Armada oct nov 2013 compendium ifv

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byCompendiumInfantry Fighting Vehicles &Armoured Personnel Carriers

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03Compendium IFV & APC 2013

T he First Gulf War definitely opened afew eyes on deployment requirements,thus vehicle air transportability seemsto remain a prime design criterion

(apart form a few exceptions), whileprotection will definitely remain among toppriorities for political reasons, since westernpublic opinion is not ready to accept blackbags coming back home. With no major

breakthroughs in technology to allow anysubstantial change in the weight-protectionparadigm, though active defence systems mayeventually come to the rescue in thisdepartment, not many revolutionary vehiclesseem to be in the pipeline.

Some lessons seem, however, to have beenlearned, especially in terms of overallsituational awareness and driver view, andthis alone might modify the physiognomy ofvehicles to come. This being said, approacheson future vehicles designs already show some

strong differences, with Israel and its Rakiyaseeking a reduction in weight compared tothe current Merkava-based family of vehicles,while apparently future US Army combatvehicles might actually weigh more thancurrent M1A2 Abrams.

Compared to a few years ago, when thewheels were all the rage, 2013 is showing thereturn of the track, in spite of higher costs inlife cycle terms. One programme is definitelythe one that might shape the future oftracked IFVs: following the demise of the

The Patria “Next Generation Armoured Wheeled Vehicle”unveiled at DSEI 2013 weighs 30 tonnes, of which 13 are pure

payload. The prototype was equipped with a Saab Trackfiremounting a 25 mm cannon. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Infantry Fighting Vehicles and ArmouredPersonnel Carriers

Paolo Valpolini

With the Afghanistan mission drawing to an end, the demand for Mraps is losingmomentum. Where will Western troops be called upon next is anybody’s guess, but whatis almost certain is that the scenario will again be of asymmetric nature. Part of thelessons learned in Afghanistan might thus be of use, although the terrain, which oftendictates tactics and means, might be considerably different.

Future Combat Systems, the US Army is stilllooking for a replacement for its Bradleyfamily, which dates back to the 1970s – inother words 40 years – and the GroundCombat Vehicle (GCV) should apparentlysurvive sequestration. The other majorAmerican programme is the ArmoredMulti-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), which aimsat replacing all those support vehicles basedon the M113 chassis. However in this casethe dramatic choice between tracks andwheels has yet to been made.

Turkey definitely appears a the most activenation in new vehicle development, IDEF2013 seeing at least one novelty from each ofthe principal players in view of the new bidsthat might soon be launched by theUndersecretariat for Defence Industries(SSM). On the other hand few new vehiclesare emerging on the European scene, whereindustry is still waiting to see howrationalisation moves will reshape the market.Overall though, the number of companiesable to produce armoured vehicles, especiallythe wheeled variety, is still increasing,particularly in the Middle and Far East.

04 Compendium IFV & APC 2013

Based on a tank chassis, the Terminator is a support vehicle featuring an impressive firepower,developed by Uralvagonzavod (Armada/P. Valpolini)

I GROUND COMBAT VEHICLES ON STEROIDS?

If this Compendium is to start with theheavier and more complex tracked vehicles,its inevitably has to open on the GCV.

The decision to award a Technology andDevelopment (TD) contract worthapproximately $450 million to BAE Systemsand General Dynamics Land Systems(GDLS) goes back to August 2011. “Faster,lighter, more fuel-efficient alternatives” to theBradley was what Gen. Eric Shinseky, theArmy Chief of Staff in 1999, stated as therequirements for the new vehicles. Some 15years on his wish for a lighter IFV have notbecome true, the current forecast weight forthe Ground Combat Vehicle being over twicethat of the Bradley in his original version.Moreover, due to the recent defence budgetcuts, a decision on the GCV productionmight still not be made 20 years after Gen.Shinseky’s speech. By that time the firstBradleys will be have had over 35 years ofservice and, all going well the Army expects itsfirst production vehicles to roll-out in 2017.The decision to delay the TD phase by at leastsix months, due to budgetary pressure, wasannounced in late January 2013, pushing theRfP for the Engineering and ManufacturingDevelopment (EMD) phase originally

An artist impression of BAE Systemsproposal for the GCV. In spite of itsresemblance with the Bradley, thenew vehicle might have a much higher weight – over 60 tonnes. (BAE Systems)

Back on TrackAs said above, the track seems to be making a return, butwhether it will ever attract the limelight of yesteryearremains to be seen given the constant progress achieved insuspension and tyre technologies. On a pure subjectiveimpression, the track is always seen as more aggressive,which conflicts with the notion of peacekeeping.

planned for Fall 2013 to the right, to Spring2014. Another decision, that goes against theArmy wish for a competitive bid, is the cut toone single contractor for the EMD phase.However estimates consider that this movemight save some $4 billion in the next fiveyears. What remains are the requirements fora vehicle that should host threecrewmembers plus a squad of nine soldiers, beheavily protected and fully networked, with apropulsion system featuring a dramaticreduction in fuel consumption.

For this GCV programme BAE Systemshas teamed with Northrop Grumman, andthis team actually is the only bidder to haveunveiled some details of its proposal. Startingwith the weight issue where the first M2Bradley had a combat weight of 22.6 tonnesand carried a three-man crew and sevendismounts, its BAE Systems proposedsuccessor (according to the company’s datasheet), will have a weight of 63.5 tonnes andwill carry two more infantrymen in the back.

It is true that the Bradley has beencriticised for its relatively low protection,which led to a series of upgrades resulting inthe latest Bradley A3’s combat weight of 34,3tonnes. At 70km/h flat out not much extratop speed is available (the M2A3 topped out at61 km/h), although the new powerplantshould provide good mobility. BAE Systemsdecided to adopt its new hybrid electric drivepropulsion. Known as the Traction DriveSystem (TDS), this was developed with

QinetiQ, which provided a key componentin the form of the E-X-Drive transmission.The TDS can be adapted to 20- 40 tonnevehicles and is based on two symmetricalpower packages that enhance reliability andprovide a degraded mode capability,something that is not available with amechanical single-engine configuration.

The TDS is considered at TRL 6-7, andBAE Systems published a viewgraph showingsome of its performances. The power, 1,500hp, matches today’s main battle tanks ratings(having to cope with similar weights, it mustbe said!). However, the hybrid drive, in whichthe final stage is occupied by electric motors,offers a number of advantages. Apart frombeing less intrusive in the vehiclearchitecture, fuel savings of 10% to 20% areannounced, which means a range of 300 kmwith a full 965-litre tank (in comparison, theM2A3 runs over 402 km with 662 litres butweighs 50% less).Taking a current 70 tonneras yardstick, this would burn around 55,600litres of fuel in a 180-day camapain. The newtype at the same weight, but running on amechanical powerpack would consume39,700 litres, but the same vehicle poweredby BAE Systems TDS would use 33,235 litres,in other words nearly 6,500 litres less. Thismeans that three vehicles will save theequivalent of two M948 HEMTT fueltankers. High torque typical of electricmotors improves manoeuvrability at lowspeeds and during dismounted operations

the hybrid configuration also allows silentoperation. As said above, if top speed is notdramatically increased (operationallyspeaking not a major issue) acceleration takesa 25% boost thanks again to electric motortorque, with the vehicle leaping from 0 to 32km/h in 7.8 secondss against 10.5 for aconventional 70 tonner.

The QinetiQ E-X-Drive transmission alsoprovides seamless transition between alldriving modes. Besides silent operation,another key virtue of the TDS is its 1,100 kWelectrical power generator, enough to ensureample supply to future subsystems. The BAESystems-Northrop Grumman GCV willfeature 7 roadwheels with in-armhydropneumatic suspensions, and will have635 mm wide tracks.

Looking at artist impressions provided bythe company, the top view clearly shows thetwo powerpacks on the rear sides, with thecentre tunnel allowing infantrymen todismount using the rear ramp. The drivingstation on the front left of the all-steel corehull while the vehicle commander’s position ison the right, where the engine used to be.Protection levels will be very high, BAESystems claiming that they will exceed themine and EFP protection of the RG-33 Mrap,(helped by the 0.5-metre ground clearance).Images clearly highlight the add-on armourinstalled on the sides, which broadens thevehicle width to five metres, which certainly isnot an advantage when moving in urban


A series of views of BAE Systems GCV study: the company decided to adopt a hybrid electric drive propulsion based on its Traction Drive Systemand QinetiQ E-X-Drive transmission. (BAE Systems)

canyons considering the nine-metre lengthof the behemoth (the Bradley MA3 is 3.2metres wide and 6.5 metres long).

Firepower is by courtesy of BAE SystemDynamics’ Tactical Remote Turret (TRT)which can accept a dual-feed cannon up to 30mm calibre. Apparently the turret offered tothe US Army is the TRT25. Althoughremotely controlled, the TRT features a hatchin the roof to provide direct view to acrewmember. A remote control weaponstation is installed on top of the turret and isused by the mission commander, who willnot necessarily use its firepower but itssighting system for increased situationalassessment. Equipped with open architecturevetronics the vehicle is ready to receive theplug-in sensors and systems that will form itsC4ISR suite.

GDLS, for its part, does not communicateon its GCV proposal.

With some estimates pushing the GCVweight up to 84 tonnes and others saying thatthe issue is still wide open, one will have towait at least until next year to have a clear ideaof what the US Army IFV of the 2020s mightlook like.

I AMPVThe other programme that might add a newtracked vehicle to the US Army inventory isthe Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle(AMPV). Based on existing and provedtechnologies, the programme aims atreplacing the M113-based support vehiclesin the following five mission roles: missioncommand (MCmd), medical treatment(MTV), medical evacuation (MEV), generalpurpose (GP), and mortar carrier (MCV).Current vehicles are unable to manoeuvre atthe same speed as first line vehicles like theAbrams tank and the Bradley IFV. TheAMPV should be a relatively low-costprogramme, the average unit manufacturingcost having been set at $1.8 Million (FY12),that is six times less than the previouslydescribed GCV.

With priority put on soldier protection,networking capacity, mobility and growthpotential, underbelly protectionrequirements therefore specify a mobilitycomparable to that of the M1/M2 vehiclesand a protection comparable to that ofcombat vehicles against most likely directfire, indirect fire and underbelly threats.

Today a US Army Armored BrigadeCombat Team (ABCT) has 114 M113derivatives ensuring support functions, whichrepresent 32% of the total number of vehicles.

In detail there are 41 M1068A3 MCmds, 19M113A3 GPs, 31 M113A3 MEVs, 8 M577MTVs vehicles and 15 M1064 MCVs. Thenew AMTV will be distributed in a slightlydifferent manner, and precisely each ABCTwill field 39 MCmds, 18 GPs, 30 MEVs, 8MTVs and 14 MCVs, for a total of 109vehicles, to which are added five OperationalReadiness Float vehicles, two missioncommand and one of each remaining type,for a total of 114 AMPVs per ABCT.

The Army wants at least 57%commonality of parts/components within

the AMPV fleet. The intention is to receivethe vehicles by Brigade sets, getting 2-3 BCTsper year at full production rate. A draftRequest for Proposal was issued on 21 March2013, an Industry Day having been organisedone month later, the RfP having been releasedon 28 June. The cost plus incentive feeEngineering and ManufacturingDevelopment (EMD) contract should beawarded on 28 May 2014 to a singlecompetitor, instead to two competitors asstated initially, for a duration of 42 months,$65 million being available for FY14, 145.5

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For the AMPV programme BAE Systems offers a vehicle based on the Bradley chassis, many ofwhich are available in Army depots. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

General Dynamics UK Specialist Vehicle Mobile Test Rig was exhibited at DSEI 2013 in theProtected Mobility Reconnaissance Support configuration, fitted with a Kongsberg Protectorarmed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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for FY15, 109.9 for FY16 and 67.4 for FY17.Three LRIP options, with a fixed-priceincentive firm contract, will follow with threeoption years. With funding of about $350million per year. Quantities for those threeoptions are 52 AMPVs for Option 1, 105 forOption 2 and 130 for Option 3, for a total of287 vehicles, that is about 10% of the totalforecast number of 2,897 AMPVs, detailedquantities being shown in the table.

The DoD offers the option of an exchangeagreement with existing vehicles of theBradley, M113, M1064, M1068, and/or M577vehicles types.

Five companies showed up at the lateApril Industry Day, namely BAE Systems,

General Dynamics Land Systems, AECOM,Lockheed Martin and Mack Defence and arethe most likely contenders for the AMPV bid.

BAE Systems is expected to maintain itsBradley-based proposal. A first prototype ofthe so-called Reconfigurable Height Bradley(RHB) was prepared in Fall 2011, featuring aroof behind the driver’s position. This can beremoved in less than one day to reconfigurethe vehicle according to mission requirements

(the Medical Treatment vehicle for instancerequires higher than standard headroom).

