Light machines at a turning point (part of 2 from 3)
The Turkish company Katmerciler is active in the field of special trucks, but more and more interested in the production of defense products. Her armored car Pit-Bull VX 4x4 was the first step in that direction. It is based on the Ford 550 chassis with a Ford 6.7 V8 turbo diesel engine with 300 horsepower, it has a combat weight of 8,8 tons with a payload capacity of 1,3 tons. The machine has a level of protection Level 1, while its steel case is protected by the standard CEN B6 +. Katmerciler offers its Pitt-Bull VX to many countries, the most promising contacts here are with Azerbaijan.
A new player in the field of Turkish light armored vehicles, the company Katmerciler, offers its Pit Bull VX 4x4 to many foreign armies.
Panhard PVP in the configuration of the conveyor complex UAV Drac. The machine participated in the operations of the French contingent in Mali.
France
Upon completion of the previous review on light armored vehicles (2013 year) came news Panhard purchase by Renault Trucks Defense. Although this was hardly a surprise, it nevertheless changed the alignment of French forces in this market, putting three brands under one roof, namely Renault, Acmat and Panhard, because these three companies, one way or another, operate in the light segment market combat vehicles.
After more than one year, there has been a change in the leadership of this organization. Girard Amiel was removed from his post as executive director of Renault Trucks Defense, and Stefano Chimlevski, president of one of the Volvo divisions, took his place. It looks not only as the dismissal of a top manager, but as an exception to the entire intermediate level, which puts the RTD under the tight control of the Volvo industrial group. If several new products are planned in the BTR / BMP segment, in the light segment a new product is not expected in the near future.
Panhard VBL is definitely a popular product in the RTD portfolio, since 16 machines are armed with 2300 countries in more than 10 versions. Panhard continues to develop a modernization kit for the French army, which will include a new rear suspension. It will increase the load capacity of the 900 kg, the new engine and improved protection. This option should reach a total mass of about 5,2 tons and attracts a certain interest in the foreign market.
The PVP (Petit Véhicule Protege - small protected vehicle) was used by the French contingent that participated in Operation Serval in January 2013. It was mainly used to collect tactical information in the northern regions of Mali. Two options participated in missions in this country: the car of the Drac UAV complex and the electronic warfare machine, the latter helped to detect the radio stations of the commanders of the rebels and to send at them artillery fire or assault helicopters. The French army operates around 1180 of such machines, some of them will soon receive the Wasd BCDM from Sagem-Panhard. About 80 PVP were manufactured and delivered to Togo, Chile, Romania, of course Mali became the most recent buyer.
PVP (Petit Véhicule Protege from Renault Trucks Defense
Sherpa Light in reconnaissance configuration in African scenario. Renault Trucks Defense is developing the latest version of which, APX-XL, was shown at DSEI 2013
The concept of the Crab machine, shown a couple of years ago, is still on display at numerous shows, which we saw at IDEX 2013 in Abu Dhabi, although it is not clear what kind of customer attention this type of machine can attract, in its current or even modified version.
With the APC-XL version presented at DSEI 2013, Renault increased the operational flexibility of its Sherpa Light, which is currently available in five different armored and unarmored versions. The newest version weighs 10,9 tons, has a tonnage capacity of 2,6 tons and can carry two plus eight paratroopers. The machine has two configurations, three-and five-door; its roof is raised to 2,53 m in order to increase the protected volume to 11 m 3, which is a cube more than the standard version of the BTR. Option BTR was sold to Qatar, the Middle East and some European countries; personnel transporter was acquired by NATO and France. The cooler member of this family is Sherpa Light HI (High Intensity - High Intensity), it has the full mass of 10,5 tons, the carrying capacity of 1,5 tons and seats for six people. Protection levels are not named, but judging by the short wheelbase and weight close to the mass version with a longer wheelbase, the protection has been increased. Nearly 300 Sherpa Lights machines were sold, including an inventory option for the Egyptian police. According to RTD, the company is considering numerous proposals for the latest options.
Acmat Bastion is available in several versions, including the version of the control point and sanitary version. The car, based on the chassis of the former VLRA model, was sold to several African countries.
As for the machines created by Acmat, Renault has sold over 350 BTR Bastion, mainly to Africa, as well as some special units in Europe; The latest 11 machines were sold to Chad in December 2013. With a total mass of 10,5 tons, the machine has a payload capacity of two tons with ballistic protection of the 1 level, while increasing protection to the 2 level, the carrying capacity drops by half a ton and another half-ton with increasing protection to the level of 3, although in this case the level of anti-mine protection is somewhat limited.
Italy
Over 4000 machines ordered by ten countries (Italy, UK, Spain, Norway, Belgium, Croatia, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Russia); Iveco DV is almost ready to begin production of an upgraded version of its successful 4x4 model.
