Romatehnica ARO 240

     Notes: This is the Romanian replacement for the UAZ-469B.  It is basically a UAZ-469 with more powerful engines (in most cases).  ARO engines include a 66-horsepower gasoline engine, an 82-horsepower gasoline engine, a 94-horsepower gasoline engine, a 67-horsepower diesel, a 70-horsepower diesel, and an 86-horsepower diesel. ARO 24 models included the 4-door 241 and 244, the 242 pickup, and the 3-door 243.  Romanian military versions generally had a manual transmission and switchable 4x4/4x2 suspension; civilian models as often as not had automatic transmissions. Towing is limited to 1 ton. Military versions were generally given the moniker Dragon. ARO 24s were also license-manufactured in Portugal (the Portaro) and Spain (the Hisparo); these were generally given more rounded body panels and were more well-appointed.

DAC 2.65 FAEG

     Notes: This light 4x4 amphibious vehicle is used for general transport and by special operations units in riverine raiding.  It is not meant for rough water conditions, but instead for bodies of water like rivers, ponds, lakes, and swamps.  The DAC 2.65 FAEG is amphibious without any sort of preparation; buoyancy is provided by large floats on either side of the vehicle, and a propeller in the rear drives the vehicle in the water.  The engine and transmission are watertight, and the cab is kept above the water by the floats.  The cab is a two-seater and there is a small cargo bed in the rear. The engine is a 102.13 MAS diesel developing 45.5 horsepower at an astounding 5000 rpm.

Turbomecanica Hamster

     Notes: This is described by the manufacturer as a “special purpose off-road vehicle.”  It is primarily meant as a high-mobility liaison vehicle and to provide transport for airborne and airmobile forces.  The Hamster is basically a steel cage with an engine, wheels, and seats attached, and is virtually as basic as a vehicle can get.  At the rear of the vehicle is a roll cage where a weapon can be mounted and other weapons, rockets for example, can be lashed to the roll cage. The space in front of the commander is normally occupied with a spare tire and does not normally have a weapon mount. The Hamster 1 is 4x2 and powered by a 61.5-horsepower Citroen gasoline engine; the Hamster 2 is powered by a Renault 1.397-liter gasoline engine developing 62 horsepower and has a 4x2 suspension; the Hamster 3 is essentially the same as the Hamster 2, but has a 4x4 suspension.