The Rescue All Terrain Transport (RATT) off-road vehicle, created in the early 90s, is used by special forces of the US Air Force to transport casualties, but now it can no longer provide the necessary mobility.
Special forces are designed to operate behind enemy lines. In the modern scenario, they need to move unnoticed, although the term "behind enemy lines" no longer means so much in the context of asymmetric combat operations. With this in mind, and depending on their method of infiltration, task forces must travel long distances, carrying heavy equipment. The implementation method is definitely a key criterion when choosing a cross-country vehicle. The operation can be carried out without any ground mobile means, for example, parachute landing, can be carried out with limited means using medium helicopters, or carried out with more powerful machines with the participation of heavy aircraft or helicopters
The same principle applies in case of intrusion from water (or from under water). When deployed directly over land, such restrictions are not so significant, so in some situations, special forces may even use heavy armored vehicles.
In fact, there is no such thing as a typical "special forces car", although in the minds of ordinary people it should look like the "naked" cars from the movies about World War II. The vehicles used by special forces and often originating from various existing unarmored or armored vehicles are part of the stocks of some special forces, although many other types are used: some are light, such as ATVs or buggies, while others are heavier, for example, M-ATV from Oshkosh, RG-33 from BAE Systems, etc., which are in service with the American forces.
USA
In 2013, the United States placed four contracts related to the mobility of special forces. One in January for the Guardian Angels Air Force Search and Rescue units, which will receive R-1 Rescue All-Terrain Transport (RATT), one in March for a non-standard commercial vehicle, one in August to replace a GMV 1.0 (Ground Mobility Vehicle) vehicle at the base Humvee and finally one in October to meet the new ITV (Internally Transportable Vehicle) requirement to be transported inside a V-22 tiltrotor. Let's look at them in chronological order.
GAARV
While many do not consider combat search and rescue operations to be special operations, in many ways they are. Therefore, they need similar technical equipment, including mobile facilities. These assets are light vehicles with high mobility, as helicopters are used in most combat search and rescue operations. Cars must be transported either inside the helicopter or on its suspension. In early 2013, the Guardian Angels of the US Air Force selected HDT Global's Storm modification to meet the Guardian Angel Air-Deployable Recovery Vehicle (GAARV) requirement. This requirement has been published (which rarely happens with the equipment of special forces) and thus it would be interesting to analyze some of its provisions, as they could become a starting point for highly mobile assault vehicles.
The system requirements document, released in April 2010, owes its appearance to the findings that the current R-1 RATT vehicle has extremely limited ability to transport the rescue team and equipment to the accident area, which decreases even more on the way back from already saved people.
Storm tactical vehicle selected for US Air Force Guardian Angels search and rescue teams
It is clear that the new car should not only have better off-road mobility, but also the ability to work during a hurricane or other humanitarian operations, allowing members of the rescue team to cross streets filled with water up to 76 cm, carrying heaps of debris. The new Gaarv is to be transported in M / HC-130P / N, HC-130J, C-130 and C-17 aircraft, in CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters and in the CV / MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor. According to the document of the Air Force command "Transportability of wheeled vehicles in the V-22" in order for the car to enter the Osprey, it must be shorter than 4.44 meters, below 1.5 meters along the centerline and narrower than 1.52 meters. An analysis carried out in the subsequent period showed that such a vehicle was not able to meet the requirements for payload and range, and therefore the requirements for the CV / MV-22 tiltrotor were removed from the document, published two years later. Obviously, this relaxed the constraints and allowed for revision of some of the key parameters. The most important of these was the payload: Gaarv must carry a rescue team of four with its own equipment, its total weight is estimated at 677 kg. But the heavy Rapid Extraction Deployment System (REDS), ammunition, water, weapons installed on the vehicle and the cargo increase the mass by another 684 kg, two stretchers with patients each 113 kg each bring the weight to 1587 kg, while the maximum own the weight of this car is 2268 kg. All personnel, including two recumbents, must be inside the roll-over safety cage. The minimum cruising range was set at 280 km (autonomy of 560 km) with two hours of engine operation at the scene of the accident, although its target value was doubled (engine operating time at the scene was also two hours); in both cases, vehicle speed at Gross Weight on main roads is 72 km / h. The required maximum speed must be over 135 km / h. Gaarv must handle 100% slopes and 80% side slopes. The engine must run on standard RON 80 petrol and above, although a diesel engine can be fitted as an option.
