Quantec AWD, the Devon, UK-based All Terrain Vehicle specialist launched the Quantec AWD Land Rover Defender 6x6 HC conversion at DVD which was held on 7th & 8th September 2016 at Millbrook, United Kingdom.

The Defender HC Tandem 6x6 Walking Beam (TWB) suspension upgrade consists of a tandem axle that can be quickly installed on to a donor chassis, converting the rear axle into a powered tandem axle walking beam suspension. This conversion vastly improves the overall on and off road performance of the standard 110 Defender vehicle providing increased payload capacity by as much as one and a half times, combining increased dynamics stability and overall braking performance. The unladen weight of the 6x6 chassis cab is only 2180 kg, and fitted as standard to the vehicle is a heavy duty limited slip rear differential, with inboard vented calliper disc brakes.

Philip Caple of Quantec said, “This conversion had undergone considerable trials before we adopted it as part of our product portfolio. The conversion has particular attractions for military users as it enables them to upgrade their existing defender fleets to accommodate larger weapons systems and pallets of ammunition. The HC conversion also offers considerable torque and cross country advantages making it an ideal vehicle for towing light guns and other systems.”

When crossing any obstacles in high speed riving, the movement falls mainly on the walking beam, and the body of the vehicle absorbs only half of the movement. That definitely improves the quality of the ride. When the rear of the vehicle becomes airborne, the rear spring and shock absorber push down the rear wheel and the landing is first on the rear wheel, then on the middle one. Finally, the trailing arm is pushed up, supported by both shock absorbers, making the landing quite soft, thus providing good ride quality.

The fitting of the walking beam axle does not alter the vehicle’s standard turning circle.

The Walking Beam System’s offers the following main features:

Improved mobility, particularly over rocks and other rough terrain by reducing the vehicle wheel base.

• Dramatic improvement in slope climbing ability.
• Improved vehicle angle of departure.
• One and a half times increased payload capacity.
• Improved vehicle stability and braking ability.
• Increase of existing vehicle end of life program.
• Half-track capability by fitting of overtracks.
• Cost effective without compromise.

DVD is a key event for all those involved in UK Land Forces equipment and support.  It is jointly sponsored by Army Headquarters and the Defence Equipment & Support (Land Equipment) organisation - the section of the MOD responsible for equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces for current and future operations.