Combat vehicles / Logistics vehicles / Saurer DM
Saurer DM
General Facts
- TYPE
Tactical truck - ORIGIN
Switzerland - NICKNAMES
D250MF (early designation for 6 DM)
D3000MF (early designation for 10 DM) - DESIGNED
1978 - DESIGNER
Adolph Saurer Limited - PRODUCTION
1982 - 1986 - PRODUCERS
Switzerland - Saurer - QUANTITY
800 Saurer 6 DM
300 Saurer 10 DM
100 Saurer 10 DM with crane - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Good off road mobility
Unprotected crew
Unarmed
Introduction
The Saurer DM is a series of tactical trucks of Swiss origin. They were developed in the late 1970's to replace various older model trucks in Swiss service. The DM series of trucks were only produced for the Swiss military and the Saurer company ceized to exist a few years later.
Design
The Saurer DM series are a new design and bears very little resemblance to older Saurer models. The series consists of a 4x4 and 6x6 truck that have many parts in common, including the cab and many parts of the chassis. The 6x6 version has a different rear suspension, is longer and has a more powerful engine. Besides a crane version based on the 6x6 chassis all vehicles are fitted with a flatbed with drop down sides and tarpaulin cover.
Firepower
The Saurer DM series are unarmed and do not feature a weapon mount.
Protection
The DM series are fitted with an unarmored driver's cab. No NBC system or smoke equipment are present.
Mobility
The Saurer DM series has all wheel drive and large all terrain tires. This results in a good off road performance. A 250 or 320 hp diesel engine provide propulsion.
Users
The sole operator of the Saurer DM series is the Swiss army. They replaced most older Swiss trucks and have recently been complemented by the Duro light truck.
Saurer 6 DM
The Saurer 10 DM is the 4x4 version of the Saurer DM series. It has a 6 t load capacity. All vehicles are fitted with a flatbed with drop down sides and a tarpaulin cover. It is in service with and without Rotzler winch.
- Specifications:
- Saurer 6 DM
Type | Tactical truck |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 36 (driver, assistant, 36 infantry) |
Length | 7.71 m |
Width | 2.50 m |
Height | 3.34 m (cab roof) |
Ground clearance | 0.38 m |
Weight | 10.0 t empty, 16.0 t max load |
Ground pressure | ? |
Wheelbase | Wheeled chassis, 4x4, 4.35 m wheelbase, 2.1 m track, 14.00 x 20 tires |
Turn radius | 18.0 m |
Engine | Saurer D4KT 12 V6 turbo diesel, 247 hp at 2.200 rpm |
Power ratio | 24.7 hp/t empty, 15.4 hp/t max load |
---|---|
Transmission | ZF S 690 |
Speed | ? |
Fuel | 300 L |
Range | 660 km |
Wall | ? |
Trench | ? |
Gradient | ? |
Fording | 1.15 m |
Armor | No |
NBC equipment | No |
Night vision | No |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Saurer 10 DM
The Saurer 10 DM is the 6x6 version of the 6 DM and has a 10 t load capacity. The 10 DM shares many automotive components with the 6 DM and mainly differs in rear suspension and engine. All vehicles are fitted with a flatbed with drop down sides and a tarpaulin cover. It is in service with and without Rotzler winch.
- Specifications:
- Saurer 10 DM
Type | Tactical truck |
---|---|
Crew | 2 + 44 (driver, assistant, 44 infantry) |
Length | 8.91 m |
Width | 2.50 m |
Height | 3.46 m (cab roof) |
Ground clearance | 0.38 m |
Weight | 12.0 t empty, 22.0 t max load |
Ground pressure | ? |
Wheelbase | Wheeled chassis, 4x4, 4 + 1.4 m wheelbase, 2.1 m track, 14.00 x 20 tires |
Turn radius | 19.5 m |
Engine | Saurer D4KT 12 V6 turbo diesel, 320 hp at 2.200 rpm |
Power ratio | 26.7 hp/t empty, 14.5 hp/t max load |
---|---|
Transmission | ZF S 690 |
Speed | ? |
Fuel | 300 L |
Range | 550 km |
Wall | ? |
Trench | ? |
Gradient | ? |
Fording | 1.15 m |
Armor | No |
NBC equipment | No |
Night vision | No |
---|---|
Smoke | No |
Remarks | - |
Armament | - |
Weapon1 | - |
Weapon2 | - |
Weapon3 | - |
Weapon4 | - |
Weapon5 | - |
Weapon6 | - |
Saurer 10 DM crane
The Saurer 10 DM chassis also served as the base vehicle for a mobile Crane. The flatbed and tarpaulin cover are not fitted. A Gottwald crane if fitted instead and has the ability to rotate 360 degrees. The crane can be used for lifting goods and for recovery purposes. When the crane is used for outriggers ensure stability.