Ready For Combat
Today I'd like to show you some army vehicles I photographed at the exhibition organized by the special forces. There were quite a few interesting ones and I took the time to inspect them thoroughly as these are special vehicles you don't see every day. If you see them passing by, there's no way to look at them in details for sure.
When I saw this one, I was already thinking what am I going to write about this as my knowledge of combat vehicles is zero 😂. As I'm not dumb, immediately went to the table to see what brochures are available there, hoping to find some that have a description, which can help me do some research at home.
After rearranging the brochures, I took this photo and now I can tell you that you are looking at a Supacat HMT Extenda Mk2, High Mobility Transporter 😎. Yeah, Google can work miracles. But jokes aside, it's cool that we can learn this way.
Here's a link to their website if you want to know more and a link to the YouTube video.
The HMT 400, HMT 600 and HMT Extenda platforms provide the base vehicle on which a range of mission or role requirements can be integrated. Since its introduction into service in 2004, the HMT base vehicle has been adapted in various configurations for many specialist roles. There are now close to 1000 in service worldwide.
The HMT’s open architecture provides for various levels of protection and great variety in the roles and missions for which it can be configured. The hamper is designed as a modular system to enable rapid conversion for a variety of missions. The vehicle can be supplied with an optional mine blast and ballistic protection kit and can be fitted with different communications, ISTAR and force protection equipment to suit a wide range of operational roles. source
One thing I noticed right away was the seat belts. I've never seen these types as normal cars for civilians don't have this type or seat belts, but in combat it is needed. Most of the combat vehicles you see in this post had this type of seat belt.
What you see in this photo is the place where the fuel cans are stored. There were six on this side of the vehicle and another six on the other side. All empty I suppose as storing fuel in the middle of the crowd is never a good idea. Just like the ammunition boxes were empty and none of the guns had a cartridge clip. Safety first and above all.
Next was this monster.
I tried to take a decent photo of the interior, but was not exactly possible. Would have been nice to get in and take a bunch of shots, but I did not want to attract attention. Better keep a low profile.
This brochure was on the table, but I think this model is not what you see on the photos. What you see on the photo is actually a Saur-2, a Romanian make Amphibious.
The Saur-2 armored personnel carrier was developed by ROMARM of Romania as a private venture. It was aimed to meet a possible requirement of the Romanian Army. ROMARM has considerable experience developing and producing wheeled armored vehicles.
This APC has a welded steel armor hull. It provides all-round protection against 7.62x39 mm armor-piercing rounds. Add-on armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. Front arc of this vehicle with maximum level of protection withstands 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. The Saur-2 also has some degree of protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices. It withstands blasts equivalent to about 6 kg of TNT anywhere under the hull. This APC is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
The Saur-2 can be armed with various turrets or remotely controlled weapon stations with up to 30 mm caliber weapons. One of the prototypes was fitted with Oerlikon 25 mm cannon and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.
This armored personnel carrier accommodates a total of 11 troops, including the crew. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear ramp. In case of emergence occupants leave the vehicle via roof hatches. There are some firing ports provided for the troops in order to fire their individual weapons.
The Saur 2 armored personnel carrier is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 360 hp. Engine meets EURO III emission requirements. It is mated to an automatic gearbox. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which improved mobility over difficult terrain. This APCI is also fitted with a self-recovery winch. The Saur-2 is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.source
This was another interesting one.
The flag of the United States was there, which did not surprise me as my country is a NATO member, but what came next was a bit of a surprise.
The door of the vehicle was not open and I obviously wanted to take a look inside. A locked door means a locked door, so I turned to the guy standing next to the car and asked if it's ok to take a look inside. He did not speak Romanian as he was American. Ok, switching to English, not a big deal 😂. So he said I can open the door, have a look inside, but no photos. I wasn't happy about that, but understood the request and respected it. He told me this is a vehicle for 5, which means 4 seats (2 in the front, 2 in the back) and one where the hatch is. There were two computers in the front, the car was full of buttons and all kinds of gadgets, so it was a shame I was not allowed to take photos, but I'm not complaining. Had a nice chat with the guy at least.
Another beast you only want to see in peacetime. I could not figure out much about this vehicle or where it came from, but the guys handling it were speaking German, so I suppose it was from a German NATO unit.
No one was interested in this piece, however, it's one of the most important ones. It's a mobile kitchen, that serves for cooking. I know the army has dry food packages, but you can't live on those forever, so cooking is a must at some point.
I saw one in 2019 in Hungary, which was from the second world war.
This is what (roughly) 80 years difference looks like in evolution. Impressive, isn't it?
This section was a lot of fun, even though I learnt more during putting together this post, just by researching and reading.
If you've missed my previous posts about the exhibition, you can check them out here:
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When I see these army vehicles my heart jump in fear and I start to think when we can have an environment where peace and love rule where there won't be need for wars and where every firearm disappears. But could such a time really come?
Oh my heart just admire the pictures and think not war 🤣🤣🤣 I say to myself. After all our boarders must be projected.
Being prepared for every eventuality is always a must, even if it's peacetime. So this is needed. I live next to a country where there's war for one year already, so you can imagine, how many combat vehicles and troops are ready.
