Iveco MTV

{{Infobox weapon | name = Iveco Medium Tactical Vehicle | image = Iveco Manticore MTV prototype 1.jpg | image_size = 300px | caption = Manticore prototype, April 2022 | origin = {{ITA}} | type = [[Infantry mobility vehicle]] | is_ranged = | is_bladed = | is_explosive = | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = yes | is_missile = | is_UK =  | service = 2024-present | used_by = [[Netherlands Armed Forces]] | wars = | designer = [[Iveco#Defence Vehicles|Iveco Defence Vehicles]] | design_date = | manufacturer = | unit_cost = | production_date = | number = 200<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2024 |title=The 200th 12 KN vehicle has been delivered to the Dutch Army! |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ivecodefencevehicles_idv-12kn-activity-7247500850552528898-tXsG |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=LinkedIn |language=en-us}}</ref> (as of October 2024, with a total of 1,185 on order) | variants = See [[#Variants|variants]] | spec_label = | weight = ± {{convert|12.8|t|lb|abbr=on}} (kerb) | length = {{convert|5900|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs">{{cite news |last1=Valpolini |first1=Paolo |title=First international appearance of Iveco DV's Medium Tactical Vehicle |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/first-international-appearance-of-iveco-dvs-medium-tactical-vehicle |access-date=21 February 2021 |work=EDR Magazine |date=21 February 2021}}</ref> | part_length = | width = {{convert|2430|mm|in|abbr=on}} (without mirrors)<ref name="specs" /> | height = {{convert|2760|mm|in|abbr=on}} (hard top)<ref name="specs Iveco">{{Cite web | title=IVECO MTV|url=https://www.idvgroup.com/products/multirole-vehicles/mtv-medium-tactical-vehicle/}}</ref> | diameter = | crew = *Iveco variant: 1 driver + up to 7 pax<ref name="specs Iveco" /> *Hardtop: 2 crew + 2 pax *Softtop: 2 crew + 2 pax *Utility: 2 *Ambulance: 2 crew + 2 injured *Military police: 2 + 6 | armour = | primary_armament = * Hardtop: FN deFNder [[RCWS]] equipped with an [[FN MAG]] ([[7.62×51mm NATO]])<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oosbree |first=Gerard van |date=2022-04-22 |title=IVECO Manticore |url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/iveco-manticore/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Dutch Defence Press |language=nl-NL}}</ref> * Softtop variant, manned ring mount with optionally: **[[M2 Browning]] ([[.50 BMG|12.7×99mm NATO]] [[Heavy machine gun|HMG]]) **[[Heckler & Koch GMG|H&K GMG]] ([[List of 40 mm grenades#40×53 mm HV (40 mm high velocity)|40×53 mm HV]], [[Automatic grenade launcher|AGL]]) ** [[Spike (missile)#Spike LR|Spike LR / LR2]] ([[Anti-tank guided missile|ATGM]]) | secondary_armament = Softtop variant: lateral swing mount for the softtop variant, with a [[FN MAG]] ([[7.62×51mm NATO]], [[GPMG]])<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oosbree |first=Gerard van |date=2022-04-22 |title=IVECO Manticore |url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/iveco-manticore/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Dutch Defence Press |language=nl-NL}}</ref> | engine = [[FPT Industrial|FPT NEF N67 280]] (6.7 litres, [[Straight-six engine|inline-six]], [[Diesel engine|turbo-diesel engine]], Euro III)<ref name="specs" /> | engine_power = Power: {{convert|276|hp|kW|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs" /> Torque: {{convert|1000|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on}})<ref name="specs Iveco" /> | pw_ratio = {{convert|23|hp/t|kW/t|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs" /> | transmission = Automatic High-low transfer case Permanent 4×4 wheel-drive 3 fully lockable differentials | payload_capacity = Payload: > {{convert|2.0|t|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs Iveco" /> Towing capacity: {{convert|3.5|t|lb|abbr=on}} | suspension = | clearance = {{convert|350|mm|in|abbr=on}} (vertical obstacle)<ref name="specs" /> | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs" /> | speed = {{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name="specs" /> | guidance = | steering = }} The '''Iveco MTV''' (Medium Tactical Vehicle), military designation '''Manticore''',<ref>{{cite web |author=Charlotte Verolme |date=15 December 2023 |title=Even voorstellen: de Manticore |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2023/48/03_manticore_48 |website=Defensiekrant |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref> is an [[infantry mobility vehicle]] designed and manufactured by [[Iveco#Defence Vehicles|Iveco Defence Vehicles]] for the [[Netherlands Armed Forces]]. The acquisition is part of the Joint Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles of the [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch Ministry of Defence]], with deliveries planned from 2023 until 2026.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Brouwer |first1=Evert |title=Veel nieuws op NEDS |journal=Materieelgezien |date=17 December 2019 |volume=10 |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2019/10/08_veel-nieuws-op-neds |access-date=17 February 2021}}</ref> In Dutch service, the Manticore will replace the ageing fleet of [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class#W461 (1992–2022)|Mercedes-Benz 290GD]]s of the [[Royal Netherlands Army]], the [[Land Rover Wolf|Land Rovers]] of the [[Netherlands Marine Corps]] and the remaining [[YPR-765]]s of the [[Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force]] and [[Royal Marechaussee|Royal Netherlands Marechaussee]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Charlotte Verolme |date=20 December 2023 |title=Nieuwe Manticore pantserwagen overgedragen |url=https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2023/10/manticore-overgedragen-aan-krijgsmacht |website=Materieelgezien |publisher=Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref> Deliveries are planned for the second half of 2023 and should be completed by 2026.