In terms of weapons, the vehicle must be capable of accepting weapons with interchangeable supports for the M-249, M-240, or similar weapons. The armament served by the crew should have a 360 ° circular firing sector without a stretcher carried inside, or at least 270 ° with two stretchers. It is not possible to provide a complete list of requirements here or compare the two documents from 2010 and 2012. What can be said for sure is that perhaps no machine is capable of meeting all the requirements of the original document, and some of these requirements generally contradict each other. Therefore, the Guardian Angels decided to take the path of least resistance - to take an existing solution that would fit their mission in the best possible way, while remaining within budget.
SRTV-5 from BC Customs
On January 21, 2013, the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC) awarded HDT Global a contract for Gaarv, choosing the Storm model. Shown in fall 2012, the Storm SRTV (Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle) is a modification of the SRTV-5 created by BC Customs; this company also developed a variant of the car that could go into the V-22 tiltrotor. Developed in collaboration with Special Forces, the Storm meets most of Gaarv's requirements and is based on a tubular chassis with a General Motors LS3 430 hp petrol engine. The motor is mounted centrally to ensure good weight balance. With a total weight of 3.6 tons and a curb weight of 1.96 tons, the Storm fits perfectly into the restrictions imposed, the maximum speed on the highway exceeds 160 km / h, and the power density of almost 120 hp / t allows you to accelerate to 100 km / h in just over 15 seconds. Off-road capability is provided by a 576 Nm engine and long-travel suspension. The standard machine has a length of 4.90 meters, a width of 2.03 meters and a height of 1.68 meters; up to three stretchers are placed inside the rollover protection frame, while the machine gun installed at the top has a 360 ° circular firing sector. The contract with an indefinite delivery time and an indefinite quantity included the purchase for testing and evaluation of the first batch of five machines; their production began in August 2013, and delivery on November 12, 2013. After the completion of the tests, the US Air Force will be able to buy 61 more aircraft. In small numbers, the Storm variant is also in service with the US Border Service.
HDT Global designs and manufactures the SRTV vehicle, which is based on the racing buggy created by BC Customs
Non-standard commercial vehicles NSCV
In December 2012, the Office of General Services issued a request for a quotation for the so-called Non-Standard Commercial Vehicles (NSCV), intended for command of special operations forces. Vehicles of this type are not only a cheap solution for providing mobility to combat groups, they can also be used by undercover teams to seamlessly merge with local traffic.
Special Forces, however, need some form of protection and increased mobility, that is, they need to adapt pickup trucks, SUVs, sedans or vans to their needs. The US command of special operations forces will need about 300 of these vehicles over the next three years, and therefore in March 2013 it signed a contract with the Battel Memorial Institute. Its subsidiary Battelle Tactical Systems has been carrying out this kind of modernization for almost a decade and under the terms of the contract it modifies Toyota Land Cruisers and Hi-Luxe vehicles in accordance with special requirements. This includes reservations, combat management information system integration, chassis component upgrades such as chassis reinforcement and suspension, more powerful service brakes, puncture-proof wheels, infrared lights, a winch, roof rack and additional PTO shafts. The Battelle Institute works with a number of subcontractors, mostly small businesses (including veterans' organizations). The contract will run from March 2013 to March 2016, with a total value of $ 69 million. If broken down by year, then the year accounts for about $ 23, 7 million and from 90 to 100 cars. At the same time, the percentage of the two models has not yet been disclosed. Trials of six vehicles (three for each model) began in July 2013 and ended in February 2014; in the same month, the first deliveries began.
Indigenous Armor has taken a completely different approach to the NSCV concept. She developed a completely new vehicle based on protection and chassis requirements and then “disguised” it as a commercial vehicle. The vehicle received the designation NSTT (Non Standard Tactical Truck - non-standard tactical truck), a turbodiesel engine with a power of 325 hp is installed on it. from the Navistar company. With a width of 1.93 meters, this machine can be easily transported in a CH-47 helicopter, its maximum speed exceeds 135 km / h on paved roads, it can overcome 60% inclines or 40% side slopes. The machine features independent suspension with diagonal suspension arms on the rear axle and double A-arms on the front axle. The bottom provides protection against detonation on the M-67 hand grenade, ballistic protection is at Level B6 (7.62mm NATO standard bullet). According to documents from the program office of the Special Forces Command, specialized armored vehicles, such as the NSCV, are included in the command's list of needs.
