TAM-110 Ris (1995)

Serbia (1995-today) - Unknown number built

Based on the TAM-110

The TAM family of vehicles gave birth on one hand to the Ris (TAM-110) and to the BOV (TAM 150). However the BOV was a cold war vehicle of the 1980s whereas the Ris is a more recent Serbian vehicle, produced after the war and splitup of Yugoslavian and inspired by many improvized combat vehicles, some armoured, based on ex-Yugoslavian truck, either FAP or TAM to cite the most commons. TAM (Tovarna avtomobilov Maribor) as a manufacturer was created in Slovenia in 1947 and specialized in buses and electric heavy vehicles before urning to tactical trucks for the Yugoslav army in the late 1970s.

The creation of the TAM-110 was part of a plan to procure a more coherent landcape in terms of army trucks, since between foreign purchases, Soviet vehicles and licence productions, this was a jungle of models and a maintenance nightmare. The Army defined a 4-class truck order, in which FAP and TAM fit in their own creations. TAM of the two was probably the best known, producing the T7 B/BV between 1976 and 1991 and the armoured variant before going out of business. The TAM 110 was a very popular models, mass-produced and also declined into multiple variants, it became the standard platoon level transport, while being able to bring 1.5 tons supplies as well on all terrains.

The TAM-110 as a military truck developed for the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) was passed on later by the armed forces of the successor states (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, etc.). Manufacture by TAM ended in 1993. Powered by a Deutz air-cooled diesel engine such as the F6L 413 rated for 120 hp (varies), and 5-speed gearbox, it was also used extensively for towing trailers or light artillery and mortars. Serbia, as a successor state of Yugoslavia, recuperated most of the TAM-110 produced, and the long war of Yugoslavia, TAM-110s were extensively used as "technicals", fitted by all sorts of had-oc weaponry, mostly AA guns for troop support. Others were completely armoured such as an unnamed rocket-launcher armed APC.

Since indeed the vehicle was Yugoslav, it went through all the wars of former Yugoslavia, used by all the opposing sides, and the flat panels of the cabin are very well suited for armoring, so everyone who was not too lazy turned TAMs into armored cars. The plant in Maribor went into the possession of MAN. The production was not curtailed, but continues to this day of other vehicles, just with no longer Deutz but MAN diesels. In many ways, the TAM-110 seen by the Russians were compared to their GAZ-66, equally a light 4x4 lorry.

Detailed Design

Transforming the TAM-110 into a proper, serial, standardized APC probably derived from these earlier experimentations, but with a more scientifical, thoughtful approach. The idea was to develop a "kit" of mass-produced part which could be installed on any stock TAM-110 tactical truck with the minimum of time. The process ensured better maintenance and repairs, and a way cheaper conversion. Thus, by 1995, an armored version of the TAM 110 T7 B/BV, known as the Ris ("Lynx"), was developed for the needs of the Military Police of the Yugoslav Army and the Special Police Units of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. There is little info about the number delivered, but the kit conversions were made at TAM apparently before it shut down its activities in 1996.

Hull layout and protection

The TAM-110 Ris weights empty an estimated 12,128 lb (5,500 kg) and loaded 15,435 lb (7,000 kg). It measures overall, from bumper to bumper, 191 in (4850 mm) for a width of 89 in (2270 mm) and height (OA) of 97 in (2470 mm). Ground clearance was 11.8 in (300 mm), for a wheel base of 112 in (2850 mm) but Wheel tread is unknown. The main layout remained the same, only with armoured panels bolted on the whole cab forward protecting the doors, engine bonnet, face, windshield (with new windows made in bulletproof glass, two new side windows, same, and armoured roof, completely flush with the rear troop compartment, protected on either side with sets of identical panels covering the sides up from the lower bedframe original metal sides, to the roof, incurved.

The "Ris" cabin housed a driver and co-driver, whereas the troop compartment housed up to ten men, all seated on central bunks, facing outwards to the small bultproof windows and pistol ports, six in all, to fire on the move. The vehicle also could carry a cargo Volume estimated to 3,307 lb or 1500 kg when the bunks were removed. On the roof were two axial hatches fore and aft and folding shields to install cradles for the Zastava M84 machine guns acting as main armament. This amrour was proof only against small arms fire, typically 7.62mm AP. The two machine guns were operated standing up, with manual elevation & traverse and optocal fire control. In auxiliary were the soldier's own weaponry and equipments (ATGMs, MANPADS, mortars, etc.). Acces and exit was from a double hatch doors at the rear (with windows and pistol ports), and folding step. The compartment was also NBC protected. There was aslo a pistol ports in front of the co-driver, making an asymetrial left window.

Engine and Performances

Ris of the Serbian Gendarmerie

The Ris is powered by the same Diesel TAM F4 L413 R 4-cylinders in line, mounted axially forward, rated for 115 hp (85 kW) @ 2650 rpm and liquid-cooled, connected to a gearbox and manual transmission of the w/2-speed diff. TAM Model Z5-35S with 5 speeds forward and 1 reverse. The suspension system was of Leaf spring on both axles, and the drive, used a steering Front axle on all wheel drive and turning radius of 42.5 ft (13 m).

Tires were 12.00x18R. The on board equipment were powered by a electric voltage on 24V with an optional Radio as fitted by user as well as optional night Vision for the driver. The vehicle ws capable of 56 mph (90 km/h) on good roads and amphibious without preparation in one meter or 39 inches high water, but no buoyancy. Its fuel capacity is 26.5 gallons (100 liters) of diesel, for an estimated range of 310 miles (500 km). It is able also to climb a grade up to 67%.

TAM 110 RIS Specifications
Dimensions (L-w-h)	191 x 89 x 97 in (4,85 x 2,27, 2,47 m)
Weight	5500 kg empty, 7000 kg FL
Crew	2+ 10 troops
Propulsion	TAM F4 L413 4 cyl. diesel R 115 hp (85 kW)
Speed	56 mph (90 km/h)
Range	100 liters,
Armament	7.62mm LMG
Armor	Proof vs. 7.62mm AP +NBC
Total production	Unknown