BV 206 – Sweden’s All-Terrain Workhorse
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Fast, reliable, and built for the toughest terrain, the Bandvagn 206 (BV 206) is one of Sweden’s most successful military vehicles. This articulated, tracked carrier was designed to move troops and gear across snow, bogs, sand, and rocky ground where wheeled vehicles struggle.
What is the BV 206?
Developed in Sweden by Hägglund & Söner (today BAE Systems Hägglunds), the BV 206 entered production in 1980 and has since served with dozens of countries. Its twin-unit, four-track design spreads weight for ultra-low ground pressure, enabling real mobility in Arctic and swampy environments. The platform is fully amphibious, using its tracks to propel through water.
Why it became a legend
All-terrain mobility: The BV 206 “floats” over soft ground that bogs down trucks, thanks to wide rubber tracks and articulated steering.
Capacity & flexibility: Configurable for troop transport, cargo, medevac, or command roles, with room for up to 17 personnel (6 in the front car, 11 in the rear).
Amphibious operations: Cross lakes and marshes without special prep, ideal for northern climates and disaster response.
Proven worldwide: With over 11,000 produced, the BV 206 has seen service from Scandinavia to North America and beyond. In the U.S., it’s known as the SUSV (Small Unit Support Vehicle) with variants like M973 (cargo), M1065 (TOC), M1066 (ambulance), and M1067 (flatbed).
BV 206 vs. BV 206S and BvS10
BV 206 (classic): Unarmoured, light, amphibious carrier, the subject of our model.
BV 206S: An armored evolution offering protection for troops while retaining the articulated, twin-unit layout.
BvS10 “Viking”: A larger, newer family vehicle inspired by the BV 206 concept, with more protection and payload for modern operations.
Specs at a glance (real vehicle)
Dimensions: ~6.9 m (L) × 1.87 m (W) × 2.4 m (H)
Passengers: Up to 17 (6 front, 11 rear)
Payload: ~2.25 t combined (variant-dependent)
Speed: Up to ~55 km/h on roads; ~4.7 km/h in water
Airlift: Can be underslung by CH-47/CH-53 or carried in C-130 (depending on configuration)
Key design: Articulated twin cars with powered rubber tracks and very low ground pressure
Figures vary slightly by variant and operator; the numbers above reflect widely cited baseline specs.
BV 206 — now on your shelf
At 3DMILPRINT, we capture authentic proportions and details so your miniature reflects the real machine’s character, from its compact cabin to the linked rear unit. Whether you’re a collector, military history fan, or you just love Scandinavian engineering, this model is a standout.