General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has revealed the Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC), a new 10-wheel variant in the line of armored fighting vehicles.
The Piranha HMC is a 40-ton vehicle designed for superior cross-country mobility and trench-crossing. It is equipped with an all-wheel-power-driveline and a multi-link suspension system. The Piranha also has a reduced turning cycle of less than 18 meters (60 feet).
I can take up to 17 tons of payload consisting of crewmembers, fuel, weapons, and ammunition.
GDELS described the HMC as a response to NATO and other international clients’ growing need for highly maneuverable wheeled armored vehicles in demanding missions.
“This unique vehicle platform is a result of our continuous strive towards innovative automotive and driveline technologies combined with over 40 years of excellence and experience as a world-class vehicle OEM,” GDELS Wheeled Vehicles Vice President Giuseppe Chillari said.
A Versatile Vehicle
Originally designed by defense manufacturer Mowag in the 1970s as a light rapid reconnaissance and attack vehicle, the Piranha has slowly evolved into a modular vehicle capable of resisting rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.
Its variants take on a wide array of roles, including troop transport, command and control, and fire support.
The Piranha can also be mounted with air defense systems such as Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 turret, as seen in Denmark and Hungary’s armored fleets.
Other operators include Sweden, Belgium, and Moldova, which received its first Piranha-3H carriers in 2023.