Jeep J8

Last updated

The Jeep J8 is a military vehicle originally based on the Jeep Wrangler JK platform, but currently based on the Jeep Wrangler JL platform. It is also used by government agencies, security groups, peacekeepers, fire departments, underground mining and other industries requiring a heavy duty off-road vehicle. [1] The model was introduced at the Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEi) trade show on September 13, 2007. The J8 is assembled in Gibraltar by Africa Automotive Distribution Services Limited. AADS has developed and tested the entire range of J8's for deployment to various missions including logistical and front line operations.

Contents

Jeep J8 Jeep J8 IDET.jpg
Jeep J8

Recently[ when? ], the J8 has been submitted as a replacement for the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and HMMWV for the US Special Forces.[ citation needed ]

Design

Jeep J8 at the State Fair of Texas 2008, Fair Park, Dallas Texas State Fair army vehicle.jpg
Jeep J8 at the State Fair of Texas 2008, Fair Park, Dallas

The J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles and suspension components than the civilian version and can be upgraded further depending on the end user requirement. It has a base payload capacity of 1,339 kilograms (2,952 lb) which can be extended for Armoured or Utility variants. The Jeep J8 is powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines, but more commonly the 3 litre V6 diesel power units are used, the latter delivering 260 hp and 600Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Available in a number of different variants, the J8 can be produced as a patrol vehicle, utility vehicle, armoured vehicle, and ambulance. All J8 variants have a range of upgrade options to choose from and are designed to be easily transportable by rail, sea, fixed wing aircraft, helicopter (either inside a CH-47 or underslung).

Production

AEV J8 Milspec American Expedition Vehicles version AEV J8 2.8L Turbodiesel 02.jpg
AEV J8 Milspec American Expedition Vehicles version

The first J8 was first planned for assembly at a Chrysler joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt. [2] [3] On July 2, 2008, the production version of the Jeep J8 was unveiled at Euro Camp Jeep 2008, a customer event in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. [4]

On November 13, 2008, Chrysler LLC and Arab American Vehicles officially announced the manufacturing launch of the Jeep J8 at AAV's assembly plant in Cairo. [5]

The J8 is also assembled in Israel, by Automotive Industries Ltd (AIL) of Nazareth. It is locally badged Storm 3 , and will be supplied as a command vehicle to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). A pair of production J8s was tested by Israeli web magazine Jeepolog.com journalists in April 2009. It was dubbed "probably best Jeep ever". A civilian version was apparently considered for the local Israeli market, but the idea was abandoned. [6]

In 2012 a variant of the Storm 3 was introduced by AIL in Israel under the name Storm 3 Type R. According to Israeli Blog Jeepolog.com, this is a door-less, no windshield Jeep J8, running on 35" tires, and sporting metal tube fenders and roll-cage. It is intended for special forces use in the border patrol, pursuit, and deep strike missions. [7]

American Expedition Vehicles, a Montana-based Jeep aftermarket parts producer, has struck a deal with Chrysler to sell 120 J8 component chassis in the US. These chassis are sold fully assembled but without an engine or transmission. This allows the customer to install or have installed either a 2.8L VM Turbodiesel with 339 lb.-ft. of torque (460 N • m) or a 5.7-liter V-8 Chrysler HEMI. The vehicle can then be legally registered as a "component vehicle". [8]

Since 2019 all J8s are produced by AADS using base vehicles manufactured in the US.

Underground Mining

A special version of the J8 was developed in 2009 by Jeep and VM Motori for the underground mining market. This version is equipped with a version of the 2.8L VM turbodiesel that is approved by MSHA and CANMET for use in underground mines.

