Dr. Spontaneous
M-208 Vila
In order to effectively commit to a mature doctrine of maneuver warfare, Yugoslavia had to ensure itself that its forces would be able to traverse every facet of the Balkans' rugged terrain, including the waterways that spill across the region. Hence, during the latter aughts, the JNA submitted a tender for the development of a platform that would enable the rapid deployment of units across broad water bodies which might otherwise impede mechanized advances. The resulting product would be designated the M-208 Vila.
Utilizing its experience from producing the 1544 series of amphibious transports, FAP began developing the M-208 in earnest. Although it was initially assumed the final design would likely resemble the M3 amphibious bridge and ferrying system operated by Britain and Germany, FAP had other plans in store. In order to address the JNA's emphasis on being able to surmount significant physical obstacles, FAP decided to design a tracked vehicle rather than a wheeled one. This would enable the platform to negotiate soft and hard terrain alike; reducing the need to travel along existing infrastructure. The designers went one step ahead and decided to make the vehicle articulated, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing the overall number of individual vehicles by linking two tractors together. All in all, FAP produced a very economical solution.
The vehicle itself features rather complex subsystems, but is nevertheless quite modular. When traveling on land, the M-208's pontoons and deck slats are folded up and tucked away. The rear module is naturally slaved to the front as well. Once at the designated shoreline, however, the two tractors decouple under their own power, unfold their pontoons, and then crewmen (typically three persons per module) begin using the integrated liftarms to position the additional deck components to either make a waterborne bridge or ferry. Additionally, a control panel raises in the rear of each module so the crew is able to steer the vehicle in the water. The steering procedure requires a tremendous amount of training and communication as a single miscalculation made by any module would be enough to sheer the ferry or bridge apart or move it in the wrong direction. At any rate, a single M-208 is enough to transport an MBT (e.g. the M-72A Zmey) or an assortment of lighter vehicles, typically trucks and the like. Despite its Herculean strength, the Vila greatly resembles a ballet dancer when deployed in the water as a great deal of technical skill is required to keep things running smoothly and elegantly.
As always, huge ups to Wayne for rendering this huge mofo!
M-208 Vila
In order to effectively commit to a mature doctrine of maneuver warfare, Yugoslavia had to ensure itself that its forces would be able to traverse every facet of the Balkans' rugged terrain, including the waterways that spill across the region. Hence, during the latter aughts, the JNA submitted a tender for the development of a platform that would enable the rapid deployment of units across broad water bodies which might otherwise impede mechanized advances. The resulting product would be designated the M-208 Vila.
Utilizing its experience from producing the 1544 series of amphibious transports, FAP began developing the M-208 in earnest. Although it was initially assumed the final design would likely resemble the M3 amphibious bridge and ferrying system operated by Britain and Germany, FAP had other plans in store. In order to address the JNA's emphasis on being able to surmount significant physical obstacles, FAP decided to design a tracked vehicle rather than a wheeled one. This would enable the platform to negotiate soft and hard terrain alike; reducing the need to travel along existing infrastructure. The designers went one step ahead and decided to make the vehicle articulated, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing the overall number of individual vehicles by linking two tractors together. All in all, FAP produced a very economical solution.
The vehicle itself features rather complex subsystems, but is nevertheless quite modular. When traveling on land, the M-208's pontoons and deck slats are folded up and tucked away. The rear module is naturally slaved to the front as well. Once at the designated shoreline, however, the two tractors decouple under their own power, unfold their pontoons, and then crewmen (typically three persons per module) begin using the integrated liftarms to position the additional deck components to either make a waterborne bridge or ferry. Additionally, a control panel raises in the rear of each module so the crew is able to steer the vehicle in the water. The steering procedure requires a tremendous amount of training and communication as a single miscalculation made by any module would be enough to sheer the ferry or bridge apart or move it in the wrong direction. At any rate, a single M-208 is enough to transport an MBT (e.g. the M-72A Zmey) or an assortment of lighter vehicles, typically trucks and the like. Despite its Herculean strength, the Vila greatly resembles a ballet dancer when deployed in the water as a great deal of technical skill is required to keep things running smoothly and elegantly.
As always, huge ups to Wayne for rendering this huge mofo!