CAMELEON modules have been optimised as police custody suites, command centres, forensic laboratories, dog kennels and public information booths.
Emergency Medical
CAMELEON modules can operate as ambulances (with varying levels of casualty dependency built in).
Fire and Rescue
CAMELEON modules have been built with water bowsers, fire suppression systems, decontamination systems and welfare units.
Coastguard
CAMELEON modules have been used as command posts, temporary look-out posts and specialist boat carriage / launching systems.
Humanitarian
CAMELEON expanding body modules been used to provide emergency shelter and clinical support to humanitarian relief. The CAMELEON Power Pod module carries a 16KvA generator and eight days' supply of fuel.
Disaster Relief
In line with the humanitarian utility CAMELEON can also support emergency rescue operations with a range of tipping bodies with integrated excavation equipment, winches and cranes.
Logistic
CAMELEON is suited for carriage of a wide range of logistic loads from fuel to water and dry stores.
Role 3. Commercial
CAMELEON has a wide commercial application with concept designs in existence for commercial applications as diverse as forestry, oil exploration, construction, snow management, exhibition support, worker welfare units and excavator / tipper bodies.
CAMELEON aims to reduce its customers' capital investment in high cost / low use specialist platforms by providing a vehicle than is fully adaptable.
CAMELEON Storage System
The CAMELEON storage system is a multi-story racking system developed from the leisure boating industry. Multiple modules can be stacked four high and managed with a high-lift for lift truck thus enabling fleet managers to reduce not only capital outlay but also storage space for vehicles.
Features
Dismounted Module Capability
Unlike most other specialist vehicles – CAMELEON can leave its mission payload on the mission area – for continued support after the base vehicle’s departure. Fuel tanks, generators, command modules can all be strategically positioned to support operations thus leaving the base vehicle free to be re-roled.
For example, the CAMELEON SENTINEL system provides commanders with an instant dismounted fire-base for the rapid establishment of vehicle and personnel checkpoints. Crews dismount the SENTINEL module which transforms from a vehicle born patrol module with its built in weapon systems and armour to create an instantaneous, de-mounted, semi-permanent, protected structure with integrated weapons and electrical power.
Lethality and Self Protection
OVIK utilise PLATTMOUNTS weapon mounting systems on CAMELEON, designed to provide weapon flexibility, stability and reliability. Every (Defence) CAMELEON base vehicle is fitted with a minimum medium machine gun mounting system to provide the vehicle crew with a self-defence capability. CAMELEON mission modules can be fitted with a wide array of weapon installation to suit specific firepower requirements. From 5.56mm to 12.7mm and 40mm Grenade Launchers.
Crew Protection
CAMELEON provides crew roll protection and frontal aspect reinforcement. Roll cages protect the vehicle, passengers and crew in the event of a vehicle collision, whilst the frontal reinforcement system provides crews with the necessary equipment to overcome static obstacles and to protect the vehicle from frontal impact.
Environmental Flexibility
The CAMELEON IV440 can operate across a wide environmental spectrum - from the desert to the Arctic. Vehicles can be equipped with heating and / or air conditioning environmental control systems.
Power Supply
The IV440 is fitted with a high output alternator to provide maximum power to the vehicle and module systems. For dismounted modules, CAMELEON provide a number of ground-mounted and fully integrated power generator systems.
Armouring Options
Armour solutions are available for the front cab and also armoured rear module solutions are available. Front cab protection to STANAG Level 1 / B6 is achievable as standard – enhancements are possible.
Run Flat Tyres
In the defence role the vehicle operates as standard with run-flat tyres.
Recovery Winches
Recovery winches can be fitted as to either front, rear or both ends of the base vehicle. The Repair and Recovery Mission Module can be fitted with a high payload hydraulic recovery winch.
References
- ↑ Cameleon Modular Mission Systems (M.M.S) From Ovik Solutions
- ↑ Quick-change Cameleon truck offers multi-mission potential - Jane's International Defence Review
- ↑ http://www.sbac.co.uk/community/cms/content/preview/news_item_view.asp?i=21163&t=0
- ↑ G3 Defence Vol 2 Issue 3
- ↑ G3 Defence Magazine August 2010
- ↑ http://www.airportsintelligence.co.uk/community/cms/content/preview/news_item_view.asp?i=21163&t=0
- ↑ YouTube - Iveco Daily 4x4 - Cameleon IV440 MMS Modular Mission IVECO Vehicle by OVIK Group - Iveco Daily 4x4