At the Army 2023 event last August, Russia launched the Tiger (Tigr) 4×4 “Mad Max” variant which succeeded in attracting attention. And not two months have passed, now it has been confirmed that this Mad Max armored vehicle has been used by Russian troops on the battlefield in Ukraine.
According to information on Russian social media dated October 9, 2023, Russian troops in Ukraine received a new armored variant of the Tigr-M SpN nicknamed “Mad Max” by its developers.
The vehicle has reinforced wheels, modified front body parts, windshield and doors for increased protection. The Tigr-M SpN can be armed with a 12.7 mm Kord, a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun or an Arbalet-DM remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS).
The core innovation of this development is the quick installation of additional armored panels, covering vital areas such as the windshield, wheel arches, radiator grille and front doors.
The additional armor increases durability, making the vehicle capable of withstanding 7.62 mm rounds, which is an important feature for troop protection in high-intensity conflict scenarios. Installation or removal of this quick-mounting armor system is estimated to take approximately 40 minutes.
These upgrades are designed to ensure convoy safety, provide troop protection, support reconnaissance missions, and enhance the Tiger-M's combat capabilities and survivability.
The origins of this development can be traced back to August 14, 2023, when the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered a large number of SpN Tiger-M armored vehicles. This unique variant, inspired by the aesthetics of the Mad Max film, was first introduced to the public at the Army 2023 event.
However, the question of increased weight due to additional protection and its potential impact on the basic characteristics of the Tiger-M remains unanswered.
The Tigr-M is an upgraded version of the Tigr 4×4 light tactical vehicle, designed and manufactured by the Russian defense company Arzamas Machinery-Plant. This multipurpose armored vehicle was developed to meet the requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense, featuring improved operational characteristics, reliability, ergonomics and protection against bullets and land mines.
With a combat weight of 5,300 kg and a payload capacity of 1,500 kg, this Rantis can carry up to 10 fully equipped infantry soldiers. Serving as an armored personnel carrier and cargo vehicle, the Rantis entered Russian military service in 2013 and is produced in various variants, including the Leer-2 electronic warfare vehicle, the Gibka-S air defense system, and the P-230T command system.
The Tiger-M can be armed with a light machine gun or grenade launcher, which can accommodate a 7.62 mm Pecheneg machine gun or an AGS-17 30 mm grenade launcher on its roof. The design provides protection against small arms fire, shrapnel and IED blasts.
For protection, the ramtis is equipped with a bulletproof hull and door windows and spall coating for personnel safety. The Tiger-M is powered by a Russian-made YaMZ-5347-10 diesel engine that produces 215 hp. This Rantis is capable of reaching a maximum road speed of 125 to 140 km per hour.
This vehicle excels in off-road capabilities and is able to navigate water up to 1.3 meters deep. Other features include a central tire inflation system, electric winch and automatic fire extinguishing system.