Flyer II with an installed booking kit. Flyer, offered by General Dyamics OTS and Flyer LLC, has been selected by Special Operations Command as the vehicle that can be carried in the V-22
ITV
As for the number, the program of the command of the special operations forces for the ITV (Internally Transported Vehicle) carried inside the V-22 tiltrotor, in comparison with other similar programs, seems quite modest. However, with the growing use of the Osprey by all branches of the military and the first successful steps of the Bell-Boeing tiltrotor in the export market, vehicles with good mobility compatible with the 1.52 meter width limit stated in the aforementioned Navair Serair 435DM / 5.5147 document may attract interest and other armies. The plan envisages the delivery of 34 ITV vehicles. The $ 2.4 million Battle Evaluation Phase runs from January to December 2014. This cost includes two machines, logistics, equipment and spare parts. Vehicle acquisition costs are projected for fiscal 2015. A request for proposals was issued in March 2013. On October 21, 2013, the command issued to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems a three-year contract with a maximum value of $ 5.8 million for 10 Flyer ITV vehicles.
The prerequisites define a 4x4 vehicle transported in a V-22 and capable of carrying two / six (threshold / target) stretchers with a top speed of 105/120 km / h and a range of 560/725 km. The typical operational profile was defined as 40% rugged terrain, 30% temporary routes, 20% minor roads and 10% major roads; The vehicle must be able to handle inclines of up to 60%, side slopes of 30/40% and have a turning circle of less than 15/11 meters. The required payload for flight is 900/1590 kg, and the payload on the ground is 1590/2040 kg. Armament can include either 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 automatic grenade launchers. The full list of companies applying for the ITV program has apparently never been released. However, even though we started our list with the winning car, some other projects made with the "width less than 60" concept should definitely be among the contenders.
The winning Flyer incorporated the experience gained from previous models, but has now undergone significant upgrades to improve performance, reduce costs and reduce maintenance. Removing the external storage containers from the Flyer reduces its width to 1.53 meters. The height does not change, but, what is remarkable, the length is 4, 6 meters, exactly three times the width. After leaving the Osprey ramp, in a few minutes, the containers are installed back along with the main machine gun on the pivot axis. The vehicle was developed by GDOTS in collaboration with Flyer Defense LLC; at the rear is a 1.9-liter 150 hp engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The car develops a speed of 135 km / h, and at a constant speed of 65 km / h, it can travel 56 km on one liter of fuel, which translates into a cruising range of more than 720 km. Maximum utilization of Hummer components reduces maintenance and acquisition costs; Flyer ITV has a dead weight of 1.8 tons and a payload of almost 1.59 tons. Some of this capacity can be donated to the installation of a reservation kit developed by 3M Ceradyne. It guarantees a level of B6 class ballistic protection (7.62 mm bullets) for four passengers by installing armored doors, armored glass, front windshield, rear cab protection, additional floor armor, and roof armor. In the variant of the evacuation of the wounded, up to five stretchers can be placed in the car, four of them on the roof, since on top of the existing safety cage, additional protective arches can be quickly installed to protect the wounded when the car rolls over.
The Phantom Badger was developed at the Boeing Phantom Works and, although not selected for the ITV program, is actively promoted by the company in the market.
Earlier, the Specter car with a wide track was mentioned, which received the additional abbreviation WTC, while the original Specter received the addition of "NTC" (Narrow Track Configuration - a configuration with a narrow track). It retained the highly modular skateboard configuration. At the same time, the ground clearance was reduced from 427 mm to 305 mm in order to reduce the center of gravity. The length of the NTC variant is 4.71 meters, which is 0.8 meters shorter than the WTC, while the maximum height of 1.53 is determined by the roll cage that runs from the cab to the rear of the Specter. The power unit is the same as the Specter WTC variant, the power density is much higher as the NTC's own weight is 1, 96 tons less. The total weight is 3.4 tons, the payload is 1.45 tons. The 95 liter fuel tank is one third smaller than the WTC variant. As with the Specter WTC, front and rear differential locks, winch, air compressor and 100 hp hybrid electric drive. installed as an option.
Although disappointed with the results of the V-22 ITV competition, Boeing is nevertheless aggressively promoting its Phantom Badger vehicle, which was unveiled in May 2013. Developed in partnership with MotorSport Innovations (MSI), it is powered by a 240 hp commercial multi-fuel engine, has a maximum speed of 130 km / h on paved roads and a maximum range of over 700 km. The Boeing car, developed at the Phantom Works California plant, features four-wheel steering, which reduces the turning radius to 7.6 meters. The car can overcome slopes of 60% and a ford of almost one meter. The declared payload is 1.36 tons. Two people sit in front and two more on two rear-facing seats mounted on the rear platform. One of them can work with a 12, 7-mm machine gun mounted on a folding structure, which provides air transport and quick readiness for battle. The posterior platform can accommodate a range of functional kits, including recumbent sufferers. Smooth ride is provided by MSI hydraulic suspension, which not only reduces physical fatigue of passengers, but also allows you to adjust the ride height. The car has 35-inch BF Goodrich wheels for sticky soils.
