In recent years, the military in Europe and the United States have witnessed the failures of many of their projects, but now the armored vehicle programs have received a rebirth
Despite the reasons and circumstances that caused the closure of several procurement programs, planners in North America continue to look for ways to modernize existing and develop new-generation platforms that could offer a sharp leap in capabilities in the field of armored vehicles.
Recent examples of such failures include the Manned Ground Vehicle armored vehicle projects of the US Army's Future Combat Systems program, the US Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle project, the Canadian Close Combat Vehicle and the US ground combat vehicle program. Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV).
And the list isn't just limited to North America. The UK also closed its Future Rapid Effects System machine family project after numerous attempts over more than 20 years to start over. In addition, several pan-European programs have been closed or reduced to national programs.
Projects for advanced combat vehicles must correspond to operational realities. And here it is necessary to take into account the current trends in the conduct of hostilities, ranging from Russian expansionism to the social and media reality broadcast in real time from Syria, engulfed in the civil war.
Of necessity
Despite the fact that progress in the development of armored vehicles is very slow and that there are still many vehicles in service that are 40 or more years old, it is necessary to always strive to design new options and carry out upgrades in order to meet changing threats.
Speaking at a US Army symposium, Colonel William Klebowski, head of personnel support at the Army Capability Integration Center, said that the superiority of Allied armored forces over the enemy in the 1991 Gulf War clearly showed how much vehicle design meant. In addition, new types of vehicles have been developed to counter specific threats, such as MRAP vehicles (with enhanced mine protection; with increased protection against mines and improvised explosive devices) for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the same time, Klebowski noted that now these operations should at least "slow down." He acknowledged that a broader global vision allows us to determine the presence of new global challenges - from the "transformation" of Russian military power to the shocking reality of the war in Syria - which, in his opinion, will have an impact on the designs of future machines.
There is reason to believe that the United States, being the most powerful military power with the most modern combat vehicles, determines the general trends in the development of military equipment, that is, where the next projects of armored vehicles will move and in what kind of operations they will take part. This return to a broader global vision prompted the development of a new American Strategy for the Modernization of Combat Vehicles. This program not only identifies gaps in the current capabilities of machines, but also tries to prioritize solutions in order to fill those gaps based on anticipated funding.
Although the plan “has already undergone minor changes since it was approved at the end of 2015,” Klebowski explained that it essentially divides activities and priorities into three distinct time periods: short-term (2016-2021), medium-term (2022-2031) and long-term (2032-2046). Key short-term activities include proposals for design changes, upgrades of selected systems, and validation of off-the-shelf commercial solutions followed by research or pilot programs to assess their effectiveness in closing short-term technology gaps. At the same time, any new development programs will mainly fall into the medium and long term.
Increased firepower of Stryker
Lt. Col. Scott Coulson, who served on the Combat Vehicle Modernization Strategy development team, cited the Stryker's ongoing firepower enhancement program for the 2nd Armored Regiment, stationed in Germany, as a typical example of short-term efforts. "At the moment, General Dynamics is modernizing 81 Stryker ICV infantry fighting vehicles, which includes the installation of a remote-controlled turret with a 30-mm cannon."
“The 30mm XM813 cannon was developed by the Armaments Research Center based on the MK44 cannon manufactured by Orbital ATK. She will be able to hit the enemy at distances approximately equal to the combat range, not the maximum range of actual fire, as we see in the example of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), released by different manufacturers for the last five years."
In addition to the careful formulation of "combat ranges", the choice of a 30-mm cannon is interesting from the point of view of the prospect of a lethal effect. Part of the discussions about the lethal capabilities of this gun were conducted even within the framework of the now closed program for the GCV combat vehicle of the American army, although during the implementation of the program the caliber of the gun was not yet determined. However, analysts in the field of army weapons analyzed some elements of the damaging effect of the GCV platform, for example, the desired number of potential targets for destruction of targets and types of targets, and recommended a 35 mm cannon for several new projects.
Coulson said the choice of the XM813 30mm cannon was made with a view to engaging in combat "with probable targets at probable ranges and that it is not necessary to provide a lethal effect for everything on the battlefield." He noted that the 30mm cannon “will be able to fire high-precision air blast projectiles as soon as they qualify. This will allow us to destroy infantry in natural cover, possibly UAVs, but definitely low-flying aircraft and many other targets. The ability of the Stryker combat vehicle to support dismounted infantry fighting on the ground will dramatically increase."
