The T-98 Kombat is a wheeled armoured vehicle built by Kombat Armouring, a subsidiary of Laura Group, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The name (Russian: комбат, IPA: [kɐmˈba:t] ), is shorthand for "komandir batalyona" (командир батальона - battalion commander).

"T-98 Kombat" Car. 2011

There are two basic versions of the T-98 Kombat based on General Motors components, including an 8.1 litre Vortec engine, Allison[clarification needed] transmission, and General Motors[clarification needed] heavy duty suspensions. All running gear and electronics are provided by General Motors. The two versions are:

  • The “VIP”: has no frame and a monocoque double steel body. The highest protection level uses a composite armor of ceramic between steel layers. VIP Kombats have many options, including leather and wood interiors.
  • The “Utility”: designed for special operations missions.

The armoured body is based on a "metal-ceramic sandwich with cellular filler" technology. The monocoque body provides protection against mine blasts. Kombat Armouring claims that the most highly armoured T-98 will protect occupants from bullets up to 12.7 mm, shotguns, mines and ramming.[1]

A 340 hp V8 gives the lightest T-98 a top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h),[2] making it one of the fastest all-terrain armoured vehicles in the world.

Specifications edit

Engine 8.1L VORTEC 8100 V8 6.6L DURAMAX Turbo Diesel 6600 V8
Horsepower 340 hp (254 kW) @ 4200 rpm 300 hp (224 kW) @ 3100 rpm
Torque 455 foot-pounds force (617 N⋅m) @ 3200 rpm 520 foot-pounds force (710 N⋅m) @ 1800 rpm
Dimensions Hard Top (B6 level) Station Wagon (B6 level)
Curb weight (base model) 3750 kg 4150 kg
GVWR 5000 kg 5150 kg
Length 5150 mm 5350 mm
Height 1950 mm 2100 mm
Width 2100 mm 2100 mm
Wheelbase 3400 mm 3500 mm
Others Hard Top (B6 level) and Station Wagon (B6 level)
Ground Clearance 300 mm
Track Width 1760 mm
Transmission Allison 1000 5-speed automatic
Transfer Case AUTOTRAC 4WD 2- speed
Fuel Capacity 140 litre (36 gal)
Electrical One or two 12-volt, 105 amp alternators
Top Speed 180 km/h (111 mph) with 8.1L VORTEC 8100 V8
Suspension (Front) Independent with torsion bars and stabilizer bar
Suspension (Rear) Two stage multileaf springs with locking differential

Versions[citation needed] edit

  1. High mobility armoured vehicle (5-door station wagon[clarification needed])
  2. Armoured troop carrier (3-door panel truck)
  3. Fast attack vehicle (4-door pickup truck)
  4. Infantry vehicle for special operations (2-door pickup truck)

Armament edit

  • Vehicle-mounted 23 mm autocannon
  • 14.5 mm machine gun (KPVT)
  • 12.7mm machine gun (KORD)
  • 55 mm small-sized remotely controlled smoke grenade launching system

Operators edit

Most are VIP versions sold to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Russia, Mauritius, and the US.

In popular culture edit

  • A gold colored version of the T-98 Kombat appears in the 2012 comedy The Dictator.
  • The T-98 Kombat also appears in the 2014 action film The November Man.
  • An armored SUV closely resembling the T-98 Kombat appears in the videogame GTA Online under the name HVY Nightshark.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Berg, Ivan; Nik Berg (2006). Top Gear Motor Mania. London: BBC Books. p. 57. ISBN 0-563-49362-3.
  2. ^ Gary Spencer (November 6, 2009). "Dartz Kombat T-98 vs. Hummer H-1". Cnet.com. Retrieved January 26, 2013.

External links edit