First generation (2007–2016) In 2004, Tatra introduced a prototype of the new
817 line of trucks after presenting a 4x4
NATO C-130 Hercules transportable military truck. The prototype was based on Tatra's traditional backbone chassis, with a water cooled
Cummins engine and a
ZF transmission. Even though the truck was being developed as an entirely new line, the company decided to formally introduce it to the market under the
815-7 designation as a new version of the
Tatra 815, in order to undergo a simplified
homologation process. The Tatra 817 entered serial production in 2007. This serial version offered a large extent of modularity for chassis components, engines (air-cooled Tatra or water-cooled Cummins), transmissions (manual, semi-automatic, automatic), and a cabin that allows the simple addition of armor components in line with the
STANAG 4569 standard. Cab tightness allowed for the use of overpressure filtering. While originally intended for military operators, the truck has been offered to civilian customers since 2010, particularly for specialist purposes such as firefighting.
Third generation (since 2023) In May 2023, at the PYROS expo, the third generation T817 was introduced when two fire trucks were presented to the public. This new version offers a modernized cabin coupled with a modified position of the engine. The new four-door cabin offers enough space for up to eight crewmen in three rows. Tatra air-cooled V8 engines were also modernized, offering up to 368 kW of power output. With the third generation, Tatra re-introduced its previously discontinued air-cooled V12 engine, offering up to 515 kW of power output. The third generation continues to be available with a line of water-cooled Cummins engines. At the time of introduction, a hydrogen powered version was under development. ==Users==