It uses the traditional tatra concept of rigid backbone tube and swinging half-axles giving independent suspension.

The truck was developed from the model T815 to comply with the most demanding off-road conditions.

Originally the T816 range was developed for the purposes of military, however today also civilian applications are available (notably as heavy off-road firefighting trucks.

The T816 Force range offers the heaviest trucks customized for the respective military customers.

While the Armax range uses Tatra air-cooled engines and gearboxes, the Force uses water-cooled engines and gearboxes of other manufacturers.