Desert Iris
{{Short description|4x4 auxiliary vehicle}}
{{Vehicle-military
|name = Desert Iris
|image = Royal_Jordanian_special_Forces.jpg
|origin = Jordan{{flagicon|Jordan}}
|type = Auxiliary Vehicle
|used_by = Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, United Nations
|service = 2005-Present
|manufacturer = King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau
|weight = 1650kg
|length = 4250mm
|width = 1900mm
|height = 1750mm
|crew = 4
|vehicle_range = 600km
|is_vehicle = Yes
|design_date = 1999-2001
|transmission = Manual
}}
The Desert Iris is a 4x4 versatile and durable strategic auxiliary vehicle. It was developed by the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (now Jordan Design and Development Bureau){{Cite web|title = KADDB {{!}} Home Page|url = http://www.kaddb.com/|website = www.kaddb.com|accessdate = 2015-12-23}} and SHP Motorsports to meet an operational requirement identified by the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) for a cost-effective, light-weight, rapid deployment vehicle which would be used to secure its territorial borders.{{Cite web|title = Jordan Eyes Expansion of Domestic Defense Industry|url = http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2005/May/Pages/Jordan_Eyes3203.aspx|website = www.nationaldefensemagazine.org|accessdate = 2015-12-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910091854/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2005/May/Pages/Jordan_Eyes3203.aspx|archive-date = 2015-09-10|url-status=dead}} The Desert Iris can mount a range of weaponry on its multi-purpose weapons tray. This unit can be fitted and removed easily and rapidly, enabling the Desert Iris to be re-configured as required by ground forces.
Variants
- Desert Iris TOW : The Iris is configured with a mounted anti-tank TOW along the back side of the vehicle.
- Desert Iris MRLS: Enables most handheld rocket launcher systems to be mounted to the back side of the vehicle.
- Desert Iris 12.7 mm: A 12.7 mm machine gun is fitted to weapons tray the back side of the vehicle.
- Desert Iris UAV: The weapons tray comes with a UAV launcher platform mounted to the back side of the vehicle.
Armament
Propulsion
The Desert Iris was built around Toyota automotive components and a 2.8 liter four-cylinder Toyota engine. It is able to be utilized as a fast attack platform due to its capable operational range of 600 km on paved surfaces and 400 km off-road. The engine develops 100 Bhp/ 75 KW at 4200 rpm. The independent double wishbone with coil-over-shock suspension in the front and independent training arms in the rear give the Desert Iris tremendous stability and off-road mobility.{{Cite web|title = Jordan eyes expansion of domestic defense industry. - Free Online Library|url = http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Jordan+eyes+expansion+of+domestic+defense+industry-a0132162761|website = www.thefreelibrary.com|accessdate = 2015-12-23}} The vehicle is able to maneuver over slopes of 60% incline vertical, as well as 40% horizontal.{{Cite web|title = Desert Iris|url = http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Desert-Iris_a002217001.aspx|website = www.deagel.com|accessdate = 2015-12-23}}