In 2014, the company from Bolzano will complete the production of VTLM (the acronym means light tactical general-purpose vehicle) Lince, ordered by the Italian army, its units have already received more than 1600 machines. The latest batches are delivered in a Lince 1A configuration with a solid roof, which is able to accept the new protected support ring and the Oto Melara Hitrole Light combat module. The new roof guarantees complete safety in the event of overturning and replaces the original protective arcs, which allows you to increase the available space in the car and reduce weight. Italy is reducing its contingent in Afghanistan, and after five years of deployment there, statistics show that, with the exception of the initial minor problems, the car showed itself in full accordance with expectations. Approximately 30 Casevac Lince machines were also supplied. Iveco DV is currently negotiating with the Italian army on the final configuration of the VTLM-2. In order to increase the available space, the next generation Lince will be a little longer; Dutch requirements have steadily increased, and now they provide for the total length of the 2,02 meter. The new machine will have better protection, mobility and greater carrying capacity and will be distinguished by a consistent increase in carrying capacity. The total weight is kept at less than 9 tons, and Iveco does not intend to transform the LMV into a mini-Mrap. This target mass should be achieved by working on the design and materials of the crew safety capsule. It is planned that the machine is fully integrated into all network-centric systems, since the new Lince machine will become part of the Italian Forza NEC digital army.
The Italian army, of course, is the largest user of the Iveco LMV; The army is currently finishing defining the requirements for Lince 2.0, which by its capabilities will exceed the current version
According to the leaders of Iveco DV, buyers are focusing on the integration of electronic systems due to the problems that have arisen in most of the vehicles used by the troops when various radio stations, silencers, etc. were installed. In this direction, the Lince machine has been refined for several years, this also applies to the available power and cabling. The Italian Ministry of Defense issues a number of contracts for the repair and modernization of vehicles on their way back from Afghanistan. However, the standard required for new cars will be much higher. The Digital LMV option, shown at DSEI 2013, was the first step towards the Lince 2 solution, which includes improved protection and improved mobility through the introduction of an automatic drive control system. The car at the exhibition weighed 7,75 tons. At the same exhibition, an Italian company expanding its line-up, together with an Italian specialist in this field, Cristanini, showed the option of reconnaissance and monitoring of OMP.
As for exports, Iveco DV’s factories are currently producing the latest machines for Austria; around 50 machines were delivered in the 2013 year, and 50 will also be delivered in the 2014 year in order to complete the contract for 150 machines. Also, the latest machines are being manufactured from the lot in 358 pieces ordered by Russia, where it is known as Lynx. The final assembly will be held in Voronezh with a certain share of local nodes. The joint venture between Iveco and Kamaz was frozen due to the decision of Moscow to cancel the initial order for 1775 machines.
By the end of 2014, Iveco DV will complete the fourth-generation LMV 62 machines ordered by Norway in January 2013; the adopted configuration is already a development of the aforementioned Lince 2. The car features a new crew capsule with improved protection, new seats and improved ergonomics, a new power drive with improved performance due to increased gross weight. Electromagnetic compatibility is greatly improved because Norway has requested the ability to accommodate various equipment, such as radio stations, intercom systems, combat control systems and electronic countermeasures, as well as the installation of the Kongsberg Protector Nordic module.
Germany
After the Bundeswehr selected the GDELS Eagle V machine, which complemented the GFF2 program, the KMW / Rheinmetall consortium, which developed the AMPV 4X4 (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle), is looking to export markets, as well as a wider range of combat missions. In the AMPV Type 2a configuration (currently developed to the prototype level), an 3,2-liter six-cylinder Steyr engine with an 274 horsepower capacity is installed, with the total mass of the prototype reaching 10 tons with a tonnage minimum protection level. Of course, the level of protection can be increased, but only by a corresponding reduction in load capacity. Mine protection in this project is a priority and therefore the German machine has 2,2a / 3b Level protection, which makes it one of the most protected machines in its class. The intermediate construction of the bottom, detached from the safety capsule, reduces the load on the lower limbs of passengers in the event of a mine explosion. Independent suspension, based on two transverse levers with two spring shock absorbers per wheel, and hydraulic shock absorbers with end stops provide a large ground clearance on any type of terrain, contributing not only to improved maneuverability, but also to the level of protection. Currently, the car is standardly equipped with a rear-view camera, the image from which is displayed on the driver's 2-inch display, which is also used to display information about the car (systems status and logbook). AMPV is ready to accept various functional kits, for example, combat information and control systems, jamming equipment, remotely controlled combat module or protection system weapons mass destruction (WMD).
The AMPV family is developed by the KMW-Rheinmetall Defense team. At the moment, for the GFF2 program, only one version of the AMPV Type 2a is ready (so far the prototype), which, nevertheless, has good chances of success.
