HUGO 8x8.

The Esarco concept was bought by the MWG Group who spent a lot of time and money refining the concept. MWG was put in to administration and the 8x8 was purchased by the ex MD of MWG, Mike Hearn. A company was formed called H.U.G.O. All Terrain Vehicles Ltd. which built final prototypes and type approved the 8x8 (in 1991), and christened it the HUGO (heavy use-global operation). This one was sold and remains in daily use. Production then ceased. It is expected (as of 1998) that the 8x8 will be put back in to production soon. It will be available for overseas licensed production as well. The 8x8 differs considerably from the Stewart & Stephenson vehicle. Mike Hearn HUGO ATV 5/1998 -->

The 8x8 has remained on the back burner apart from three prototypes and a production unit which is in daily service with an emergency response operation for the oil industry. It is regularly used and highly thought of. The Stewart and Stevenson design differs considerably from our present vehicle. We established early on that the possible users would want to carry a crew. Army gun towing, re-supply, emergency aid relief etc. - all of these usually need to carry a useful load off road and also carry the operatives. As a result we made the 8x8 as a diesel engine vehicle for better fuel duration and fitted a Perkins four cylinder Phaser 110. We will now fit the up to date inter-cooled version. We also fitted an automatic Chrysler A727 gearbox and a Land Rover LT250 transfer box driving four specially made wider and stronger axles.

The body was made as a rigid frame structure and all suspension was coil with double acting shock absorbers. The cabin was constructed on a rigid square steel frame providing roll over protection. It is a four-door four-seat cab. There is room between the rear seats for a fold-down bench seat for two more or for an access door to the load deck. The 8x8 will re-appear again soon I expect.

8x8

• loa: 5370mm, width: 2200mm, height (cab): 2360mm
• load deck dim's: 2200mm x 2770mm, top of load deck: 1170mm
• Unladed: 3550kg, GVW; 5550kg, Gross Train Weight: 7550kg.
• track: 1826mm, clearance under diff 260mm
• ramp angle 90 degrees, approach/departure angle 45 degrees.
• Engine in future 135bhp.turbo 4 cyl. diesel Torque ~ 300Nm.
• Transfer cases: modified Land Rover LT 250
• to suit our wheel size/ t.case ratio.
• wheels 15.5", tyres: Trelleborg 305x75x16.

A number of a 6x6 variant were made for the Portugese Paratroops. I am told that they are still in service but we do not offer this variant now. (It tends to be a short 4x4 on heavy braking.)
Thanks to Mike Hearn, HUGO ATV

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