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Ford proposes six-wheeled Ranger Super Duty for UK military
Ford has submitted a military vehicle proposal to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, featuring a six-wheeled version of the Ranger Super Duty known as the HEX 6x6. Developed by Ricardo, the vehicle is part of the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) program.
The HEX 6x6 utilizes an “overlay bolt-on system” that allows the conversion to be applied without altering the donor vehicle's chassis. It features a De Dion rear suspension system, which enables the rear wheels to be decoupled from the drivetrain to improve fuel economy. The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine and offers a payload capacity of up to 3.8 tonnes.
Ford’s proposal includes various configurations, such as a personnel carrier and a battlefield ambulance. The interior retains some civilian elements, including a 12-inch central touchscreen designed to interface with third-party military software, along with pre-installed auxiliary switches and wiring for specialized mission equipment.