The powerpack is the as the M2A3’s,namely that is the 600 hp Cummins coupledto an L-3 CPS HMPT-500 transmission, butsuspensions are upgraded. Fuel tanks are

moved to the outside, on each side of the rearpowered ramp, improving safety as well asincreasing internal space. NBC and airconditioning are installed, except for themortar carrier that will have an open roof. Interms of protection, the latest explosivereactive armour tiles adopted on Bradleys aswell as a floating floor developed by BAESystems will increase crew survivability,especially against mines and roadside bombs.

BAE Systems who is upgrading over 1,500Bradleys to the A3 standard, is currentlyfighting against the potential shut down ofthe Bradley Fighting Vehicle production linefor at least three years as of mid-2014, and theAMPV contract would be a possible solutionto keep it open.

At AUSA 2012 General Dynamics LandSystems unveiled a new proposal for theAMPV programme, based on the Stryker, theStryker + Tr, a tracked vehicle conceptderived from the Double-V hull Stryker. Thetracked Stryker prototype is 203 mm widerand has a weight of about 30 tonnes, with agrowth potential up to 38 tonnes considered.A second prototype should be readied inearly 2014, though its dimensions and weightmight be increased as well as its tracks widthto lower specific ground pressure. GDLSproposes a 625 hp powerpack. Althoughmobility considerations seem to favour atracked solution, GDLS does not excludes topropose a wheeled proposal based on itslatest Stryker versions should this better copewith the final RfP requirements.

ABCT Total TRADOC / Test Total Vehicles by typeGeneral Purpose 462 58 520Mortar Carrier 348 36 384Mission Command 899 92 991Medical Evacuation 736 52 788Medical Treatment 194 20 214Total 2897

A US Army Bradley equipped with the UrbanSurvivability Kit III. The Army is eyeing theGround Combat Vehicle as a replacement forthis vehicle, which was fielded in the early‘80s. (BAE Systems)

One of GDLS answers to the AMTV programme is the Stryker +Tr, a tracked version of the Stryker unveiled in 2012, with a weight of 30 tonnes andan 8-tonne growth potential. (Armada/P. Valpolini)



Besides the two mentioned companies,other showed up at the last Industry day.While Lockheed Martin confirmed that it isnot considering its participation in the AMPVprogramme, not much is known about MackDefence and AECOM intentions.

I TRACKS FROM TURKEYOne of the most active countries in thetracked vehicles field is currently Turkey. Atleast three tracked vehicles were unveiled atIDEF 2013 last May in Istanbul.

A winged horse only for warriors, theTulpar, gave its name to the Otokar trackedinfantry fighting vehicle. The Turkish Armycurrently operates an evolution of the M113the mobility of which is however inferior tothat of the new tank. Considering that theseunits will soon need a vehicle with highermobility, protection and firepower, Otokardecided to invest company funds in this newvehicle. Last year’s prototype will be followedby an undisclosed number of other testvehicles (testing of the current vehicle startedin the wake of IDEF in May 2014).

In order to reduce costs and risks and tooptimise logistics, some of the subsystemsof the Tulpar are directly derived fromthose of the Altay, although they may notbe necessarily identical. The engine bay ofthe Tulpar was designed from the outset toaccommodate two different propulsionpacks. The current one is a 810 hp ScaniaDI 16 Turbo intercooler common railengine coupled to an SG-850 automatic 32-speed mechanical transmission build bySAPA Placencia in Spain. This powerpackwould be maintained should the current32-tonne vehicle weight grow to 35 tonnes.For higher weight configurations, or forcustomers operating in very hot climates,Otokar is proposing a 1,100 hp MTU mated

to a Renk transmission that would copewith a 42-tonne Tulpar.

The new AIFV is equipped with theMizrak-30 remotely controlled turretunveiled two years ago by Otokar and alreadyinstalled on its Arma 8x8. Electrically driven,this turret is now equipped with an ATKMk44 30 mm dual feed cannon with 210ready rounds and a 7.62 mm coaxial machinegun with 500 rounds. It features dual-axisindependently stabilised day/night gunnerand commander sights with thermal imagerand laser rangefinder. The Mizrak-30 allowsto preserve the rear compartment internalvolume, accessible via a rear ramp by troops,commander and the gunner which operateswithin the vehicle chassis. The reduced needfor turret protection allows for a lower centre

of gravity – the Tulpar being able to cope with40% side slopes. No information on thechassis protection level were given, themodular armour package being defined as“up to current higher standards”, the packagedevelopment being made in cooperationwith IBD Deisenroth, though manufactureis planned to remain in Turkey.

As for active defence solutions, Turkey islooking at a local developments throughinternational cooperation. Initially aimed atthe Altay MBT, these would be scalable to suitother vehicles. The Tulpar is obviously acandidate if it is to operate alongside thenational Altay. A tender for the active systemshould be soon launched by SSM, the Turkishdefence procurement agency. Companyofficials consider the Tulpar to be a match fortop players like the Ascod, the CV-90 and thePuma, although the Turkish vehicle has 10-tonne growth potential. Mine protection wasa key design parameter with a 450mmground clearance and energy absorbing seats,but no information is given on the mineprotection package.

The vehicle meets the requirement of theTurkish Army for a 13 m3 internal volumeincluding the driver compartment, which isnot separated from the rear compartment.The overall internal volume is very smoothand continuous, allowing all the crew andinfantry squad to have direct eye contact. TheTulpar was designed to roll into the AirbusMilitary A400M, of which ten have beenordered by Turkey. Among the optionsoffered for the Tulpar is an auxiliary powerunit, that might become key in someconfigurations, such as command post orambulance, to name but two of the manyvariants proposed by Otokar.

FNSS had two tracked vehicles on show atIDEF for the first time. Although not part of

Unveiled at IDEF in 2013 the Tulpar might become the new Turkish Army’s tracked infantry fighting vehicle. It would operate alongside the Altay tank in armoured formations. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The ACV30 was developed by FNSS to answerthe Turkish Army requirement for anamphibious air defence artillery system.Weighing in at 30 tonnes, the vehicle isnecessarily huge to allow proper flotation.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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the IFV category the ACV30 is worthy of afew words here as it is a new tracked supportvehicle developed specifically for the Korkut35 mm self-propelled air defence artillerysystem that is being procured by the TurkishArmy under prime contractorship ofAselsan. FNSS leveraged experience from theM113-derived vehicles to give birth to thissteroid-pumped M113 – its impressivevolume resulting from the amphibiousrequirement for the Korkut. The 30 tonneruses two hydrojets to reach a maximumspeed of 6 km/h. A command and controlprototype equipped with a radar has alsobeen produced, a potential order for 13 firingunits each made of a C2 and three gunvehicles being awaited. The ACV30 shouldalso be used as the chassis for the T-Malamidsmedium-range air-defence missile system.

More relevant to this Compendium wasthe second tracked vehicle exhibited for thefirst time by FNSS. At first glance the Kaplan(Tiger) tracked reconnaissance vehicle has awell known look, that of a derivative of theM113 due to its five roadwheel chassis.However this first impression is quitemisleading, as in fact the recce version ofwhat is also known as LAWC-T (LightArmoured Weapon Carrier concept -Tracked) has a wholly different architecture.The hint of that is given by the front section,which features a full width periscope systemshowing that the driver and commander seatside by side. This layout is derived from that ofthe FNSS wheeled vehicle family of Pars 6x6and 8x8, and provides optimal situationalawareness allowing to drive with hatch closed

even in those situation characterised byheavy car and people traffic that militaryunits find during stabilisation missions.

The field of view in the front cabin exceeds180° and is thus also a key factor in allowingthe crew to pick up combat indicators. Theengine has been moved to the back and onthe right, leaving a small access way that endsinto a clamshell door in the rear of the Tiger,while the transmission is located at the veryfront of the chassis. In that small corridor ajump seat is available for a fifth soldier, twoother being located behind the driver andcommander. The weapon system might be ofdifferent kinds, the LAWC-T being able tohost manned or unmanned turrets withweapons from 25 up to 40 mm calibre, as wellas antitank missile turrets or ISTAR turretsof up to 1.8 tonnes. At IDEF the Tiger wasshown with a still unnamed remotelycontrolled turret developed in cooperationwith Roketsan, armed with a 12.7 mmmachine gun and four Omtas medium rangemissiles, a side-development of the Umtaslong range missile equipped with a similarimaging infrared sensor. Four to six sparemissiles are hosted inside the vehicle. Thesight includes a day TV camera, a thermalimager and a laser rangefinder. The Tigeradopts an FNSS vetronic system derived

from that of the Pars, based on a Cambus,that allows plug & play installation ofelectronic systems. The prototype shown atIDEF had front, back and side day/nightcameras, with the front ones being used asdriving aids while the remaining ensure all-round situational awareness. The crewaccesses the vehicle via two side doors.Protection is Level 4 against kinetic energythreat, that is 14.5 mm AP at 200 metres, andLevel 3a against mines, 8 kg under track.With a ground clearance of 400-450 mm, thevehicle features a shallow “V” underbelly.The current gross weight is nine tonnesalthough the chassis can accept 14 to15tonnes, thus a considerable growth margin isavailable to further increase protection. Nodata were available on the engine but FNSSstates that the power-to-weight ratio must begreater than 25 hp/t, implying a 250 hpengine at ten tonnes. The current prototypewill be followed by a second, which will beamphibious, a must for a recce vehicle and adouble-must considering that the TurkishArmy requires amphibious capabilities in allnew projects. According to FNSS designersthe rear engine and the centre of gravitylocated close to the flotation centre willconsiderably improve the behaviour afloat.Moreover the low centre of gravity also allowsto cope with 40% side slopes. FNSS plans tostart LAWC-T/Tiger trials in early-mid 2014.In June 2013 Turkish SSM announced a bidfor 184 tracked armoured weapon carriers, arole that perfectly fits the Tiger. Beside thenational market the company looks positivelyto South-East Asia, where the low groundpressure of the vehicle – 6 tonnes/m2 at 10tonnes – would allow the Tiger to cope withmuddy, soft soils and rice paddies, whichmight make it in a way the successor of theCVR-T series. How much the LAWC-TKaplan will be used as the base for thedevelopment of a new family of trackedvehicles for Indonesia, as part of theagreement between the two countries signedat IDEF 2013 that involves PT Pindad forIndonesia and FNSS for Turkey remains tobe seen, the Kaplan performances fitting wellthe Indonesian operational scenarios.

I EUROPEAN TRACKS FOR EUROPEAN CONTRACTSTwo European nations, Denmark and Poland,are about to replace a considerable part of theirarmoured vehicle fleets. The former need toreplace its M113 APCs. the Danish DefenceAcquisition and Logistics Organisation FMT(Forsvarets Materieltjeneste) has already

A light tracked reconnaissance vehicle, theTurkish Kaplan has been developed by FNSSadopting some features of its wheeled PARSfamily, such as the glass windscreen.(Armada/P. Valpolini)


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shortlisted the competitors, keeping in playboth tracked and wheeled solutions. Some206 to 450 vehicles may be involved in sixdifferent variants. Poland, for its part needsto replace its Russian-built BMP infantryfighting vehicles as well as its T-72 and P-91tanks. The requirement specifies UniversalTracked Platform (UTP) platform with acombat weight capability expected to be inexcess of 25 tonnes to serve as the basis for around 1,000 IFVs and 500 for the light tanks.

The Danish shortlist includes threetracked solutions: the BAE Systems’Armadillo, the FFG Flensburger’s ProtectedMission Module Carrier (PMMC) G5 andthe General Dynamics European LandSystems Ascod 2. The Polish bid timeline isslightly to the right of the Danish one, andwhat is established is that production will becarried out locally by Polish DefenceHolding (formerly the Bumar Group), thedeadline for first deliveries being 2018. Anational development solution does notseem viable, and thus a Polish solutioncreated with the support of internationalpartners heavily based on an existingproducts is more probable. The end of the

programme is planned for 2022.As shown in the Armoured Vehicle

Protection Compendium published withArmada 2/2013, the CV90 is largely a newvehicle compared with the original deliveredto the Swedish Army 20 years ago. Over 1,200are currently in service with five othernations, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands,Norway and Switzerland which with Swedenare all part of the System DevelopmentBoard, in other words the “CV90 users club”that feeds back operational experiencesacquired downrange.

