The DAF YP-408 is a Dutch 8×6 armoured personnel carrier, with three out of four axles driven by the typical DAF H-drive. It has a 6-litre, 6-cylinderdiesel engine with a 5-speed gearbox and a 2-speed transfer case.
Prototypes were developed in the late 1950s, with the production of 750 vehicles taking place in the 1960s. The YP-408 entered service in 1964 and remained in use with the Dutch army until 1987. A number of vehicles serving with the Netherlands Army in Suriname were handed to the new Surinamese army when that country became independent in 1975.
Early variant of the YP-408 during field demonstration in 1959.The YP-408 PWAT anti-tank vehicle armed with TOW missile system in 1983.
YP-408 PWI-S /Pantserwiel Infanterie Standaard: Basic version with a two-man crew (driver and gunner), able to carry up to ten passengers and armed with a Browning HB 12.7mm HMG.[2] Of the 429 vehicles produced, around 84 were later converted to other roles (see below).[3] In reality, this version consisted of two near identical models:
YP-408 PWI-S(GR)/Pantserwiel Infanterie Standaard (Groep): This was used to carry an armoured infantry section.[3]
YP-408 PWI-S(PC)/Pantserwiel Infanterie Standaard (Pelotonscommando): Platoon commander's variant fitted with an RT 3600 Radio and a pair of antennae.[4][5]
YP-408 PWCO /Pantserwiel Commando: Command vehicle fitted with additional radios and a desk equipped with special lighting.[6] Crew comprised six men.[5] 179 were built.[6]
YP-408 PWGWT /Pantserwiel Gewondentransport: Unarmed version with a three-man crew (driver, signaller and a medic) able to carry up to six wounded soldiers (two on stretchers and four seated).[7][5] 28 were built.[7]
YP-408 PWV /Pantserwiel Vracht: Cargo vehicle capable of carrying a 1,500 kg payload.[5] 28 were built.[8]
YP-408 PWMR /Pantserwiel Mortier: Mortar transporter that towed a 120 mm mortar.[9] Besides the driver and gunner, the vehicle carried a five-man mortar detachment and 50 shells.[5] 86 were built.[9]
YP-408 PWAT /Pantserwiel Antitank: Anti-tank vehicle with a centrally mounted TOW missile launcher instead of an MG mount.[10] The vehicle, which had a four-man crew, was a conversion of the basic YP-408 PWI-S.[10] Approximately 55 were produced.[10]
YP-408 PWRDR /Pantserwiel Radar: This version carried a Marconi ZB-298 Battlefield Surveillance Radar that could be mounted on the roof behind the MG mounting, or detached and mounted on a tripod.[11] The vehicle, which had a four-man crew, was a conversion of the basic YP-408 PWI-S.[11] Approximately 29 were produced.[11]
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