After the Eurosatory exhibition, Renault organized a demonstration day at the gendarmerie training ground. This was the first opportunity to watch Higard, VAB MkIII and BMX-01 (left to right) test.
“Discontinued” is a sentence passed on February 24, 2014 by US Secretary of Defense Heigel to the GCV (Ground Combat Vehicle) program. For the second time in five years, a program aimed at replacing the Bradley BMP in units of the American army was canceled, leaving the thirty-year-old tracked vehicle as the backbone of motorized infantry units. Is the program really closed?
But when some documents state that the army will set aside $ 50 million in order to preserve the technical development base associated with the GCV project, and another 100 million will be spent in the relevant research centers of the American army, then questions arise. This most likely means that the army wants to use the experience gained to date in order to start another program and return to the drawing board in order to develop a new infantry fighting vehicle. An alternative solution could be the organization of another round of tests of foreign-made vehicles, some of which have earned good marks during previous evaluation tests. Whatever happens, the Bradley BMP will definitely celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2021.
However, do not forget that in mid-2013, the budget office of the upper house issued four recommendations, two of which recommended looking at foreign solutions to replace Bradley. The two recommended solutions were the Israeli Namer, which had a significant survivability advantage over the GCV project with savings of $ 9 billion, and the German Puma, which is considered slightly more tenacious than the GCV, but clearly has a higher lethality. Its advantage lies in the ability to carry six paratroopers. This means that five Puma BMPs are needed to replace four Bradleys, and in this case the potential taxpayer savings is estimated at $ 14.8 billion. A more affordable option could be a further round of modernization of the Bradley BMP, which will make the veteran more tenacious and lethal in comparison with the Ground Combat Vehicle project, but at the same time save $ 19.8 billion. Reduced volume, increased mass and lack of electrical power are the main problems that need to be addressed, although increased mortality also remains on the priority list.
Solving these problems would allow the Bradley BMP to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in the early 2030s, and the cancellation of the GCV program is the latest recommendation from the budget department. In addition, General Dynamics Land Systems' decision not to participate in the US Army's Armored MultiPurpose Vehicle program, which aims to replace the M113 in armored brigade groups, leaves BAE Systems as the sole participant, at least to our knowledge. The GDLS is of course lobbying for revision of the requirements, but this, according to the army, could delay a key program.
US Army Bradley BMPs lined up in a desert parking lot. Contrasting with a number of new vehicles serving here, these vehicles will remain in service for a long time, since the timing of their replacement has been pushed back.
At the Eurosatory 2014 in Paris. The Piranha 3+ was apparently designed to meet the requirements of the Marine Corps, originally known as the Marines Personnel Carrier.
How much politics will affect this problem is anyone's guess. The only indisputable thing is that if BAE Systems remains the only participant, then Bradley-based vehicles will be added to the army register, since the company's proposal is based on an existing tracked vehicle, which will be modified and developed in five versions: general purpose (522 vehicles), medical evacuation (790), ambulance (216), mortar (386) and command posts (993). Who knows how much and what will be taken from the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle program and possible further modernization of the Bradley, but it would definitely make sense to carry out parallel improvements in some areas in order to further reduce one-time R&D costs, although the purchase of a new vehicle, largely based on foreign project remains a very likely option.
Another large program on the west coast of the Atlantic was closed on December 20, 2013. According to senior officials of the Canadian army, the potential offered by the modernized LAV III machine is immeasurably higher than it appears (including investments in reconnaissance and information gathering means, improving protection against directed landmines, etc.) makes the CCV project redundant. This is a tangible blow to three contenders, namely GDLS-Canada, BAE Systems and Nexter, which offered Piranha 5, CV9035 MK III and VBCI respectively, with the hope of mastering the contract for 108 cars plus 30 options worth $ 2 billion.
Such an introduction could sound like a requiem for BMPs and armored personnel carriers, but this is not entirely true, since several other programs are currently operating in the Old World. While the Danish M113 BTR replacement program has been only slightly postponed, Poland is considering a whole new family of vehicles, Spain may revive its 8x8 vehicle program (albeit in limited numbers), while Lithuania has added itself to the list of potential BMP buyers by issuing a request proposals at the end of July 2014. Asia and the Middle East are also quite active, while the US Marine Corps is again interested in the Marines Personnel Carrier. The program is currently known as ACV Phase 1 Increment 1 (ACV 1.1), and the initial entry of vehicles into service is projected around 2020.
