AIL Sufa (Storm)
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The AIL Sufa (aka Storm) is an Israeli manufactured 4x4 and the workhorse of the Israeli Security Forces. The series of Jeep Wrangler based vehicles have been produced by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Upper Nazareth under licence from Chrysler since 1990. The vehicles fill a number of military roles, including that of armoured infantry mobility vehicle, and certain models are available for export as well as for the civilian market.
Production of an updated four-door second generation model commenced in 2006. Development of a third generation vehicle based on the new Jeep Wrangler JK has been completed and significant production for both Israeli and foreign customers is on-going.
Sufa / Storm 1
The M-240 Sufa Multi-Mission Vehicle is the first of three Sufa generations. A variant of the 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ and the older CJ-6/CJ-8 wheelbase, it was entirely produced in Israel by Automotive Industries Ltd. with the exception of the engines, as their manufacture was not economically viable locally.
The Sufa was primarily designed to satisfy Israeli military needs, but capable long and short wheelbase versions were produced for the local civilian market. It was powered by a Chrysler 3.983 litre 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with fuel injection developing 180 hp (130 kW) at 4,700 rpm, fitted with Vortox 2-stage air cleaner or a Volkswagen 2.5 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel developing 88 kilowatts (118 hp) at 4,200 rpm. The front axle is fully floating and the rear axle is semi-floating, while a reinforced frame and body as well as good angles of approach and departure (40° and 37° for short wheelbase, 40° and 26.5° for long wheelbase) add to the Sufa's off-roading capability.
The two production frame lengths, 4.15 (13.6) and 4.5 metres (14.8 ft), the latter of which was among the few such Jeep-derivatives in production in recent years, were both available in civilian and military models. Aside from the Israeli market, Sufas have long been exported to countries in South America, Asia, and Africa.
Like its parent Jeep Wrangler, the Sufa is first and foremost a capable offroad utility vehicle meant to tackle extreme terrain in a general reconnaissance role, and can be outfitted with a machine gun or other weapons systems. When armed with a 105 mm (4.1 in) M40 recoilless rifle, the vehicle is capable of firing directly over its blast guard equipped engine cover.
A variant of the extended version used in desert border patrol makes use of a high-ceilinged canopy to allow a swivelling rear facing heavy machine-gun mount, while the canopy can be extended to provide a mobile command post. An air conditioned version of the extended model is often used by officers, and a version developed for riot control has clear polycarbonate shielding along the rear sides and roof, as well gunports for less-lethal weapons. The shielding allows for a wide field of view while at the same time protecting against firebombs and rock-throwing.
As with several similar light military vehicles, despite being originally designed to fill a light reconnaissance role, the advent of urban warfare and close quarters combat meant that the Israel Defense Forces had to recast the Sufa in new roles.
When the need for a light armoured vehicle became apparent to the Israeli security forces, AIL's engineering department designed a vehicle protection system from the bottom up, integrating it into the existing vehicle in a manner that did not compromise its off-road and other capabilities, and that did not create the mechanical strain and increase in maintenance often associated with up-armouring, in part due to its computerized 180 horsepower (130 kW) fuel injected engine.
The armour protects against 7.62 millimetre (0.3 in) armour-piercing ammunition, and maintains a high protection-to-weight and cost ratio by employing IDF approved advanced materials. The protected Israeli configuration's gross vehicle weight is 3,000 kilograms (6,614 lb), though several varying protection levels are in use with individual units.
Another important asset are the Sufa's narrow dimensions, which allow it to traverse the narrow alleyways common to the casbahs of many Middle Eastern cities, places that armoured Humvees can only enter with great difficulty and minimal manoeuvrability, if at all. Full-height rear doors which allow for the quick deployment of fully equipped troops into combat are touted as another advantage over similar vehicles.
First generation Sufas were made available to the general public in Israel from 1992 to 2001. A small number were purchased directly by private consumers, while larger numbers were acquired from Israeli government-owned firms like the Israel Electric Company and Mekorot water company, as well as Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority and the Israel Police. Modified Sufas are popular with off-roading enthusiasts in Israel.
Sufa / Storm 2
Beginning in 2006, AIL began delivery of an improved model to the IDF, the M-242 Sufa Mark 2. A number of significant changes were incorporated into these Jeep Wrangler TJ based Sufas stemming from soldiers' feedback, updated operational requirements, and testing procedures. Perhaps the most obvious change is the addition of dual passenger doors, making the Sufa 2 the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative.
Other improvements include the fitting of a six speed gearbox and increased stability resulting from wider axles than its predecessor. Leaf springs were replaced with modern suspension, and the Sufa 2 features rear Dana 44 axles and front TJ Dana 30s, factory designed slip yoke eliminators, and the added safety of airbags. Soldiers' comfort was addressed as well with the addition of standard rear air conditioning as well as CD players.
Sufa 2 wass also produced in an armoured version, and offered with an optional 2.8 litre VM Motori turbodiesel, automatic transmission, right hand drive, and run-flat tyres. In 2007, AIL was capable of completing ten vehicles daily. Due to local tax laws, a civilian version of the Sufa 2 was not available in Israel.
Sufa / Storm 3
Development of the M-243 Sufa Mark 3 model was completed June 2008 for the Israeli defense forces. The IDF have ordered around 600 vehicles with delivery beginning in early 2011. Based on the new military spec. Jeep Wrangler J8 design rather than the civilian JK Wrangler, the Mark 3 is meant to address some of the shortfalls of the Mark 2. Whereas the previous vehicle was an update of the original Sufa, the Sufa 3 was designed from the outset for a five-door configuration. The new Storm has a much higher maximum load in part due to heavier-duty shock absorbers, necessary for an armored version. It includes a standard 2.8 litre VM Motori turbodiesel and automatic transmission.
Like the Sufa 2, the Sufa 3 was initially available only to the military with versions set to be delivered to the Israel Police in 2009. A civilian version will only be released if the local tax code is modified to allow it to compete with foreign imports of the same class. The Sufa 3 is already in use in several countries, especially in its armored version.
The armored version of the Sufa 3, designed for protection against light weapon threats, incorporates a heavy duty transfer case and a specially designed suspension system which includes heavy duty springs (front - coil, rear - leaf) and shock absorbers, together with rigid heavy duty axles allowing for a smooth and safe ride on both rough terrain as well as regular highways.
The Sufa 3 reconnaissance and patrol model allows for extra stowage of fuel, water and equipment. This version is especially suited to be fitted with various machine gun or special equipment mountings.
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