AIL Storm

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Not to be confused with Alestorm.
Storm MultiMission Vehicle
Overview
Manufacturer
F4
RelatedJeep Wrangler, AMC Jeep CJ, AEV Brute

The AIL Storm (

Infantry Mobility Vehicle
, and certain models are available for export as well as for the civilian market.

Production of an updated four-door second generation model commenced in 2006 despite some mixed messages from the Storm's primary customer, the Israel Defense Forces. Development of a third generation vehicle based on the new Jeep Wrangler JK has been completed and significant production for both Israeli and foreign customers is under way.

Storm I

M-240 Storm Mark I
Curb weight
1,760 kg (3,880 lb) (petrol), 1,780 kg (3,920 lb) (diesel)

The M-240 Storm MultiMission Vehicle is the first of three Storm generations. A variant of the 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ and the older CJ-6 / CJ-8 wheelbase, it is entirely produced in Israel by Automotive Industries Ltd. with the exception of the engines, as their manufacture is not economically viable on the Storm's market scale.[1]

The Storm was primarily meant to satisfy Israeli military needs, but capable long and short versions are produced for the local civilian market. Like the Jeep, it has a conventional

AMC 3.983 litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol with fuel injection developing 180 hp (130 kW) at 4,700 rpm, fitted with Vortox 2-stage air cleaner or a Volkswagen 2.5 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel developing 88 kilowatts (118 hp) at 4,200 rpm. The front axle is fully floating and the rear axle is semi-floating, while a reinforced frame and body as well as good angles of approach and departure (40° and 37° for short frame, 40° and 26.5° for long frame) add to the Storm's off-roading capability.[2]

The two production frame lengths, 4.15 (13.6) and 4.5 metres (14.8 ft), the latter of which was among the few such Jeep-derivatives in production in recent years, were both available in civilian and military models. Aside from the Israeli market, Storms have long been exported to countries in South America, Asia, and Africa.[3] A Jeep-managed production line in Egypt, whose vehicles are used by the Egyptian armed forces, was absorbed into the AIL Storm production after it closed in 1995.[4]

Security versions

Like its parent

offroad and utility vehicle meant to tackle extreme terrain in a general reconnaissance role, and can be outfitted with a machine gun or other weapons systems. When armed with a 105 mm (4.1 in) M40 recoilless rifle, the vehicle is uniquely capable of firing directly over its blast guard equipped hood rather than in the perpendicular position required by most other vehicles.[5]

A variant of the extended version used in desert border patrol makes use of a high-ceilinged canopy to allow a swivelling rear-facing heavy machine-gun mount, while the canopy can be extended to provide a mobile command post. An air conditioned

less-lethal weapons. The shielding allows for a wide field of view while at the same time protecting against firebombs and rock-throwing.[5]

Armoured version

Jerusalem's Old City
.

As with several analogous light military vehicles, despite being originally designed to fill a light reconnaissance role, the rise of urban warfare and close quarters combat meant that the Israel Defense Forces had to recast the Storm in new roles.[citation needed]

When the need for a light armoured vehicle became apparent to the Israeli security forces, AIL's engineering department designed a vehicle protection system from the bottom up, integrating it into the existing vehicle in a manner that did not compromise its off-road and other capabilities, and that did not create the mechanical strain and increase in maintenance often associated with up-armouring, in part due to its computerized 180 horsepower (130 kW) injected engine.[5]

The armour protects against

gross vehicle weight is 3,000 kilograms (6,614 lb),[6] though several varying protection levels are in use with individual units.[5]

AIL Storm I (left), AIL Abir (right).

Another important asset are the Storm's narrow dimensions, which allow it to traverse the narrow alleyways common to the

Humvees can only enter with great difficulty and minimal manoeuvrability, if at all. Full-height rear doors which allow for the quick deployment of fully equipped troops into combat are touted as another advantage over similar vehicles.[5]

Civilian use

First generation Storms were made available to the general public in Israel from 1992 to 2001. A small number were purchased directly by private consumers, while larger numbers were acquired

National Parks Authority and Israel Police. Modified Storms are popular with off-roading enthusiasts in Israel.[7]

Storm II

M-242 Storm Mark II
Curb weight
2,000 kg (4,400 lb)

Beginning in 2006, AIL began delivery of an improved model to the IDF, the M-242 Storm Mark II, known in the field as the "Storm Commander". A number of significant changes have been incorporated into the new

