At the end of January, the US Department of the Army published a preliminary list of requirements for a promising vehicle to be developed under the ULCV (Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle) program. The new vehicle in the future will provide the mobility of infantry units. The development of the program will go within the framework of the concept of updating the US armed forces Force 2025.
Several basic requirements are imposed on a promising vehicle for the infantry units of the future, regarding its various characteristics. The ULCV machine design must be created taking into account the following requirements:
- The vehicle must carry an infantry squad of nine people with weapons and the necessary equipment. Machine lifting capacity must exceed 3200 lbs (about 1450 kg);
- The basic level of protection of a promising vehicle should be provided with high mobility and personal protective equipment of the fighters;
- The construction of the ULCV must have high strength characteristics to withstand various loads. In particular, it stipulates the preservation of structural integrity in the event of a rollover;
- The machine must be adapted for driving not only on highways, but also on rough terrain. The cruising range with one refueling is set at 250-300 miles (400-480 km);
- A promising vehicle should be equipped with platoon-level weapons or heavier weapons. First of all, shooting systems are considered;
- The dimensions and curb weight of the new equipment should allow it to be transported by various airplanes and helicopters. The ULCV must fit in the cargo compartment of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and be attached to the external sling of a UH-60 helicopter. In addition, it is required to provide the ability to land from military transport aircraft using the 463L platform;
- New equipment should have a modular architecture that simplifies operation and repair in the field.
Experimental light vehicle demonstrator ULV (second prototype) developed by the US Army TARDEC. The concept of this project formed the basis for the TARDEC program of the promising light vehicle ULCV (c) US Army / TARDEC (via Jane's)
The ULCV program is implemented by TARDEC (Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center). The available information about the requirements for a promising vehicle for infantry units allows you to roughly imagine its appearance. At the same time, there is reason to believe that the ULCV will become a simplified and lightweight version of an experimental vehicle created in the course of the ULV (Ultra Light Vehicle) program.
In the current 2014, it is planned to curtail all work on the ULV project and focus on the development of a new ULCV machine. The goal of the ULV program was to create an experimental infantry vehicle. A four-wheel drive vehicle with a gross weight of about 14 thousand pounds (about 6,350 kg) was supposed to carry up to 4,500 pounds (2 tons) of cargo. Three experimental ULV vehicles received a hybrid power plant based on diesel and electric engines, as well as a set of armor inherent in machines of the MRAP class. Finally, as part of the ULV program, the possibility of creating an infantry vehicle, the cost of which will not exceed $ 250 thousand, was studied when building a series of more than 5000 units.
The TARDEC Center, together with several US defense companies, built and tested three prototype ULVs. During the test drives around the polygon, the cars showed fairly high performance, and also made it possible to identify the existing shortcomings. The hybrid power plant of the cars was highly appreciated. The system of one diesel and two electric engines made it possible to achieve high running characteristics, and also provided the necessary level of survivability. Two relatively compact electric motors made it possible to equip the ULV with a characteristic “mine-action” bottom without vulnerable areas. In addition, the machine remains mobile when one of the engines fails.
Experimental light vehicle demonstrator ULV (second prototype) developed by the US Army TARDEC. The concept of this project formed the basis for the TARDEC program of the promising light vehicle ULCV (c) US Army / TARDEC (via Jane's)
Tests of three ULV machines made it possible to clarify the requirements for promising technology for this purpose. It was based on the test results in January that a new version of the requirements for the car created under the ULCV program was released. At the same time, it is noted that the approved list of requirements does not yet exist. For some time, the developers will have to use the preliminary version of the terms of reference. In the future, the requirements will be refined and updated. In the meantime, participants in the ULCV program can determine the main features and features of the appearance of a promising vehicle for infantry units.
The current version of the requirements for the ULCV vehicle suggests that it will be a four-wheeled vehicle with a curb weight of no more than 4.5-5 tons. The well-proven hybrid system based on diesel and electric motors is likely to be used as a power plant again. Current protection requirements may indicate that ULCV will receive the lowest possible booking. At the same time, the possibility of equipping the vehicle with additional booking modules cannot be ruled out.
In the context of booking, it is worth considering mine protection separately. In recent years, the most striking trend in the development of US military automotive technology has been the creation of MRAP-class cars. Based on the experience gained by the army in local wars in recent years, the American defense industry in a short time created a relatively large number of armored vehicles capable of protecting the crew from both bullets and enemy explosive devices. As already mentioned, the ULV experimental vehicles were also equipped with armor and a V-shaped bottom. In the case of the ULCV project, mine action elements may not be used in the design of a promising vehicle. It should be noted that against the background of some recent events, the MRAP class technique has partially lost its relevance. Perhaps for this reason, the current requirements for a ULCV machine do not imply serious basic security.
The main features of the appearance of a promising vehicle for American infantry units are already clear. However, during the next time, when the ULCV program enters the stage of development of technical design and construction of a prototype, the requirements may change. Additional adjustments can be made based on the test results. In the meantime, the promising program is the subject of much controversy. Several Pentagon demands are being questioned at once. Experts and amateurs of military equipment note the ambiguous prospects for using a hybrid power plant, and are also dissatisfied with the level of protection set by the current version of the technical specifications.
The available information about the ULCV program suggests that new progress reports may appear in the very near future. The TARDEC Center and related organizations have some experience in the creation of "ultralight vehicles" and are already carrying out design work on a new project. Thus, the demonstration of the first prototype of a promising vehicle for infantry units may take place in the foreseeable future. The first demonstration of the prototype will allow to remove some questions about its characteristics and capabilities, and will also become a new cause for controversy.