Mobility improvements include a semi-

active suspension that provides a much morestable platform (reducing pitch accelerationby 30 to 40%) and rubber tracks. The formerincreases weapon accuracy to MBT levels andthe latter reduce acoustic signature, therebylimiting the effectiveness of acoustic seismicsensors. In Afghanistan those tracks,produced by Soucy of Canada, proved torecuce noise by 10 dB, but also had beneficialeffects on fuel consumption as well as on roaddamage, an important factor in stabilisationoperations. In addition, the newest vehiclesproved to outperform the Bradley in lightsnow thanks to the higher sprocket and better

In the latest iterations of the CV90 only the name ofthe original vehicle remains, the newly produced IFVsbeing technologically way ahead of those enteredin service in the ‘90s. (BAE Systems)

angle of the track, as well as in the passageover the 1.2 meters step. The CV90 engine is amilitarised version of those used on Scaniatrucks that has seen its power increase fromthe mere 370 kW of the earlier prototypes tothe 600 kW of the latest MkIII version.Combat weight has grown from 20 to over 35tonnes, mostly because of the constantimprovement in armour protection, as thelatest vehicles feature a mine protection well inexcess of Stanag 4A/B. Increased power andrunning gear improvements allow the CV90to sport a 120 mm smoothbore gun.

The latest CV90 versions are fullydigitised. This major step results from theSwiss requirement necessitating a reductionof maintenance personnel training time from15 to 5 months, which implied the adoptionof digitised health and usage monitoringsystems. The electronic architecture is theother major improvement in the latest versionof the CV90. Not only does this allow easyintegration of new sensors, local situationalawareness systems, reactive armour, on boardsimulation systems that allow to increase crewperformances in the build-up phase, but italso decreases crew reaction times.

Further potential upgrades are proposed,such as BAE Systems’ hybrid-electric drivetechnology that promises to cut fuelconsumption by 25-30%, a figure that mightincrease up to 45% if coupled to rubber tracks.

In addition to the MkIII, the CV90 alsoevolved into the Armadillo, a sans turretversion with a higher internal volume and asix-tonne payload capacity to suit a number

of needs, armoured personnel carrier toname but one.

The constant upgrading of the CV90brought its results: after 18 years ofproduction the two Swedish plants where itwas manufactured went still. The lull inproduction was used by BAE Systems tooptimise its production scheme, reunifyingall the production in the Örnsköldsvik plantwhile modernising it in order to increaseefficiency. This plant is now used to produceall tracked vehicles, among which the CV90,which is again starting to roll off theassembly line following the contract signedin 2012 by Norway to the tune of €590

million. This includes the upgrade of thecurrent fleet, namely 103 vehicles, and theacquisition of further 41 new vehicles andsome extra chassis, to provide theNorwegian Army with 74 infantry fighting,21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16engineering, two driver training vehiclesand 16 multirole vehicles, the latter fordifferent roles such as mortar carrier orlogistics. The new vehicles will encompassmost of the protection, survivability,situational awareness, intelligence andinteroperability improvements so fardeveloped. Production is being carried out inSweden while a Norwegian industry teamled by Kongsberg is responsible for theintegration work.

More markets might open up for theSwedish vehicle. Besides the Armadillo,down-selected by Denmark, CV90-basedsolutions are also eyeing the Canadian CloseCombat Vehicles (CCV) programme thatinvolves 108 vehicles plus an option for 30more. The programme seems to beconfirmed after an attempt to dump it bysome Army circles. The CV90 has also beentested for the American GCV programme.

In late May 2013 BAE Systems Hägglundsannounced an agreement with Polish DefenceHolding (PDH) was announced aimed at theUTP, and in September the two companiesunveiled the PL-O1 concept direct supportvehicle at MSPO in Kielce. This will be thefirst member of the UTP-based family andheavily draws on CV90 experience.

The tracked platform, which can beequipped with steel tracks with rubber padsor with full rubber tracks, features a high

At MSPO 2013 in Poland BAE Systems and Polish Defence Holding unveiled the PL-01 conceptsupport vehicle based on the Universal Tracked Platform. (BAE Systems/PDH)

The Protected Mission Module Carrier G5developed by FFG Flensburger is one of thevehicles downselected by Denmark for the

M113 replacement programme. (FFG)


capacity compact powerpack that takes awaya relatively low volume within the hull,which accommodates three crew members.The hull is mine and roadside bombresistant, armour being based on amultilayer composite ceramic-aramidpackage, while an active protection systemincreases crew safety together with otherpassive solutions such as new blast absorbingseats. The PL-01 has an unmanned turretthat can be armed with a 105 or a 120 mmgun, both being able to fire standardammunition or antitank guided missiles. Alighter remote-control weapon station on theturret top will be armed with a 7.62 or 12.7mm MG or with a 40 mm AGL, a coaxial7.62 mm MG completing the weaponry. Thenumber of crew members implies thepresence of an autoloader, located in theturret rear. State-of-the-art optronics willprovide sighting and situational awareness,the commander being provided with apanoramic sight for hunter-killer missions.Navigation and IFF will also be part of thevetronic suite. The modular design will allowthe direct support vehicle to be adapted tovarious missions. A first prototype, build atGliwice by Obrum, a PDH company, shouldbe available by 2016. First deliveries areexpected in 2018 with completion by 2022.

The second tracked contender for theDanish programme is the Protected MissionModule Carrier G5 (PMMC G5), developedby Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft(FFG) of Germany, a company with a strongexperience in the development and upgradeof military tracked vehicles –the M113 andthe Polish Opal amongst others. Grossing at26.5 tonnes with further growth potential, theG5 features six roadwheels with a frontsprocket. The 560 hp MTU 6V199 TE21engine lives front right, with the driver on theleft with full access to the rear compartment.He can thus enter his position either throughthe top hatch or from the back. To providehim with a good situational awareness thevehicle is not equipped with typical trackedAPC episcopes, but with an elevated domewith windows on 180°, ensuring goodvisibility front and left and lesser visibility onthe right. Armoured glasses are protected bysteel slats. This allows the driver to remainprotected while keeping a driving positionsimilar to that of an M-113 head-out position.

A day/night camera is also located at thefront. The engine is coupled to a ZF LSG1000 automatic transmission that drivesrubber tracks provided by Soucy. The G5 hasa very high internal protected volume, 14.5

m3, its payload capacity being 6.5 tonnes. Itcan carry a maximum of 12 soldiers, aproposed layout being that with the driver,the vehicle and tactical commanders seatedtowards the front with a screen showing theBMS as well as the image captured by thefront camera and eventually other sensors(should an RCWS be mounted on the roof),and eight dismounts seated on two rows offour energy absorbing seats looking inwards.

As mentioned initially the PMMC G5has been developed following a modularconcept, thus the vehicle is based on astandard mine protected chassis,powerpack, driveline, suspension system,air conditioning and heating, driver andcommander stations and interfaces. Thevehicle can then be rapidly fitted withdifferent mission modules, which aredecoupled from the chassis floor, to meetvarious mission requirements such as trooptransport, command post, ambulance,medical treatment, and cargo, althoughmortar carrier, patrol and other versionshave also been considered. Shifting module

requires few hours. This allows to keep thelogistical footprint as small as possible.Modules can be transported and storedinside standard ISO-containers, makingtheir handling very cheap and easy.According to FFG the PMMC G5 wasdesigned with the aim of minimising lifecycle costs. FFG has built three G5prototypes, which are optimized versions ofthe first one produced and that have loggedapproximately a combined 20,000 km todate. The G5 is currently under field testingby Denmark and, according to FFG contactshave been established with numerousinterested parties from several countries. In2011 FFG and Krauss-Maffei Wegmannannounced an agreement aimed atsupporting the modernisation of theBrazilian M113 fleet.

I ASCODSelected as the preferred bidder in March2010, the General Dynamics UK proposal forthe British Army SV Scout vehicle had by Julyreceived the contract for the demonstration

Outside and inside view of the PMMC driver’s position, which features a glass windscreenallowing good situational awareness and a view of into the troop compartment. (FFG)


phase that included the development of sevenAscod tracked vehicle evolution prototypesequipped with a Lockheed Martin turretarmed with the CTAI 40 mm gun. The turretbody, it is worthy of notice, is based onRheinmetall’s Lance turret.

The latest step was the completion of cold-weather trials on the mobile test rig, whichfollowed those of the cooling system underfull load in extreme heat, thus ensuring an80°C operational envelope. Tests were carriedout in a cold climatic chamber in Spain. Themobile test rig was submitted to a wholeseries of punishments, including operationaland tactical mobility trials, covering over10,000 km. The Critical Design Review isexpected by the end of 2013 while a decisionon production might be taken in 2014-15.

The Ascod 2 has also been down-selectedas one of the competitors for the DanishArmy M113 replacement programme.

I PUMA CLOSE TO DELIVERYOf the 350 Pumas ordered by Germany toProjeckt System & Management (PSM), the50-50 Joint Venture between Krauss-MaffeiWegmann and Rheinmetall Landsystemepurposely made for managing theprogramme, nine have been produced andare currently undergoing extensiveverification and qualification trials.

The Bundeswehr had originally ordered405 Pumas, but following reorganizationdecisions, the German defence authorities andPSM agreed on a reduction to 350 vehicles inJuly 2012 (with a 342 infantry fighting vehicleand 8 driver training vehicle split), and on the

extension of the qualification trial period toSeptember 30 2013.

Compared to the early prototypes,production vehicles have a new running gearfeaturing six roadwheels instead of five. Alsothe first Pumas had a wider gap between thethird and fourth and between the fourth andfifth roadwheels, while now the spacing iseven between each axle providing betterperformances on rough terrain and a higherstability. Space has even been found in therunning gear side modules to add more fuelto bring this capacity to 900 litres from 800.Another major change can be seen on theunmanned turret, which now features apyramidal and ventilated weapon housingthat ends close to the muzzle. According toPSM this further increases the accuracy of thefully stabilized 30 mm MK30-2/ABMautomatic cannon. The grenade launcherfunctionality – part of the Muss activeprotection system – has also evolved, withlaunchers now being trainable. The fourIR/laser sensors installed around the turretprovide 360° coverage, data being fed into thecentral electronic system that ensures that theinfrared jammer and the grenade launcher areoriented in the optimal direction before firingto maximize protection against an incomingmissile. For the German Army a launcher fortwo antitank missiles will be installed, theintegration of the Spike-LR missile systembeing currently under development.

The Puma has already undergone anextensive qualification and verificationprogramme. Numerous individual tests andtrials have been conducted and successfully

concluded, road behaviour, performance,ergonomics, fire control system,functionalities of turret and weapon systems,while in parallel, it successfully underwent athree-month cold climate trial in the ArcticCircle of Norway in early 2012. Furtherintegrated verification and systemqualification trials will continue until the endof 2013, numerous activities being planned.

As for logistical qualification trials, sinceMay 2013 German Army personnel fromthe Technical School for Land Systems andArmy Technical College for Technology inAachen is carrying out maintenance andrepair tests on the Puma. This includes theverification of the main elements of thelogistical training programme including acomprehensive theoretical and practicalunderstanding of maintenance activitiesand testing of special tools, as described inthe interactive electronic technicaldocumentation, as well as conductingpractical maintenance on level 2 and 3.

Tactical qualification trials have begun inMay 2013 and were expected to be concludedby mid- August 2013. The trials, carried outwith a single vehicle as well as with a platoonsize unit of four vehicles, are conducted bythe German Army Armour Corps School inMunster and include operations withmounted or dismounted infantry, maneuvercombat, high elevation firing in urban areas,platoon size exercises and combined armexercises together with main battle tanks. Bythe time these lines are read, the Puma shouldhave completed two or three months of hotclimate trials in the United Arab Emirates.

The German Puma, developed and producedby the KMW/Rheinmetall JV known as PSM, has

undergone some modification and is nowclosing the production phase. (PSM)


15

Once the user verification certificate isobtained, based on the results of all conductedtests, 2014 the production rate will increase toabout 50 Puma per year until final delivery in2020. Handover of the first Pumas to theGerman Army is planned for 2014. The Pumais also being promoted on the export market,Canada and Australia being currently thehigh priority programmes for PSM.

I WARRIOR & COIn Britain Lockheed Martin is pursuing itseffort on the Warrior Capability SustainmentProgramme. In November 2012 a newmotion test rig was installed for turretstabilisation testing, turret servo testing,human factor assessments, training andshakedown testing. It can accommodatepayloads up to eight tonnes replicatingtypical automotive dynamic loadingconditions. The Lockheed Martin UK WCSPis based on the refurbishing of the Warriorturret which is being rearmed with the 40mm CTAI gun. Mobility, protection and C2improvements are also part of the package.In 2013 the Performance Design Review wascarried out successfully, awaiting the CriticalDesign Review in 2014 that will bring to thecompletion of the demonstration phase.Production should start in 2016 with an IOCscheduled for 2018.

Meanwhile Lockheed Martin UK is alsowaiting for the down-selection for KuwaitDesert Warriors upgrade programme thatshould take place in late 2013. Althoughequipped with a different turret and gun (the

ATK 25 mm M242 dual-feed cannon thatwill quite probably be selected), LM UK willhave the advantage of experience gained withthe WCSP against its contenders, RaytheonNetwork Centric Systems teamed with BAESystems and General Dynamics Canada.

