The Desert Iris is a 4x4 versatile and durable strategic auxiliary vehicle. It was developed by the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (now Jordan Design and Development Bureau)[1] and SHP Motorsports to meet an operational requirement identified by the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) for a cost-effective, light-weight, rapid deployment vehicle which would be used to secure its territorial borders.[2] The Desert Iris can mount a range of weaponry on its multi-purpose weapons tray. This unit can be fitted and removed easily and rapidly, enabling the Desert Iris to be re-configured as required by ground forces.

Desert Iris
TypeAuxiliary Vehicle
Place of originJordanJordan
Service history
In service2005-Present
Used byJordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, United Nations
Production history
Designed1999-2001
ManufacturerKing Abdullah Design and Development Bureau
Specifications
Mass1650kg
Length4250mm
Width1900mm
Height1750mm
Crew4

TransmissionManual
Operational
range
600km

Variants

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  • Desert Iris TOW : The Iris is configured with a mounted anti-tank TOW along the back side of the vehicle.
  • Desert Iris MRLS: Enables most handheld rocket launcher systems to be mounted to the back side of the vehicle.
  • Desert Iris 12.7 mm: A 12.7 mm machine gun is fitted to weapons tray the back side of the vehicle.
  • Desert Iris UAV: The weapons tray comes with a UAV launcher platform mounted to the back side of the vehicle.[2]

Armament

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The vehicle includes a weapon frame and ring mount directly behind the driver/commander seats that permits the vehicle to carry a variety of weapons based on the mission profile. Some include a basic 12.7 mm machine gun up to and including a TOW launcher.[1]

Propulsion

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The Desert Iris was built around Toyota automotive components and a 2.8 liter four-cylinder Toyota engine. It is able to be utilized as a fast attack platform due to its capable operational range of 600 km on paved surfaces and 400 km off-road. The engine develops 100 Bhp/ 75 KW at 4200 rpm. The independent double wishbone with coil-over-shock suspension in the front and independent training arms in the rear give the Desert Iris tremendous stability and off-road mobility.[3] The vehicle is able to maneuver over slopes of 60% incline vertical, as well as 40% horizontal.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "KADDB | Home Page". www.kaddb.com. Retrieved 2015-12-23.
  2. ^ a b "Jordan Eyes Expansion of Domestic Defense Industry". www.nationaldefensemagazine.org. Archived from the original on 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2015-12-23.
  3. ^ "Jordan eyes expansion of domestic defense industry. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2015-12-23.
  4. ^ "Desert Iris". www.deagel.com. Retrieved 2015-12-23.