Arquus Unveils the Revolutionary ARMIS 6×6 at Satory’s Spectacular Arquus Day Event
To maintain communication, showcase the achievements accomplished over the preceding months, and illustrate the functionality of its latest models, Arquus orchestrated a comprehensive demonstration event centered around its products and services on September 17, 2020, at the Satory test tracks: the Arquus Day. This special day was a remarkable opportunity to concretely display the vehicles and innovations revealed during the Arquus e-xpo, a virtual exhibition launched in the summer of 2020, particularly highlighting the flagship of its cutting-edge logistics and tactical series: the ARMIS 6×6.
Unveiled for the first time, the ARMIS 6×6 is the rightful successor to the ARQUUS logistics and tactical vehicles utilized daily by armed forces, ranging from the VLRA to the GBC180. Constructed on a specialized military foundation and integrating proven civilian technologies, it delivers exceptional performance in both payload capacity and off-road agility. Developed with ARQUUS’ extensive expertise and the backing of the Volvo Group, the ARMIS 6×6 benefits from insights gained from contemporary army transport vehicles.
Featuring a reinforced and optimized chassis, the ARMIS 6×6 excels in off-road conditions and traverses even the toughest landscapes with ease. It is powered by an 11L engine generating 460 horsepower (Euro 5), empowering it to conquer 50% gradients. Similar to the Jaguar EBRC engine, this powertrain grants it remarkable agility, enabling it to accompany modern combat vehicles in the field. Its transmission, equipped with the Ultra-Low Crawler option, ensures it can halt securely on inclines, while brake assistance conserves the primary brakes on steep descents. Demonstrated dynamically during Arquus Day at the Satory test track, the ARMIS 6×6 showcased its outstanding mobility and stealth capabilities.
Robust and resilient, the ARMIS 6×6 is meticulously tailored to meet the operational demands of military forces. Agile and durable, it is designed for extended deployments, intricate missions, and harsh environments while requiring minimal maintenance. Versatile, the ARMIS 6×6 can undertake a broad spectrum of logistical and tactical roles for armed services. Its multifunctional platform can securely and ergonomically transport personnel, cargo, systems, or 10- or 15-foot shelters. Modular in design, it can support various versions and configurations, ensuring operational efficiency, user-friendliness, and tactical flexibility for field commanders.
The ARMIS 6×6 was showcased at the Arquus Day in an unarmored variant. It also has an option equipped with a STANAG 4569-compliant ballistic, mine, and IED-resistant cabin. Its architecture with a remote cabin provides the highest security level against both mines and IEDs, as well as ballistic threats, which can be enhanced based on mission requirements. The ARMIS 6×6 shares a common cabin design with the 8×8 model (available in sheet metal or armored versions), simplifying vehicle management and maintenance.
Adaptable over time, the ARMIS 6×6 can be modified to meet evolving mission profiles and operational contexts, as well as to address emerging threats. It is designed for air and rail transportability.
The cabin of the ARMIS 6×6 can accommodate up to three seats designed for the 95th percentile. Configured according to military standards, it includes mounts or covers for weaponry, spaces for communication systems, and storage for backpacks, hydration packs, and additional gear. The cabin is equipped with displays to oversee remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) and Battlefield Management Systems (BMS).
The ARMIS 6×6 is compatible with a diverse array of armaments, ranging from manual turret systems to Arquus’ Hornet line of RCWS, which has already been selected by the French Army to equip new combat vehicles under the Scorpion initiative. The ARMIS 6×6 can be integrated into the Scorpion framework and is engineered to support the latest-generation communication and information technologies.
The ARMIS 6×6 incorporates strategically selected innovations relevant for the battlefield, proven in diverse conditions, delivering substantial energy and maintenance efficiencies. It features ATC (Automatic Traction Control), a cutting-edge technology by Volvo that Arquus can apply across its product ranges. ATC automatically optimizes axle engagement to enhance vehicle mobility, providing high capabilities at an economical operational cost. The driver maintains control, with the option to manually engage differential locks. This technology promotes improved handling, fuel savings, and reduced strain on axles and tires.
The ARMIS 6×6 also integrates advanced road safety features (ADAS, ABS/EBS, ESP) that lessen the driver’s workload, allowing greater focus on mission priorities. These innovations facilitate easier maintenance and lead to reduced ownership and operation costs for military users.
The ARMIS 6×6 is engineered to progress over time, adapting to the evolving needs and requirements of armed forces, both technically and technologically. It is especially designed to incorporate all the latest ARQUUS advancements in remote operation, automation, and energy efficiency. With Volvo Group’s support and leveraging the experience gained from the PEA VAB Electer, ARQUUS is actively developing eco-responsible versions across its entire range, thus offering enhanced tactical capabilities in the field.
The Maintenance in Operational Conditions (MOC) for the ARMIS 6×6 was integrated into its design from inception, adhering to stringent specifications for routine maintenance operations. These specifications promote a high level of standardization across the Group’s vehicles, simplifying operational stock management and maintenance personnel training. The ARMIS 6×6 can be outfitted with HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring Systems) to facilitate predictive maintenance activities and enhance fleet management. Leveraging HUMS takes advantage of the recently successful tactical evaluation, EVTA Vérité, conducted with the SIMMT (Integrated Structure in charge of Operational Condition Maintenance of Army equipment) on an Army VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) fleet.
ARMIS maintenance benefits from the expansive Arquus network, which spans the entirety of France, including overseas territories, ensuring each Army unit is within 15 minutes of a service point. This unique network consistently demonstrates its capabilities by supporting over 10,000 vehicles for military operations. It now guarantees a 95% operational uptime for the Army’s fleet of VT4 multipurpose light trucks. This network is well-equipped to manage ARMIS fleets, both domestically and internationally. As a pioneer in maintenance for Army fleets, ARQUUS has assigned dedicated teams already collaborating with military units.
To streamline these operations, Arquus has recently established a logistics hub in Garchizy, located in the Nièvre region. This contemporary facility also serves as the spare parts and components center for the Griffon and Jaguar vehicles under the Scorpion program, acting as the singular source for spare parts and components for Arquus vehicles in service with the French Army. To enhance coordination of activities with military forces, Arquus has implemented dedicated secure servers to connect maintenance management systems and simplify the articulation and processing of demands. These measures ensure swift access to necessary spare parts and components for maintenance teams, resulting in the highest operational readiness for field commanders.
Consisting of three specifically military 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 vehicles, the ARMIS range is a family meticulously designed, developed, and manufactured in France, uniquely tailored to the specifications of the French armed forces. It consolidates the expertise of numerous companies, including many small and medium enterprises, within the French automotive sector. Rooted in the national landscape, the ARMIS range is equipped to invigorate the entire French industrial base, from Bourg-en-Bresse to Limoges and from Blainville to Marolles-en-Hurepoix.