I A NEW ENTRYThe Republic of Georgia is one of the latestentries among tracked vehicles producers,having unveiled an remote-control turret-equipped armoured personal carrier in lateFebruary 2012. Armed with a 23 mm 2A14cannon and a 7.62 mm machine and known

as the Lazika, it has a combat weight of 14tonnes. Protection is basic Level 4 front andflank protection, Level 2 at the rear. Add-onarmour up to Level 5 is available, while mineprotection is given as Level 4a/b. It carries acrew of three and up to seven dismounts thatdebus via a rear ramp. Designed by the Deltamilitary-scientific technical centre, it is beingproduced by Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing.The 300 hp engine is located in the frontright and allows the Lazika to reach amaximum speed of 70 km/h, the stroke ofthe five roadwheels being entrusted to atorsion bar suspension.

South Georgia is one of the latest countries to enter the armoured vehicles production arena;the Lazika 14 tonnes APC can carry up to seven dismounts and three crew members. (Internet)

Lockheed Martin UK shouldstart the production of the

Warrior Capability SustainmentProgramme in 2016, critical

design review being plannedfor 2014. (Lockheed Martin UK)


S till in North America, but in Canada,the Close Combat Vehicle programmehas shortened its contender list toNexter’s VBCI equipped with the 25

mm turret, and the GDLS Piranha 5.Interestingly, Denmark is considering the

same vehicles for the “wheeled option” for itsM113 replacement programme (q.v.). InEurope, the major programme was that forthe Spanish Ejercito de Tierra, which plans totransform eight brigades into multirolebrigades (Brigada Polivalente), the frontlineequipment being an 8x8 platform in combat,reconnaissance and command versions, to belater followed by mortar carrier, antitank,recovery, ambulance and engineer versions.However the nation’s current financialsituation has heavily pushed anymodernisation plan to the right, areplacement of currently available equipment

being foreseen in the 2020-40 timeframe.A requirement for a 6x6 vehicle is

surfacing in Turkey, that for an 8x8 seems stillfar away, while in the Middle East the UnitedArab Emirates requirement for around 7008x8 vehicles it still there, other neighbouringcountries being interested by similarplatforms. The Far East and Latin America arealso looking for wheeled IFV/APC solutions.

Brazil is also looking at an 8x8 vehiclearmed with a 105 mm gun, with the aim ofreplacing both the EE-9 Cascavel and theSk105 light tank, an RfI having been issuedto turret companies. Four companiesanswered the request, namely Oto Melarawith the Hitfact 105, Elbit Systems’ Braziliansubsidiary Ares Aerospacial e Defesa with theMT 105BR, CMI Defence with the CT-CV105HP, and Tarobá Engenharia with anundisclosed proposal. An RfP should beissued in late 2013, when the Brazilian Army isexpected to file a development contract withIveco Latin America for an 8x8 derivative ofthe 6x6 Guarani.

I THE MARINE PERSONNEL CARRIERPROGRAMMEThe fate of the MPC programme remainsdoubtful in the light of the US sequestration.The US Marine Corps Commandant, Gen.James Amos, was clearly saying that the toppriority vehicle for the Marine Corps is theAmphibious Combat Vehicle. Thus theMarine Personnel Carrier might become a“nice to have” item. September 2013 mightsee the conclusion of the amphibious andballistic and blast tests, and participatingcompanies await for a debriefing in late

Should the US Army AMPV contract go to a tracked vehicle,as it seems quite probable, the wheeled armoured infantryfighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers marketof the coming years will be much less American-orientedthan the tracked vehicles market, the main wheeledacquisition programme remaining the US Marine CorpsMarines Personnel Carrier.

Armour on Wheels

At the Russian Expo Arms exhibit in Nizhny Tagil, Ural Vagon Zavod and Renault Trucks Defenseannounced the new Atom 8x8 infantry combat vehicle aimed at he Russian market. (UVZ-RTD)

BAE Systems teamed with Iveco DV for answering the US Marine Corps requirement for theMarine Personnel Carrier; the vehicle is a derivative of Iveco’s SuperAV. (BAE Systems)


17

October, early November. What will thenhappen remains a mystery. Will the MPC bea gap filler should the ACV slip too much tothe right? Will it be a back-up solutionshould the ACV fail?

Should the ACV succeed will it beacquired if funding is available? Rumoursabout a possible round of ground mobilitytesting in 2014 followed by an RfQ in early2015 leading to an engineering andmanufacturing development contract for twocompetitors only have also been heard.

While two of the four proposals havebeen widely advertised, namely the Havoc(an AMV-based vehicle from LockheedMartin and Patria, with ArmatecSurvivability Corporation also part of theteam), the SuperAV by BAE Systems-IvecoDV. The other two are more discreetthough: the ST Kinetics Terrex 8x8 seemsto be the standard vehicle adopted bySingapore. As for the GDLS proposal, aYoutube posted movie shows what lookslike a modified-body Piranha 3C with 12-inch wheels and an increased height toensure sufficient floatability, but no officialinformation are available.

I RUSSIA: THE NEW FRENCHCONNECTIONIn February 2013 Ural Vagon Zavod andRenault Trucks Defense started a co-operation aimed at developing an 8x8replacement for the numerous BTRs inservice in the Russian Army. The mock-up ofthat vehicle, named Atom 8x8, was unveiled inlate September 2013 at the Russian ExpoArms exhibit in Nizhni Tagil. With a 32-tonne gross weight, the Atom is 8.2 metreslong, 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres high.Powered by a Renault diesel engine yieldingover 600 hp linked to an automatic gearbox, ithas a weight/power ratio in excess of 18,7hp/t, is fitted with independent suspensions,and has a maximum speed of 100 km/h and arange of 750 km. An amphibious kit isavailable. Fitted with a rear ramp and fourhatches, its maximum transport capacity s oftwo crew members plus 10 dismounts inAPC guise armed with a remote-control 12.7mm station, while an IFV version, fitted witha two-man turret armed with a 57 mm guncan carry up to eight dismounts. Highlymodular, an air defence version of the Atom,also armed with a 57 mm gun, is forecast with

a crew of three. The two companies areconsidering the development of commandpost, engineer and ambulance versions, aswell as that of a self-propelled howitzerversion armed with a 120 mm turreted barrel.Ballistic protection is at Level 5, but no detailson antimine protection having beenannounced, except that ground clearance is0.6 metres. The Atom can be transportedairlifted by on Il-76 and An-124. The twocompanies estimate the potential Russianmarket at around 2,000 vehicles.

I HAVOC AND AMVThe Havoc is a straight derivative of theArmoured Modular Vehicle with identicaldimensions. AMV sales to seven countries,Finland, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, SouthAfrica, United Arab Emirates and Swedenhave reached the 1,400 mark. Launched in2004, the AMV saw its first operationaldeployment in 2007 in Afghanistan where itcurrently is operated by more than onecountry. Developed to provide optimalmodularity of components and to beadaptable for a wide range of versionswithout changes in basic vehicle systems, the

For the Marines Personnel Carrierprogramme Lockheed Martin is teamedwith Patria of Finland and proposes aversion of the Armoured Modular Vehicle.(Lockheed Martin)


AMV offers g protection against APFSDSrounds up to 30 mm in the front sector andunderbelly protection against IED’s, EFP’s aswell as TNT mines of up to 10 kg.

The various versions are based on twochassis lengths, respectively 7.7 and 8.2metres, while width and height remaining thesame at 2.8 and 2.3 metres respectively. Bothchassis are available for all the versionsdeveloped. The basic model provides theplatform for the armoured personnel carrier,infantry fighting vehicle, command vehicle,ambulance, recognition vehicle, anti-tankguided missile vehicle, armoured repair andrecovery vehicle, A high-roof modelprovides extra space at the back of the vehicle,for command, C4I-, ambulance-, orworkshop vehicles. A heavy weapon platformhas been optimised to carry large-calibreweapon systems such as the 105 mm cannon(MGS) and for the 120 mm Patria Nemomortar system.. In March 2013 Patriadelivered the first of the 113 AMVs ordered bythe Swedish Defence Forces, in other wordsthe latest generation vehicle of the AMVproduct family.

In 2012 Patria, the Ministry of Defence ofthe Republic of Slovenia and Rotis Plussigned a settlement agreement concerningthe AMV contract for Slovenia, the local fleetof AMVs consisting of the 30 Svarun alreadydelivered, closing the rest of the project thatwould have brought the total to 135 vehicles.

Things are going much better in Poland,that country having announced in July 2013that in the next five years it will build 307

further Rosomak APCs. Poland alsoextended the production and selling rightsfor 10 more years, Africa being one of theareas targeted. In Poland the Rosomak is builtby Wojskowe Zaklady Mechaniczn atSiemianowice.

As for South Africa, the defence ministersigned the Hoefyster (Badger) contract inFebruary 2013, however Armscor, thetechnology and acquisition agency for theSouth African Government, transferred it toDenel only in September. Worth some €680million, it includes the production of some238 vehicles in five different configurations;heavily based on Patria’s AMV, the Badgerwill feature numerous modification aimed atanswering local requirements Amongst these

is a new flat-bottom mine protection basedon the Land Mobility Technologies’ FlatFloor Technology (the same company is also,by the way, responsible for the new interior).Other equipment produced locally will helpincrease national content, the vehicle beingassembled in South Africa by Denel LandSystems who will also provide the two-manturret for the support variant.

Currently known as “New VehicleConcept”, (the actual name will apparently beunveiled at Eurosatory 2014), the new 8x8does not look much different at a first glance(see the title picture at the very beginning ofthis Compendium). Nevertheless the Finnishcompany considers it a fully new vehiclealthough not many technical details wereprovided. First of all the vehicle is longer, 8.4metres versus the original’s 7.9, the curbweight remaining in the order of 17 tonnes,which suggests the use of improved efficiencymaterials. Gross weight grows to 30 tonnesversus the AMV’s 27, yielding a 13-tonnepayload capacity. Mobility is increasedthanks to the adoption of improvedsuspensions and a new powerpack. Thedriveline was revised to cope with the new in-line six cylinder’s 450 kW (instead of theoriginal’s 405 kW) and higher torque. Thetype was not specified but it should remainpart of the DI 12 Scania Diesel family. Themaximum operating radius is increased from800 to 1,000 km, which might result from anincrease in the fuel tank capacity and a betterefficiency of the new engine.

The armour package is provided by IBDDeisenroth and should be tailored tocustomer needs, according to the modularityconcept that remains the base of the Patriaphilosophy. The driver has a full 180° view

18

A view of the inside of the Havoc, the AMV-based vehicle proposed by the Lockheed Martin-Patria team for the USMC MPC programme. (Lockheed Martin)

A Patria AMV on the move; the Finnish vehicle is constantly being upgraded, deliveries of thelatest generation vehicle to Sweden having started in 2013. (Patria)


capacity thanks to five periscopes providedby GUS, these being installed in a way thatensures better protection if hit by a projectilecoming at high angles. The vehicle can carry acrew of three plus 10 dismounts that accessthrough the rear powered ramp door.Amphibious, it features a state-of-the-art 530A generator that ensures sufficient electricpower to cope with future needs. Theprototype shown at DSEI had already carriedout a series of trials, which the companydeclined to describe, and was fitted with aSaab Trackfire remote-control weaponstation armed with a 25mm cannon and a7.62mm machine gun. According to Patriathe new vehicle will be able to carry weaponsup to 120 mm calibre, both indirect fire suchas the Patria Nammo or direct fire high-pressure guns. Company officials underlinedthat the advent of the new vehicle will notmean that the AMV will disappear from thecompany portfolio.

I THE ITALIAN WAYThe VBA (Veicolo Blindato Anfibio)amphibious vehicle, from which the MarinePersonnel Carrier version is derived, iscurrently in qualifying phase in Italy. The firstdevelopment phase was concluded inDecember 2012, with the demonstration ofthe vehicle’s amphibious capabilities to theItalian MoD. The VBA is the commonproposal by Iveco DV and Oto Melara for an

amphibious infantry combat vehicleequipped with the Hitfist, the chassis-onlyproposal maintaining the SuperAV name.

