Pinzgauer Special Operations Vehicle (SOV)

The Pinzgauer SOV is a 6x6 all-terrain vehicle used by Delta Force.

Developed in Austria, the Pinzgauer family of vehicles have found use within many many military and civilian organizations. It is thought that Delta Force uses the 2nd generation 6-wheel driver variant known as the 718.

Pinzgauer 718 Features

Pinzgauer 718s feature excellent off-road capability with a high ground clearance. Their air-cooled engine is reliable and easy to maintain. Military special operations variants of the vehicle feature mounts for attaching various weapons systems such as M2 machine guns, MK19 grenade launchers and M240 and M249 belt-fed machine guns.

Use By Delta Force

Delta Force uses the Pinzgauer in a similar role as Special Forces use their GMVs - for long-range reconnaissance operations behind enemy lines and as a fire support vehicle.

There are reports of Delta employing Pinzgauers in Afghanistan during the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. ⁽¹⁾

As part of Task Force 20, Delta infiltrated into Iraq from Saudi Arabia in a number of Pinzgauers and non-standard vehicles (NSVs). ⁽²⁾

Pinzgauer 718 6x6 - Specifications

A 6x6 Pinzgauer of the Austrian armed forces. Delta Force Pinzgauers are likely to feature a more open cab and more weapons mounted on the vehicle. A standard Pinzgauer 718 can carry up to 14 people. Special Operations variants of the Pinzgauer typically carry a crew of 3-4, with the rest of the space devoted to carrying ammo, fuel and other supplies. Secure communications gear will also be carried.

photo by : böhringer friedrich | used under creative commons license

references:

1. The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan
2. Special Operations Forces in Iraq (Elite)

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