Storm II
| Production | 2006–present |
|---|---|
| Body style | 4-door convertible, 5-door truck |
| Platform | TJ |
| Engine | 3.983 L AMC petrol I6 2.5 L Volkswagen turbodiesel I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,931 mm (115.3937 in) |
| Length | 4,463 mm (175.7087 in) |
| Width | 1,750 mm (68.8976 in) |
| Height | 1,942 mm (76.4567 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) |
Beginning in 2006, AIL began delivery of an improved model to the IDF, the M-242 Storm Mark II, known in the field as the "Storm Commander". A number of significant changes have been incorporated into the new TJ-based Storms stemming from soldiers' feedback, updated operational requirements, and testing by GOC Army Headquarters and Logistics, Medical, and the Centers Directorate. Perhaps the most obvious change is the addition of dual passenger doors, making the Storm II the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative.
Other improvements include the addition of gears to six over the previous four and increased stability resulting from wider axles than its predecessor. Leaf springs were replaced with modern suspension, and the Storm II features rear Dana 44 axles and front TJ Dana 30s, factory designed slip yoke eliminators, and the added safety of airbags. Soldiers' comfort was addressed as well with the addition of standard rear air conditioning as well as CD players.
Storm II is also produced in an armoured version, and is offered with an optional 2.8 litre VM Motori turbodiesel, automatic transmission, right hand drive, and run-flat tyres. AIL is capable of completing ten vehicles daily. Due to recently passed tax laws, a civilian version is not yet available in the local market.
Read more about this topic: AIL Storm
Famous quotes containing the word storm:
“I am less affected by their heroism who stood up for half an hour in the front line at Buena Vista, than by the steady and cheerful valor of the men who inhabit the snow-plow for their winter quarters; who have not merely the three-o’-clock-in-the-morning courage, which Bonaparte thought was the rarest, but whose courage does not go to rest so early, who go to sleep only when the storm sleeps or the sinews of their iron steed are frozen.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)