In terms of rolling gear, the VBA is deeplyrelated to the VBM “Freccia”, the Army 8x8having displayed an availability of over 90 percent in two and a half years in Afghanistan.The VBA powerplant is however different,being based on a cots engine, the Cursor 13used on Iveco trucks. The first immediatefeeling on the field is a significantly loweracoustic signature. The engine also drives thetwo shrouded propellers located at the back ofthe vehicle, which ensure a swimming speedof 5.4 knots. To reduce weight the crew andpassenger cell is of limited width, to whichadd-on elements providing furtherprotection against IEDs and buoyancy areadded, giving the vehicle its distinctive shape.A double antimine “V” shield usingnanomaterial technologies is used to protectthe crew and dismounts from underbellyblast. The Oto Melara turret was hithertoarmed with a 30 mm ATK gun, though theItalian Army chose the 25 mm forstandardisation reasons. On the presentationday the sea was calm, the previous day wecould witness the vehicle’s behaviour in SeaState 2-3. A shore-to-shore simulation wascarried out, the vehicle fighting its way intothe sea against waves until it reached the 2.6-metre floating depth. Further work on thepropellers and bow section might increase

swimming speed to reach the swimmingspeed required by the Italian Navy.

In the MPC version the turret was replacedby a Crows II station, while the vehicle hasbeen stretched to 8.1 metres versus the VBA’s7.92. Width increased by 5 cm while thevehicle is 30 cm higher at 2.6 metres, in orderto meet the 95 percentile requirement of theMarine Corps. The height increase is alsopartly due the new wheels, as the MPC adopts16.00R20 tyres instead of the VBA’s 14.00R20to increase mobility. Engine-wise, the MPCmaintains the Iveco Cursor 13.6-litreturbocharged and intercooled 560 hp unit.

As said above, the VBA fully exploits theexperience acquired with the Frecciadeployed since 2010 in Afghanistan by theItalian Army first medium brigade, two of itsthree infantry regiments being now fullyequipped with the 8x8 IFV. Currently some223 Freccia are on order, subdivided in threebatches. Iveco DV – Oto Melara consortium(CIO) delivered the 50 plus 71 Freccia in thecombat version of the two first batches as wellas the 24 antitank vehicles, the latter based onthe combat version with a Spike missilelauncher integrated on each side of the turret.The mortar carrier version, equipped withthe Thales 2R2M mortar system boasting a120 mm rifled barrel is currently beingqualified, and the CIO looks forward todeliver all 12 on order by late 2013.

The industrial consortium delivered the

Iveco DV and Oto Melara areproposing the VBA to the Italianamphibious troops. It mates the

SuperAV with Oto Melara Hitfist Plusturret. (Armada/P. Valpolini)


A C O M P E N D I U M O F I F V s & A P C s

Compendium IFV & APC 2013Compendium IFV & APC 2013 Compendium IFV & APC 2013 Compendium IFV & APC 2013

Arma 6 x 6 Otokar, TurkeyUnveiled in 2010 the Arma 6 x 6 personnel carrier has already chalked up twoexport orders from undisclosed countries. A roadside bomb clearance versionwas presented in 2011.

Length: 6.35 metresWidth: 2.70 metresHeight: 2.44 metresCombat weight: 18.5 tonnesCrew: 2 + 8Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: 350 litresAmphibious: yesEngine: 336 kW

Arma 8 x 8 Otokar, TurkeyAs Turkey currently has no 8 x 8 acquisition plans, Otokar is turning to thosecountries that do not produce this category of vehicle to export its four-axleArma.

Length: 7.70 metresWidth: 2.70 metresHeight: 2.44 metresCombat weight: 24 tonnesCrew: 2 + 10Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: 400 litresAmphibious: yesEngine: 336 kW

Ascod 2 GDELS, Austria/SpainThe common chassis adopted for the SV family is an evolved version of theAscod’s used in the Ulan/Pizarro.

Length: 6.99 metresWidth: 3.15 metresHeight: 1.76 metresCombat weight: 30 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 500 kmFuel capacity: 860 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 530 kW MTU

BMP-3 Kurganmashzavod, RussiaThe BMP-3 has undergone a number of varying upgrades over the years and ala carte upgrades are being offered by Kurganmashzavod.

Length: 6.72 metresWidth: 3.15 metresHeight: 2.30 metresCombat weight: 22 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: yes Engine: 478 kW UDT 32

Boxer Artec, Germany/NetherlandsAfter a protracted development which saw Britain withdraw, deliveries of 272vehicles to Germany started in 2009. The Netherlands have 200 on order.

Length: 7.39 metresWidth: 2.99 metresHeight: 2.37 metresCombat weight: 33 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 103 km/hOperating radius: 1050 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: noEngine: 530 kW MTU V8 199

Bradley M2A3 GDLS, USADue to the cancellation of the Future Combat Systems the Bradley is still thefrontline US tracked fighting vehicle thanks to constant upgrading. Its chassisis being proposed for the AMPV programme.

Length: 6.55 metresWidth: 3.28 metresHeight: 2.97 metresCombat weight: 30.4 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 61 km/hOperating radius: 400 kmFuel capacity: 662 litresAmphibious: no Engine: 447 kW Cummins VTA-903T

LAV III GDLS, USA & CanadaThe LAV III largely is a Piranha III (q.v.) modified and built by General DynamicsLand Systems in Canada to originally meet a Canadian Army requirement. Laterused as the basis for the Stryker.

Length: 6.98 metresWidth: 2.83 metresHeight: 3.00 metresCombat weight: 20.5 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 450 kmFuel capacity: 300 litresAmphibious: no Engine: 250 kW Caterpillar 3126

Puma PSM, GermanyThe new German army structure now envisages only nine mechanised infantrybattalions, thus only 350 Pumas will be needed compared to the original num-ber of 410.

Length: 7.33 metresWidth: 3.71 metresHeight: 3.05 metresCombat weight: 43 tonnesCrew: 3 + 6Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: 800 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 800 kW MTU 892

BTR-4 Parus Kharkiv Morozov, UkraineExhibited at Idex 2009, sporting a BM-7 Parus turret; offered with RussianYaMZ-7511.10 and Cummins QSM11 (298 kW), Iveco Cursor 10 (320 kW) andDeutz TCD2015V06 (365 kW) engines. Ordered by the Ukrainian Army.

Length: 7.76 metresWidth: 2.93 metresHeight: 3.04 metresCombat weight: 21.9 tonnesCrew: 3 + 6Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 690 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: yes Engine: 316 kW various types

Mbombe Paramount, South AfricaThis South African vehicle does not feature a V-shape bottom although it has aLevel 4 mine protection, while its glass windows provide optimal situationalawareness. It can be armed with medium caliber turrets.

Length: 7.72 metresWidth: 2.54 metresHeight: 2.34 metresCombat weight: 27 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: no Engine: 336 kW Cummins

Pandur 6 x 6 LWB GDELS-Steyr, AustriaIt has been totally overhauled mechanically and electronically, the 6 x 6 IIcan carry a 90-mm turret as maximum calibre.

Length: 6.51 metresWidth: 2.67 metresHeight: 2.08 metresCombat weight: 16.5 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 750 kmFuel capacity: 250 – 300 litresAmphibious: yes Engine: 221 or 335 kW

RG-41 BAE Systems OMC, South AfricaThe heavier member of the RG family adopts a modular concept that allowsquick and easy repair even of heavily damaged chassis. The vehicle has beensubmitted to tough summer tests in the Middle East desert.

Length: 7.78 metresWidth: 2.80 metresHeight: 2.36 metresCombat weight: 33 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: 427 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 390 kW Deutz 2015TCD

BTR-90 JSC Arzamaz, RussiaA ‘beefed up’ and more powerful BTR-80, introduced in 1995, the BTR-90 fea-tures a BMP-2 turret with Konkurs AT missiles, but it is also available with100 mm and 30 mm turrets.

Length: 8.30 metresWidth: 3.13 metresHeight: 3.13 metresCombat weight: 22 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 800 kmFuel capacity: 290 litresAmphibious: yes Engine: 375 kW 2B-06-2C

Pandur II 8 x 8 GDELS-Steyr, AustriaFollowing the sale of the 330 Pandur I 6 x 6s to six customers, the 8 x 8 Pandur IIis being produced for the Czech Republic and Portugal. It can be armed with a105-mm gun.

Length: 7.36 metresWidth: 2.67 metresHeight: 2.09 metresCombat weight: 24 tonnesCrew: 3 + 4Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: yes Engine: 335 kW Cummins ISC

Stryker GDLS, USA & CanadaThe Stryker programme now focusses on the Stryker ‘Double-V Hull’ (DVH),which increases the vehicle protection against mines and roadside bombs toMrap levels.

Length: 7.27 metresWidth: 2.96 metresHeight: 3.12 metresCombat weight: 25 tonnesCrew: 2 + 9Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 530 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: noEngine: 261 kW Caterpillar C7

Pars 6 x 6 FNSS, TurkeyDeveloped to fulfil the Turkish Land Forces Special Purpose Tactical WheeledArmoured Vehicle programme currently on hold, the Pars 6 x 6 is now proposedby FNSS on the export market.

Length: 6.78 metresWidth: 2.82 metresHeight: 2.35 metresCombat weight: 24.5 tonnesCrew: 2 + 8Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: 450 litresAmphibious: no (yes) Engine: 360 kW

Terrex ST Kinetics, SingaporeEntered production for the Singaporean Army in October 2009; equipped with a battlefield management system that allows it to connect with other land and air platforms.

Length: 7.78 metresWidth: 2.97 metresHeight: 2.46 metresCombat weight: 24 tonnesCrew: 1 + 12Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: 400 litresAmphibious: yesEngine: 298 kW Caterpillar C9

CV9035 Mk III BAE Systems Hägglunds, SwedenDeveloped for the Swedish Army with a 40-mm gun the CV90 has been sold toFinland, Norway and Switzerland with a 30-mm gun, and Denmark and theNetherlands with a 35-mm gun.

Length: 6.80 metresWidth: 3.20 metresHeight: 2.80 metresCombat weight: 32 - 35 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: 840 litresAmphibious: no Engine: 600 kW

Pars 8 x 8 FNSS, TurkeyApart from the two prototypes manufactured in Ankara, the first Pars-based 8 x 8s, although deeply redesigned, are to be produced by Deftech in Malaysia.

Length: 7.97 metresWidth: 2.82 metresHeight: 2.35 metresCombat weight: 30 tonnesCrew: 2 + 12Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: 450 litresAmphibious: no (yes) Engine: 373 – 448 kW

VBCI Nexter, FranceThe French Army began replacing its tracked AMX10P with the 8 x 8 VBCI IFV(550 planned) and command (150) vehicles in 2008. The army is planning furtherspecialist variants.

Length: 7.80 metresWidth: 2.98 metresHeight: 2.26 metresCombat weight: 26 tonnesCrew: 14Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 750 kmFuel capacity: 450 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 410 kW Renault

Freccia Iveco/Oto Melara, ItalyBased on Centauro running gear. Italy has ordered 54 of an expected total of249 in various configurations, all with the Sicona system to integrate theSoldato Futuro.

Length: 7.99 metresWidth: 2.99 metresHeight: 2.67 metresCombat weight: 30 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 800 kmFuel capacity: 300 litresAmphibious: no Engine: 405 kW Iveco

VBTP-MR Iveco, BrazilBrazil launched the replacement programme for its EE-11 Urutu and EE-9 Cas-cavel and chose the Iveco VBTP-MR as its future 6 x 6 personnel carrier andfire support armoured vehicle, that will be produced in country.

Length: 6.91 metresWidth: 2.70 metresHeight: 2.34 metresCombat weight: 17.5 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: yesEngine: 282 kW Iveco Cursor 9

Fuchs 2 Rheinmetall, GermanyFollowing the success of the original Fuchs 1 in the NBC reconnaissance rolewith the German, British and American (as the Fox) armies, production of theFuchs 2 was launched in 2007 with the sale of 32 to the UAE.

Length: 6.80 metresWidth: 3.04 metresHeight: 2.54 metresCombat weight: 24 tonnesCrew: 2 + 10Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 700 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: no Engine: 335 kW

Piranha Cl. 5 GDELS-Mowag, SwitzerlandTo meet Middle East requirements General Dynamics European Land Systemsdeveloped a desert-oriented version of its Piranha Class 5.

Length: 8.00 metresWidth: 2.99 metresHeight: 2.34 metresCombat weight: 30 tonnesCrew: 3 + 8Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 550 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: no Engine: 430 kW MTU

Warrior BAE Systems, UKDeveloped in the late 1970s and in service since 1984, the British Warrior is un-dergoing a lifting operation as part of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Pro-gramme, including a new 40-mm gun.

Length: 6.34 metresWidth: 3.03 metresHeight: 2.79 metresCombat weight: 25.4 tonnesCrew: 3 + 7Maximum speed: 75 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: n.a.Amphibious: noEngine: 410 kW Perkins V-8 Condor

Kaplan FNSS, TurkeyThe Kaplan is a light tracked reconnaissance vehicle with a conventional lookbut a series of unconventional technical solutions aimed at improving situationalawareness and mobility. It is armed with a machine gun and antitank missiles.