Logistics, Medical, and the Centers Directorate. Perhaps the most obvious change is the addition of dual passenger doors, making the Storm II the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative.[8][9][10]

Other improvements include the change to a manual

compact disc player.[1][9][10]

Storm II is also produced in an armoured version, and is offered with an optional

right hand drive, and run-flat tyres. AIL is capable of completing ten vehicles daily. Due to recently passed tax laws, a civilian version is not yet available in the local market.[1][9][10]

  • AIL M-242 Storm Mark II "Commander"
    AIL M-242 Storm Mark II "Commander"
  • Journalists take Israel reserve officers Interview (2008)
    Journalists take Israel reserve officers Interview (2008)
  • Row of David vehicles
    Row of David vehicles

MDT David controversy

Developed in the 2000s at an investment of

Humvee assembly ceasing due to budget considerations. The MDT David was chosen over the armoured version of the Storm because the heavy Storm was said to suffer from handling and reliability problems, safety hazards and limited mission operability. However the IDF said that the purchase of the David was to fill a temporary gap in production until the Storm II's testing was completed, and has since begun filling its commitment.[6][11]

Storm III

AIL Storm III
Overview
Production2008–present
Body and chassis
Body style5-door truck
Powertrain
Engine2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel
TransmissionAutomatic

A Storm Mark III was set to be produced for the Israeli defense forces starting in June 2008, when the IDF was to purchase around 600 vehicles beginning in early 2011. Based on the then new four-door

turbodiesel and automatic transmission.[3]

Like the Storm II, the Mark III was initially available only to the military with versions set to be delivered to the

AIL states that if such a thing would happen, a petrol engine version could be offered. Regarding Export markets, the Storm 3 has already seen use in several countries, especially in its armored version.[citation needed
]

A pair of production J8's was tested by Israeli web magazine Jeepolog.com journalists in April 2009. It was dubbed "probably, the best Jeep ever".[12]

Commander version

The commander version incorporates a 5-door hard top cab allowing for the quick and convenient entrance and exit of the driver and all passengers or troops. A large rear compartment enables the storage of both cargo and communications equipment.[citation needed]

This version comes equipped with an air conditioning system providing maximum comfort in hot climatic conditions. A roll over protection structure (ROPS) maximizes safety conditions for passengers.[citation needed]

Armored version

The armored version of the Storm 3, designed for protection against light weapon threats, incorporates a heavy duty transfer case and a specially designed suspension system which includes heavy duty springs (front - coil, rear - leaf) and shock absorbers, together with rigid heavy duty axles allowing for a smooth and safe ride on both rough terrain as well as regular highways.[citation needed]

Reconnaissance and patrol version

The Storm 3 reconnaissance and patrol model allows for extra storage of fuel, water and equipment. This version is especially suited to be fitted with various machine gun or special equipment mountings.[citation needed]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to AIL Storm.

References

  1. ^ a b c Ezra HaLevi (2006-06-28). "Israeli Jeep Ties Past to Present and Future". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  2. ^ "4x4 סופה: מפרט טכני". Automotive Equipment & Vehicles. Archived from the original on September 7, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-24.
  3. ^ a b בני ברק (2007-05-29). תעשיית רכב נצרת תציג בקרוב את הסופה-3 (in Hebrew). Ynet. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  4. ^ "Jeep Egypt". Archived from the original on 2007-08-14. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Storm". Israeli-Weapons.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  6. ^ a b "MDT David". Defense-update.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  7. ^ Asaf Katzir (October 2007). "Storm M240 Mk2, Israel's Military Jeep - exclusive test drive". Jeepolog.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-06. Note: Loose translation and summary of Hebrew Jeepolog.com reference
  8. ^ ה"סופה" החדשה מגיעה לצה"ל (in Hebrew). IDF Spokesperson's Unit. 2005-11-25. Archived from the original on March 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-19.
  9. ^ a b c אסף קציר (2006-01-15). סופה 2 במבחן שטח (in Hebrew). Jeepolog.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  10. ^ a b c מישל דור (2006-06-27). הג'יפ החדש של צה"ל: סופה 2 (in Hebrew). Ynet. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  11. ^ David Regev (2005-12-12). "Defense ministry opts for U.K. jeeps". Ynet. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  12. ^ "AIL Storm 3, AKA Jeep J8 - world exclusive road test". jeepolog.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2009. Retrieved April 21, 2009.

External links

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