Operators

Republic of China Army Wrangler Unlimited Military Light Tactical Vehicle Type C Display at ROCMA Ground 20160604a.jpg
Republic of China Army Wrangler Unlimited

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep</span> American automobile brand

Jeep is an American automobile marque, now owned by multi-national corporation Stellantis. Jeep has been part of Chrysler since 1987, when Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand, along with other assets, from their previous owner American Motors Corporation (AMC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler 3.3 & 3.8 engines</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 engines are V6 engines used by Chrysler from 1989 to 2011 This engine family was Chrysler's first 60° V6 engine designed and built in-house for front wheel drive vehicles, and their first V6 not based on a V8. It was designed as a larger, more powerful alternative to the Mitsubishi 3.0 V6 in the minivans and debuted in 1989 for the 1990 model year. They were later also used in some rear wheel drive cars like the Jeep Wrangler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Wrangler</span> Four-wheel-drive off-road SUV produced by Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep's Toledo Complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Gladiator (SJ)</span> Series of Jeep pickup trucks

The Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Pickup or J-series is a series of full-size pickup trucks based on the large Jeep SJ (Wagoneer) platform, which was built and sold under numerous marques from 1962 until 1988. The Jeep Gladiator/Pickup design is noteworthy for remaining in production for more than 26 years on a single automobile platform generation. The Gladiator was the basis of the first post-war U.S. Army trucks designed to be civilian vehicles and adapted to military use. Numerous versions of the Jeep pickup were built in other markets, including Mexico by Vehículos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) and Argentina by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VM Motori</span> Italian diesel engine manufacturer

VM Motori S.p.A. is an Italian diesel engine manufacturing company which is wholly owned by Stellantis. VM headquarters and main production facilities are located in Cento, in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body-on-frame</span> Automobile construction method using a separate body on a structural frame

Body-on-frame, also known as ladder frame construction, is a common motor vehicle construction method, whereby a separate body or coach is mounted on a strong and relatively rigid vehicle frame or chassis that carries the powertrain and to which the wheels and their suspension, brakes, and steering are mounted. While this was the original method of building automobiles, body-on-frame construction is now used mainly for pickup trucks, large SUVs, and heavy trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock crawling</span> Extreme type of recreational off-road driving

Rock crawling is an extreme form of off-road driving using specialized vehicles ranging from stock to highly modified, to overcome obstacles. In rock crawling, drivers typically drive highly modified four-wheel-drive vehicles such as trucks, Jeeps, and "buggies" over very harsh terrain. Driving locations include boulders, mountain foothills, rock piles, mountain trails, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arab American Vehicles</span>

Arab American Vehicles is an Egyptian automobile manufacturer based in Cairo, Egypt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UAZ-469</span> Soviet military light utility vehicle

The UAZ-469 is an off-road military light utility vehicle manufactured by UAZ. It was used by Soviet and other Warsaw Pact armed forces, as well as paramilitary units in Eastern Bloc countries. In the Soviet Union, it also saw widespread service in state organizations that needed a robust and durable off-road vehicle. Standard military versions included seating for seven personnel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willys M38A1</span> US Army light utility vehicle

The Willys MD, formally the M38A1 Truck, Utility: 1/4 ton, 4x4, or the G‑758 by its U.S. Army Standard Nomenclature supply catalog designation, was a four-wheel drive, military light utility vehicle, made by Willys and Willys Motors / Kaiser Jeep from 1952 to 1971. It was widely procured by the U.S. military from 1952 until 1957, after which U.S. purchases were reduced to the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine version had minor differences from the units used by other branches.

The AIL Storm is an Israeli manufactured off-road vehicle and the workhorse of the Israeli Security Forces. The series of Jeep Wrangler based vehicles have been produced by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Upper Nazareth under license from Chrysler since 1990. The vehicles fill a number of military roles, including that of armoured Infantry Mobility Vehicle, and certain models are available for export as well as for the civilian market.

Delta Motor Corporation was a former automobile company established by Ricardo C. Silverio, Sr. in the Phillipines. It operated under a technical tie-up with Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan, but also produced its own range of small off-roaders called the "Delta Mini Cruiser". Delta was founded in 1962 and continued to be Toyota's local assembler and distributor until 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Wrangler (YJ)</span> Motor vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler YJ is the first generation of Jeep Wrangler four-wheel drive small off-road vehicles, rebadging and succeeding Jeep's CJ series, which was produced from 1944 to 1986. The first Wrangler was launched in 1986 and ran through 1995. Although the new Wrangler stood out from its CJ predecessors by its square headlights, its body was a direct evolution of the preceding CJ-7, and rode on the same wheelbase. The Wrangler featured an updated interior, offered more comfort and improved safety and handling, through a revised chassis that included a wider track and a slightly lower stance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Wrangler (TJ)</span> Motor vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler (TJ) is the second generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road and sport utility vehicle. Introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, the TJ reintroduced the circular headlights the classic Jeep models had been known for. For the 2004 model year, the long-wheelbase Unlimited model was introduced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Wrangler (JK)</span> Motor Off-Road Vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler (JK) is the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road vehicle. The Wrangler was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited at the 2006 New York Auto Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jankel</span>