The new Piranha 3+, shown by General Dynamics European Land Systems at Eurosatory 2014, appears to fit perfectly into the Corps' ACV requirements. The dimensions of the machine were increased not only to obtain a larger volume for 13 people on board (the internal volume increased from 13.5 m3 to 14 m3), but also to provide the necessary buoyancy. The length was increased from 7, 30 meters for Piranha 3 to 7, 72 meters, while the width and height increased slightly, from 2.22 to 2.78 meters and from 2.22 to 2.25 meters. Its own weight has been increased from 13.4 to 16 tons, while the payload capacity has been increased from 9.2 to 11 tons, while the total weight has increased from 22 to 25 tons (with the potential to increase to 27 tons). In order to preserve the power density, it was necessary to install a new engine. New Caterpillar C13 520 hp engine compared to the previous 400 hp C9 engine. made it possible to increase the specific power from 18.2 hp / t to 20.8 hp / t with a standard total weight. The new engine also develops a torque of 2,300 Nm instead of 1,600 Nm. For heavy weights, the Piranha 3+ can be equipped with conventional suspension or hydropneumatic suspension with ride height adjustment. Wider tires are also available, 395 / 85R20 is an option to replace the standard 365 / 85R20. As for protection, no information on protection levels is provided, but it is clear that 3+ borrows the modular solutions of Piranha 5 and its survivability to explosions should be close to the survivability of the latter. For maintenance purposes, access to the sub-floor space was simplified, the kinematic diagram was unified with the kinematic diagram of the Striker and Canadian LAV-Upgrade machines. Although no propellers were installed on the machine, which was exhibited at Eurosatory, the amphibious version will have two propellers and two rudders, protective flaps, a seawater cooling system, a water deflector, an air intake pipe (snorkel), and bilge pumps. The prototype, which was shown a week before the Paris exhibition, could accommodate a crew of three and nine infantrymen (just as required by the Marine Corps) and was armed with a Kongsberg M151 Protector combat module.
At Eurosatory 2014, GDLS Canada unveiled its latest Light Assault Vehicle variant with a Konsberg remote controlled medium turret.
Operating and testing experience, as well as comments and requirements from potential buyers, led Nexter to develop a prototype, which includes all the modifications proposed to date.
On June 12, 2014, GDELS showed a delegation from the British Department of Defense Scout SV PMRS (Protected Mobility Reconnaissance Support), a promising British army vehicle based on the Ascod 42 platform, which was then shown at the DVD 2014 exhibition. September 3, 2014 General Dynamics UK has finally awarded a contract for the Scout SV worth over £ 4 billion, including 589 vehicles and initial support and training. Deliveries will take place from 2017 to 2020. The Scout SV is manufactured in several versions: vehicles with a Lockheed Martin turret with a 40-mm CTAI cannon include a strike and reconnaissance version (198), a combined fire support option (23), ground surveillance (24), the latter version has a radar sensor; a reckless variant, known as the PMRS (Protected Mobility Reconnaissance Support), includes an armed armored personnel carrier (59), command post (112), reconnaissance and surveillance (34), engineering reconnaissance (51), evacuation (38) and repair (50). All PMRSs must also be equipped with a Kongsberg Protector module.
At Eurosatory 2014, a new variant of the Ascod chassis with a total weight of 31 tonnes with the potential for weight growth of up to 35 tonnes was shown. Its dimensions are almost the same as the original (the difference is only a few centimeters), the roof is slightly raised at the rear in order to increase the volume of the troop compartment. What has changed significantly is its own weight, which has dropped from 27.8 tons to almost 22 tons; this made it possible to significantly increase the carrying capacity from 2.2 tons to 9 tons with a standard weight gain and from 3.2 tons to 13 tons with the maximum permissible weight, although the power remains at 721 hp. Rubber tracks provide significant weight savings over their steel counterparts, although steel tracks can be fitted if desired. The re-arrangement also allowed to increase the internal volume by 20%, now it is 12m3. In terms of protection, GDELS has integrated a new mine protection solution that was tested and certified in February 2014 by one of the NATO countries in a series of 4 explosive tests. The new mine protection is based on a high-strength hull bottom and includes innovative devices that reduce the force of impact on people and equipment (no further details were given). The decrease in curb weight was not only a consequence of the use of a rubber track, but also of a new bulletproof protection, which is based on ceramics and additional panels that cover 98% of the machine's surface (protection levels were also not disclosed). With its new chassis, the company hopes to be more aggressive in the tracked vehicle market.