The winning ITV company has another Osprey-compatible tiltrotor in its portfolio. It is already in service with the US Marine Corps and thus deserves a description in this section, Light Strike Vehicle (LSV). The car resembles a Jeep 4x4, it is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel 2, 8-liter engine from Navistar with 132 hp. and 312 Nm of torque, mated to a GM 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission and a Chrysler manual two-speed transfer case. The car is equipped with an air suspension that allows you to adjust the height of the car depending on the terrain. Combined with a foldable roll cage, this reduces the LSV's height to 1.19 meters when loaded into the V-22, while on the highway the height of a fully prepared vehicle is 1.84 meters (or 1.92 meters when the suspension is set to maximum height). The LSV is also equipped with a centralized tire inflation system and four-wheel steering. The 900 kg payload allows for the transport of four people, who are seated on Kevlar splinter-lined seats, three-day supplies and main armament ranging from a 7, 62 or 12, 7 mm machine gun to a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. The total weight of the car is just under three tons, the maximum speed on the highway is 105 km / h. The vehicle comes in two configurations for the Marine Corps: the M1161 light assault vehicle and the M1163 tractor unit. The latter is used to transport an expeditionary fire support complex based on a 120-mm rifled mortar.
The US Marine Corps selected the GDOTS Light Strike Vehicle a few years ago. LSV can be transported inside the Osprey; also purchased a version of the tractor of the mortar complex
Outside the US: fewer, different cars
Few countries have anything comparable to the United States when it comes to special forces. The number of cars they buy to provide their mobile capabilities is significantly less. That being said, regardless of their size, Special Forces have similar approaches when looking for equipment with specific requirements. Either these are special systems made from scratch (extremely expensive), or deeply modified existing systems. This is especially true for vehicles.
Israel
ZIBAR MK.2
Although the ZibarMk.2 car is produced by the American company Zibar USA, it was developed by the Israeli Ido OffRoad Center, which specializes in off-road vehicles. The car is based on the special requirements of the Israeli army, for example, it is equipped with an extremely powerful engine that gives a power density of almost 150 hp / t. The car is based on a tubular frame chassis and a 7, 4-liter GM LSX 454 V-8 petrol engine with 620 hp. and a torque of 800 Nm coupled to a TH400 automatic three-speed gearbox. The transfer case from B&W allows you to switch between 2x4 and 4x4 modes with a low gear ratio of 1: 2.75. Front and rear axles are equipped with spring-hydraulic shock absorbers and pneumatic double-spring shock absorbers. The car is equipped with 42x13.5 R17 tires, which, when deflated to the minimum pressure, provide low ground pressure and optimal mobility on soft soils.
The high power not only allows you to reach speeds of up to 200 km / h, but also accelerate to 100 km / h in five seconds. The Zibar Mk.2 can climb 100% slopes and 60% side slopes. The width of 2.13 meters does not allow transporting it in a Chinook helicopter, the length is 4.95 meters, the wheelbase is 3.25 meters and the height is 1.9 meters. The total weight of the car is 4200 kg, the payload is 1500 kg, the double cab can accommodate four people. The long wheelbase triple cab can accommodate up to six people.
An enhanced protection version is also available, its V-shaped bottom and 530 mm ground clearance (370 mm under axles) provide good mine protection. The model described here is currently designated the Zibar Mk.2 620, although a Zibar Mk.2 430 variant is available with a GM 6.2 LS3 V-8 petrol engine producing 430 hp. and a torque of 574 Nm. It differs only in lower maximum speed (180 km / h) and acceleration (8 seconds to 100 km / h). An extended pickup configuration is also available with a payload of 2,800 kg due to an increased total weight of 5,600 kg. The wheelbase has increased from 3250 to 3600 mm, and the length to 5280 mm. Fully loaded, all three Zibar variants have a range of 700 km.
The Zibar Mk2 draws on racing car design experience. It has the highest top speed of a 4x4 high mobility machine.