This shows what the US military is focusing on and thinking about. They see several challenges: the widespread proliferation of drones and battles in built-up areas against a dismounted enemy with anti-tank weapons, which in future operations will become the main threat to armored vehicles.
It is not surprising that at the Eurosatory 2016 exhibition, quite a lot of attention was shown to the recently developed by Orbital ATK programmable 30-mm air detonation ammunition MK310 PABM-T (Programmable Airburst Munition with Tracer), which is already in service with a number of foreign customers.
A company spokesman said the MK310, designed for the MK44 Bushmaster's own cannon, "uses a time and RPM fuse to give extremely reliable firing accuracy."In addition, the projectile has a built-in "induction fuse installer that can be easily integrated into new MK44 guns and platforms or serves as an element of modernization of existing systems."
When asked about the applicability of the new XM813 cannon, a spokesman for Orbital ATK replied that since this cannon has the same induction fuse setter as in the extended MK44 version, the army "intends to qualify the cannon with all types of ammunition, including the MK310." The company believes that the MK310 will receive a new designation upon completion of the qualification, although at the moment it is still approved.
At the same time, Coulson stressed that the new firepower “does not change the role of the vehicle, it will continue to carry a squad of nine and a crew of two. It will retain all the performance characteristics of the existing Stryker combat vehicle."
Future perfection
Although the Stryker project is not a new platform, what the army is doing with this machine serves as an indicator of what specific capabilities it wants to have in the next generation of vehicles. In the future, this will simplify the creation of new models, since the systems of weapons, protection, chassis and power plant are more likely to be integrated into them from the very beginning, and not as additional components.
In parallel with the 81 Stryker armored vehicles receiving a more powerful 30 mm cannon, another important part of the program will be vehicles that will be equipped with Javelin ATGM launchers (Remote Weapon System - Javelin [RWS-J]).
Coulson described the RWS-J as “a rather minor improvement on an existing remotely controlled module that allows the crew to fire from a Javelin anti-tank system while under the protection of the vehicle's armor, while carrying ammunition to it in the vehicle. When the enemy is actually surrounded by armored vehicles, this will allow the crew to immediately respond with weapons of equal effectiveness."
This means that the design of a promising machine must be ready for the installation of such systems and the industry must keep this in mind. Regarding whether these modifications are part of a broader modernization philosophy, Coulson noted that the Stryker BMPs, which will be sent back to the 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment in the next three years, are not the only segment of the weapons efficiency program.
As a consequence, more changes and improvements are expected in the future to help in the design of promising projects. We can say that the Stryker armored vehicle is used as a test platform to test various options for combat capabilities and its development must be closely monitored.
“The Stryker platform must move forward and all of these vehicles must increase the lethality of their weapons,” he added. - In fact, it may be a completely different option, different from what will be deployed in the 2nd reconnaissance regiment. Everything will depend on the assessment and effectiveness of this particular option, which is currently being developed at a fairly accelerated pace."
As the media reported at the end of October, General Dynamics Corporation handed over to the American army the first prototype of the Stryker armored vehicle, armed with an uninhabited combat module with a 30-mm automatic cannon.
Mobilized efforts
In addition to government planners, industry in the US and other countries is working to identify suitable technologies and exploring the concepts of advanced armored vehicles. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which manufactures Stryker armored personnel carriers and Abrams tanks, is very focused on the future of ground combat systems.
GDLS Director of Advanced Programs Mark Pacek states that "In today's world, with many hotspots around the world, systems that can be deployed quickly, functionally flexible, highly mobile and perhaps even autonomous will become an important part of the troops of the future."
When asked how the company is trying to anticipate these future needs in the near and short term, GDLS's program director said her company is focused on meeting the needs of the military by rapidly moving products to market.
“For example, the Stryker's double bottom and 30mm cannon programs are examples of industry and government collaboration to advance key technologies faster than traditional procurement models allow. We are constantly researching the market for disruptive technologies that can be used and transferred to existing vehicles in order to meet the new demands of the military."
Talking about some of the technologies of particular interest, Pesik noted: “We continue to invest in active protection, both in KAZ (active protection complex) and in KOEP (optical-electronic suppression complex), hull design, active suspension, situational awareness, power generation, electric drives and remote controlled towers. GDLS also intends to supply new systems to the troops. Based on proposals for design changes and proposals for operational needs, consistent upgrades provide increased capacity for the Abrams and Stryker and the rapid delivery of new technologies to the fighter."