Back at Eurosatory, General Dynamics showed the LAV Demonstrator, an upgraded LAV III with a Kongsberg Protector turret, armed with a 30mm ATK MK44 dual feed cannon. The vehicle is a further evolution of the Canadian Army's LAV 6.00 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle, which is currently being mass-produced. Chassis protection is improved by adopting a double V-body and bolt-on passive armor blocks. The exterior of the car has changed slightly, the engine compartment has been raised in order to accommodate the Caterpillar C9 450 hp engine. paired with a ZF 7HP902 automatic transmission, the rear hull has also been slightly taller for more troop volume. The powertrain has been redesigned to handle the higher power output. The Demonstrator has a curb weight of 28.6 tons and can accommodate a crew of three and seven paratroopers. The car has an improved suspension.
Deliveries of the VBCI machine to the French army are in full swing, however, Nexter has taken into account the experience gained in Afghanistan and Mali by its national customer, the army, as well as experience with potential customers from the Middle East, Canada and Denmark and many other countries. The result was the BTR 8x8 VBCI Export, shown at the Eurosatory. The improved power train allows it to handle a total weight of 32 tons, which in turn allows the installation of turrets with a 105 mm cannon. With regard to the power plant, the adoption of the new concept of the power unit allows it to be completely replaced in about one hour, which is almost half the time required for a standard VBCI. The revision of the power plant also increased the power by 10% to 600 hp. and power generation 570A. The standard VBCI Export machines received separate steering on the fourth axle in order to reduce the turning circle from 21 to 18 meters. A further reduction in turning diameter to 15-16 meters with all four steer axles is available as an option. The payload capacity has increased significantly due to the reduction in unladen weight achieved through the adoption of a new protection kit based on new technologies. This made it possible to drop about a ton while maintaining full Level 4A / B protection against mines and directional land mines. Ergonomics have also been improved with more interior space and comfort. New energy-absorbing seats, developed by Nexter Mechanics, have been installed, most of the equipment is now attached to the machine itself in order to avoid the appearance of secondary projectiles when detonated. The hydraulic ramps were removed from the car and the air conditioning circuit was changed. Driver comfort has been enhanced with more waist room, and the bishops have been moved from the hull to the sunroof for better visibility when driving with the sunroof open. Also installed is a system for improving the vision of the driver day and night with a special display. The onboard vetronics has also been improved and now features a completely open architecture: an Ethernet network has been added to the existing CanBus to distribute images received from external cameras to the crew members (all displays are now of the same type so that a full exchange of images and information can take place between the crew members). Nexter believes that the machine and the step-by-step improvements presented at Eurosatory are representative of the product currently being offered to the customer. The first test of the new VBCI Export standard will be testing of this French 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle by the British army, which was scheduled for autumn 2014. This is due to the fact that the British army is picking up a new car for itself after the cancellation of the project on the universal car as part of the Future Rapid Effect System program. Over time, the new power train will be installed on French cars. But the French army wants, among other improvements, an Israeli WaterGen GEN-40V atmospheric water generator and a WTU water treatment unit that produces potable water from an air conditioning system (each ordered for testing ahead of the full contract).
Although the new car from Patria of the new generation was not presented at Eurosatory, its new name AMV XP (XP - Extra Performance, special characteristics) was announced there.
