The MAN SX44 is a heavy high mobility truck with a 6×6 configuration. It is a purpose-built tactical military truck, intended to supplement MAN range of militarized commercial vehicles. The SX is a successor to the KAT 1 range of military trucks, developed in the late 1970s. The original KAT 1 range was designed to meet the toughest military requirements. It seems that the first SX44 trucks entered service in 2007. A number of these high mobility trucks are in service with the British Army. These replace the ageing fleet of Bedford, Leyland DAF and Foden military vehicles. Other operators are Germany, Greece and some other countries. The SX vehicles have a service life of 30 years. Production of the MAN SX series trucks reportedly stopped in 2019, most likely due to the lack of sales. It was reportedly replaced in production by improved HX2 range of tactical military trucks.
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The MAN SX44 has a payload capacity of 9 000 kg. It shares some components with the MAN HX, FX and LX ranges. However it has a stiffer chassis and much greater off-road mobility. This robust and dependable military truck is used to transport troops, or general cargo, as well as for other applications. There are antenna mast carrier and 7 000 l fuel tanker versions of the SX44. Vehicle can also tow trailers or artillery pieces.
Cab of the MAN SX44 provides seating for the driver and two passengers. This modular cab it is a further development of the original KAT 1 cab. An add-on armor kit can be fitted. This kit was jointly developed by MAN and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. It offers protection against 7.62×39 mm rounds, artillery shell splinters, anti-personnel mines and grenades. This armored kit can be installed within 10 hours in field conditions, by attaching armored modules to the outside of the cab. The cab roof is reinforced to take the weight of two men. There is a roof hatch, which is used for observation and can also be fitted with a light machine gun. An NBC filtration system can be fitted for a cab.
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Vehicle is powered by a MAN D2066 LFG 10.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 440 hp. The same engine is used across all SX range of tactical trucks. It is located behind and under the cab. This feature allowed to reduce overall height of the truck. Also such location protects damage of the radiator or blockage with mud. Engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum road speed is electronically limited to 88 km/h. This truck is capable of keeping pace with tracked combat vehicles across any terrain. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre pressure system. Without preparation if fords water obstacles up to 1.2 m deep. With preparation it can ford water obstacles up to 1.5 deep. It can operate in climatic conditions, ranging from -32°C to +50°C. A special arctic kit can be fitted that allows operation in extreme conditions down to -46°C. With limited preparation this military truck can be airlifted by a C-130 Hercules tactical cargo aircraft.
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