The Specter Wide Track Configuration, based on the Jamma Force Protection vehicle, was used to develop GDLS's proposal for the GMV 1.1 program. A narrow gauge option was proposed for the ITV program
GMV 1.1 from AM General is narrower in width compared to the previous model GMV 1.0 (in turn a direct modification of the Humvee), but, nevertheless, retains a high level of uniformity with its predecessor
The GMV 1.1 from AM General has an Optimizer 3200 engine from the same company, which is also installed in the BRV-O car offered for the JLTV program.
GMV1.1
A lucrative contract under the GMV 1.1 program has spurred numerous companies to develop off-road vehicles. Finally, on August 22, 2013 (with a six-month delay), Special Operations Command announced its choice of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to merge with Flyer Defense LLC (other notable applicants were AM General, General Dynamics Land Systems, Lockheed Martin, Navistar, Oshkosh and SAIC. Due to the contraction of the US market, some bidders decided to challenge the decision and the General Accounting Office began reviewing the protests filed by AM General and Navistar. On December 19, 2013, the office rejected the protests, but in early January 2014 AM General filed a lawsuit in the U. S. Court of Justice on federal motions for command of special operations forces). The contract with an indefinite delivery time and an indefinite quantity under GMV 1.1 could reach the amount of 562, 2 million dollars and a total of 1297 vehicles, which will be equipped with combat information and control systems supplied by state enterprises.
The new car will replace the GMV 1.0 based on the Humvee, which is worth 1,072 units on the command's balance sheet. As a modification of the M1165A1 ECV, this vehicle retains a width of 2.21 meters, making it impossible to transport it in a Chinook helicopter. The payload varies from 2, 2 to 1, 1 ton, depending on whether the protection corresponding to the B3 level is installed or not.
Based on the results of recent meetings, the requirements for GMV 1.1 were determined, according to which the car must be placed in the C / MH-47 and at the same time, after leaving the helicopter, the weapons should be ready to fire in less than 60 seconds. The threshold total weight of the vehicle (own weight plus equipment for flight support) was set at 5, 9 tons, the vehicle should accommodate four main passengers plus a shooter with the ability to accommodate two more passengers. The projected operational profile is 70% of the time on secondary roads and 30% on main roads. GMV 1.1 should reach speeds of over 100 km / h on paved roads and overcome a vertical ledge with a height of 46 cm. The minimum cruising range when the tank is 75% full was set at 400 km. The vehicle must be equipped with a roll cage capable of supporting four of its total masses. Other requirements include lightweight, modular protection solutions, minimal signs of visibility (signatures) in various external conditions, 360 ° all-round crew visibility with a minimum of dead zones, and a 360 ° continuous firing sector for the main combat module. Also, the architecture of vetronics (vehicle electronics) should provide easy integration of new CIUSs. Further development requires multi-fuel, availability of simulators for cost savings, next-generation situational awareness tools, and finally maintainability in harsh environments with minimal assistance. At the same time, the possibility of transportation in a V-22 tiltrotor is not required.
GMV 1.1 is a modification of the Flyer vehicle developed in the mid-90s by Flyer Group LLC (now part of the Marvin Group Flyer Defense). The company then teamed up with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, the de facto main contractor for the bid. Oddly enough, the details of the winning car's performance have not been disclosed. Although based on a well-known vehicle, it should at least be wider (as defined by requirements), as the original Flyer is designed to be transported in a V-22 rather than a CH-47 helicopter. Apparently, the manufacturer is awaiting the resolution of all legal disputes before announcing the details of the Flyer GMV 1.1 contract. Further in the article will be described a variant compatible with the V-22 tiltrotor.
