View source for Engineering:VECTOR

The '''VECTOR''' ('''Versatile Expeditionary Commando Tactial Off Road''') is a Dutch [[Engineering:Military light utility vehicle|light all-terrain tactical vehicle]], designed and developed by defence contractor [[Company:Defenture|Defenture]] for use with special operations forces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vector-terreinwagen (SOF) |url=https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/vector |website=defensie.nl |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190704140245/https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/voertuigen/vector |archive-date=4 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The VECTOR was developed in close cooperation with the ''Korps Commandotroepen'' (KCT) of the Royal Netherlands Army and is tailor-made for use in special operations, providing a combination of high mobility and firepower with light armour.

== Development ==
In 2013, the Dutch Ministry of Defence launched a procurement program aimed at replacing the [[Engineering:Mercedes-Benz G-Class#W461 (1992–2022)|Mercedes-Benz G280 CDI]] fleet of the KCT. While experiences with the Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Afghanistan and Mali were generally satisfactory, the vehicles lacked power, payload capacity and clearance deemed necessary for the SOF Mobility Concept. In addition to the engine and payload requirements, the replacement vehicles should be transportable in and under the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Dutch entrepreneur Gerard Rond, who had extensive experience in the rallying branch, created the [[Organization:Consortium|consortium]] [[Company:Defenture|Defenture]] which incorporated (among others) VDL Groep and [[Company:Toray Advanced Composites|TenCate]]. The consortium developed the Groundforce (GRF) platform which became the basis of the VECTOR vehicle. Consequently, Defenture submitted the bid and on 3 July 2013 it was announced that Defenture won the tender for a total of 50 vehicles with their VECTOR offer. Other bids included the General Dynamics Flyer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Westerhoven|first=Leo van|date=2014-12-08|title=De VECTOR: het ultieme Special Operation Forces-voertuig die de commando's altijd al hadden willen hebben.|url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/onverwoestbaar-als-een-tonka-truck-met-de-uitstraling-van-een-rallykampioen/|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Dutch Defence Press|language=nl}}</ref>

The [[Research and development|research and development]] phase continued after the contract was awarded and involved close cooperation with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the end-users. In 2014, the KCT received the first two prototypes which were subsequently subject to an extensive set of trials. Deliveries of serial production vehicles commenced in December 2017 at the production facilities located in Tiel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eerste SF-voertuig VECTOR voor commando's |url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2017/12/21/eerste-sf-voertuig-vector-voor-commandos |website=defensie.nl |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=10 July 2021 |date=21 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309120433/https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2017/12/21/eerste-sf-voertuig-vector-voor-commandos |archive-date=2018-03-09 }}</ref> In June 2018, the Ministry of Defence announced that Defenture was awarded the contract for an additional 25 vehicles, the complete order therefore amounting to 75 vehicles. Deliveries were completed in July 2020. 
== Description ==
[[File:Laatste levering Vector 2020 01.jpg|thumb|305px|Operational VECTOR equipped with jammers, communication systems and smoke grenade launchers]]

=== Drivetrain ===
The VECTOR is powered by a 3,200 [[Engineering:Engine displacement|cc]] Steyr six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 220&nbsp;hp (160&nbsp;kW) and 500 Nm of torque. The maximum speed is limited at 130&nbsp;km/h, the 115 L fuel tank gives the VECTOR an operational range of 800&nbsp;km The Steyr engine is linked to a [[Company:ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] six-speed [[Engineering:Automatic transmission|automatic transmission]]. The permanent [[Engineering:Four-wheel drive|four-wheel drive]] with three [[Engineering:Differential (mechanical device)|differentials]], the optional [[Engineering:Steering#Four-wheel steering|four-wheel steering]] allows for a [[Engineering:Turning radius|turning radius]] of 9 metres. The maximum payload capacity of the VECTOR is 1,440&nbsp;kg, the curb weight is 3070&nbsp;kg with a maximum vehicle weight of 4,700&nbsp;kg. The VECTOR can wade through 75&nbsp;cm of water.

=== Cockpit ===
The driver and passenger seat are adjustable to the needs of the occupants and are fitted with detachable back support modules, the rear seats are foldable. The VECTOR is equipped with a [[Engineering:Dashboard|digital dashboard]] which displays the status of all critical systems.

=== Weaponry ===
The VECTOR comes standard with two [[Engineering:Weapon mount|weapon mount]]s. The passenger has access to a swing mount which can be fitted with a [[Engineering:FN MAG|FN MAG]] [[Engineering:General-purpose machine gun|general-purpose machine gun]] or a FN Minimi squad automatic weapon. The height of the passenger seat is adjustable in order to enable optimal ergonomics for the shooter. The ring mount is fitted in the centre of the vehicle and can be equipped with a Browning M2 heavy machine gun or a HK GMG automatic [[Engineering:Grenade launcher|grenade launcher]]. In addition, the VECTOR is equipped with 10 [[Engineering:Grenade launcher#Smoke|smoke grenade dischargers]]: five on the front and five on the rear of the vehicle.

