WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Demonstrating its commitment to mission success and safety for warfighters, BAE Systems announced an ambulance configuration of the recently introduced Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV) at the Association of the U.S. Army's (AUSA) 2010 Annual Meeting.
The Caiman MTV ambulance provides an effective combination of interior capacity, tactical mobility, operator comfort and survivability by utilizing its large interior volume to accommodate up to four litters, or six patients upright.
"In today's conflicts, Army medical personnel face the same types of unconventional warfare threats as their patients," said Chris Chambers, line lead for BAE Systems. "The Caiman MTV is truly patient-centric in that it allows medical professionals to focus on treating patients while keeping them protected from surrounding threats."
Other features include a sophisticated HVAC system regulates the interior to protect patients and medical technicians from temperature extremes. In addition, the four litter configuration maximizes interior space and the rapid deployable ingress and egress ramp enables ease of patient loading and unloading. Other features include mobility upgrades that allow for greater wheel control and weight transition from axle-to-wheel to navigate over ice, sand and other rough topography, allowing medical personnel to reach patients in a variety of environments.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Program Office (JPO) purchased a proof concept ambulance vehicle. The sale of the vehicle coincided with the completion of user juries by Army personnel. In anticipation of production, the assessments from the user juries will be used to improve the vehicle's design.
The Caiman MTV ambulance is one variant in the Caiman MTV family. The Caiman MTV is an upgraded vehicle based on the combat-proven Caiman MRAP. In addition to ambulatory missions, it provides payload capacity for other specialized vehicle needs including troop transport and command and control on the move. In all three configurations, the vehicle integrates a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing Caiman MRAP with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. The adaptable armor system is designed to address operational threats, but can be removed to allow for weight reduction, or to incorporate improved materials.