Advertising of the new AMV XP car from Patria with Russian subtitles
“In keeping with the President's commitment to the defense budget, I intend to launch the Scorpion program. The first deliveries will take place in 2018 for VBMR and in 2020 for EBRC. These are the words of the French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Ledrian at the opening of the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition. Thus, the VBMR project will soon be launched. The BMX-01 Risk Mitigation Demo, developed by Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) under a 2010 development contract (another contract awarded to Nexter gave birth to the BMX-02), was first shown at an exhibition in Paris, followed by the following week. demonstrated its driving performance. The French arms procurement agency said in a statement that the VBMR project will be developed by a group that includes Nexter, Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) and Thales, respectively, responsible for booking, vehicle architecture and vetronics. With a mass of 22 tons with a growth potential of another 2 tons, the BMX-01 has a lifting capacity of 4.7 tons and is based on an all-welded main body with independent suspension. The vehicle accommodates up to 11 soldiers in a single compartment with a volume of 14, 7 m3; the landing commander's seat (which in the future will be able to rotate 90 ° to the right) is installed directly behind the driver, the commander of the vehicle itself sits in the front right, and eight paratroopers sit on two rows of energy-absorbing seats in the rear. Embarkation and disembarkation is carried out through the aft ramp, in which an emergency door with a viewing device has been cut; Wider bulletproof glass is available on the sides of the aft compartment, and the bulletproof windshield is split into two window units. Protection up to Level 4 is provided by modular armor kits. The demonstration BMX-01 has traveled over 7000 km on different types of terrain in several regions of France and has already passed lengthy ballistic tests. The car is equipped with a ready-made commercial turbo diesel engine Renault with a capacity of 400 hp, connected to a standard gearbox, as well as a centralized wheel inflation system.
According to RTD, the BMX-01 represents roughly 80% of what a VBMR should be from a technical point of view. The hull will be modified and the roof will be lowered by about 80 mm, the length will be increased by about 200 mm towards the stern (but the wheelbase will remain the same, between the front and second axles 2950 mm, between the second and third 1500 mm). The width of 2500 mm will not change for the purpose of compatibility with civil traffic regulations. RTD is considering replacing the power unit with a new 400-500 hp engine. from a new family of engines from the same company. This will allow, thus, to maintain full combat readiness, at least until 2030. In the face of the VBMR, the French army will receive a more mobile and better protected vehicle compared to the VAB, even if it does not match the VBCI BMP of a higher level. The VBMR prototype is expected in 2016.
Remaining in the world of wheeled vehicles, as promised last year at DSEI during the show of its new car, Patria finally announced its name at Eurosatory - AMV XP (Extra Payload, Extra Performance and Extra Protection). The car was not shown at the Paris show, while the AMV was still presented in the control room version. AMV machines do well in the international market. The AMV-based Badger South African Infantry Fighting Vehicle was developed by Denel Land Systems and is undergoing technical, tactical and evaluation tests. It is expected to start production in 2016, with the first order for 238 machines in five different versions. AMV scored points in its various international versions last June when Poland ordered 34 Rosomak 8x8s in the engineering reconnaissance variant. This new option has yet to be developed and will have a one-ton crane and tools to enable basic engineering support in the field. The 4-ton crane option is designed to provide a higher level of technical support in the field; one country ordered 17 of these machines in October 2013.
The German army will soon receive its new Puma BMP, which in June 2014 first took part in an international exhibition in Paris
The German Puma, designed and manufactured by PSM, a joint venture between KMW and Rheinmetall, also made its first international appearance. The tracked infantry fighting vehicle, which may arouse American interest, was tested in hot weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates in the fall of 2013 at temperatures exceeding 50 ° C (one of these two vehicles was exhibited at Eurosatory). All tests in extreme weather conditions were contracted. Final approval from the German purchasing agency was expected at the end of July 2014, but the need to optimize radio stations and equipment storage locations led to another test cycle, which, however, will not delay deliveries to the German army at the end of 2014. The first unit to receive a new BMP was the 33rd motorized infantry battalion. Serial production is expected to peak in 2015 with 55 cars a year until the last of 350 cars emerge from the factory in 2020 (eight driving learning machines are part of the package). All German Puma vehicles will be delivered to the German Army Armored School in Münster, where a special organization was formed. Crews from mechanized battalions will arrive there, they will be introduced to the new Puma vehicles for three months and sent back to their units in full - a crew with a vehicle. Each battalion will have 44 Puma BMPs. It is worth noting that all nine motorized infantry battalions, which are part of the so-called 2011 German Army Structure, will not receive full sets of tracked vehicles in accordance with the new German army rearmament policy, as this would require 396 combat vehicles plus additional vehicles for the school. Also, "at the last moment" some more changes may occur: the army demanded to install a 5, 56 mm MG4 machine gun instead of the outdated 7, 62 mm MG3, although a return to a larger caliber is possible. Based on the experience gained in Afghanistan, the H&K MG5 and the new 7.62mm machine gun from Rheinmetall are being considered. In addition, the current grenade launchers installed on both sides of the rear of the turret are to be replaced with new 360 ° circular coverage systems. The new launcher currently under development by Rheinmetall will consist of a rotating turret with a circular container with six 76mm launchers in the inner circle and 18 launchers of lethal and non-lethal 40mm grenades in the outer circle, which can be fired at ranges of up to 400 meters. …
Let's go back to Boxer. The first three vehicles in the ambulance version were handed over to the Dutch army in early July 2014. The Netherlands has received only eight driving training machines so far. The sanitary variants are actually the first Boxer machines to enter service, delivered to the 13th mechanized brigade, which is moving from tracked to wheeled vehicles. In order to demonstrate the flexibility and capabilities of the Boxer machine, KMW presented at Eurosatory a version of the machine with the installed artillery module Artillery Gun Module 155 mm / 52 caliber.