BAE Systems, which has received contracts for the modernization of American armored vehicles, including the Bradley BMP, the M109A7 self-propelled guns and the AMPV universal armored vehicle, is also ready to implement promising projects based on the evolving needs of the military.
Deepak Bazaz, director of programs for Bradley and ACS at BAE, said that “In today's changing environment, the military needs ground-based combat systems that can adapt to their missions. With the emergence of new global threats, we see new tasks, we see a different operational environment in which the machines will be used in the future. Our modernization efforts will focus on improving protection, performance and maneuverability of vehicles to work together with armored brigade groups."
Specifically, BAE is working with government research organizations to assess and integrate improvements through “technology availability and readiness, as well as mobility improvements through more efficient transmissions and weight savings such as rubber tracks,” Bazaz said. Ongoing projects include collaboration with the TARDEC Armored Research Center to integrate technology from the combat vehicle program, as well as work to evaluate modern hull manufacturing methods.
Redefining capabilities
The United States industry and military are exploring not only options for new opportunities, but also considering eliminating those that are no longer in demand or reforming those that are not being used as they would like. Here, one of the problems regarding the damaging effect is associated with the emerging needs for the MPF (Mobile Protected Firepower - mobile protected firepower) platform and the possible impact of the MGS (Mobile Gun System) self-propelled artillery unit based on the Stryker.
“If it is finally recognized that the MGS based on the Stryker is becoming obsolete and, based on its capabilities, will never be able to fully fulfill its intended role, then we will consider the possibility of adopting the MPF platform in order to increase the overall combat effectiveness of the units after how will we complete the development of this very MPF,”said Coulson.
The modernization of combat vehicles also largely depends on the so-called assistive systems. Coulson cited the example of vehicle protection systems (VPSs) capable of neutralizing high-explosive and possibly armor-piercing warheads "which are currently challenging our protection systems across the entire vehicle range."
Then he continued: “When we start talking about VPS, then we are talking about the full range of capabilities, first of all about the program of the modular active protection system, which is a scientific and technological initiative of the Research Armored Center to install a set of KAZ and KOEP on the family machines. Most likely, an active protection system in the near future will help to explore the possibilities and better understand these systems. At the moment, active protection systems are the only (apart from passive armor) mature technology that can cope with modern HEAT shells, ATGM and rocket-propelled grenades, which have excellent armor-piercing characteristics."
What Coulson drew attention to is a great example of how the anticipated future operating space shapes the necessary security capabilities that must be implemented in the design of a future machine.
A clear task
Coulson continued: “When relatively untrained fighters with minimal training in Syria destroy enemy tanks every day, use anti-tank missiles to detonate armored vehicles and post the results on YouTube, I believe the future of our armored forces is clearly defined - we must fight this. Over the past three years, the Syrian army has lost over 1,000 combat vehicles after ATGM attacks. They also shot down helicopters with dignitaries. These missiles fired at a variety of objects. These new high-precision capabilities were given to rebels, militants or whatever. And we must find a solution. VPS becomes even more important when we talk about Stryker machines. The Stryker, as we saw in Iraq, was equipped with lattice screens to protect against RPGs. But the machine remains completely vulnerable to any modern anti-tank missile and to most of the modern RPGs, which are currently being used by many armies seeking to replace their RPG-7 grenade launchers."
In parallel with assistive systems such as VPS, strategy also recognizes the importance of a continuous combat vehicle simulation process. “This is a planned comprehensive program promoted in the scientific and technical community, within the framework of which we strive to introduce and develop these technologies in combat vehicles, we try to determine the actual points of their implementation. We will develop a promising combat vehicle. The GCV project was not completely thrown into the trash can after its closure, as some think. Many of the technologies that were introduced in this project will be used in the program for a promising combat vehicle. We're going to continue to explore future-proof solutions and their full integration into the planned program as technology, funding, and capability requirements converge to build this machine,”Coulson said.
Evaluating the effectiveness of any upgraded element is at the heart of any project. Klebowski acknowledged that, first of all, there will be a validation of off-the-shelf commercial opportunities with “follow-up” pilot projects or pilot programs in order to assess the effectiveness of these opportunities in order to eliminate technological gaps.
