What could be the substitute for VM90, the unstoppable and loyal workmate of thousands of soldiers during more than 35 years? Three decades that we could define three epochs, if with epoch we refer to three moments in the history of our country; the 80 monopoly, the change of corporate structures in the decade '90, and then comes the two thousand, the new century of economic crisis and intense competition, but in this long period, the qualities behind the VM90 seem to have held on.
In these three phases, the VM90, thanks to its technical simplicity, reliability and ample mobility, has been able to improve itself by dressing many sets that made it possible to recognize thanks to its particular, the nice front lights.
A bit of a preview ...
Several restylings from '78 to 2014 also involved the VM 90 and in 2016 at the Eurosatory held in Paris (following photos), a prototype of Multirole was presented, still in an experimental phase and intended to replace the VM90s in the Armed Forces.
From the Iveco Defense Vehicles of Bolzano is born the MUV Military Utility Vehicle / 70.20, an operational machine far superior to the historical concept already known and after having carefully reviewed it for fans of the newspaper, I can offer you some aspects that distinguish it, first of all that of not confusing it, even if the temptation is great, with the civil relative Daily.
We could go back to the MUV with the design codes M 70 20 WM 4x4, where the numbers 70 and 20 represent maximum capacity and horsepower, however the figures 70/20 embrace all versions, but it may be interesting to know that the 180 HP version will be the first to be presented, while the one with 200 HP will be launched only at a later time.
The healthy passion for the 4x4 of the owners of former military vehicles or militarized and therefore re-registered has pointed out to us through the forums interesting realities that underline the great differences present in the military components. In fact, in addition to the different sizes, many details, such as the brake cylinders, the shock absorbers and the brake servo are constructed to guarantee greater efforts and to resist much more than the analogues of the civil production to mud, dust or water. Luigi, in this context, argued that some military tests (in addition to a specific use at the limit for the entire mechanical and motor structure, a stay in an insulated environment where they are brought to temperatures of + 90 ° and -50 ° and then dismantled , analyze and radiograph all the pieces.
The MUV 70.20
Although it has the right credentials to be equipped as a tactical vehicle, this role will be entrusted to the upper class vehicle, that is the LINCE LMV multirole, which, as we know, responds to specific characteristics of NATO alignment for this segment.
A unique structure that resembles the resistance of a truck
The specially designed chassis is similar to those used for trucks with longitudinal C-section longitudinal members. A concept, actually already known in defense vehicles, just think of the VTMM chassis Bear, but also of other rotated esters built for these purposes.
The concept therefore provides for a single structure to which different set-ups can be associated, including the one armored. This basic principle of the side members is however also adopted on the version of the New Daily, regardless of the powers and, to change, appear to be the thicknesses of the plates of the supports, which for military use should be of 5 mm.
A particular, that of the frame, which in addition to offering greater torsional rigidity and greater resistance to loads, gives a more prompt and precise driveability raising it even more from the ground compared to the previous VM90, which mounts the same tires 255 / 100 R16.
The height makes the difference on this kind of vehicles and the benefit is appreciated with the greater angles of attack, back and exit, which give it, among other things, excellent qualities of off road extreme.
The shock absorber system recalls the concept, even if updated, of the VM90, with a rigid rear axle and independent front wheels. The front organs, however, have been redesigned and strengthened by increasing the payload on the front axle of well 500kg.
The engines: one displacement and three powers
The speed should be limited to 110 km / h, but this also depends on the transmission ratio as well as the EU regulations for these specific military machines.
However, observing the graphs of the civilian FC1 3.0 engine, the idea I get is how the engine torque can be appreciated already shortly after 1100 rpm and up to 3000 rpm, a period in which this force crosses with the growth of its power. making the (civilian) vehicle reach speeds of over 130km / h. A prompt engine response that reminds me of the pleasant thrust of the Mercedes Sprinter its competitor.
Transmission and guidance with distribution to 13 ratios
The MUV also differs "under the body" in fact, if in the civil versions one of the strengths are its 24 ratios, the military choice falls on two differentials and a central distributor which, thanks to the epicyclic concept, offers 13 ratios, six ordinary road and as many six reduced, more clearly two reverse gears, one long and one short.
It is not yet known whether this type of transmission will be associated with a ZF type transmission with splitter or if the reduction will be inserted through a special lever on the central tunnel. In any case "how many memories and shotguns on the balance with the zf ..."
Already with the use of only the first normal gear, which is quite short, MUV would be guaranteed to operate in most of its functions off road.