With the assistance of Rheinmetall, Algeria becomes a manufacturer of the latest armored vehicle. At the end of August 2014, the company received the green light from the German government to build a factory for the production of the Fuchs machine. No further details have been provided on this topic in accordance with the confidentiality agreement, but it is clear that this is the beginning of a new trend. Rheinmetall established a joint venture with Ferrostaal called Rheinmetall International Engineering in early 2014, which will focus on development, procurement and contracting.
Currently, the CV90 BMP has the latest version of the Mk3, but new developments are already in the plans. Many countries are modernizing their cars or about to do so. Norway has embarked on a modernization program that removes turrets from old chassis and turns them into support options. This is the Sting engineering vehicle, the Multic multi-purpose vehicle, which itself will be divided into 4 variants, including a logistics transporter, a VIP and an 81-mm mortar complex (16 vehicles were ordered for each option), and 15 Stridle control points. These chassis are being finalized in this way: they retain the original components of the chassis and power unit, but the protection is strengthened, and the vetronics have become completely digital. Mobility was increased by removing the turret. The new CV90 Mk3 chassis will be equipped with upgraded fully digital turrets, according to one BAE Systems engineer "only the seats and the gun remain from the original turret." The new electronic architecture of the Mk3 is based on the Ethernet standard, but in the event of Ethernet failure, the Canbus is left as a backup. The new Norwegian CV9030 machines will have over 100 IP addresses. In another OPV version, the tower is retained, but a sensor unit on the mast is added, which includes a radar and an optocoupler kit; the paratroopers have been replaced by a smaller reconnaissance group collecting information. The Norwegian army received the first modernized CV9030 BMPs in February 2014, an engineering vehicle based on the modified Mk1 chassis left the workshop on August 22, 2014. Sweden is also in the process of modernizing its CV90 machines; the configuration has not yet been finally approved, but measures will definitely be taken to extend the service life, ergonomics will be revised, and an improved combat control system has been installed. While discussions are underway on the final composition of the upgrade kit; the signing of the contract is expected at the end of 2014. Estonia buys 44 CV9035 vehicles from the Netherlands. As for Denmark, there the request for proposals for the replacement of the M113 was supposed to be issued in August-September 2014 with the prospect of issuing a contract in the first half of 2015.
Deliveries of the newest standard CV90 to Norway began in February 2014; 20 years later, the tracked vehicle from BAE Systems has been significantly improved. (Its designation CV90 means - combat vehicle of the 90s - Combat Vehicle for the 1990)
With regard to the further development of the CV90, BAE Systems is working on a proof-of-concept for its Adaptiv visual system currently at TRL4 (technology development) readiness level, while the infrared camouflage variant is already at TRL-7 (system and subsystem development) readiness level. and should be delivered within two years when the customer arrives. The company develops tiles that adapt to infrared and visible spectra to match the background landscape. The dimensions of these tiles will depend on the customer's required minimum detection distance. Two options will be offered: an inexpensive system with preset templates, and an expensive system with cameras capable of capturing the background image and a computer capable of adjusting the tiles to merge the machine with the captured background image.