At AUSA 2012, General Dynamics unveiled a variant of its Specter, a further modification of the Force Protection Jamma car (Force Protection was purchased at the end of 2011). Specially designed for transport in the V-22 tiltrotor, the Jamma, later renamed Specter, also has a wider version that is carried inside the CH-47. This variant of the Specter WTC (Wide Track Configuration) is based on a highly modular skateboard chassis (placing the power plant, accessories, suspension and fuel tank inside a flat platform on which a body of arbitrary configuration can be mounted) with a ground clearance of 427 mm. on which the modular enclosure is installed. The length of the car is 5.53 meters, due to wider wheels and suspension geometry with longer arms, the width has increased to 1.98 meters compared to 1.52 meters in the version for the V-22. The Specter WTC is powered by a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, in-line turbocharged diesel engine producing 180 hp. and a torque of 540 Nm; maximum speed on paved roads over 135 km / h. Two operators are located behind the driver and commander, a machine gunner and, if necessary, two more people are located on the rear platform (the maximum number of seats is seven). On the rear platform, the safety cage is much higher than in the front of the car (for air transport, the height of the cage is manually reduced from 2.80 meters to 1.82 meters in less than one and a half minutes). The Specter WTC has a curb weight of 3.3 tons and a payload of 1.37 tons, which can be partially used to increase the level of protection.
Although Navistar's Special Operations Tactical Vehicle looks like a light truck, it is actually a specially designed vehicle disguised as a pickup truck.
The Navistar Defense SOTV can be fitted with additional protection kits to increase the level of crew protection
AM General proposed a vehicle based on GMV 1.0 (currently in service), which retained the 70% commonality with the M1165A1, which can significantly reduce operating costs, spare parts, maintenance and training. Although the level of uniformity is very high, the GMV 1.1 is a completely new platform as it meets the transportability requirements of the CH-47 with a corresponding reduction in width by 18 cm (the GMV 1.1 is also included in the CH-53 helicopter). In addition, the engine adopted is a modification of the engine proposed by AM General for its BRV-O vehicle, which in turn is proposed as a solution for the JLTV project. Thus, the Optimizer 3200 was adopted, but its power was reduced by 10% compared to that of the JLTV engine in order to reduce fuel consumption and install a lighter transmission (it is also proposed for the modernized Hummer chassis); output power 270 HP converted to more than one horsepower per kilogram of the engine (it weighs 250 kg). AM General focused on weight reduction, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 45 hp / t and a payload of 3,175 kg, which is more than the vehicle's curb weight of 2,812 kg. The car also boasts a range of more than 480 km and a top speed of 130 km / h on the highway, while the fully independent suspension, taken from the world of racing cars, ensures good cross-country ability. The modular "rack" system allows you to change the configuration of the placement of people and cargo (space for 4-7 people and six attachment points for weapons). All passengers are protected by a modular safety cage, which, according to the company, is capable of withstanding a design load of 150%. AM General offers its GMV vehicles on the international market, where they are attracting significant interest.
Medium Assault Vehicle - Light from Northrop Grumman was created in partnership with Pratt & Miller Engineering. BAE Systems has developed a booking kit for the car
Navistar, with its GMV 1.1 application, is copying the approach of Indigen Armor, with which it is collaborating on the already mentioned NSTT project. In other words, its SOTV (Special Operations Tactical Vehicle) is very similar to the Toyota Hi-Lux, one of the most widespread pickup trucks seen in many potential areas of operations. Although the resemblance is only superficial, the car itself was specifically designed to meet GMV 1.1 requirements. The length of the machine is 5.33 meters, the width is 2.01 meters and the height is 1.83 meters, which is 10% more than that of the Hi-Lux. It has a self-weight of 3312 kg, a payload of 3084 kg; seating in a protected cab four plus one. The car has a double wishbone suspension with spring-hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a slant-arm suspension with spring-hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The engine is based on a Navistar MaxxForce V8 turbocharged six-liter intercooled diesel engine with 325 hp. and a maximum torque of 773 Nm mated to an Allison 2550SP six-speed automatic transmission. The main armament mount can accept a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. When loading a vehicle into a Chinook helicopter, the weapon installation can be quickly removed and placed on the rear platform by pulling out just two pins. Navistar offers its vehicle as an armored platform that has protection against 7.62x51 mm NATO bullets in accordance with EN 1063. Additional armor kits can also be installed on the vehicle.
