T-98 Kombat
The T-98 Kombat is a wheeled armoured vehicle built by Kombat Armouring, a subsidiary of Laura Group, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The name (Russian: комбат, IPA: [kɐmˈba:t] ), is shorthand for "komandir batalyona" (командир батальона - battalion commander). ⓘ

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 General Motors heavy duty suspensions. All running gear and electronics are provided by General Motors. The two versions are:
- The “VIP”: has no frame and 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 interiors.
- The “Utility”: 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. Kombat Armouring claims that the most highly armoured T-98 will protect occupants from bullets up to 12.7 mm, shotguns, mines and ramming.[1]
A 340 hp V8 gives the lightest T-98 a top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h),[2] making it one of the fastest all-terrain armoured vehicles in the world.
Specifications
Engine | 8.1L VORTEC 8100 V8 | 6.6L DURAMAX Turbo Diesel 6600 V8 |
Horsepower | 340 hp (254 kW) @ 4200 rpm | 300 hp (224 kW) @ 3100 rpm |
Torque | 455 foot-pounds force (617 N⋅m) @ 3200 rpm | 520 foot-pounds force (710 N⋅m) @ 1800 rpm |
Dimensions | Hard Top (B6 level) | Station Wagon (B6 level) |
Curb weight (base model) | 3750 kg | 4150 kg |
GVWR | 5000 kg | 5150 kg |
Length | 5150 mm | 5350 mm |
Height | 1950 mm | 2100 mm |
Width | 2100 mm | 2100 mm |
Wheelbase | 3400 mm | 3500 mm |
Others | Hard Top (B6 level) and Station Wagon (B6 level) |
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) with 8.1L VORTEC 8100 V8 |
Suspension (Front) | Independent with torsion bars and stabilizer bar |
Suspension (Rear) | Two stage multileaf springs with locking differential |
Versions
- High mobility armoured vehicle (5-door station wagon)
- Armoured 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 film The November Man.
- An armored SUV closely resembling the T-98 Kombat appears in the videogame GTA Online under the name HVY Nightshark.
See also
- HMMWV – (United States of America)
- VLEGA Gaucho – (Argentina)
References
- Berg, Ivan; Nik Berg (2006). Top Gear Motor Mania. London: BBC Books. p. 57. ISBN 0-563-49362-3.
- Gary Spencer (November 6, 2009). "Dartz Kombat T-98 vs. Hummer H-1". Cnet.com. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
External links

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