Australian company Bale Defence debuted its RTV6 light tactical vehicle at Land Forces 2024, a show held in Melbourne from 11-13 September. This 6×6 vehicle, whose name stands for Rough Terrain Vehicle, builds upon the DNA of RTV2 and RTV4 4×4 vehicles already in the company’s catalogue.
Martyn Jones, chief operating officer at Bale Defence, said a primary feature of the rear-engined RTV6 is its payload capacity of 1.5 tonnes. “Everyone wants to move more with less,” he explained. It can carry 300kg [660 pound] loads on a front-mounted rack, plus 1,100kg [2,424lb] on the rear, with the vehicle able to attain a creditable payload ratio of 1.4:1 for gross versus tare [unladen] weight.
On display was the first RTV6 prototype, fitted with an EOS R400S remote weapon station (RWS). Indeed, a weapon of up to 30mm cannon can be fitted onto this diminutive vehicle. Two vehicles can be internally transported inside a Boeing CH-47 helicopter.
Jones said the RTV6 is the first vehicle to use seats designed for marine use, these coming from Ullman Dynamics. Powered by a BRP-Rotax engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission, it reaches a top speed of 67mph (108km/h) and has a 200 mile (320km) range.
Potential missions include weapon carrier, medical evacuation and logistics thanks to its flexible cargo restraint system.
Bale Defence lists integration of the following kits: RWS, counter-UAS system with a mast-mounted radar and electro-optic system, crew-served weapons (e.g. 12.7mm machine gun, Mk 19 grenade launcher), Fletcher LGR-4 laser-guided rockets, mortars (60mm and 81mm), M3 Carl-Gustaf and Javelin missile storage system.
Bale Defence delivered 19 original two-seater RTVs to the Australian Army in 2014-15, primarily for use by the 2nd Commando Regiment. Nearly all remain in service, with the army later ordering the upgraded RTV2/Death Adder for $6.17 million in 2021. Some 54 of these have been manufactured, with 12 more due for delivery after Australia awarded a follow-on contract. They are used predominantly by reconnaissance teams.
With a gross vehicle weight of 3,220lb (1,461kg), the RTV2 is mid-engined to improve its centre of gravity and stability. It is just 9.6 feet (2.95 metres) long, 4.9 ft (1.5m) wide and 5ft (1.524m) high (when its rollover cage is lowered). A 92bhp BRP-Rotax petrol engine offers a maximum speed of 73mph (118km/h).
As for the RTV4, this four-seater light tactical vehicle is designed primarily to carry crew-served weapons. The RTV6 shares 90 percent commonality of parts with the RTV4, which has a 2,204lb (1,000kg) payload capacity.
Bale Defence achieved export success when it sold RTV-D diesel-powered 4×4 vehicles to Jordan some time ago, but the company is now seeking to widen its clientele beyond the Australian military.
by Gordon Arthur, Melbourne
