The Hatehof Wolf, based on the chassis of the American Ford F550 series heavy-duty trucks, is a 4x4 light armored vehicle produced in Israel primarily for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Wolf is a multi-mission design suitable for all types of protected services, including general patrol, armored personnel carrier (APC), cargo transport, command and control (C2), special forces deployment and medical evacuation (ambulance).
In fact, the Israeli Army has chosen the Wolf to replace its aging fleet of American M113 APCs. Wolf incorporates a number of proven crew protection features into its base design, providing a multi-faceted battlefield player that meets the needs of any modern combat force.
Launched in 2005, Hatehof Wolf is active today (2014) in the IDF, having previously passed all necessary assessments.
The 8.8-ton Wolf showcases a traditional car-inspired layout with a front-mounted engine bay featuring a front central grille. The grille is flanked by a row of headlights for low-light driving. Mirrors are installed at each frontmost corner of the engine compartment to serve the driver.
The rest of the fuselage is occupied by the operator and all passengers. The windows are carefully designed to provide the necessary situational awareness as well as ballistic protection (including metal shielding). Hinged side doors allow access to the first and second row seats. The top of the fuselage can accommodate a Remote Weapon Station (RWS), allowing the crew to engage the enemy without being exposed.
The overall dimensions include a length of 5.75 meters, a width of 2.38 meters and a height of 2.35 meters. It should be noted that wheeled vehicles are superior to the once popular "tracked" alternatives in terms of cost and maintenance, and have been increasingly chosen by the military over tracked vehicles over the past decade.
The
Wolf features a modular interior that allows the vehicle to be configured to suit the operator's needs - this allows a single vehicle to fulfill many roles, rather than purchasing multiple separate dedicated vehicles. Crew amenities include air conditioning to operate in hot climates and a rear-facing camera to assist in reversing.
Armor protection extends to the entire hull - it is protected from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - including crew hatches and rear doors. In addition to the driver, the Wolf's interior can accommodate up to 12 people and can accommodate two stretchers when configured for medical evacuation.
Run Flat Fatigue adds another layer of survivability, where damaged vehicles can stay out of danger.
The Wolf's 4x4 capability is powered by a powerful 325 hp V8 turbo diesel engine. This is combined with a five-speed gearbox system, and the vehicle's chassis is fully spring. The vehicle's axles are also high to ensure excellent ground clearance, and the wheels are well spaced to provide balance.
All of this enhances comfortable on-road qualities and powerful off-road qualities in a single, rugged product design.
Wolf vehicles are branded Hatehof Industries, Limited and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel. So far (2014), in addition to the IDF, countries such as Georgia, Macedonia and Romania have also accepted wolves.
- Utilities
5.9m
7.84 ft (2.39 m)
8.50 ft (2.59 m)
9 tons (8,600 kg; 18,960 lb)
130 km/h
311 miles (500 km)
Optional. Remote Weapon Station (RWS) with 0.50 caliber heavy machine gun.
Depends on armor configuration.
Wolf - Base series name