SND Lagarto

The SND (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Pelaxian defence industry company SND.

The main feature of the Lagarto is its modular design, which allows the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors, or communications systems on the same carriage. Designs exist for different APC vehicles (armoured personnel carrier) and IFV versions (infantry fighting vehicle), communications versions, ambulances and different fire support versions, armed with large caliber mortar and gun systems. The vehicle has a very good level of mine protection and can withstand explosions of up to 10 kg TNT. The Lagarto has protection levels up to 30 mm APFSDS frontal arc. Another important feature is the very good mobility (combining speed, agility, and crew comfort) in rough terrain, enabled by the sophisticated but rugged hydropneumatic suspension adjusting each wheel individually.

History
The Lagarto stems from an investigation, made by the Pealxian Army HQ in 1995, on different armored vehicle concepts for an all branches modular vehicle platform. In 1996, SND Vehicles began to develop different concept vehicles, and found the 8×8 one to be most suitable as a replacement for their 6×6 Urutu, BMR Pegaso and MOWAG Piranha. The Pelaxian Armed Forces ordered an official concept study in 1999, which was ready by 2000. SND continued to develop the vehicle and the first Lagarto prototype was ready for testing in November 2001. Two evaluation samples were ordered by the PAF in December 2001, and were delivered in 2003. Later the same year, the PAF ordered 24 AMOS-equipped Lagarto for delivery 2006–09. The PAF also said that they were looking to order some 1000 units, equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations, later placing an order for 620. In 2004, the Lagarto became the first 4th generation combat vehicle of its kind to enter serial production.

The design was based on experience gained from building the Urutu and on customer feedback on that vehicle. It was entirely designed in 3D virtual environments before construction and subsequent successful testing of the prototype showed that it fulfilled all the expectations.

The vehicle was initially designed in 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10 variants, but the 10×10 variant was later dropped.