The armoured vehicle spectrum is quite broad, and includes many 4×4 systems. The 4×4 configuration has the advantage of being generally more mobile than larger and heavier vehicles, whether tracked or 6×6/8×8 wheeled systems.
At the same time, these vehicles are designed from the beginning with a significant armour suite and offer a higher level of protection than up-armoured vehicles such as the HUMVEE. They are available in numerous variants, including general purpose tactical transports (personnel and cargo), scout vehicles, light armoured fighting vehicles with turret mounted guns, and specialized units such as field ambulance or command vehicle.
A wide range of sizes, payloads, and operational parameters are represented between the extremes of the Textron COMMANDO and the Carmor MANTIS. This underscores the diversity of missions, operating environments, and resources which manufacturers and military services take into account when designing and procuring military systems. The review of current and new 4×4 armoured vehicles underscores that this category of military vehicle is in high demand, and will continue to display a diverse range of design and performance profiles.
