Development of the Bv 206 all-terrain articulated tracked carrier began in 1974. Three batches of trial vehicles were delivered between 1976 and 1978. The first production examples were delivered to the Swedish Defense Administration in 1980.
Like its predecessor, the
Volvo Bv 202, the Bv 206 is designed to carry troops and equipment through snow and
bog-lands in northern
Sweden. The low
ground pressure enables the Bv 206 to cope with a wide range of difficult conditions. It is fully
amphibious, with a speed in water of up to 4.7 kilometres per hour (2.9 mph). Over 11,000 have been produced and they are used in more than 37 countries worldwide.
The total load capacity is 2,250 kilograms (4,960 lb). A trailer of up to 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lb) gross weight can be towed behind the second compartment.