At the Scene of eurosatory in Paris, France, Dutch Military Vehicles (DMV) and Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) jointly launched the "Anaconda-SOF" assault vehicle.
For many years, DMV has been developing special models based on IVECO's civilian vehicles. The most basic military version of the Iveco truck is the "Caribbean", and the most advanced model is the "Monty Python-SOF", which is the abbreviation of "Special Forces". The DMV-modified special military vehicle will allegedly enter service with the Dutch army along with the MANTICORE produced by the IDV. With the assault vehicle debuting in Eurosatory, both companies hope to pique the interest of potential customers.
"Monty Python-SOF" is an important model of the entire "Monty Python" family. In 2018, DMV produced 46 Monty Pythons for use by the Dutch Army in the Dutch Caribbean. Based on Iveco's Daily van, the car was converted into a true all-terrain vehicle. The Dutch Ministry of Defence subsequently procured 14 Monty Pythons for the Marine Anti-Tank Unit deployed in Dorne.
In recent years, DMV has become a company that can be converted into a professional vehicle in a short period of time according to IVECO's various models. It built trucks for the Royal Dutch Navy and became a base car for the Frogman forces. Currently, the company is producing special vehicles for the Royal Dutch Gendarmerie to serve as mobile command posts and mobile interrogation rooms.
With the Dutch army set to begin taking over the Iveco Manticore in the second half of 2023, the DMV will produce about 1,000 rear bodies for the Manticore. These rear bodies will include everything from simple suitcases to the superstructure of pickup trucks, while the Dutch army procures a total of 1185 Manticores, which shows the strength of the DMV.
Back to "Monty Python-SOF", all the work dmv did on the IVECO chassis, the Italian manufacturers are not without gains. In recent years, Iveco has also launched Daily's 4×4 chassis, apparently taking advantage of some of the DMV's modification technology.
In cooperation with IDV, the "Monty Python" family was further developed, and soon the personnel transport vehicle "Monty Python-MUV" was developed. The car is the predecessor of the "Monty Python-SOF" launched at the Eurosatory site.
Monty Python-SOF is a joint DMV and IDV project, and for DMV Director Mark Scheffers, the collaboration is very important.
Mark Schaefers said: "The two companies complement each other perfectly. The IDV is big enough to do mass production of the vehicle, while we are small enough to do something special. In addition, we work with a number of companies in North Brabant. We can certainly try to produce everything ourselves, but if there are professional companies in the region that can do it quickly and well, why not look for them? ”
IDV has improved the chassis according to the needs of Monty Python-SOF. For example, the chassis is more robust and can meet the needs of helicopter lifting. The rear structure is as modular as possible and uses a track system that can be adjusted as needed at any time. Mark Schaefers said: "If you want to dismantle the whole structure, then you only need to remove six bolts. We've also added 40mm of ground clearance, which is important, even though it doesn't seem like much. The car has a payload of 3.7 tons and we must guarantee sufficient mechanical power. ”
Research and development of Monty Python-SOF has not yet been completed. Mark Schaefers said: "We are still using the original cab, purely to catch up with Eurosatory, as well as cost considerations. We are ready for a new cockpit design with a new instrument cluster, and when the vehicle is in production, we can mass-produce the new cab. We also wanted to improve the front of the car to make it as short as possible. After all, you want to be able to see the ground as close as possible. In peacetime, Monty Python can be repaired at Iveco dealers everywhere. ”
The Monty Python-SOF is an imposing assault vehicle that is difficult to find from the outside of the Iveco Daily van. This can be said to be an example of the use of existing technology to manufacture military vehicles based on civilian technology. After Eurosatory, it is believed that "Monty Python-SOF" will attract the attention of many countries.
The Iveco Daily van, if not stated, is difficult to associate with the "Monty Python-SOF".