Very true to be ready at all times because we're in perilous times.
I like the mobile kitchen, reminds me.of the saying "Amateurs talk 'strategy'. Professionals talk logistics"
There's a lot of truth in that saying. I like the mobile kitchen too and it is a must as well.
These are insanely awesome! You’re lucky to have gotten closer and see all the crazy details for yourself.
That indeed is a monster! Look at them huge tires 🥵
Indeed, it was a unique experience. It's cool to see these vehicles and not think of the war.
Exactly 👍🏿
The heavy artillery of those armored vehicles that Erika shares with us in the photograph is impressive, they look very interesting and fierce. The kitchen has evolved, the current one looks like a food truck of those that are used on the streets to sell hot dogs.
I have enjoyed this tour that you have shared in several posts about this exhibition of the national armed forces in your country.
Thank you, Erika, it brought back memories of my life next to my father when he was active in the army of my country.
While I was doing my post, was thinking this one looks like a 5* hotel, compared to those food trucks you see in some places. This was a proper one, I must admit, up the the 21st century standards.
I'm glad you liked the photos. Thanks for stopping by and have a nice day :)
🍀
Not seen one up close before. I might get scared if I saw them though.
No need to get scared as it's peacetime now, but I understand what you mean.
I get the sense of top military secret stuff happening here. You showed a great sense of integrity by respecting his wishes and took no photos of the interior.
It's quite astonishing that some of these trucks date back decades ago. They seem quite ultramodern to me.
Even though the exhibition was not held in a military base, it was full of military personnel and police. So one wrong move and you could end up in handcuffs. Discipline and safety.
You must have misunderstood something, as only one mobile kitchen is old, the rest is NATO standards, which can be called ultramodern.
Alright. Thanks for the clarification.
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Waw, It's great to be able to visit an exhibition like this, the war vehicle looks very cool and the shape is also very unique, are we allowed to ride it😅
It was great indeed as you don't see these vehicles every day. No, you're not allowed to ride them, but you could sit in them 😂.
It's a shame, even though I would feel cool if I was allowed to drive it😅
I go to events like these to inspect the men who drive the heavy vehicles 😝
Lol, I understand what you mean and can assure you that even though I did not mention anything, I did not go there blind 😂.
These photos are great! It's fun to see military vehicles up close. I especially love the first vehicle. It can be very scary to see them in action. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
My pleasure, literally. I hope it won't come to seeing these vehicles in action. Fingers crossed.
Definitely! I hope we can always watch them while standing.
It is interesting that you were allow to look inside the vehicle but not do the photos. Was there anything so 'secret' to not take photos? Shady🤣 It is exhibition after all 😀
This was the only vehicle that I was not allowed to photograph the interior. It was part of the US Army, so it was their rule :) There were two computers in the front, as far as I could see. I don't know what was in the back as i didn't want to push it. I don't mind though, there were so many things to see there.
Oh, 100% agree on that, obviously you ned to be respectful. It is still cool, that people are allow to see good deal of it :)
I can account for that I ate MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for 30 days straight. It only taste better if you add more salt and pepper, lol. Talk about a shock to the digestive system. A mobile kitchen is like eating at a 5 star restaurant after enduring bagged rations for awhile.
I can imagine what it meant to eat cooked meal, even if you can't compare that with restaurant food, it's way better that those packages.
By the way, can you tell me what is in those packs? Do you have the same food for breakfast and dinner and something else for lunch? Or you get the same food each time in survival mode? And what did you get from the mobile kitchen?
I don't recall eating a breakfast one. This was a time they went from green bag to tan bag. Tan bag had more options. They had beef stew, spaghetti, ravioli/ meat sauce, ham & cheese with potatoes (can't think of name rn) and a few more. They had sides, and deserts. Sides were rice, corn, fruit, and others. Meal and some sides were heated using a heater that came with them. Just add water to heater bag and it got hot. Usually came with crackers, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Desert was cookie or pound cake. Sometimes candy but only remember M&M and Skittles. When we ate them we traded food with each other. I thought the cookies were nasty I took anyone willing to trade pound cake.
We use the powder from the heater put it in an empty bottle than pore water into and cap it. It would slowly expand the bottle until it popped. Oh the fun we had as GIs, lol.
Mobile kitchen we only had for breakfast. Scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy. I used what is called a mess kit to eat from. I have a couple of them I acquired and use them when I camp. I'll take pictures of it if you don't know what that is when I get home.
I can't even begin to imagine what it was like to survive on that food, but the army is not a luxury hotel.
When I was a kid and did not want to eat what we had for lunch, my grandmother always told me other would eat it gladly but they don't have such food. I was so mad at her 😂. She knew what she was saying as those were rough times.
I'm glad I didn't have to eat army food.
Thanks for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it. I know what mess kit is, although I have never had one. On the other hand I have my grandfather's flask that he used in the war.
No problem 😁 Oh yeah I have canteen too. Today I hear the MREs aren't bad. Some stores carry them even but don't think I'm going to pay high dollar to try one, lol.
Edit I actually know some food service people I could probably get some for free if I wanted to.
The question is, do you miss that food? I don't think so 😀
I miss the memories but not the taste of the food lol
I can imagine:)