Alcon enters series production with Patria 6x6 braking solution
Alcon Components Ltd has entered series production with the high-performance bespoke braking solution being provided to the Patria 6x6 all-terrain armoured wheeled vehicle.
Image courtesy Chamois
Patria is a global market leader in the production of armoured wheeled vehicles and their 6x6 platform had been selected to be part of a joint programme to develop sustained mobility enhancements for the Finnish and Latvian Armies. There are also a number of other global programmes considering the Patria 6x6.
Following an initial development programme, in 2018 Alcon was announced as the principal supplier of braking components for all Patria’s heavy armoured vehicle range including the Patria 6x6. Since then, Alcon has continued to work closely with Patria to determine the demanding requirements aligned to vehicle specification, usage profiles and operating environment; developing a bespoke braking system that matched the needs of these high-performance protected mobility defence vehicles. With the exceptional performance of Patria’s wheeled vehicle range creating conditions close to that of a rally car, in terms of disc and pad temperature cycling, Alcon have been able to draw on their pedigree of providing braking solutions for the top echelons of motorsport to develop exclusive caliper and disc mounting concepts for Patria; a fusion of those seen on heavy commercial vehicles and high-performance motorsport.
“Series production” at Alcon for this type of product programme involves the establishment of a specifically designed production line that is delivering 25 caliper and disc wheel sets per month in line with increasing demand for the Patria vehicle. Production capacity can also be increased to deliver larger numbers, as required. With embedded and approved quality practices and procedures in place, Alcon ensures all aspects of the delivery comply with the customer’s exacting requirements. The establishment of this specific volume production capability will enable Alcon to match current and future demand for new vehicle production as well as meet volume spares support requirements for the next 15+ years, as the vehicle transits through the full life cycle.
The Patria 6×6 is acknowledged as being unrivalled in performance and mobility, setting new standards for all future armoured wheeled vehicles. Reliability is underlined by the multitude of commercial components used in the vehicle. Commercial components, long life-span and easy maintenance make the vehicle extremely cost-efficient; ideally matching the Finnish-Latvian programme’s aim to develop a common armoured wheeled vehicle system with enhanced mobility, cost-efficiency, interoperability and security of supply.
Mr. Mikko Karppinen, Senior Vice President, Mission Capability, at Patria said: “We knew that our new 6×6 vehicle’s performance and mission profile would demand a high-quality braking solution. Alcon were selected for this task due to their pedigree in motorsport and heavy-duty commercial braking system expertise. The bespoke system for the Patria 6x6 has not disappointed and we knew we could rely on Alcon’s support and superior performance. It is fantastic to see our supply chain entering series production in this way”
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “Alcon’s selection to provide the bespoke braking system for Patria 6x6 reinforced our strategy to be the braking system provider of choice in global defence markets. It has taken years of hard work, innovative engineering and rigorous testing to meet the exacting requirements for this programme, and we are now very pleased to enter series production.”