Being the launching customer for the MTV, the vehicle was developed in close cooperation with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and adjusted to the requirements of the Dutch military. The Manticore is being procured with the aim to provide troops with improved protection and payload capacity, as well as for modularity purposes. The vehicle can be equipped with a range of add-ons, including [[remote weapon station]]s, [[Vehicle armour|armour packages]], [[Counter-IED equipment|jammers]] and [[CBRN defense|CBRN defence]] equipment, among others.

== Procurement == To revitalise the ageing fleet of wheeled vehicles within the armed forces, the [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)|Dutch Ministry of Defence]] launched the ''Defensiebrede Vervanging Operationele Wielvoertuigen'' programme (DVOW, Joint Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles). The Iveco MTV has been selected for the 12 [[Newton (unit)|kN]] category, which indicates that the vehicle will be capable of carrying payloads of approximately 1,200 [[kilogram]]s. The MTV will function in various roles and will replace multiple ageing vehicles, including variants of the [[Variants of the M113 armored personnel carrier#Netherlands|M577]] [[Command and control|command post vehicles]], [[YPR-765]] [[armoured personnel carrier]]s and [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class#W460 (1979–1992)|Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen 'Wolf']] [[off-road vehicle]]s.<ref name="mtv" />

On 15 August 2019, State Secretary of Defence [[Barbara Visser]] announced that the Ministry of Defence had selected [[Italy|Italian]] truck manufacturer [[Iveco]] to supply new light tactical vehicles to the [[Dutch Armed Forces]]. In addition, the project includes delivery of [[remote controlled weapon station]]s (RCWS) which can be installed on the vehicles. The contract includes the development and provision of 918 vehicles and 120 RCWS, an additional 357 vehicles and 10 RCWS can be ordered through an option in the contract. This would bring the total to 1275 vehicles and 130 RCWS, while additional vehicles can be ordered within five years after the delivery of the final vehicle.<ref name="mtv">{{cite web |author1=B. Visser, State Secretary of Defence |title=Verwervingsvoorbereiding (D-fase) van het project 'Voertuig 12kN overig en Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS)' |url=https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/brieven_regering/detail?id=2019Z15737&did=2019D32591 |website=tweedekamer.nl |publisher=[[House of Representatives (Netherlands)|Tweede Kamer]] |access-date=17 February 2021 |date=15 August 2019}}</ref> On 28 November 2019, the state secretary signed the contract with IVECO at the NIDV Exhibition Defence & Security, which took place in [[Rotterdam]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peruzzi |first1=Luca |last2=Valpolini |first2=Paolo |title=The Netherlands sign a contract for 918 12kN vehicles with Iveco Defence Vehicles |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/the-netherlands-sign-a-contract-for-918-12kn-vehicles-with-iveco-defence-vehicles |access-date=17 February 2021 |work=EDR Magazine |date=28 November 2019}}</ref>

In the ''Defensie Projectoverzicht'' (DPO, Defence Projects Overview) of September 2020, the Ministry of Defence announced that the order for an additional 357 vehicles was delayed. An examination of the project found that the current distribution of vehicles among the service branches was sub-optimal. Consequently, a requirement for 100 vehicles was removed from the project and transferred to a new project for amphibiously transportable vehicles for the [[Netherlands Marine Corps]]. The remaining 257 vehicles have been ordered through the existing option in the contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Defensie Projectenoverzicht 2020 |url=https://www.defensie.nl/downloads/publicaties/2020/09/15/defensie-projectenoverzicht-2020 |website=defensie.nl |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=17 February 2021 |date=15 September 2020}}</ref>

== Technical description == Only limited technical detail has been released by either the Dutch Ministry of Defence or Iveco. Only basic outline dimensions and limited operating weight and automotive data is available, and is included in '''Specifications'''.