Length: 5.00 metresWidth: 2.50 metresHeight: 1.80 metresCombat weight: 9 tonnesCrew: 5Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 600 km/hFuel capacity: 300 litresAmphibious: yesEngine: > 165 kW

Lazar 2 Yugoimport, SerbiaAn evolution of the Lazar, the Lazar 2 was unveiled n 2013 and features a higherprotection for the crew, better access and egress for the dismounts, and an im-proved situational awareness and reaction capability for transported troupes.

Length: 7,82 metresWidth: 2.85 metresHeight: 2,32 metresCombat weight: 28 tonnesCrew: 3 + 9Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: n.a.Fuel capacity: 350 litresAmphibious: noEngine: Cummins 373 kW

PMMC G5 FFG, GermanyThe Protected Mission Module Carrier G5 features rubber tracks and an ar-moured glass windscreen for the driver; this vehicle is one of the tracked con-tenders for the Danish Army M113 replacement programme.

Length: 6.25 metresWidth: 2.97 metresHeight: 2.46 metresCombat weight: 26.5 tonnesCrew: -Maximum speed: 72 km/hOperating radius: 600-700 kmFuel capacity: 616 litresAmphibious:Engine: 412 kW

Titus Nexter, FranceTo close a gap in its offer Nexter developed a 6x6 vehicle with an eye on acqui-sition and operational costs, adopting a high mobility chassis and coupling itwith MRAP protection and IFV features.

Length: 7.55 metresWidth: 2,55 metresHeight: 2.73 metres (OH)Combat weight: 27 tonnesCrew: 3 + 10Maximum speed: 110 km/hOperating radius: 700 km/hFuel capacity: 348 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 596 kW

Tulpar Otokar, TurkeyOtokar anticipated the Turkish Army need for a new infantry combat vehicle, unveiling its Tulpar at IDEF 2013. Armed with a 30 mm cannon, the vehicle is designed to adopt a more powerful powerpack for export purposes.

Length: 7.23 metresWidth: 3.40 metresHeight: 2.68 metres (OT)Combat weight: 32 tonnesCrew: 3 + 9Maximum speed: 70 km/hOperating radius: 600 kmFuel capacity: -Amphibious: noEngine: 596 kW

VAB MkIII Renault Trucks DefenseRenault Trucks Defence proposes the latest version of its VAB in 6x6 configura-tion only, the vehicle having been improved in all areas while remaining a cost-attractive solution for replacing older APCs.

Length: 6,70 metresWidth: 2,55 metresHeight: 2,20 metresCombat weight: 20 tonnesCrew: 2 + 10 (APC)Maximum speed: 105 km/hOperating radius: 890 kmFuel capacity: 300 litresAmphibious: noEngine: 254 kW

AMV Patria, FinlandSeven customers have bought almost 1,400 in 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 forms. The type is used as the basis for South African Hoefysters. Poland’s mount a Hitfist turret.

Length: 7.70 metresWidth: 2.80 metresHeight: 2.30 metresCombat weight: 26 tonnesCrew: 3 + 9Maximum speed: 100 km/hOperating radius: 800 kmFuel capacity: 415 litresAmphibious: yes (<22 tonnes)Engine: 405 kW Scania







































































































































































































24

studies for the command post vehicles, andin early June those were not yet approved assome modification are still required due tothe new radios to be installed. The ItalianArmy decided some years ago to change itsconcept of command post, splitting thisbetween a command element, resting on aclassical turretless chassis of similar height asthe combat vehicle, and in a tactical element,which will look like the standard combatvehicle but will be equipped internally as acommand post, hosting a three-mancommand team.

In June 2012 the contract for the thirdbatch was signed, which included 51 combatand 11 antitank vehicles, as well as spares forrefitting the two vehicles that the CIO sendto Russia for testing. One of those wasequipped with the standard Hitfist 25 turret,deprived of radios, BMS and add-on armour,while the second was equipped with a Hitfist30 Overhead Weapon Station, the unmannedversion of the Oto Melara turret. Anadditional contract is underway to upgradethe first and second batch vehicles with newsoftware-defined radios, last generation C-IED jammers, new on-board computers and a360° situational awareness system. A logisticpackage is also included. To complete thevehicles needed by the three infantryregiments and by the HQ battalion of the“Pinerolo” medium brigade a further batchis needed; this should include 18 command

post vehicles and eight more mortar carriers,and might also include the study and theprototype of a scout version.

The CIO also proposed a recovery and apioneer vehicle, but apparently the ItalianArmy is not yet considering those options.The overall cost of the vehicles for the firstbrigade, financed by the Ministry ofEconomic Development will be of about€1,450 million, in line with what was forecastin 2005. The CIO is obviously looking at theexport market. The financial situation inSpain has apparently forced the Army tocancel its plan to acquire an 8x8 armouredIFV. The company proposed a leasingscheme, but also this was turned down.Australia and India are considered mostinteresting: the Land 400 programme isworth $10 billion and should include a mixof some 600 wheeled and tracked cars, forwhich the CIO is seeking alliances with localcompanies; the initial need for India isaround 100 vehicles, the competition beingconsidered very open although if the bid isbased on cost, European contenders mightfind it difficult challenge.

Also based on the well-known CentauroH-drive is the Nuova Blindo Centauro (NewCentauro armoured car), also known asCentauro 2. This vehicle is designed toprovide direct fire support to the newmedium brigades and is equipped with theOto Melara Hitfact 120 turret armed with the

newly developed 120 mm light smoothboregun. A first contract worth E1.5 millionsigned in 2010 allowed Iveco to develop theengine, a 20-litre V8 Vector derived from arailway propulsion unit that has beenmilitarised and equipped with a commonrail.The new engine produces 720 hp, which willbring the power-to-weight ratio to 24 hp/t,and the powerpack is now ready. The MoDfiled a second contract that will finance half ofthe development of the New Centauro, theremaining half being financed on CIO funds(MoD money being provided according to a

General Dynamics Land Systems Canada iscontinuously upgrading the LAV fleet,increasing protection while maintainingmobility. (GDLS Canada)

The Italian Army is launching thethird batch of the Freccia

programme, which will allow toequip the first Medium Brigade.

(Armada/P. Valpolini)



milestones/deliverables concept). Prototypedelivery is expected in 2014 and that of a firstserial vehicle in 2016, all 72 New Centaurosfor three regiments (one for each of theMedium Brigades currently planned) beingdelivered by 2018.

I PIRANHAS, LAVS & COAlthough no details have been given on theUS Marine Corps MPC proposal, thewheeled family of GDLS/GDELS vehicles isfighting its way through a number of bids. InCanada GDLS Canada is proposing thePiranha 5 for the CCV programme, fittedwith Rheinmetall’s Lance Modular Turretarmed with a 30 mm cannon. The Piranha 5,equipped with a lighter RCWS, is also offeredby GDELS for the Danish M113 replacementprogramme; to this end GDELS teamed-upwith Falck Schmidt Defence Systems ofDenmark, a company with considerableexperience in retrofit and overhaul work thatmight thus well assembly the vehicles.

In late January 2013 GDLS Canadadelivered the first upgraded Light ArmouredVehicle III to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Some 550 plus 66 vehicles in total will beupped to that standard, the last 66 aimed atimproving the reconnaissance andsurveillance capability.

One week earlier GDLS Canada received a$24 million contract for the production of 13newly build LAV-A2 for the US MarineCorps. The Corps ordered a total of 253 suchvehicles that add to the over 800 firstgeneration LAVs in service since the 1980s.January was a fruitful month for GDLSCanada as it also marked the signature of acontract for 24 LAVs by the ColombianMinistry of National Defence. The vehiclesacquired are of the latest standard, that is theLAV III version with double-V hulltechnology and add-on armour. They will beequipped with a Rafael RCWS and deliveriesshould be completed by May 2014.

I COMBAT-PROVEN FROM FRANCEWhile numerous VBCIs are operating inAfghanistan, Lebanon and Mali with FrenchArmy units, the Délégation Générale pourl’Armement accepted on June 28 2013 the500th vehicle of this type of 630 ordered.

Importantly, since January 2013 vehicles aredelivered with the Félin kit. The vehicledesigned and produced by Nexter withRenault Trucks Defence (RTD) providingthe automotive components is now wellproven in its current configuration. Thoughdeveloped to French specifications, Nexterdecided to optimise performances and costsin order to make the vehicle more appealingon the international market, and within its“Le Grand Large” plan launched in early2011 with the aim of reducing companyproduct costs by 25%. The VBCI was thusthe subject of a deep revision in order toprovide customers with the performancesthey needed, avoiding over-performances,and at the same time optimising costs alongthe whole subcontractor chain, involvingsome re-engineering work to obtain thedesired results.

According to Nexter officials the VBCI isnow very competitive in terms of acquisitionand life-cycle costs. In the meantime thevehicle has evolved in terms of weight.Current VBCIs are operating at 29-30 tonnes,though company vehicles being tested andproposed in numerous bids are now hoveringover the 32-tonne mark. This allows toincrease protection, reaching for example

Nexter VBCI in production (left) and on show. The 8x8 fighting vehicle in use by the FrenchArmy in Afghanistan is seeking its first export success. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Nexter plans to add numerous versions of its VBCI to the current AIFV and command post versions: from left to right these scaled models of therecovery, AIFV with Eastern Europe ordnance, and the mortar carrier versions. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

26

4a/b for mine protection (a lesson learnedfrom Afghanistan), as well as payload capacityfor the installation of heavier turrets. TheFrench Army is already considering anupgrade of part of its fleet, say 100-200vehicles, a decision being awaited for late2013-early 2014. The 32-tonne vehicle carriedout a successful three-week testing in thedesert. The automotive components remainmostly unchanged, the 550 Hp engine as wellas axles and transmission being untouchedwith the exception of the shorter final gearthat will lower top speed. The export versionis equipped with an OpSys vetronicarchitecture and a 360° situational awarenesssystem is installed, video distribution in therear compartment being also available. Asfor power generation Nexter considers thecurrent output sufficient for today needs,and is not considering any short termupgrade. The 32-tonne version was qualifiedtwo years ago and has since beendemonstrated to some potential customerssuch as Canada and Denmark.

For Canada Nexter proposed in-housesolutions for increased ballistic and mineprotection, installed all along the vehicle.The requirement is for 108 vehicles plus anoption on a further 30. In case of successmost of the work will be carried out inCanada, since RTD being is in a position toproduce in Canada via a company that ispart of the Volvo group.

In Denmark, 206 vehicles are initially atstake with an objective target of 360 over amaximum number of 450 vehicles. In caseof success 50% work will be carried out inFrance.

As for the United Arab Emirates numbersare much higher and production will bepartly carried out locally, the unconfirmedtarget number being around 700 vehicles.

The UAE are however not the only targetfor Nexter in the Middle East, anotherundisclosed nation also tested the vehicle andis about to launch an request for proposals.Although not required by France, whichordered only the combat and the commandpost versions, numerous support versions arebeing offered to the export market by Nexter,such as engineer, mine-clearing andrepair/recovery vehicles.

I THE GERMAN BOXERDeveloped and manufactured by Arted, ajoint venture between Rheinmetall MANMilitary Vehicles and Krauss MaffeiWegmann, the Boxer 8x8 has beenoperating in Afghanistan since mid-2011.some 40 vehicles are deployed downrangein the three operational versions ordered bythe Bundeswehr, namely the GTFz A1, theFüFz A1 and the sgSanKfz A1, that is thepersonnel transport, command and medicalversions. As we can see all the vehicles inoperation are characterised by the

designation A1, thus all of them have beenproduced at the latest standard developedfollowing the first operational experiencesby the German Army.

Although Artec is not able to detail all themodifications, those that can be unveiled arethe elevation of the remote control weaponstation to improve its field of view and, byvirtue of the increased depression thus createdallow to operate the weapon at very closerange. A re-arrangement of internal stowagecompartments and other minor issues alsoregarding storage have also beenimplemented. Modifications tocommunications and protection elementsremain classified. According to Artec sourcesthe A1 version has a higher, thoughconfidential, gross weight than the A0version, the new limit remaining undisclosed.

Germany ordered 125, 65 and 72 vehiclesof the three above-mentioned versions,production of the A0 versions having beenlimited respectively to 40, 16 and 7 units. InJune 2013 106 GTFz were delivered as well asall command vehicles and 16 ambulances; afourth version, the FahrSFz or drivingtraining vehicle was also ordered, and all 10are already in service in Germany.

The Bundeswehr carried out hot climatetests in Australia in 2010, prior to itsdeployment to Afghanistan, and will test it inwinter conditions in Norway in late 2013.Further upgrades are under development,following experience gained in Afghanistanbut the company remained tight-lipped onthose upgrades.