Modularity was the top priority when Oshkosh Defense started from scratch to develop what is now known as the S-ATV (Special purpose All Terrain Vehicle). It was first shown in September 2012. The machine is based on a roll-over protection cage with a four-door cab, the level of protection of which can be adapted to the requirements of customers (therefore, the unladen weight varies from 2, 7 to 4.5 tons with a total weight of 6, 35 tons). The standard width is approximately two meters, but can be reduced for transport in CH-47 in accordance with the GMV 1.1 application, or vice versa increased if larger volumes are required. In order to meet different mobility requirements, the customer can also choose the turbo diesel engine to their liking, the power output ranges from 225 hp. up to more than 300 hp with a torque exceeding 815 Nm. The multi-fuel engine can run on either JP-8 or Jet-A diesel fuel. The maximum technical speed is 120 km / h, while the range is over 500 km. The driver is located in the center, depending on the configuration, the number of seats in the S-ATV is from two to seven. 200-300A generators can be installed to power the 24V on-board network. Oshkosh, the specialist in suspension systems, naturally installed its intelligent independent TAK-4i suspension, which allows the car to easily move over rough or urban terrain at high speeds since the ground clearance can regulated depending on the type of terrain, and during air transport can be reduced to a minimum. The low temperature kit reduces minimum operating temperatures to -45 ° C, while the standard operating temperature range is -32 ° C to + 49 ° C.
At AUSA 2012, Northrop Grumman showed its proposal for the GMV 1.1 project under the designation MAV-L (Medium Assault Vehicle - Light), developed in collaboration with Pratt & Miller Engineering from scratch. Pratt & Miller chose a tubular frame fitted with a 4, 4-liter Caterpillar 220 hp engine. and a torque of 700 Nm. Good off-road mobility is ensured by the independent Meritor suspension with long-short arms on the front axle and trailing arms on the rear axle with corresponding travels of 46 cm and 51 cm. The length of the MAV-L 5, 32 meters, width of 2, 02 meters (allows transport to Chinook), while the height of 2.09 meters can be reduced to 1.85 meters in air transport mode in just three seconds, which corresponds to the time of lowering the ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. The total mass of the MAV-L is almost 5, 9 tons, the power density is over 37 hp / t, the maximum speed on paved roads is 130 km / h and over 95 km / h on unpaved roads, a 140 liter fuel tank allows range of more than 420 km when driving on mixed terrain: 30% paved roads, 30% unpaved roads and 40% off-road. Six people can be accommodated inside the protective frame, while the seventh is served by a machine gun. However, to accommodate the additional number of people, the MAV-L is equipped with one handrail under the vehicle and one handrail on top so that four people on each side can hook on from the outside during the final phase of the attack, bringing the total to 15 people. Northrop Grumman offers a weather-only kit as well as an arctic sub-standard kit. A third set is also available, developed by BAE Systems, to provide ballistic protection (non-expandable level). In a closed configuration, the MAV-L can accommodate four. The support ring can accept a 12.7 mm machine gun or even a remotely controlled weapon station; however, it can be replaced by an information gathering and reconnaissance station in the event of reconnaissance missions; a 400 amp generator provides sufficient power for most combat missions. Northrop Grumman intends to promote its MAV-L vehicle and is considering the needs of the US Army, Marine Corps and Air Force, and the export market.
Lockheed Martin's proposal for the GMV 1.1 program was essentially based on the British Supacat HMT, variants of which are in service with the British army.
In collaboration with British Supacat, Lockheed Martin developed a variant of the HMT series and gave it the CVNG designation (Common Vehicle Next Generation). CVNG is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. Both configurations have a width of 2.03 meters and a length of 5, 50 and 6, 75 meters, respectively, which is slightly less than their British counterparts, but while maintaining the same wheelbase. A 4x4 vehicle has a total weight of 7 tons, an unladen weight of 4.4 tons, a payload of 2.6 tons allows to increase protection to a certain level. The 6x6 variant with a total weight of 10.5 tons has a lifting capacity of 5.4 tons. Lockheed Martin has teamed up with British Jankel to offer three armor kits: Explosive and Ballistic Level 1, Explosive Level 2a and Ballistic Level 2. CVNG vehicle with 6.7-liter Cummins ISBe engine producing 185 hp. has a top speed of 130 km / h and a cruising range of 500 km, which increases to 700 km with the installation of an additional fuel tank. It retains the adjustable air suspension of the basic version of the HMT, which allows you to change the ground clearance from 180 to 485 mm and, accordingly, the overall height from a minimum of 1.89 meters in the transport position to 2.39 meters. The modular cockpit, which can accommodate various functional kits, accommodates five people plus a machine gunner.
Description of the Protector II armored car from Mobile Armored Vehicles with my subtitles