=== Communications ===
The VECTOR can be equipped with a range of [[Engineering:Telecommunication|communication systems]] and comes standard with several connectivity options for [[Engineering:Antenna (radio)|antennas]]. Moreover, the vehicle can be fitted with [[Physics:Counter-IED equipment|counter-IED equipment]] and [[Radio jamming|signals jammers]].

=== Equipment ===
The VECTOR is fitted with blackout lighting and [[Engineering:Infrared lamp|infrared lighting]] for tactical situations that require the usage of [[Physics:Night-vision device|night-vision goggles]].

The rear and sides of the vehicle are fitted with external weapon mounts for personal weapons, such as the HK416, and short-range [[Social:Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank weapons]], such as the [[Engineering:M72 LAW|M72 LAW]] and AT4. The VECTOR is equipped with [[Engineering:Run-flat tire|run-flat tire]]s which allow the vehicle to continue to be driven, at reduced speeds and for limited distances, after punctures. In addition, the vehicle is fitted with an electric [[Engineering:Winch|winch]] which can be mounted on the front or rear bumper for recovery purposes. The VECTOR can be optionally fitted with four hydraulically powered extendable pods which can lift the rear, front or both axles. This feature allows for rapid and convenient tire changes, and quick recovery.

=== Protection ===
The standard variant only has limited ballistic protection in the bulkhead, the front and rear doors and the tailgate. The ballistic protection can be expanded with a 'low' ballistic package, which includes four ballistic panels for the doors and behind the rear seats. The 'high' ballistic package consist of bulletproof windows and a mine protection package.

The ballistic packages are compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 1 and provides protection from [[Engineering:5.56×45mm NATO|5.56×45mm NATO]] and [[Engineering:7.62 mm caliber|7.62 mm caliber]] munitions fired from a distance of 30 metres. Moreover, Level 1 provides protection from [[Engineering:155 mm|155 mm]] High Explosive (HE) at 100 metres, hand grenades, unexploded artillery fragmenting submunitions and small anti-personnel explosive devices.

=== Transport ===
The vehicle can be transported as underslung as well as internal load with the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter. To enable the vehicle to be transported inside the CH-47, the central ring mount can be collapsed through the use of several hinges while the weapon does not have to be dismounted. Additionally, the VECTOR can be transported in a [[Engineering:Intermodal container|20-foot container]].

<gallery mode=packed class="center" widths="200" heights="150">
File:Voorzijde VECTOR.jpg|Front view
File:Zijkant VECTOR.jpg|Side view
File:Achterzijde VECTOR.jpg|Rear view
</gallery>

== Operators ==
=== Current operators ===

; {{flagicon|Austria}} Austrian Armed Forces (unknown quantity)
: Selected in April 2024 to replace the PUCH G 290/LP ''"Sandviper"'', purchased as the new light tactical and air-loadable mobile platform for the Jagdkommando. The first deliveries are planned for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-10 |title=Österreichische Sondereinsatzkräfte erhalten Groundforce Fahrzeuge |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2024/04/mobilitaet/37675/oesterreichische-sondereinsatzkraefte-erhalten-groundforce-fahrzeuge/ |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=soldat-und-technik.de |language=de-DE}}</ref>
: As of June 2025, it is known that some vehicles are in service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenkranz |first=Martin |date=2025-06-09 |title=Defenture - das neue „Rallyeauto“ des Jagdkommandos |url=https://militaeraktuell.at/defenture-das-neue-rallyauto-des-jagdkommandos/ |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=militaeraktuell.at |language=de-DE}}</ref>
; {{flagicon|DE}} German Armed Forces (80 + additional to be ordered)
: In June 2021 the Bundestag approved the budget for the development of a new special operations vehicle family based on Defenture's GRF platform, intended to replace the [[Engineering:LIV (SO) Serval|''Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug'' (AGF) Serval]] of the ''Kommando Spezialkräfte''. Budgets for an initial 49 vehicles have been approved, the total program requirements amount to 80 vehicles. Defenture will supply the Bundeswehr with four prototypes for trials and configuration optimisations. The initial order consists of 26 vehicles in the reconnaissance/combat variant (AGF 2), 8 fire support vehicles with the [[Engineering:M621 cannon|M621 20&nbsp;mm automatic cannon]] by Nexter and 15 general support vehicles (UFK).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Geiger |first1=Waldemar |date=23 June 2021 |title=Bundestag billigt Haushaltsmittel für neue Spezialkräfte-Fahrzeugfamilie |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/06/mobilitaet/27523/bundestag-billigt-haushaltsmittel-fuer-neue-spezialkraefte-fahrzeugfamilie/ |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=Soldat & Technik}}</ref>
: Additional purchase approved in December 2025
; {{flagicon|NED}} Netherlands Armed Forces (75 in service + 41 on order)
: The ''Korps Commandotroepen'' (KCT) of the Royal Netherlands Army operates 75 VECTOR vehicles. Deliveries commenced in 2017 and were completed in 2020. While the vehicles are administratively assigned to the KCT, the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces have access to the vehicles when deemed necessary by the Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM).
: In October 2023, 41 were ordered  for the 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Oosbree |first=Gerard van |date=2023-10-16 |title=Defenture GRF voor 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade |url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/defenture-grf-2/ |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Dutch Defence Press |language=nl-NL}}</ref>