The other Boxer customer, the DutchArmy, received its first vehicle, a drivertraining vehicle, in August 2013. A total ofeight such vehicles were ordered togetherwith 52 ambulances, 27 cargo vehicles, 60command posts and 53 pioneer vehicles, theDutch Army using the Boxer as a supportvehicle. The delivery of the first ambulance isplanned for January 2014 while the otherversions will be roll off from 2015 onwards.

Arted is developing further missionmodules in order to gain benefits from themodular design of the vehicle that allows tolimit design and engineering to the module,as this is installed on the common drivemodule, which remains the same for allvariants.

I A NEW LAZAR FROM SERBIAIn 2013 Yugoimport unveiled its Lazar 2multi-purpose 8x8, with the objective ofmerging Mrap protection capabilities withthe virtues of a multi-role vehicle in terms


An inside view of a German Boxer in the Command Post version; the production forGermany is nearing completion while the Netherlands should start receiving their firstoperational vehicles in 2014. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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of operational flexibility, in other wordserasing the weaknesses of the original LazarBTR-SR-8808. The all-steel hull provides abasic ballistic protection at Level 3, whichincreases at Level 5 with add-on armour,maintaining the double-floor solution formine and IED underbelly protection; basicmine protection is Level 2a/b that can beincreased up to Level 4a/b. An innovativesolution was adopted for accessing theinfantry compartment: soldiers can ingressand egress using the two doors built into therear ramp or lower that ramp. All seats arenow roof hanged and those in the infantrycompartment are foldable. The tendismounts are seated back to back and canobserve the outside world through largeindividual armoured glasses (wider than in

the previous model). They can fire theirassault rifles through firing ports, five perside and one in each rear door, giving thevehicle a considerable self-defencecapability in urban terrain for example. TheLazar 2 weighs 28 tonnes in combat, which isconsiderably heavier than the previousversion but compensated by a morepowerful engine located at the front, to theright of the driving station. Suspensions areindependent, with progressive springs andhydraulic shock absorbers, with CTIS fittedas standard. In the IFV role the Lazar 2 isequipped with a Yugoimport-SDPR remote-control weapon station armed with an M8630 mm automatic cannon and a 7.62 mmcoaxial machine gun located over andbehind the main weapon, with respectively200 and 2,000 rounds. The gun has amaximum elevation of 60°, the fire controlsystem being equipped with day/nightsights and laser rangefinder. The station canalso be equipped with antitank missiles.

I TURKEY ON WHEELSThe Turkish industry is very active in thewheeled armoured vehicle field, although forthe time being no such vehicles have yet beenadopted by the national customer, if not inthe mine protected vehicles niche. With no8x8 home requirement about to materialise,both Otokar and FNSS are looking at theexport market for their Arma and Pars 8x8s.

While the Arma has not yet found acustomer in its 8x8 configuration, the sameis not true for the Pars, which in its AV-8derivative has been adopted by Malaysia, a$559 million contract having been signed inFebruary 2011 with DefTech for the design,development, production and logisticalsupport of 257 combat vehicles.

User tests are underway in Malaysia with

the first prototypes equipped with an FNSSSharpshooter 25 mm one-man turret, whilean AV-8 with the Denel 30 mm two-manturret is completing qualification tests inTurkey. FNSS is also closely following acouple of Middle East bids. As both the Parsand the Arma are also turned into 6x6versions (although the Pars featuresnumerous differences between the twostablemates, the most striking being theabsence of the 8x8’s hydrostatic suspensions),they offer us a natural transition to the six-wheeler world, below.

I TURKEY: A 6X6 ARENAAs seen above, while no home contract isforeseen in the short term for an 8x8, Turkeyis on the other hand expected to issue atender for a 6x6 reconnaissance vehicle inQ3 2013, adding to another tender for 76weapon carriers issued in late June 2013.RfPs having been send to Otokar and FNSS,although this may also involve a 4x4.Command and control, radar carrier andCBRN recce vehicles might also become arequirement in the short term.

Otokar has already scored on the export

Two views of the recently unveiled Lazar 2, developed by Yugoimport. The vehicle featuresconsiderable improvements over the previous Lazar. (Yugoimport)

The inside of the Lazar 2 troops compartment;soldiers have a direct view of the surroundingscenario and can use their individual weaponsfrom inside the vehicle. (Yugoimport)

28

The AV-8 is the Malaysian 8x8 vehiclebeing built by DefTech, that is heavilybased upon the FNSS PARS 8x8 armouredinfantry fighting vehicle. (FNSS)


29

market with its Arma 6x6, at least twocontracts having been signed withundisclosed customers, the second (from aGulf state) being worth $63.2 million.Another Turkish 6x6 export winner is theNurol Makina Ejder, with 76 purchased byGeorgia which might soon file a follow-onorder. For the Middle East market NurolMakina has developed an upgraded versionfitted with add-on armour of undisclosedprotection level and Nexter’s Dragar one-man turret armed with the Frenchcompany’s M811 dual-fed 25 mm cannon.Other turrets with armament up to 90 mmcan be fitted, the Middle East versionweighing 21 tonnes while the baseline EjderII grosses at 18 tonnes.

The Ejder II will not take part in the bidthat will soon be launched by Turkey. Nurol isa sister company to FNSS, and it was decidedthat the group’s champion for that contractwill be FNSS Pars 6x6. This will fight againstthe Otokar Arma 6x6 as well as with a newvehicle of the same category being currentlyunder development by Hema.

At IDEF 2013 the Hema stand showcaseda mock-up vehicle provided by the StreitGroup though a Streit 6x6 vehicle known asthe Veran was unveiled at IDEX a few monthsearlier. It was 7 metres long, 3 metres wideand 2.25 metres high, with a combat weight of18 tonnes (a 16-17 tonnes amphibiousversion is also offered). It is powered by anISL 400 8.9L turbocharged six-cylinderkicking 500 hp to an Allison 3200 SPtransmission. Independent suspensions is oncoil springs and shock absorbers, whileprotection is Level 4 ballistic and antimine.The Veran features a double floor with a 365mm ground clearance. With a crew of three itcan transport up to 10 dismounts that enterthe vehicle via the rear door which can bereplaced by a ramp.

The Veran mock-up was present at IDEFmostly to show the co-operation between theUAE and Turkish companies. The actualHema vehicle will be quite different, beingco-developed by the two firms. Hema is arenowned mechanical company thatproduces automotive subsystems for manyinternational customers and is engaged in thedevelopment of a national powerpacksolution for Turkish military vehicles up to

An FNSS PARS 8x8 sporting the company's one-man Sharpshooter turret; a derivative of thisinfantry fighting vehicle has been sold toMalaysia equipped with a Denel 30 turret thatis still being developed. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

No 8x8 acquisition seems to be planned at short term in Turkey, thus Otokar is strongly pushingits Arma on the export market. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The PARS 8x8 features semi-automatic computer controlled pneumatic suspensions that allowto compensate lateral inclination. (Armada/P. Valpolini)


MBTs; this allows it to produce mostcomponents in-house and thus keep costsunder control, a major asset for incomingbids. Hema has however no experience inarmour, Streit thus providing the armourconcept and solution.

I GUARANI STATUSOn the other side of the Globe, in Brazil, June2013 marked an important step in Iveco’sproduction capacity in that country with theinauguration of the new $46 million plantdedicated to defence vehicle in Sete Lagoas.The new plant is pivotal in the production ofthe 6x6 VBTP-MR Guarani for the BrazilianArmy. The production rate of that vehicle isset at 100 units per year, the facility being ableto double that number if needed (the totalnumber of vehicles that should be ordered byBrazil amounts at 2,044 over a 20-yearperiod). Over 60 per cent of the Guaraniproduction value is Brazilian. August 2012marked the start of the production of a firstbatch of 86 that will be used by the BrazilianArmy for doctrinal evaluation, beforelaunching full-rate production. At 18 tonnescombat weight the Guarani is powered by a383 hp Cursor 9 diesel, and its dimensionsallowing it to roll into the new KC390 aircraft

being developed by Embraer. Iveco DefenceVehicles has started a marketing campaignthroughout Latin America, Chile, Ecuadorand Columbia being among the targetednations, and a first export success was alreadyscored in Argentina. Some 14 Guaranis havebeen acquired by the Argentine Armyfollowing tests carried out using a BrazilianArmy prototype vehicle, the VBTP-MR being

provided to Argentine troops deployedwithin UN peacekeeping missions.

I TITUS FROM FRANCEA entirely new entry landed with panache inthe 6x6 arena at DSEi in September 2013under the auspices of Nexter of France. TheTitus, as it is named, is a new proposal forarmies needing a fighting vehicle or a

30

Following two successes on the export market Otokar is proposing its Arma 6x6 to Turkey forthe 6x6 upcoming bid. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Nurol being a sister company of FNSS, itsEjder will not compete for the Turkish Army6x6 bid. (Armada/P. Valpolini)



personnel carrier to be used in hybridconflicts. Nexter claims that his new 6x6 cancover all the missions of an APC and 85 %those of an IFV in a hybrid situation.

Although it could be taken for an Mrap,its performances are however much closer tothose of a wheeled APC/IFV as indeedNexter’s engineers took several parametersinto account, namely the evolvingoperational environment, the lessons learnedfrom Afghanistan, and through-life costs.This and high mobility being paramount, thechassis choice fell on Tatra, which is reputedfor is tube-encased swing-axle chassisproviding long stroke independentsuspensions. Nexter asked the Czechcompany to develop a new high-performance chassis from the 6x6 used fortrucks. To maximise mobility the Frenchcompany wanted the axles to be evenlyspaced, with a wheelbase of 2.55 metresbetween each axle, which implied that therear axle had to be steerable (which alsodramatically reduced the turning circle).From 0 to 10 km/h the rear steers at the samerate as the front, but obviously in the oppositedirection. However, and for obvious reasonsthis steering angles is progressively reducedbetween 10 to 45 km/h, speed at which itlocks in straight-on position.

The powerpack is located at the front andincludes a Cummins 440 hp engine and anAllison transmission, but Nexter is alreadylooking at a 550 hp solution for furtherimproving mobility in sandy areas. As wheeldimension is also a factor of mobility, theTitus is shod with 16.00R20 tyres, whileroad usability is enhanced by its widthlimited to 2.55 meters, which besidesmaintaining the vehicle within Europeanstandard vehicle dimensions, makes it is airtransportable on board an A400M.

The entire crew cell is built in steelproviding Level 2 base protection; thevehicle features a single-piece frontwindscreen, the driver and thecommander/gunner each having their own aside-door with an armoured glass window.Base glass protection is Level 1, the same asthe engine bonnet. Just behind the two frontseats, in the centre of the vehicle, is thetactical commander seat; this allows him tomaintain full direct frontal view over a 120°arc and control the BMS computer screenand a secondary screen. Turning on his righthe can see the dismounts sitting of the rightrow of individual energy absorbing seats,four or five depending on configurations,the same number seating on the left side of

the aisle. Both tactical and vehiclecommanders have their own overheadhatch, while a remote-control turret is beinglocated in semi-centreline at the front of theroof (the vehicle can accept up to a 20 mmgun systems such as the Nexter ARX20).The overall internal volume is 14.4 m3,

height being 1.37 metres, soldiers having afurther 2.4 m3 of internal space behind theirseats. The front windscreen allowsdismounts to keep a certain situationalawareness, although the Titus can be fittedwith three glass windows and firing ports oneach side of the troop compartment. Two

In Turkey Hema aims at the upcoming bid for a 6x6 personnel carrier with a new vehicle thatwill be designed in cooperation with the UAE Streit Group. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The mock-up of the Veran shown by the Streit Group at IDEX 2013; this 6x6 will weigh some 18 tonnes in combat and will transport up to 13 soldiers. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

rear hatches allow to install light machineguns at the rear corners of the vehicle rooffor self protection. Soldiers access thevehicle through a powered rear rampdesigned to allow really smooth ingress andegress. Three trunks on each side of thevehicle provide a further 1.5 m3 of externalstorage space.

The Titus is built as a fully modularvehicle allowing the adoption of missionkits and add-on armour. Typically whenused as a fighting vehicle transparentarmour and bonnet ratings will climb toLevel 3, the rest of the vehicle being broughtat Level 3 or 4, IED protection growingfrom 50 kg to 150 kg blast.

With a dry weight of 17.5 tonnes and amaximum gross weight set at 27 tonnes, thegrowth margin is considerable. Nexterproposes a series of kits to be added to theAPC version in order to tailor it to public


Unveiled at DSEI 2013 by Nexter, the Titus is a6x6 vehicle based on a Tatra chassis withindependent swing axles. It offers high protection and mobility at competitive cost.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

order, crew riot control, conventionalcombat, counter-insurgency and urbancombat missions, with the weight rising upto 24 tonnes for the latter application.Support versions such as ambulance,command post, engineer, logistic, lightrecovery and artillery observation are alsoforeseen, always based on the standardvehicle. Only the heavy mortar carrierequipped with a Thales 2R2M 120 mm rifledautomatic mortar system would be based to ahighly modified vehicle.

