Sigma AU Infantry Vehicles: GHI Mantis-35 8x8 Armored Personnel Carrier

Mantis-35 8×8 Armored Personnel Carrier

The Mantis-35 is an eight-wheel-drive armored personnel carrier (APC) developed by German Heavy Industries (GHI) for rapid-response, urban, and off-road military operations. Designed as a hybrid between a light armored patrol vehicle (LAPV) and a fully capable frontline assault platform, the Mantis-35 is widely noted for its high mobility, advanced protection systems, and modular weapon configurations.

The vehicle accommodates a crew of three and up to ten fully equipped soldiers, and is commonly deployed for high-threat patrols, mechanized infantry support, and rapid-insertion missions.

Overview

  • Manufacturer: German Heavy Industries

  • Type: Rapid-response APC / LAPV

  • Crew: 3 (Driver, Gunner, Commander)

  • Passengers: 10 soldiers

  • Length: 12 m

  • Width: 3.5 m

  • Height: 3.2 m (hull only)

  • Combat Weight: 35.5 tons

Powertrain and Mobility

The Mantis-35 uses an advanced hybrid multi-fuel powertrain (H-MFE) combining a high-output diesel turbine generator with an electric drive system supplying 500 hp to each wheel (4,000 hp total equivalent).

  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic with real-time torque vectoring

  • Drive Configuration: 8×8 with fully independent suspension

  • On-Road Speed: 120 mph (193 km/h)

  • Off-Road Speed: Up to 90 mph (145 km/h), terrain-dependent

  • Range:

    • 400 km on diesel alone

    • 1,000 km in hybrid mode

    • 1,500 km with auxiliary fuel tanks

  • Suspension: Adaptive hydropneumatic with adjustable ride height

  • Tires: Run-flat with central tire inflation system (CTIS)

  • Amphibious Capability: Optional water-jet system enabling 10 km/h in water

  • Winch: 10-ton rated, 50 m synthetic line

The fully electric wheel motors allow for exceptional low-speed torque, rapid acceleration, and precise traction control on unstable terrain.

Armament

The Mantis-35 supports a wide range of modular weapon configurations. A typical combat loadout includes:

Primary Weapon

XM-150 "Thunderbolt" 105 mm Cannon

  • Ammunition: HEAT, APFSDS, Thermobaric, Programmable Airburst

  • Effective Range: 5,000 m

  • Rate of Fire: 16 rounds/min

  • Stabilization: Fully stabilized for accurate fire while moving

Secondary Weapon

XM-313 30 mm Chain Gun

  • Ammunition: AP, HEI, Airburst

  • Effective Range: 2,500 m

  • Rate of Fire: 200 rounds/min

  • Autoloader Capacity: 300 rounds

Auxiliary Weapon

Remote Weapon Station (RWS) with multi-mission support

  • Primary: 12.7 mm (.50 BMG) HMG

  • Secondary: Javelin ATGM launcher (2 ready missiles)

  • Optional: 40 mm automatic grenade launcher

  • Coverage: Full 360° with automated target acquisition

Armor and Protection

The hull is constructed from composite Chobham armor with modular reactive armor options.

Ballistic Protection

  • Survives 30 mm APFSDS across the frontal arc

  • Resistant to 14.5 mm armor-piercing fire on all sides

Blast Protection

  • Withstands 10 kg TNT equivalent under the wheels

  • Survives 15 kg TNT equivalent under the hull

Active Protection System

Iron Fist APS (hard-kill and soft-kill):

  • Destroys incoming RPGs, ATGMs, and guided munitions

  • Electronic jamming and decoy deployment

Obscuration

  • Multi-spectral smoke grenades (IR/EO/Radar masking)

Sensors and Electronics

The Mantis-35 integrates a full suite of battlefield management and situational awareness systems:

Command & Control

  • Networked Battle Management System (BMS)

  • AI-assisted threat detection and engagement logic

  • Real-time data sharing with ground units and UAVs

Sensors

  • 360° thermal, IR, low-light optical cameras

  • LIDAR and radar arrays for navigation and targeting

  • Laser warning receivers with automatic countermeasure deployment

Communications

  • Encrypted multi-channel radio

  • Long-range SATCOM

  • UAV datalink

Navigation

  • GPS/INS hybrid navigation suite

  • Terrain-following autopilot

  • Autonomous convoy and extraction mode

Crew and Interior

  • CBRN Protection: Full NBC filtration and pressurization

  • HVAC: Multi-zone climate controls

  • Interior Layout: Fully modular seating and storage configurations

    • Medevac module

    • Command & control module

    • Infantry transport

    • Equipment/utility loadout

  • Self-Repair Features: Nanomaterial hull coating capable of closing minor tears and abrasions

Operational Use

The Mantis-35 is designed for rapid deployment across diverse environments, from dense urban areas to mountainous and desert terrain. Its combination of high speed, strong armor, precision firepower, and advanced electronic systems allows it to perform roles traditionally split between lighter patrol vehicles and heavier infantry fighting vehicles.

