Midlands developed military vehicle given global debut
A multi-purpose military vehicle developed in the Midlands has received its global debut.
The NIMR RIV has been developed at HORIBA MIRA in Nuneaton and is intended to be a rapid intervention vehicle capable of operating in some of the roughest terrain on the planet.
It was unveiled at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in the United Arab Emirates.
Launched by UAE-based NIMR Automotive, a subsidiary of Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC), MIRA’s engineers have developed the RIV as an ultra high-mobility, lightweight and rapidly deployable platform that complies with international military standards.
It was produced in response to evolving industry trends and an increase in demand for specialised vehicles with greater crossover capabilities.
The vehicle is designed to carry a crew of four plus their equipment, and is specified for high-speed response to tactical situations in remote sites, either by fast-ground transit or helicopter insertion.
Capable of operating at extended ranges in harsh desert environments, the RIV is the modern day equivalent of the stripped down jeeps used by an embryonic SAS in the Long Range Desert Group’s missions during World War Two.
Unlike those jeeps, the RIV features under-body blast protection as well as modular applique armour packs for ballistic protection.
Mark Carter, Senior Manager for Defence Solutions at MIRA, said: “RIV addressed an important need for a high-speed, easily transportable vehicle.
“The vehicle’s advanced capabilities are testament to the decades of experience harnessed by MIRA’s engineers which has been crucial to the success of the project.”
MIRA was given just 12 months to engineer the RIV but it completed the project to schedule, utilising the multiple engineering teams including Powertrain, Dynamics, Braking, Electrical and Ergonomics. It also tested RIV on its proving ground and in its EMC, Dynamics and Climatic facilities.
“We’re delighted with the end result; RIV is a highly innovative design, creating an entirely bespoke chassis systems that has enabled a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and exceptional performance both on and off-road, without compromising any of the key system requirements,” added Mr Carter.
Dr Fahad Saif Harhara, CEO for NIMR said: “We have listened carefully to the special operations community and incorporated their requirements into this light and powerful 4×4 rapid intervention vehicle. The NIMR RIV is our most modern special forces platform available.”
MIRA’s work in the defence sector spans across engineering consultancy, testing, product design and prototype build.
