Sisu E13TP

Sisu E13TP is a military terrain lorry produced by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Sisu Defence. The vehicle was introduced in 2005 and the first vehicles were delivered in 2007. E13TP is available in layouts 6×6 and 8×8. The stronger variant E15TP is with 10×10 layout.

The primary military applications are hook loader, radar carrier, missile launcher, recovery vehicle and bridging vehicle. Some civil applications are produced for oil fields and rescue purposes in particular.

Development
Sisu E13TP is developed for military and peacekeeping missions in particular. It is heavily based on the preceding E11T model; the main differences are bigger engine displacement, armoured cabin and upgraded gearbox. The Finnish Defence Forces participated at the development work. In order to lower the operating costs and ensure availability of spares, large amount of the parts are standard components.

In March 2004 Lithuania joined an alliance to support NATO in remote peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, which it dedicated to a specific unit in the Armed Forces. Lithuania raised a tender for Level 2 protected armoured lorries at the end of 2005. Eight manufacturers from USA and Europe took part in the tender process; the three shortlisted producers were Iveco, MAN and Sisu. Eventually, in the same December it was announced Sisu became selected. Lithuanian Armed Forces ordered 24 vehicles which were delivered between 2007–2009; the first units entered in service in 2008. The value of the order was €20M. The deal was followed by further E13TP orders.

A 10×10-driven variant E15TP with a more powerful engine was introduced in Eurosatory 2006 exhibition.

Engine
E13TP is powered by Caterpillar C13 turbo-diesel engine. The six-in-line, 12.5-litre diesel has bore of 130 mm and stroke of 157 mm. It is equipped with a cross-flow breathing cylinder head. The engine weights 1 187 kg. Its output is 332 kW and the maximum torque is 2270 Nm /1200 1/min. The engine includes heaters for lubricating oil, cooling water and cabin.

E15TP is equipped with a stronger Caterpillar engine, C15. Also this model is a six-in-line turbocharged diesel engine. Its displacement is 15.2 litres, bore 137 mm and stroke 171 mm. The compression ratio is 17:1. The engine produces maximum output of 410 kW /1900 1/min and torque 2 508 Nm /1200–1500 1/min.

Transmission
The gearbox used in E13TP 8×8 models is an automatic 6-speed Allison HD4500SP with a torque converter. The Steyr VG 2000/300 2-step reduction gear contains longitudinal, lockable differential between the front and rear axles. All axles are driven and produced by Sisu Axles. CTI system is available as an option.

The E15TP 10×10 is equipped with a 7-speed automatic Allison. In this variant all the axles are with lockable differentials and there are four interaxle locks; the first, second and last axle are steering. Also these axles come from Sisu Axles.

Cabin and armour
The cabin contains seating for driver and one passenger. Mine, ballistic and NBC protections are optional; the mine and ballistic protection can be also mounted afterwards. Cabin and engine mine protection is installed on the chassis under the cabin and on the floor in accordance with STANAG 4569 levels 3a and 3b against anti-tank mine blasts up to 6 kg. Armoured steel doors provide STANAG 4569 level 1 ballistic protection; levels 2 and 3 are reached with optional composite doors. The cabin is produced from Ruukki Ramor steel and fitted with pressurised NBC protection system.

Chassis
The chassis is mine-protected; the pneumatic, electric and fuel systems are placed in protected areas, for example behind the cabin. The frame is designed to withstand high torsional stress.

Superstructures
The modular design enables a wide variety of superstructures and applications, such as hook loader and radar or launcher carrier. An application with NASAMS air defence system was introduced in Norway in June 2010. A firefighting and rescue vehicle with a decouplable 10-ton extinguishing container was presented in 2012. The E15TP is fitted with 26-metre MLC70 Leguan bridge and launching system produced by the German company KMW.

Characteristics
On dry and stiff surface the vehicle is capable to climb 60% steep uphill and downhill forward and by reversing. Uphill start is possible on this gradient by help of interlocks. The nominal fording depth is 0.8 m, but 1.2-metre depth is achievable with preparation. The angles of approach and departure are 35°. Maximum side slope is 30% and vertical step about 0.6 metres. The terrain capability is further enhanced by a front-mounted hydraulic 150-kN self-recovery winch. The climatic operation range is from -55 °C to +50 °C.

Sisu E13TP is transportable by Hercules C-130 aircraft and fulfills STANAG 2468 requirements for rail transportation. Also sea transport is taken into account.

Current applications

 * 🇪🇪: First 8×8 driven E13TP's are delivered to Estonian Defence Forces in 2012. The vehicles serve as a platform for the Air Force's Ground Master 403 air defence radar system.


 * 🇫🇮: Finnish Defence Forces has ordered 72 units of 8×8 driven E13TP's which entered in service in 2010, and 9 units of 10×10 driven E15TP's, which were delivered 2007–2009. 20 E13TP vehicles were delivered to the Finnish Rapid Deployment Forces and they have been used in NATO led ISAF operation in Afghanistan and UNIFIL operation in Lebanon. 12 E13TP's are equipped with air surveillance radar systems; they entered in service in 2011. The E15TP's are fitted with MLC70 Leguan bridging system.


 * 🇱🇹 Lithuania: Lithuanian Armed Forces got 24 8×8 E13TP's in 2007–2009. After further orders, the total number had reached 50 units by 2011.

Civilian operators
A Sisu E13TP 8×8 rescue vehicle was delivered to Chinese Anhui JAC International in June 2014 as a part of a larger project.
 * Anhui JAC International, China

Sisu Auto will deliver total 70 oil field service vehicles to Romanian oil company OMV Petrom. The contract includes both 8×8 and 10×10 driven variants. The vehicles are delivered by superstructures fitted by German company Koller GmbH. The first deliveries are scheduled to the late 2014 and serial production is planned to begin in 2015.
 * OMV Petrom, Romania