In the case of such accelerated work, such as the installation of a 30-mm XM813 cannon on a Stryker machine, these "follow-up" experimental work will be carried out even after the systems are sent to the troops. However, in other cases, this will happen during events such as the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) and the Army Warfighting Assessment (AWA) conducted at the military bases of Fort Bliss and White Sands, or in the army centers. combat training (CTC). “We have to do NIE and AWA evaluations and accurate modeling and reproduction, analyze reports from CTC units and centers. We need to more effectively tie all of this together in order to develop requirements and our programs for further submission to the Department of Defense. Therefore, we are working hard to present this final assessment to the country's top leadership."
European solution
One of the main events at the Eurosatory 2016 exhibition was the demonstration of the Lynx tracked infantry fighting vehicle by the German company Rheinmetall. The idea of the project, developed on a proactive basis, was that the machine could perform a wider range of tasks, while using existing technologies to keep the cost within reasonable limits.
The Lance turret of the same company, armed with a 35-mm cannon, was installed on the vehicle, which corresponds to the latest trends in increasing the caliber of guns of armored vehicles. The concept of the vehicle is defined as modular, since it can be converted into various options: armored personnel carriers, evacuation, ambulance, combat control and reconnaissance. A similar concept is borrowed from the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle, it is also modular and you can install various functional kits on it in accordance with each specific task.
The KF31 variant weighs 38 tons and accommodates three crew members and seven paratroopers. The second extended version of the KF41 weighs 44 tons and can accommodate eight paratroopers. On the KF31 variant, which develops a maximum speed of 65 km / h, a power unit with a capacity of 563 kW is installed. On the KF41 version, a 700 kW power unit is installed and develops a speed of 70 km / h.
This suggests a comparison of the Lynx tracked vehicle with the new German Puma tracked vehicle entering service with the German army. However, with the same protection levels, the Lynx is significantly heavier and cannot be transported in the A400M military transport aircraft. Since it is not based on the requirements of the German army, it can easily adapt to the requirements of foreign customers and has the potential for future upgrades, including the installation of weapons systems, armored kits and situational awareness systems. It is likely that the vehicle will be offered for the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 program, which provides for the replacement of the outdated M113 armored personnel carriers with a new tracked infantry fighting vehicle.
Turkish options
Last year, the Turkish company FNSS presented a new Kaplan armored combat vehicle at the IDEF exhibition. This family of tracked vehicles includes three variants, including the shown Kaplan-20 BMP equipped with a Teber remote-controlled turret with a 30mm cannon.
When installing an uninhabited tower, a crew of three people and eight paratroopers is placed in the car, but when installing a manned turret, the number of paratroopers is reduced to six. Remote controlled turrets are all the rage for combat vehicle manufacturers today after the Russian T-14 Armata tank was released last year. The Kaplan-20 is a floating vehicle, it develops a speed of 8 km / h in the water. This is another parameter that designers must take into account when fulfilling the requirements of the military regarding the future operational space.
Although the Turkish army does not have officially announced needs, certain research is underway on promising armored combat vehicles, which have a large mass compared to those vehicles that are in service with the army, for example, the M113 and ACV. In the long term, they can be replaced, and in this regard, the FNSS company especially notes the best off-road passability of the Kaplan armored vehicle, a large payload of 7 tons, good power density, high top speed and the possible installation of turrets with a 105 mm cannon.
Some like it harder
Moving from a promising combat vehicle to a new topic, Coulson noted that the army “will continue to explore the concept of a future tank. The M1 Abrams tank does not last forever and will eventually be replaced. What, we do not know, but we are constantly considering the concepts presented by TARDEC”.
Another direction of increasing the damaging effect is the 120-mm Advanced Multi-Purpose Round, which “will allow the Abrams tank to obtain high-precision air blasting capabilities. These are absolutely amazing opportunities that we will soon get thanks to the developers, and we will not stop there and continue to increase the firepower of our military forces."
Coulson did not forget to mention the M88 Hercules evacuation vehicle, which, despite the increase in the mass of the M1 tank, should be able to pull it out of any trouble.
The American army is also seeking new technologies such as the third generation 3GEN FLIR sighting system, which will allow the tank to hit the enemy at the maximum range of its weapons systems. Also, do not forget about the possible replacement of outdated M113 armored personnel carriers in echelons above the brigade level.
“The AMPV [Armored Multipurpose Vehicle] will only replace the M113 armored personnel carriers in brigade groups,” Coulson said. “But we have a lot of M113s besides these brigade groups. We analyzed the alternatives and developed a plan to address this problem. There are a huge number of M113s to replace as they are outdated and could put our soldiers at risk in the future, especially in our engineering and rapid response teams.”
