T-98 Kombat
The T-98 Kombat is a wheeled armoured vehicle built by Kombat Armouring, a subsidiary of Laura Group, in St. Petersburg, Russia. The name (Russian: комбат, IPA: [kɐmˈba:t] (listen)), is shorthand for "komandir batalyona" (командир батальона - battalion commander). The Kombat is a fast armoured off-road vehicles with a top speed of 180 km/h.[1]

There are two basic versions of the T-98 Kombat based on General Motors components, including an 8.1 litre Vortec engine, Allison transmission, and GM heavy duty suspensions. They are:
- The “VIP” has no frame and has a monocoque double steel body. The highest protection level uses a composite armor of ceramic between steel layers. VIP Kombats have many options, including leather and wood in the interior.
- The “Utility” is designed for special operations missions.
The armoured body is based on a "metal-ceramic sandwich with cellular filler" technology. The monocoque body provides protection against mine blasts.
It is driven by a 340 hp V8, which gives the lightest T-98 a top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h), making it one of the fastest all-terrain armoured vehicles in the world. The T-98 contains satellite navigation, a flat-screen television which can play DVD, climate control, and an interior containing a mix of leather and wood. All running gear and electronics are provided by General Motors. Kombat Armouring claims that the most highly armoured T-98 will protect occupants from bullets up to 12.7 mm, shotguns, mines and ramming.[2]
Specifications
|
|
|
Engines:
- 8.1L VORTEC 8100 V8 with 340 hp (254 kW) @ 4200 rpm producing 455 foot-pounds force (617 N⋅m) of torque @ 3200 rpm
- 6.6L DURAMAX Turbo Diesel 6600 V8 with 300 hp (224 kW) @ 3100 rpm producing 520 foot-pounds force (710 N⋅m) of torque @ 1800 rpm
Ground Clearance: 300 mm Track Width: 1760 mm
Transmission: Allison 1000 5-speed automatic
Transfer Case: AUTOTRAC 4WD 2- speed
Fuel Capacity: 140 litre (36 gal)
Electrical: one or two 12-volt, 105 amp alternators
Top Speed: 180 km/h (111 mph) (340 hp version)
Suspension:
- Independent front suspension with torsion bars and stabilizer bar
- Rear suspension with two stage multileaf springs
- Rear locking differential
Versions
- high mobility armored vehicle - 5-door station wagon
- armored troop carrier - 3-door panel truck
- fast attack vehicle - 4-door pickup truck
- infantry vehicle for special operations - 2-door pickup truck
Armament
Operators
Most are VIP versions sold to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Russia, Mauritius, and the US.
In popular culture
- A gold colored version of the T-98 Kombat appears in the 2012 comedy The Dictator.
- The T-98 Kombat also appears in the 2014 action movie The November Man.
- In Grand Theft Auto V, the vehicle similar to T-98 Kombat is introduced in the Gunrunning DLC under the name the Nightshark.
See also
References
- Gary Spencer (November 6, 2009). "Dartz Kombat T-98 vs. Hummer H-1". Cnet.com. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
- Berg, Ivan; Nik Berg (2006). Top Gear Motor Mania. London: BBC Books. p. 57. ISBN 0-563-49362-3.
External links

- Manufacturer's page in Russian
- Pictures
- GIZMAG article