Ta:kin_500

The Ta:kin is a fully custom, highly adaptable all terrain 3D printed 1:10 scale vehicle for RC hobbyists. This truck will be the crown jewel of your collection. The base kit is the 4_Door Cab with spare tire. Additionally, we are working on the Slant-Back, Pick-up and Scout modules which will replace the rear section so you can making your truck personal, bespoke and mission specific.
The material is ridged SLS Nylon_12, dark grey and beautifully military. It is assembled using Black-Oxide Flat Head Screws with brass inserts throughout. All 4 doors open with spring loaded handles and feature upper and lower Gold Iridium Ballistic windows giving the crew maximum visibility to navigate any terrain you can imagine. In the footwell, there is an additional window giving the driver (or FPV camera) a perfect view of the front tire and terrain you are navigating. The tires were designed from the ground up, utilizing standard 2.2in Beadlock wheels. They feature a progressive carcass, meaning the threads don’t completely collapse during extreme forces and instead transfer the force into direct friction with the butyl material.

Why it looks the way it does

The U.S. military's requirements for the Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) were designed to meet various operational needs across different terrains and combat scenarios. Below is an overview of key military requirements that the Humvee was expected to meet when it was developed in the 1980s, with updates continuing through its service life.

1. High Mobility

All-Terrain Capability: The Humvee had to be highly mobile, capable of handling rough off-road terrain such as mud, sand, snow, and mountainous areas.
Four-Wheel Drive: To provide strong off-road performance and ensure movement in difficult environments.
High Ground Clearance: Minimum of 16 inches (40 cm) of ground clearance to navigate uneven terrain and obstacles.
Steep Climbing: Capable of climbing gradients of 60% (approximately 31 degrees) and traversing side slopes of up to 40%.

2. Payload and Versatility

Payload Capacity: The vehicle needed to carry at least 2,500 pounds of cargo or personnel, depending on the variant.
Multi-Role Platform: The Humvee had to serve multiple roles, including troop transport, cargo transport, ambulance, communications vehicle, and weapons carrier. This led to various configurations such as the M998 (standard troop carrier) and M1025 (armored).
Seating Capacity: Depending on the configuration, the Humvee had to accommodate 4 to 8 personnel with full combat gear.

3. Protection and Armor

Basic Armor: The original Humvee was not heavily armored but could be upgraded with kits for improved protection in hostile environments.
Blast and Ballistic Protection: Later models were equipped with armor kits (e.g., M1114 variant) to protect against small arms fire, IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), and mines, though early versions lacked these features.
Protection from Chemical/Biological Threats: Some versions of the Humvee were equipped with NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) filtration systems.

4. Durability and Reliability

Engine Performance: The Humvee was required to have a diesel engine for fuel efficiency and reliability in combat zones. The engine had to provide sufficient power, typically in the range of 150-190 horsepower, for varied loads and terrain.
Range: The vehicle had to have a range of at least 250-350 miles (400-560 km) on a full tank, enabling extended missions without refueling.
Extreme Weather Operation: It had to function in temperatures from -50°F to 120°F (-46°C to 49°C), ensuring readiness in diverse climates.

5. Transportability

Airlift Capability: The Humvee had to be transportable by air, specifically by CH-47 Chinook and CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters, as well as C-130 Hercules and C-5 Galaxy aircraft. Its compact size and weight had to accommodate these requirements.
Low Weight: The Humvee's weight, depending on the variant, ranged from about 5,200 to 7,700 pounds, balancing ruggedness with air mobility.

6. Maintenance and Logistics

Ease of Maintenance: The vehicle had to be easily maintainable in the field, with parts that were easily replaceable or repairable by soldiers in forward operating areas.
Modular Design: The Humvee was designed with a modular chassis, making it possible to adapt the vehicle for different missions by swapping out components.

7. Communications and Electronics

Compatibility with Military Radios: The Humvee had to integrate with standard U.S. military communications equipment, including encrypted radios for tactical operations.
Power Generation: It needed a robust electrical system to support onboard electronics, communication gear, and specialized mission equipment.

8. Water Fording Capability

Shallow Water Forcing: The base model could ford 2.5 feet of water without any preparation.
Deep Water Fording Kit: With the deep water fording kit, it could ford up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water, allowing it to cross rivers and streams.

9. Safety and Ergonomics

Driver Visibility: Designed to give the driver a clear, wide field of vision to ensure navigation across rough terrains.
Ergonomics: While basic, the layout was designed to be practical for soldiers in full combat gear, ensuring ease of access to the vehicle's controls and equipment.

10. Upgradability

Modernization Potential: The design had to allow for future upgrades, such as improved armor kits, more advanced communication systems, and the integration of new weapons systems.
Weapon Mounts: Some versions needed to accommodate a roof-mounted machine gun or other heavy weapons systems (e.g., TOW missile launchers).

Additional Evolving Requirements:

Improved Armament and Protection (Post-2000s): As the Humvee saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, additional requirements evolved. These included stronger armor to protect against IEDs and more secure cabins. The M1151 and M1114 variants reflect these upgrades.
MRAP Replacement: As threats from IEDs and other explosives became more severe, the U.S. military began replacing the Humvee with more heavily armored MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles for frontline combat roles, though the Humvee is still widely used in other capacities.