A consortium of Slovak enterprises led by Excalibur Army has developed a new Sakal BMP based on the BMP-2
Two other areas of activity are active protection and 360 ° visibility. BAE Systems is already working with the customer to select the optimal solution. As for the all-round view, the goal here is to obtain, within a reasonable time, a "transparent machine" in which the commander can see "through" the armor in any direction. A cheaper system will be adopted for the landing in the aft compartment. Collaboration with Soucy continues, the new rubber tracks on the Armadillo demo have withstood 6,000 km without a single breakdown. These tracks, plus active damping, which will become standard on all new platforms, will mark a big step in improving comfort not only for soldiers, but also for portable electronic equipment. All technological developments are also offered for the PLO-1 platform demonstrator presented at MSPO 2013, which is aimed at meeting the needs of the Polish army for a family of light and medium tracked vehicles.
Streit is building on its success in the international market and its Varan 6x6 armored personnel carrier is almost ready for production.
First shown at IDEX 2013, the Varan 6x6 armored personnel carrier developed by Streit Group should be finalized at the end of 2014 and enter series production in 2015. The development of this vehicle and other military products is in line with Streit's product diversification aimed at dividing the group's 2014 revenues: 70% from military products and 30% from the civilian sector. The main body for the sides and roof uses SSAB Armox 500T ballistic steel, while the energy absorbing floor is made of Armox 440T steel. Basic protection can be increased up to Level 4 with the addition of ceramic armor and an anti-mine underbody kit. The development of the chassis and power pack components has been completed and the vehicle has been tested in the UK. Ballistic tests at the German test center IABG are expected before the end of the year. The Varan armored personnel carrier accommodates two crew members and six paratroopers. The 6x6 is powered by a 400 hp Cummins diesel engine mated to an Allison five-speed automatic transmission; the power unit is located in the front right. It is the philosophy of the company to have the machines ready for delivery, which is why 250 power units and axle kits have already been ordered. The start of serial production is expected in 2015, as several contracts are already ready for signing; the final cost of the base model will be up to one million dollars. At the Eurosatory exhibition, a remotely controlled weapon station was installed on the Varan prototype, developed by the Kiev design bureau "Luch" and armed with a 12, 7-mm machine gun and four anti-tank missiles.
For the first time at the Eurosatory exhibition and the international arena at the stand of the Slovak company Excalibur Army, the upgraded Sakal BMP was presented. It is based on the BMP-2 chassis and has a 402 hp Caterpillar engine. (100 hp more than the previous engine), coupled with a modernized automatic transmission. The engine is on the right, the driver is on the left, the commander and gunner seats are located behind the front compartment. Sakal is equipped with an Evpu Turra 30 combat module, armed with a 30-mm 2A42 cannon and a coaxial 7, 62-mm machine gun with two 9M113 Competition missiles mounted on the right side of the turret. However, these weapons can be replaced by weapons systems of Western origin in the same category. Ballistic protection is Level 3 and mine protection is Level 1b / 2a.
Japan's first appearance
Eurosatory 2014 marked the first appearance of the Japanese defense industry. No real vehicles were shown, only an 8x8 armored vehicle from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was shown as a model (see photo above). The vehicle will be about 8 meters long, 2, 2 meters high and 2, 98 meters wide, with a dead weight of 18 tons, it will have a payload of 10 tons. In the APC version, it can carry a total of 11 people, and an option with a raised roof in the stern for the ambulance and control center is also available. The machine is equipped with independent hydropneumatic suspension, double wishbone front suspension, wheels are 395 / 85R20. The machine is equipped with a 4-cylinder MHI4VA diesel engine with a power of 535 hp, located in the front left; the car develops a speed of 100 km / h on the highway. Information on the levels of protection was not provided, lattice screens were installed along the perimeter of the armored personnel carrier, the sides of the troop compartment are most likely protected by reactive armor. For self-defense, a 12, 7-mm machine gun is installed, the sufficient carrying capacity of the vehicle allows the installation of turrets with medium-caliber or even large-caliber weapons, although Japanese policy is to offer non-aggressive weapons on the market.