It is employed in missions such as:

  • High-threat urban patrols

  • Rapid troop transport and extraction

  • Mechanized infantry support

  • Counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations

  • Forward assault and breakthrough missions

Warlord Configuration (Custom Field Conversion)

A notable custom variant of the Mantis-35 is the extensively modified “Warlord Configuration,” adapted for long-term habitation and independent field operation. This version replaces the standard troop-carrying rear compartment with a fully functional living space while retaining the vehicle’s mobility, armor protection, and integrated support systems.

Interior Modifications

The rear hull is reconfigured as a compact but fully self-contained living module. Access is provided by the vehicle’s original extending rear ramp, designed for rapid entry and egress, and an additional side door located on the front right section of the compartment.

The interior layout is optimized for single-occupant use:

  • Sleeping Area:
    Immediately to the left of the entrance is a full-length cot integrated along the side wall. The cot incorporates storage drawers and cabinets beneath the frame for personal equipment, clothing, and mission supplies.

  • Weapon Storage:
    Positioned opposite the cot at the front right is a bank of secured weapon lockers, configured to hold rifles, sidearms, ammunition, and specialized gear. Lockers use the Mantis-series' armored latching system and are tied into the vehicle’s internal security network.

  • Kitchenette:
    Adjacent to the weapon storage is a compact galley area featuring:

    • A small stainless-steel sink

    • A two-burner front/back stove

    • A countertop workspace

    • Overhead cabinets and shelving for dry storage and cookware

  • Sanitation Unit:
    Behind the kitchenette is a cramped combined shower and toilet compartment, fitted with a water-efficient shower head, folding seat, and compact vacuum-flush toilet. This unit is sealed and ventilated, with direct integration to the vehicle’s CBRN filtration system.

  • Bulkhead Divider:
    At the forward end of the living space is a rigid divider separating the module from the main hull and crew section. Access to the driver and forward compartment is maintained via an armored internal door.

This configuration enables prolonged solo habitation with minimal reliance on external facilities, supporting extended missions or transit through remote and hostile environments.

Armament Modifications

The standard turret system is replaced with a specialized dual Oerlikon 20 mm Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) optimized for autonomous and defensive operation.

Dual 20 mm Oerlikon RCWS

  • Weaponry: Two Oerlikon 20 mm autocannons in a stabilized mount

  • Ammunition Flexibility: Independent left/right ammunition feeds allowing two different ammo types to be loaded simultaneously

  • Compatible Ammunition:

    • High-Explosive

    • Armor-Piercing

    • Programmable Airburst

    • High-Velocity Training/Tracer

  • Fire Control:
    The RCWS includes an advanced fire-control suite with thermal imaging, optical tracking, laser rangefinding, and automated threat prioritization.

  • Reload System:
    A built-in automatic magazine reload mechanism enables rapid replenishment of the ready-feed drums without external exposure.

  • Autonomy:
    Full autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, with modes for perimeter defense, convoy overwatch, and manual remote commander input.

  • Manual Fire Capability:
    Both cannons are designed for rapid detachment, allowing them to be used as independently operated crew-served weapons when required.

External Modifications

Zoey's configuration includes several significant alterations to the vehicle’s exterior, primarily intended to support specialized equipment and enhance survivability during extended independent deployment.

Power Armor Storage Compartment

A major structural change is the integration of a dedicated power-armor bay on the rear left exterior, positioned above the rearmost wheel. The hull in this area is partially hollowed and reinforced to form a compact but rigid storage cavity capable of housing a full-size powered exosuit.

Key features include:

  • Armored Hatch: The compartment is sealed by a side-hinged armored door blending with the hull profile.

  • Internal Mounting Harness: A secure, shock-isolated clamp system holds the power armor during transit and prevents movement during off-road or high-speed operation.

  • Energy Interface Port: The harness includes a direct-link power interface, allowing the vehicle to draw supplemental electrical energy from the suit’s power core when docked. This system is regulated to prevent overloads and provides emergency redundancy for onboard electronics, drive batteries, and life-support functions.

This compartment allows rapid deployment of the armor while maintaining overall vehicle balance and structural integrity.

Additional Exterior Changes

  • Radar and IR Absorption Coating:
    The exterior has been spray-painted with radar-absorbent and infrared-dampening coatings. The application is functional but not uniform, producing a patchy matte appearance. These coatings reduce detectability by short-range targeting sensors and thermal imagers.

  • Rear Compartment Window Removal:
    All original rear crew-compartment windows have been replaced with solid armored plates.
    This improves ballistic resistance, enhances thermal insulation, and prevents internal lighting signatures from being visible externally.

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