TORSUS, manufacturers of the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses, and Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (RMMV) has today announced a strategic partnership to address the evolving needs of special operations forces.
The agreement, signed at EUROSATORY 2024 with the support of MAN CEO, Alexander Vaskamp, focuses on adapting MAN TGE and TORSUS TERRASTORM models to meet the latest strenuous demands of special operations clients. These versatile platforms offer various mission-specific modifications while adhering to strict size and weight limitations. One example showcased at the event was the TORSUS-engineered TERRASTORM HD 4×4 Double Cab Flatbed with Tarpaulin based on the MAN TGE chassis and drivetrain, highlighting the range of customisable options available.
The ability to pivot rapidly, whatever the situation faced, is crucial to the success of any special operations unit. With a tarpaulin cover that can rapidly fitted and removed, the latest TORSUS vehicle is designed specifically to meet that level of extreme agility. It can be transformed from a covered vehicle, providing protection against the elements for the specialist kit, to an open-bed pickup offering ultra-rapid cargo and personnel access in a matter of minutes.
“The world is constantly changing, and so are the demands placed upon special operations,” said TORSUS CEO, Vakhtang Dzhukashvili. “This partnership allows us to leverage our combined expertise and deliver innovative vehicle solutions that keep pace with these evolving requirements, and empower special operation units with the tools they require to succeed in their missions.”
“This collaboration will be instrumental in providing critical vehicle solutions for those who rely on them daily,” Dzhukashvili continued. “TORSUS is dedicated to understanding the specific needs of our clients through close collaboration, ensuring our products effectively address the ever-changing demands of the special operations community, where and whenever the toughest tasks are set.”
The 4×4 TORSUS TERRASTORM, based on a Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE 4Motion chassis, features a EURO VI D 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine offered in two power guises, 140PS (103kW) and 340Nm or 176PS (130kW) and 410Nm, mated to a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The TERRASTORM takes its name from the all-powerful Roman goddess of earth, whose role it was to protect creation. The second part of the name symbolises the 4×4 vehicle’s unmatched ability to operate with maximum effectiveness in any corner of the world, no matter how hostile the terrain, weather or geopolitical conditions.
Engineered and manufactured at TORSUS’ production plant in Slovakia, the heart of vehicle manufacturing in Central Europe, the team applied its expert knowledge gained from producing the PRAETORIAN, the world’s first production off-road bus, to design a new ultra-tough 4×4 vehicle. Designed to transport people and cargo to some of the world’s most inhospitable places, the TERRASTORM is dependable and pushes the commercial vehicle sector to new limits.
Testing to TORSUS tough
Ensuring the dependability of a TORSUS product means putting the product through its paces in testing. TERRASTORM has undergone a rigorous test program at multiple test facilities in and around Czech Republic and Slovakia including the iconic Tatra testing ground. This ensures the vehicle can withstand and handle beyond normal off-road usage whilst remaining usable and comfortable on road. TERRASTORM is engineered rugged and is tested to TORSUS tough.