The Jankel group of companies has been continually trading since its incorporation by founder Robert Jankel in 1955. In its early years, Jankel provided specialist design and manufacturing services to improve the performance of rally and racing cars. By 1970 Jankel had established Panther Westwinds and was manufacturing production sport cars and coach-built touring limousines for VIP customers. Jankel then diversified into coachwork for the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz, specialising in armoured, Head of State vehicles. In 1997 Jankel branched out into producing vehicles for the UK MoD and Police.

The EcoDiesel is a diesel engine used in Ram Trucks and Jeep vehicles since 2014. Introduced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the EcoDiesel name was used for two different engines. The first was the VM Motori L630, the North American variant of the A 630 DOHC 3.0L engine, which was used in the Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The other was a 3.0L inline-4 Iveco diesel engine used in the Ram ProMaster, the North American version of the Fiat Ducato. The ProMaster with the Iveco/EcoDiesel was available from 2014 to 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Wrangler (JL)</span> Motor vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler (JL) is the fourth generation of the Wrangler off-road vehicle, available in two- and four-door bodies. Unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 29, 2017, production of the vehicle began in November 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahindra Roxor</span> Motor vehicle

The Mahindra Roxor is a 4x4 off-road-only utility vehicle assembled by Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) since 2018. MANA is the US arm of an Indian automotive company Mahindra and Mahindra Limited. It is based on the Mahindra Thar M2DICR variant, produced and sold in the Indian market since 2010. Mahindra has made off-road vehicles in jeep (GP) pattern since a 1947 contract with Willys to build such vehicles for the Indian market.

References

  1. ↑ "Jeep J8 for underground coal mining". World Coal. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  2. ↑ "New Military Version of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited". jeephorizons.com. Retrieved September 16, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Back in the Army". CNN.com . Retrieved September 23, 2007.
  4. ↑ "Iconic Jeep J8 Offers Cargo and Towing For Humanitarian, Commercial and Military Uses". jeephorizons.com. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Jeep J8 Production Begins at Arab American Vehicles Company". jeephorizons.com. Retrieved November 13, 2008.
  6. ↑ "AIL Storm 3, AKA Jeep J8 - world exclusive road test". jeepolog.com. Retrieved April 21, 2009.
  7. ↑ http://www.jeepolog.com/UserFiles/english_pages/jeep%20j8%20storm%203%20type%20R%20road%20test.htm
  8. ↑ "American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) - the AEV J8 MILSPEC, the toughest jeep available to civilians ever". Archived from the original on 2010-11-14. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  9. ↑ url=https://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/92559
  10. ↑ url=http://mirandoloscuarteles.blogspot.com/2017/03/embajada-de-los-estados-unidos-dona-15.html
  11. ↑ "United States donates Boston Whaler boat to el Salvador's Navy". 19 June 2020.
  12. ↑ "Akufo-Addo presents 40 Jeep J8 vehicles, 6 Toyota Hi-ace mini buses, 14 Toyota Hilux pick-ups to GAF to fight terrorists".
  13. ↑ "Jeep J8 for italian army". 24 December 2020.
  14. ↑ "Estados Unidos dona 250 vehículos blindados al Ejército y Policía de Guatemala" (in Spanish). San Salvador: infodefensa.com. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  15. ↑ gogo.mn. "U.S assistance to the Mongolian Armed Force". gogo.mn. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  16. ↑ "Peru receives U.S.-J8 vehicle fleet for war on drugs". Lima: Andina. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  17. ↑ "U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Conducts Handover of Vehicles to Tajikistan's Peacekeeping Battalion" (Press release). U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan. 9 November 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.