Transmisie Aligator

History of the Transmisie Aligator

The "Aligator" is a versatile 4x4 armored vehicle originating from Slovakia, developed since 1992 with funding from Kerametal. Despite starting development in the early 90s, it wasn't until 2005 that the vehicle officially entered service with the Slovak army. Since then, more than 2,200 units have been produced. The design emphasizes cost-effectiveness by utilizing standard equipment and components, making it accessible for military applications.

Functionality and survivability are core features of the Aligator. Its traditional yet robust design includes four large rubber tires for stability and high ground clearance, enhancing off-road maneuverability. Additionally, it offers optional features such as NBC protection, night vision goggles, and air conditioning for varying operational environments. The vehicle's layout accommodates up to five occupants, with the driver positioned at the front left. It also boasts features like fire detection and suppression systems, along with communication suites, ensuring operational readiness.

The Aligator's adaptability extends to its armament options and variants. While primarily unarmed, it can be outfitted with weapons like a General Purpose Machine Gun or rocket launcher on its roof. Variants cater to diverse operational needs, including observation and reconnaissance, police and security roles, and battlefield engineering. The updated "Master II" version introduced in 2016 offers enhanced survivability features, increased passenger capacity, and a broader cargo range, marking it as a third-generation light armored vehicle.

Specification

Basics

Years of Operation: 2005

Origins: Slovakia

Status: Active

Crew: 1

Production: 2,200

Manufacturer: Transmisie / Kerametal - Slovakia

Carrier: Slovakia

Roles

Amphibious Assault: Cross open water under your own power with or without preparation.

Armored vehicles: Designed, usually lightweight, to provide on/off-road capability for reconnaissance or general security roles.

Recon: Can perform reconnaissance/reconnaissance missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, etc. - usually due to lightweight construction.

Utilities: Generally user-centered design to perform various battlefield missions, usually in an indirect combat manner.

Highlights

Tire layout: The wheeled arrangement gives the system inherent road capability and improved maneuverability.

Remote Weapon Station (RWS): The vehicle supports remote weapon stations, reducing the risk of crew exposure to external threats.

Amphibious: The system can enter and traverse open water sources - rivers, lakes and streams; supports amphibious assault operations.

Cross-country skiing: The design includes features such as a chain linkage system or high ground clearance for better traversing of terrain.

Horn armor: Angled armor on critical faces adds inherent ballistic protection to the vehicle.

Improved armor protection: Increased protection by installing additional armor on top of the standard grade; old-design steel plates and modern types of reactive armor.

ABC Protection: Crew are protected (standard or optional) by nuclear biological and chemical agents to improve survivability in contaminated areas.

Smoke shield: The vehicle itself can generate a smoke screen either through fired projectiles or built-in engine function (raw fuel injection).

Night Vision: Night vision equipment is available to the crew to allow operation in low light conditions or at night.

Anti-Infantry: Vehicles have built-in anti-infantry capabilities for local vehicle defense or general troop suppression.

Troop transport vehicle: Vehicles (or variants thereof) have inherent troop transport capabilities and provide protective cover for allies boarding ships in disputed areas.

Remote Weapon Station: The vehicle supports an unmanned weapons station that is securely remotely controlled from the vehicle.

Versatility: The vehicle's proven chassis and overall configuration are ideal for other battlefield roles through special design.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 14.4 feet (4.4m)

Width: 7.2 feet (2.2m)

Height: 6.4 feet (1.95m)

Weight: 13,228 lbs (6,000 kg)

Tonnage: 6.6 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 x Duetz liquid-cooled 6-cylinder turbocharged 195 hp engine driving a conventional 4WD/4x4 wheel arrangement.

Transfer: 1 x 6-speed automatic transmission.

Speed: 74.6 km/h (120.0 km/h)

Area: 372. 8 miles (600.0 km)

Weapons

Optional: 1 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) or 1 x 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) through the top of the turret.

Master II variant: Remote Weapon Station (RWS) on top of fuselage with 7.62mm GPMG. 6 smoke grenade launchers (three per hull side), or in the Master II variant, on the RWS.

VARIANTS

Aligator ORP - observation and reconnaissance station.

Aligator PCM - Police/Security Vehicles.

Aligator PSO - Police Assistance Task Sheet.

Aligator MCP - Mobile Command Post variant.

Aligator APC - Proposed 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle model.

Aligator MINE - mine detection vehicle; two examples completed.

Aligator Master II - 2016 model; RWS on fuselage top cover; extended fuselage; elevated interior space for up to 10 employees; increased performance and survivability.