The version with automatic transmission ZF with torque converter to 8 ratios, which become 16 with the reduced.
A high ride and precise, direct steering, make its safe and operational conduction based on three levels of road condition: Road surface, Standard or Off-Road.
Perhaps with the center of gravity moved on the front "look" for some oversteer is possible and always simple and intuitive to resume, especially if we consider the control offered by the various stability and control aids. The steering can also be appreciated in urban use where its small turning radius is one of the strong points. On the highway it seems a comfortable and big car and the soundproofing is favored by the system of shock absorbers, which in a sense adapt to the type of terrain. However, the seats, at least for now, do not have an appreciable containment profiling, and with its height the lateral forces can cause the occupants to oscillate sufficiently.
The appropriately protected electrical system will have two circuits, one at 12 volt and one at 24 for certain functions in military use. On the dashboard, switches apart, the instrumentation will probably be more Spartan and indispensable, however it is early to advance certainties.
A top braking system with four disc brakes, in addition to modern ABS and ESP systems, guarantee its performance, but there is also the possibility of interrupting the rotation of the motor fan in case of passages in the water, where the immersion limit is considerable.
Also the transversal and longitudinal transmission blocks can be deactivated automatically to protect the mechanical parts, if you forget their previous insertion.
It is to be understood whether the definitive military series will adopt the bi-mass flywheel which makes driving much sweeter, contributing to soundproofing and more. In fact, if the clutch is misused, for example in violent releases, this solution can be damaged, making starting noisy and not very smooth.
Adventure with the VM, where team spirit prevails
The adventure takes place under the July sun in a desert area a few years ago, where the perceived temperature was almost 50 °, wearing Scbt, helmet and jacket. Antonio Sartori and I were Milan, plus two other colleagues, a Campanian and a Tuscan. Our task was to raise health care facilities for civilians and the means used were different VM90 and some ACTL. The water available as well as to quench our thirst, we also used it to cool the body.
At the end of the activity when the other vehicles engaged in the activity are already moving, our "protege" makes a tantrum and does not seem to want to get going.
From the two open hatches on the roof of the "Scarrafone" come out colorful curses, some in Neapolitan, others in Roman but the most "folkloristic" were from a Tuscan who continued to exclaim: "Maremma ..."
I went down and started to purge the circuit. In fact, some air bubbles or worse than dirty diesel fuel in the delivery duct could be the cause of the failure in a system with an in-line pump and not Common rail. Unfortunately, even after the purging Antonio Sartori's attempts to start it while I press the circuit are in vain and with me I have only one tool with a thousand tools and the comforting words of my colleagues. I was ready to do one by pass extra filter - would have smoked a bit more but we would have come home. After looking at all four of us in the face, we decide to first remove the diesel filter and then clean the delivery pipe to the in-line pump system.
Reassembled the cartridge and hoses, I cross my fingers and the good Antonio with moderate acceleration and lowered clutch manages to start our VM90 and among the tired faces of his colleagues a sunny smile appears that illuminates the evening, also accompanied by some nice "exclamations" but it is always those of the Tuscan that are the most memorable and fun. The day after our VM90 ends up in the workshop for the service and I understand that the cuts in funds also have repercussions on certain problems.
Training and
The MUV 70.20 embraces different types of total weight on the ground and those with mass within 3,5 tons can be driven with a military model 2 license, the civil B, while beyond this value it is necessary to have the military model 3.
The knowledge of the medium and also a certain technical culture on the MUV are however necessary to fully appreciate its characteristics and above all to keep it in perfect working order, using it above all with competence.
6500 VM90 at the end of the service
Currently the Italian Army would need to replace 6.500 VM90s, the debut of the MUV 70.20 in the barracks therefore seems close. Many VM90s will be sold and re-registered and some of these may pass to the Weapon Associations, such as that of the Autieri of TRAMAT, or of the ANGET of the Transmissions, rather than the ANA or the ANPdI, which according to their noble associative ideals , to whom I feel I can extend my heartfelt thanks, persevere as volunteers in the tasks of assistance and civil protection in the event of national disasters. But among these weapon associations, there is the new entry in ASSOARMA, the ANMCRI of Crocerossa, headed by Colonel Giuseppe Scrofani, committed more than ever together with the volunteer professionals of the Military Corps in wanting to transmit the traditions of rescue to man and his suffering, wherever and whatever it is be.
Also read: "A chameleon named Iveco VM 90"