=== Future operators ===

; {{flagicon|Lithuania}} Lithanian Armed Forces (32)
: The GRA (Lithuanian Ministry of Defence's Armaments Procurement Agency) announced in January 2025 having purchased 32 GRF vehicles for an estimated value of €20 million (without VAT).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=Litauische Spezialkräfte beschaffen GRF-Plattform von Defenture |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/litauische-spezialkraefte-beschaffen-grf-plattform-von-defenture/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |language=de}}</ref>
; {{flagicon|Poland}} Polish Armed Forces (2 + option)
: The Polish special forces (Jednostka Wojskowa 2305) decided to acquire the Defenture GRF in September 2024. In November, Defenture was commissioned for 2 vehicles with an option for additional vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=GROM – polnische Spezialkräfte beschaffen GRF von Denfenture |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/grom-polnische-spezialkraefte-beschaffen-grf-von-denfenture/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Peter Felstead |date=15 November 2024 |title=Polish armed forces place order for Defenture GRF vehicles |url=https://euro-sd.com/2024/11/major-news/41479/polish-order-grf-vehicles/ |website=European Security & Defence}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=7 November 2024 |title=Defenture and Polish Defence Force sign contract for delivery of GRF platform |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/defenture-and-polish-defence-force-sign-contract-for-delivery-of-grf-platform |website=EDR Online}}</ref>
; {{flagicon|SWI}} Swiss Armed Forces (1 prototype + unknown quantity ordered)
: In March 2021 it was announced that Armasuisse, the procurement agency of the Swiss Armed Forces, had received a Defenture demonstrator vehicle based on the GRF platform under the name LAUF 20. The LAUF 20 demonstrator vehicle will be utilised to determine the optimal configuration for a follow-up order of 20 vehicles. The LAUF 20 vehicles are intended to replace the dated [[Engineering:LIV (SO) Serval|Serval]] vehicles, designated {{lang|de|Leichte Aufklärungs- und Unterstützungsfahrzeug}} (LAUF), that were acquired in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=van Osbree |first1=Gerard |date=1 March 2021 |title=LAUF 20 – Defenture levert prototype aan Zwitserland |url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/lauf-20-defenture-levert-prototype-aan-zwitserland/ |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=Dutch Defence Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Heiming |first1=Gerhard |date=2 March 2021 |title=Mobilität für Spezialkräfte: Prototyp LAUF 20 an die Schweiz geliefert |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/03/mobilitaet/26068/mobilitaet-fuer-spezialkraefte-prototyp-lauf-20-an-die-schweiz-geliefert/ |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=Soldat & Technik}}</ref> An order for further vehicles was confirmed in December 2023, for an unknown amount and quantity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/defenture-to-deliver-grf-groundforce-4x4x4-vehicles-to-swiss-army |title= Defenture to deliver GRF Groundforce 4x4x4 vehicles to Swiss Army. |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=19 December 2023|website= Army Recognition }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-12-19 |title=Defenture Signs Contract With Armasuisse For Delivery Of GRF Lightweight Tactical Vehicle - MilitaryLeak.COM |url=https://militaryleak.com/2023/12/19/defenture-signs-contract-with-armasuisse-for-delivery-of-grf-lightweight-tactical-vehicle/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=militaryleak.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The supplier of the sub-systems include Comrod and [[Company:General Dynamics|General Dynamics]], to be integrated by Defenture. The planned equipment is:<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-12-19 |title=Defenture signs contract with armasuisse for delivery of GRF |url=https://www.defenture.com/defenture-signs-contract-with-armasuisse-for-delivery-of-grf/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Defenture |language=en-US}}</ref>
:* weapon systems
:* a communication suit
:* optical systems, including a mast

== See also ==
*[[Engineering:DMV Anaconda|DMV Anaconda]]
*[[Engineering:Iveco MTV|Manticore]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite web |url= https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2018/01/09_vector |title= Vette Vector |author= Leo de Rooij |date=20 February 2018|website= Materieelgezien |publisher= Defensie.nl |language=Dutch}}

[[Category:Off-road vehicles]]
[[Category:Military light utility vehicles]]

{{Sourceattribution|VECTOR|1}}