The second batch of Spider cars are most likely delivered to the armament of the Singapore army in an updated version (pictured with the Strike ATGM complex)
Singapore
SPIDER
Singapore-based ST Kinetics is currently supplying an undisclosed number of Spider LSVs (Light Strike Vehicle) to the National Defense Department on a $ 55 million contract. The Singaporean army had already adopted the Spider LSV in the late 90s, but the new vehicles are described as "next generation" Spiders. A buggy car based on a tubular frame chassis can accommodate six people. The unladen weight is only 1.6 tons and the payload is 1.2 tons. The Spider has a power-to-weight ratio of over 46 hp / t thanks to a 130 hp Peugeot turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. and a torque of 410 Nm, which allows a top speed of over 125 km / h. The car is equipped with a semi-automatic transmission, power steering, front suspension with double wishbones and rear suspension with trailing arms. Its very low center of gravity allows it to handle 50 ° side slopes and 60 ° slopes. The company claims a range of over 700 km. The driver is located in the center of the car, two more seats are installed slightly behind. A row of three more seats is installed at the back, individual weapons can rotate 360 °. From the very beginning, the width requirements for transportation in the CH-47 helicopter were taken into account, its folding safety cage allows you to install one vehicle on top of another for transportation, that is, six such vehicles are included in the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Several variants of the Spider were developed, including a mortar complex with a 120-mm smooth-bore mortar Srams, also developed by Singapore Technologies. The company also offers a hybrid variant with a motor-generator set, which can move silently in close proximity to the enemy.
Germany
MUNGO
The German airborne division is armed with 420 transporters of the Mungo 1 squad. These vehicles participated in missions in Afghanistan and Congo. The German army ordered a second batch of 50 Mungo 2 support vehicles, which were manufactured and delivered in 2013. These are supply vehicles for infantry units and mobile equipment for radiation, chemical and biological protection platoons. Due to its width of 1.94 meters, length of 4.47 meters, the Mungo can be transported inside the CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters after lowering the safety cage with a height of 2.44 meters. With a 105 hp engine. the car develops a speed of 90 km / h and has a cruising range of 500 km. With a total weight of 5.3 tons, the payload is 1.85 tons, that is, up to 10 soldiers can be accommodated in the car. Three Mungo vehicles can be transported in the C-130, C-160 or A-400M.
Mungo from KMW is in service with the airborne and special units of the Bundeswehr; also developed technical support options
Another offspring of the off-road racing car, the Supacat LRV-400, was shown at DSEI 2013. The car is suitable for transport in the CH-47 Chinook even by British standards
United Kingdom
At DSEI 2013, Supacat unveiled its LRV 400 (Light Reconnaissance Vehicle) light reconnaissance vehicle based on the chassis of the QT Services Wildcat race car. The military variant is equipped with a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 236 hp. (the racing version has a petrol eight-cylinder engine with power from 430 to 640 hp) and a manual or automatic transmission. The LRV 400 features a 2 or 4 wheel drive with a center differential. The suspension consists of continuous axles and hydraulic shock absorbers with a racing heritage, and the steering is hydraulically assisted. The vehicle's dimensions - width and height of 1.8 meters - allow it to be transported to Chinook even under strict British restrictions. The fuel tank with a volume of 160 liters allows for a cruising range of 1000 km. The roll cage protects three passengers and can be fitted with a machine gun. The total weight is 3.5 tons, the payload is 1.4 tons, which allows you to install ballistic protection. Other options include a winch that can be easily carried from front to rear by simply pulling out one pin.
Italy
The Italian company Bremach has developed a versatile off-road vehicle T-Rex based on a chassis with a volumetric tubular frame, which significantly strengthens the structure. There are two different chassis available: one made of 3mm wall tubes for a 3.5 ton vehicle, and the other made of 5mm tubes to lift the total weight up to 6 tonnes. 4 variants with different wheelbases are available: 2600, 3100, 3450 and 3700 mm. All variants with maximum front wheel overhang to achieve 48 ° front overhang. There are three powertrains to choose from - all four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel that are part of the Fiat Power Train family, namely the 2.3-liter F1A with 116 hp. and a 3.0-liter F1C with an output of 146 hp. and 176 hp. There are two transmissions to choose from: a manual six-speed ZF overdrive or an automatic Allison. Bremach has developed and manufactured a reduction gearbox, as well as split front and rear axles with installed leaf spring suspensions and telescopic two-chamber shock absorbers. The T-Rex has permanent all-wheel drive with three differential locks. For off-road driving, 255 / 100R16 Michelin XZL tires are offered, although other options are offered for specific terrain. The cab can withstand accelerations in excess of 5g. The 6-ton T-MAX chassis has been reviewed by numerous car manufacturers. Its main advantage lies in the gross weight and payload, which is twice the gross weight and payload of vehicles of this size, based, for example, on a Defender chassis. In a single cab configuration, the payload reaches 3520 kg (4000 kg with a heavy load axle), but the double cab reduces it by 200 kg. After booking the bottom and hood, the carrying capacity still exceeds 2 tons. In addition, the Bremach chassis width fits well with the CH-47's transport limitations, 1,770mm versus the required 80 inches (2,032mm), which is less than most competitors.