Not only will the customer be given a widechoice of mission kits, he will also be able todecide how much modularity he wants in thevehicle and thus get only what he needs. Withthe Titus Nexter fills the gap between theAravis and the VBCI with a 6x6 that has amobility and performances akin to those ofan 8x8 but at a substantially lower acquisitionand through-life cost, although no figureswere given by Nexter. A second prototype isbeing built, which will incorporate anumber of detail modifications resultingfrom the first field trials with formermilitary personnel. The company aims theTitus at armies that need to replace theirAPCs, and sees a market for around 1,000

units. The vehicle will be ready forproduction in early 2014.

I TYPHOON-K FROM RUSSIAAmong the most recent entries in the 6x6world is the Kamaz-63969, a three-axlevehicle developed and manufactured by theRussian company as part of the Tayfunprogramme, a 4x4 version being alsoplanned. The new APC can host a crew oftwo and 10 dismounts, all of them protected atLevel 4, mine protection being at Level 3a/b.An RCWS developed by Elektromashina ismounted on top of the vehicle and can bearmed either with a PKT 7.62 mm machinegun or an AGS automatic grenade launcher.The Kamaz-63969 is a monocoque designwith independent suspensions and featuresan armoured glass windscreen providingsome lateral vision, the troop compartmentbeing deprived of direct vision systems.Access is through a door on the right side andthe rear ramp.

I THE FUCHS SAGA CONTINUESThe Rheinmetall Fuchs 6x6 success seemsnever ending, the last contract on thescoreboard involving 25 TPZ1A8 for the

EBRCNexter is proposing a new 6x6 for theFrench Army EBRC programme, aimedat replacing the AMX-10RC and Sagaie6x6 armoured cars. Not many detailsabout the chassis are available althoughthe company has developed a scalemodel of the 6x6 vehicle, which will beequipped with the company T40 two-man turret armed with CTAI 40 mmCTAS cannon. The author showed themodel to the author, but was notallowed to photograph it. However thispicture is now circulating on the Internet,hence the poor quality.

German Army. This is only the latest of a seriesof upgrade contracts filed since 2008 aimed atproviding German troops with vehiclesfeaturing a protection level sufficient tocounter the Afghan threats. A Level 4 armourpackage is added as well as the German ArmyC2 system. Filed in April 2013, the contractwas preceded by another concerning 7 FuchKAIs (for Kampfmittelaufklärung undIdentifikation). This configuration routeclearance variant is equipped with a 10-metremanipulator arm, and deliveries are plannedfor late 2014. Rheinmetall currently has 177TPz1Z8s under contract, including the 52standard vehicles ordered by Algeria, whichhas expressed an interest for acquiring a muchhigher number.

I VAB: A NEW LEASE OF LIFEReplacing medium and multirole armouredvehicles such as existing VABs, M113s,BTRs, Fahds, etc, and proposing a new lightinfantry combat vehicle, this was the aim of

Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) when itstarted working on its VAB MkIII. TheMkII, unveiled in 2010, attracted someinterest. The vertical sides increased theprotected volume, but it was soon clear thatRTD had to push its development a stagefurther to really convince the market. The

MkII thus remained at prototype stage andwas superseded by the MkIII, which sees itsmaximum combat weight growing from 16to 20 tonnes. Moreover while the MkII wasoffered in both 4x4 and 6x6 guises, theMkIII is only available as a 6x6. Compared tothe original VAB 6x6 layout the rear wheels

34

The Russian Kamaz 63969 is a 6x6boasting a wide windscreen. Based on a

monocoque hull with independentsuspensions, it can accommodate up to 10

dismounts and the crew. (Internet)


A heritage of the Cold War Era, the FuchsTPz1 is still alive, the Bundeswehr havingupgraded numerous vehicles while theFuchs 2 has already scored on the exportmarket. (Rheinmetall)

are moved backwards while only the frontaxle is steerable with a view to keeping itsimple and reducing cost, although asteerable rear axle can be had.

The chassis was lengthened 500 mm aheadof, and behind. the front axle, the now largerfront doors offering easier access. The engineremains behind the driver, leaving a passageon the right side between the forward cabinand the infantry rear compartment. Thestandard powerpack is based on a RenaultDxi7 Euro 5 engine, providing 340 hp (320 hpin the Euro III version) and thus a 17 hp/tratio, linked to an automatic gearbox. A 400hp engine is available on request. The entirepowerpack including engine, automaticgearbox and cooling system can be replacedin two hours, thanks to the redesign of theengine bay. The independent suspensionMkIII can ford up to 1.5 metres, can climb a47% gradient, cope with a side slope of 40%,overcome a 0.9 metres-wide trench and a 0.5metre-high vertical obstacle. The basic hull isprotected at P4 ballistic level, however this ismerely intended to carry the add-on armourthat can bring protection up to Level 4according to STANAG 4569. The windscreenis divided in two by a narrow centre pillarwhich does not hamper crew vision; twoseparate glasses allow to preserve vision if one

his hit and makes it easier to install armouredglass with high protection levels. Accordingto RTD mine protection is up to Mrap-likeLevel 3B , with an add-on plate under thefloor, minimum ground clearance being 370mm. RPG protection can also be added, RTDhaving established a co-operation with PlasanSasa of Israel. The VAB Mk III protectedvolume is 13 m3, the vehicle hosting two crew

members plus 10 dismounts in the APCconfiguration. Its width is limited to 2.55metres to allow it to move easily in urbanscenarios. Dismounts access and egressthrough the rear compartment manuallyoperated doors although an electricallyoperated ramp being available as option.Three windows per side provide a goodsituational to the infantrymen in the back.


The latest version of the VAB is the MkIII, that can host 10 dismounts plus crew in a 13 m3

volume protected up to Level 4 ballistic and 3b antimine. (RTD)

The NBC protection system has beenmoved in the rear left sponson, the right onebeing used to accommodate equipment.Armament-wise, the 7.5-tonne payloadcapacity allows one to install a one-man orremotely controlled medium calibre turretup to 30 mm calibre and 1.4 tonne, thecombat vehicle version carrying a crew ofthree plus seven dismounts. A version with a120 mm mortar system carrying 40 roundsand a crew of two-plus-two is also envisagedas well as versions fitted with anti-tankand/or anti-aircraft missiles, command postwith a two-plus-four crew, ambulance withtwo crew members (two seats in the back andfour stretchers). A hypothetical ISTARversion would carry a crew of two-plus-fourwith a day/night surveillance system on atelescopic mast, a laser targeting system, abattlefield surveillance radar, a minidronewith datalink, a satcom system and obviously

a battle management system. To cope with allthose versions and mission-oriented kits theVAB MkIII is equipped with RTDs’ BattlenetInside vetronic architecture and features a300A alternator, although an even higherrating is already considered.

Following the first prototype shown atEurosatory 2012, which by June 2013 hadcompleted about 85% of endurance tests,RTD build a second MkIII that is nowcompleted and differs in many aspects fromthe previous vehicle. The braking system hasbeen completely upgraded, theoleopneumatic system is housed in the “V”between the first and second axles on theright side, the left side being occupied by a300-litre fuel tank. Moreover the ceiling ofthe second prototype is ready for heavyturret integration, the first candidate beingBAE Systems TRT-25. A chassis has alsobeing built for ballistic and blast tests, these

being scheduled for late 2013/early 2014. Inthe second half of 2013 RTD plans to carryout numerous customer tests. Offering thehigher-spec car to western countries, theMkIII is seen as a possible “emergencyalternative” to the French VBMRprogramme should this be delayed due tolack of development funds. For export onthe other hand, lighter protection might berequired, a Level 2 being foreseen for theMiddle East. RTD hopes to clench its firstdeals in late 2013, one of its selling mottosbeing that the MkIII is able to deliver 80%of 8x8 capabilities for half the price.Production is anticipated for Q3 2014 andthe company is already contemplating anamphibious version with a combat weightlimited to 16 tonnes. Hydrojet propulsionwould be mechanically coupled to thevehicle’s transmission. Interestingly though,most VABs are 4x4s.

36

The MkIII version of the VAB is producedonly in the 6x6 version due to theincrease in combat weight. Numerousversions are being proposed by RenaultTrucks Defense. (RTD)


37

I TWO-AXLE APCsWith a minority of VAB 6x6 in service, the4x4 upgrade market remains of great interestfor Renault Trucks Defense, especially with5,000 still in service. France will keep only1,700 of it 4,000, thus 2,300 vehicles mightbe available for export. Upgraded thevehicles would sell at one third of the cost of aMkIII. The higher standard for the FrenchArmy is the VAB Ultima, which incorporatesall the improvements adopted over the years,namely V-shape antimine underbellyprotection, energy absorbing seats fordismounts, Protector RCWS integrated withMetravib Pilar, etc. Some 120 Ultima havebeen ordered, while three furtherconditional tranches of 30 vehicles areawaiting notification.

I TEXTRON COMMANDOAnother 4x4 that has recently chalked upsuccesses, notably the TAPV Canadiancompetition and the order for 135 additionalMobile Strike Force Vehicles for the AfghanNational Army (ANA), is the TextronMarine & Land Systems Commando. TheANA has already ordered 499 vehicles in fourcontracts, 352 with enclosed turret, 142 withgunner protection kit and 23 ambulances, the

Canada, Afghanistan and Colombiaare the last three customers that

acquired Textron 4x4 Commandovehicles in their differentconfigurations. (Textron)


A Canadian Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle equipped withKonsgberg Protector Dual RCWS; it is based on the Elite version,the highest standard among Textron vehicles. (Textron)

ARMADA SUBSCRIPTION 27DSA MALAYSIA C3FN HERSTAL C4L3 WESCAM 7

NEXTER 11RUAG C2SAAB 33

I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Infantry Fighting Vehicles and ArmouredPersonnel CarriersSupplement to Issue 5/2013Volume 37, Issue No. 5, October/November 2013

INTERNATIONALis published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd.Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd.Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd,Room No. 1205 Hollywood Centre 223, Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933Editor-in-Chief: Eric H. BiassRegular Contributors: Roy Braybrook, Paolo Valpolini, Thomas WithingtonChairman: J.S. UberoiPresident: Xavier Collaco Sr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal MehtaManager International Marketing: Yusuf AzimManager Marketing: Jakhongir Djalmetov Deputy Manager Marketing: Tarun MalviyaSales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul BaliCreative Director: Bipin KumarDeputy Art Director: Sachin JainAsstt. Art Directors :Mukesh Kumar, Ajay KumarVisualiser: Sujit SinghProduction Manager: Kanda ThanakornwongskulGroup Circulation Manager: Porames ChinwongsChief Financial Officer: Gaurav Kumar

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Lessons learned. Really?

byCompendiumInfantry Fighting Vehicles &

Armoured Personnel Carriers

ON THE COVER: Armoured fighting vehicles andpersonnel carriers increasingly are challenged not onlyby the incredible variety of weapons aimed at them,but also by the immensely varied nature of the terrainin which they are required to operate. From hot desertsto cold mountains, and even as seen herephotographed by the author, at sea.

ABC

38

latter order brining the total to 534. Over twothirds of the first vehicles batch have beendelivered, the remainder (135) being plannedby end-February 2014.

Recently the Commando Elite was testedin the United Arab Emirates where it loggedover 3,000 km in four different types of sandand managed to overcome 100% of the tests.According to Textron M&LS the 4x4 vehiclesucceeded where 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles failed.Its versatility and its high survivability – theElite reaching Mrap and above mine andIED levels – allow it to position itself amongthe bestsellers in the light APC category.Although the rear engine does not allow for arear door or ramp, the side doors provide asmooth exit and entry albeit offering lessprotection than a rear access. While the baseversion, the Advanced, has maximum

carrying capacity, two crew members andten dismounts, the highly armoured Elite isbeing developed as a weapon carrierplatform, a CMI 90 mm two-man turretarmed with the Cockerill low pressure gunbeing part of the offers, and even a 105 mmturret is now envisaged. The CMI 90 turrethas been selected by the ANA for its MobileStrike Force vehicle based on theCommando Select variant. Textron M&LSis already thinking at other support options(including a 155 mm system), whilereconnaissance and mortar carrier versionsare already available. According to Textronnegotiations are underway with twoadditional customers that might lead tofurther orders. In late August 2013 theColombian Army acquired 28 moreCommando Advanced APCs equipped with12.7 mm or 40 mm AGLs RCWS. Theservice already operates 39 since 2010, the$31.6 million contract including also therepair of two damaged vehicles. All vehiclesshould be delivered within April 2014.

The Select variant of the Commando family isthe base for the Afghan National Army MobileStrike Force Vehicle, part of which areequipped with the CMI 90 turret. (Textron)


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