=== Engine === The MTV is powered by an EF67 EUIII 6,7L six-cylinder [[turbo-diesel]] engine, producing 267 HP (207 kW) and 1000 Nm of torque, linked to an [[automatic transmission]]. The engine has been fully militarised and is capable of running on military fuel, the maximum range amounts to 600 kilometres. The fording depth of the standard vehicles is 750 mm, the navy variants have an improved fording depth of 1500 mm. The top speed of the MTV is limited to 90 km/h. Due to the military off-road requirements of the vehicle, the Manticore has a [[Vehicle frame#Ladder frame|ladder frame]], [[leaf spring]]s and [[anti-roll bar]]s. The vehicle comes with permanent [[four-wheel drive]] and three [[locking differential]]s, the MTV's [[disc brake]]s are combined with an [[anti-lock braking system]]. Tyre pressure of the 365/85R20 [[Pirelli]] PS22 tyres can be adjusted via the central tyre inflation system, operated from within the cabin.

=== Body === The Manticore will be procured in five primary variants – the bodywork of all variants is made of armoured steel with a high degree of [[Brinell scale|Brinell hardness]]. The hardtop, softtop and utility variants can be equipped with add-on armour packages for ballistic as well as mine protection. Therefore, these vehicles are "fitted for, but not with" protection kits. Protection kits can be installed and uninstalled from vehicles in the field using basic tools. In effect, the armour is only fitted when required which significantly reduces wear and tear as well as the related lifecycle costs. The casualty transport, military police and air force security variants come standard with the armour kits. Moreover, all vehicles can be equipped with [[CBRN defense|CBRN defence]] systems, [[Command and control|C4I]] systems, [[Counter-IED equipment|jammers]] and [[Rheinmetall]] ROSY [[Grenade launcher#Smoke|smoke grenade launchers]].

=== Armament === The hardtop variant can be equipped with a [[remote weapon station|remote controlled weapon station]] (RCWS). The Dutch Manticores are being procured with 130 deFNder Light weapon stations, produced by [[FN Herstal]]. These weapon stations will be fitted with [[FN Minimi]] or [[FN MAG]] [[machine gun]]s. Moreover, the manned open turret present on the hardtop, softtop and utility variants can be fitted with [[M2 Browning]] [[heavy machine gun]]s or [[Heckler & Koch GMG]] automatic grenade launchers, as well as the two aforementioned machine guns. In addition, the softtop variant is fitted with a manned swing mount on the passenger's side. The sofftop's MRAT (medium range anti-tank weapon) subvariant is optimised for firing [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[anti-tank guided missile]]s.

== Variants == === Hardtop === The hardtop variant accommodates a driver and three passengers and has a payload capacity of approximately 15 kN. The hardtop can be fitted with the FN deFNder Light remote controlled weapon station, integrating an FN Minimi or FN MAG machine gun. The rear cargo body is fitted with modular rails and cabinets which can be adjusted for specific mission sets.

=== Softtop === The softtop variant accommodates a driver and three passengers as well and has a payload capacity of approximately 18 kN. As opposed to the hardtop, the softtop Manticore is fitted with a detachable canvas roof as well as detachable windows, and a removable hood on the cargo section. Moreover, the heavy weapons subvariant is adapted for use with the [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] anti-tank guided missile. The manned open turret of the softtop Manticore can be fitted with a [[Browning M2]] heavy machine gun or [[Heckler & Koch GMG|H&K GMG]] automatic grenade launcher. FN Minimi or FN MAG machine guns can be installed on the passenger's side manned swing mount.

=== Pick-up === The pick-up variant is a utility vehicle with a short two-man cabin and a range of utility modules on the rear section.<ref name="specs" /> With 20 kN, the pick-up has the highest payload capacity of the five primary variants. This variant comes with a hooded cargo bed or one of the specialised superstructures. Subvariants include vehicles fitted with workshop or command & control superstructures. In addition, a subframe can be installed to transfer existing 8-feet containers from the MB290GD onto the Manticore.

=== Casualty transport === The casualty transport variant is a military ambulance, optimised for [[casualty evacuation]] and capable of transporting two persons on stretchers or up to four persons sitting upright. Permanently fitted with an armour package, the casualty transport Manticore has a payload capacity which equals 19 kN. In addition, the ambulance is equipped with [[emergency vehicle lighting]], a [[Siren (noisemaker)|siren]] and work lights.<ref name="specs" />

=== Security === The security variant consists of three subvariants: a [[military police]] troop carrier and command vehicle for the [[Royal Marechaussee|Royal Netherlands Marechaussee]] and an air force security vehicle for the [[Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force]].<ref name="specs" /> The security Manticore replaces old [[YPR-765]] [[armoured personnel carrier]]s and has room for a driver and seven passengers. The security Manticores come with emergency lighting and sirens and specific liveries.

==See also== *[[DMV Anaconda]] *[[VECTOR]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== *{{cite magazine |last=Valpolini |first=Paolo |date=2021 |title=Armoured 4x4s: two axles, variable weight |url=https://issuu.com/edrmag/docs/edr_56_-_web |magazine=EDR Magazine |issue=56 |pages=13–21}}

[[Category:Iveco vehicles|Medium Tactical Vehicle]] [[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Italy]] [[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of the Netherlands]] [[Category:Military light utility vehicles]] [[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of the post–Cold War period]] [[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of Italy]]