The Italian industrial SUV company Bremach has developed the T-Max chassis. An upgraded version with a mass of 7.5 tons is used for the version designed for special forces
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann took an interest in the Bremach chassis in the mid-2000s, as the German Special Forces then needed a compact patrol vehicle with a long range that could be carried in a CH-47 helicopter. In 2008-2009, the Italian company carried out an 11-month evaluation and qualification test at the WTD 41 test site in Meppen, during which the vehicle covered more than 10,000 km and demonstrated its capabilities. The machine overcame slopes of 100% and side slopes of 58%, as well as a ford with a depth of 900 mm; turning circle was less than 13 meters. Since then, Bremach engineers have worked closely with designers from KMW, with the result that a prototype was expected to be presented at Eurosatory 2014. The open-top vehicle can be quickly reconfigured according to the task at hand and can be transported by major transport helicopters. The special operations vehicle, built by KMW and based on the Bremach chassis, should be the first in a family of vehicles based on this chassis.
Poland and others
The Polish company AMZ-Kutno manufactures a Swistak (marmot in Polish) car with high cross-country ability on the Bremach chassis. It has an open top, but is protected up to the middle of its height in accordance with Level 1, while mine protection corresponds to Level 2a. In this configuration, the payload remains 2100 kg, including personnel. Shown at MSPO 2011, the Swistak has a tubular roll cage on which a 7.62mm Minigun machine gun is mounted, while a 5.56mm machine gun protects the rear of the vehicle.
Bremach is working on a vehicle for the Italian special forces. The first prototype was developed with an upper tube structure, on which panels can be fixed if necessary and obtained from a fully open machine completely closed. A folding support for the main armament has been installed, which allows to reduce the overall height during transportation in a CH-47 helicopter. Tests showed that the cockpit layout was good, although handling should be improved. The production of the second prototype with reinforced axles is being completed, the front axle is designed for five tons in order to withstand the armor of the hood, and the rear axle is designed for a load of 5.5 tons. The power plant will be based on a 5, 9-liter six-cylinder Iveco Vector engine with 240 hp. The vehicle is almost two meters wide, with a wheelbase of 3,500 mm, and is intended for special units of the Italian army, conducting long-distance patrols for up to 10 days. To ensure maximum water storage, the lower part of the roll cage is made of square hollow aluminum tubes that can be filled with up to 200 liters of water. The dimensions of the wheels have been increased to the standard 2555/100 R16.
Jackal British Army machines in Afghanistan. These vehicles are based on the Supacat HMT400 and are operated by both dedicated and conventional units.
Bremach also developed a less extreme version of its six-ton chassis, keeping the chassis of the T-Rex variant and the 176bhp engine. with the Allison 1000SP transmission, but at the same time increasing the total weight to 7.5 tons due to the front axle designed for 3.5 tons.
Drawing on the development experience of the HMT 400 High Mobility Transporter (Jackal and Jackal 2 in the British Army) and the HMT 600 (known in the UK as Coyote), Supacat developed the Extenda in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. Later, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the Extenda car was modified for the Americans, after which it received the designation CVNG (described above). Depending on the drive configuration (4x4 and 6x6, by installing or removing a separate third axle), the HMT Extenda is 5, 93 or 7.04 meters long. Although, due to its width of 2.05 meters, the car does not meet the British requirements for air transportation in CH-47, but, nevertheless, with some deviation from the rules (which often happens in special units), it enters this helicopter. The unladen weight with fuel and reservation is 5, 5 and 6, 6 tons, respectively, while the carrying capacity varies from 2, 1 to 3, 9 tons. The independent suspension with pneumatic ride height and 335/80 R20 tires ensures optimum off-road capability. HMT series vehicles are in service with many, mostly unnamed special forces around the world. Australia is an exception here, its SWAT has announced the acquisition of 31 HMT 400 vehicles (named Nary after the Australian warrant officer killed in Iraq) and the subsequent selection of the Extenda as the preferred contender for the Australian JP2097 Ph1B (Redfin) program. Supacat was awarded the initial contract for the development and evaluation phase. This company in December 2012 delivered a prototype with improved capabilities, in particular, the level of crew protection was increased.
Supacat HMT 400s are already in operation in Australia under the Nary name. They were also selected for the Redfin program. The picture below shows the prototype before delivery
