General info
Spoiler
The ARIS VAT (Veicolo Aris Tattico) was an Italian 4x4 multi role vehicle based on the Swiss Bucher Duro 4×4 chassis. It was made at a time where multiple countries became inspired by the American Humvee and its success inside of the USA. Countries such as Spain and Japan would go unto develop similar designs which eventually came into service in both respective countries, ARIS wanted to try get more involved in the military market, they had worked together with the Italian army and other civilian in the past too so they were well-respected already, so they put that to their advantage when marketing the ARIS VAT. In unknown when development began, but during the early 1990’s the first and only singular prototype of the ARIS VAT would show up for the first time to the public. In terms of mobility, the ARIS VAT would be powered by 150hp 6-cylinder VM turbodiesel intercooler engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 100km an hour. In terms of survivalbility the ARIS VAT was only capable of withstanding small automatic fire from rifles and machine-guns, if it ever encountered an IFV or MBT which proceeded to fire at it, the ARIS would not survive. The suspension of the ARIS consisted of the De-Dion type, with a rigid axle and central stabilizer. Optional equipment ARIS offered included air conditioning, a salvage winch an add-on armor kit. As mentioned the design was akin to the American Humvee, it had a modular superstructure that guaranteed the vehicle with multiple different configuration options, the one ARIS opted for as far as we know was the TOW ATGM carrier, which was modified to allow it to carry up to 12 additional TOW’s. Its important to note that an actual picture of the physical launcher has not been found as of yet, however a picture of the TOW retrofit has, just without the physical launcher. In terms of other armaments there was also the standard configuration which had the vehicle mount either a 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine-gun. Other armaments were likely tailored for the vehicle however as of now they have not been found. The tests carried out by the Italian army who at one point would be interested in the product, showed that the ARIS VAT could climb slopes of 80% and cross slopes of 40%. Another mystery was if ARIS ever actually got permission to make such a modification and market the vehicle, Bucher-Guyer, who were the original makers of the Bucher Duro, did not seem to have an official agreement with ARIS. Overall the Italian army did not pick up the ARIS VAT despite its good qualities, similarly to many other Italian projects of the time. The main reasoning of this not being chosen was most likely due to the sheer influx of similar vehicles on the market already, Italy would eventually go unto make the Iveco Lince LMV, whilst nations inside Europe would either make either own designs or adopt pre-existing ones.
Photos/Pics