The LAPV 6.1, developed by Mercedes Benz, is still in search of a new customer, while the lighter and less secure version of the LAPV 5.4 is in service with the Bundeswehr
To date, for the GFF2 program, only a patrol commander vehicle has been manufactured. However, the KMW-Rheinmetall group is working on at least three more configurations: reconnaissance, logistic, and with a large cockpit. All of them retain the full mass of 10 tons, although the payload varies (2,2, 2,0, 2,4 and 1,6 tons) according to different natural masses. The patrol and reconnaissance versions are fully armored and an anti-aircraft defense system is installed on them, the reconnaissance version is also equipped with a rear mounted telescopic mast with opto-sensors and an additional seat. The logistic version has a front armored cabin and a rear loading platform, while the version with a large cabin has a raised roof and a protected compartment for the entire length of the vehicle, which significantly increases the internal volume.
From the company Mercedes Benz, in whose catalog is still listed LAPV 5.4 and LAPV 6.1, does not come interesting news. In the German Bundeswehr, they are known as Enok; under the GFF1 program, such a machine was purchased by 121. They are available in two versions, four- and five-door, both with a total mass of 5,4 tons. The load capacity is correspondingly reduced from kg 1070 to kg 850 in the five-door version. The ballistic protection reaches the 2 Level, the mine protection reaches the 1a / b Level, although the optional kit may increase the latter to the 2a Level. LAPV 6.1 is currently the only representative of the 6.X line, whose number shows its total mass in tons. The increase in mass was due to hardening of the chassis, while the engine output power remained 181 hp. The ballistic protection remained the same as that of the 5.4 model, while the 6.1 has a standard bottom with a protection level of 2a. However, it can be “exchanged” on the bottom with a protection level of 1a / b in order to increase the standard carrying capacity to 1,3 tons. Apparently, so far no LAPV 6.1 machines have been ordered.
Switzerland
In 2010, the Eagle V vehicle was shown by General Dynamics European Land Systems, which was selected by the police at Zurich Airport and the Swiss Army, who received their first cars in 2011 and 2012, and most recently Germany to complete their GFF2 program (Geschutzte Fuhrungs und Funktionsfahrzeuge or armored vehicles for operational management). The contract was signed in June 2013 of the year with the German defense procurement agency on 100 of such machines, the document provides for an option for another 76 machines.
The newest Eagle V model maintains a high level of uniformity with the Eagle IV model, which is already in service with the Bundeswehr, which will help reduce the cost of the life cycle. Modernization has been carried out and at present, with a total mass of 10 tons, the Eagle V has a payload capacity of three tons, some of which can go to further increase the levels of protection. The new machine can carry from two to six people, depending on the configuration. Like its predecessors, the Eagle V is based on the Duro IIIP chassis. Mobility provides a diesel 6.7-liter six-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine with a turbocharged horsepower 250 hp. coupled with an Allison five-speed automatic transmission; the suspension is based on the “De Dion” scheme with a patented transverse displacement stabilizer.
Production is carried out at factories in Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) and Kaiserslautern (Germany), orders will ensure capacity utilization up to 2014 of the year or in the case of exercising the option to 2015 of the year. The first Eagle V armored car was delivered to the Bundeswehr at the start of the 2014. Obviously, the Eagle 6x6 is based on the Duro 6x6 version, but now with the HP 285 engine. and carrying capacity 6 tons. Judging by the available information, no customer has yet ordered this option.
United Kingdom
The LLPV (Light Protected Patrol Vehicle - light protected patrol vehicle) program is well underway, but it is not clear what will be the goal for a future MRV-P program (Multi Role Vehicle - Protected, multi-purpose vehicle - protected), which is the “heir” programs for a general-purpose vehicle Operational Utility Vehicle System, canceled by the Department of Defense several years ago. What machine under this program will be, five-ton or mass three times more, it is necessary to determine. So far, the MRV-P is “in the hands” of the Laboratory of Defense Science and Technology, although, based on Afghan experience, it is possible that the machine within this program will have sufficient levels of ballistic and mine protection.
The Ocelot 4x4 by Force Protection Europe, well-proven in the British contingent in Afghanistan (the British renamed it Foxhound), won the bid for the LPPV program in September 2010 of the year; 400 has now been ordered for such machines. After the first order for 200 machines at the end of 2011, the British Defense Ministry in the middle of 2012 ordered another batch of 100 machines from Foxhound, the next three contracts, respectively for 25, 51 and 24 machines, were signed between the end of 2012 and the autumn of 2013. . At the moment, a joint team of companies GDLS and Force Protection has already delivered more than 350 machines.
The capsule of the habitable compartment of Foxhound has a deep V-shape. This design allows you to reflect the blast wave and, thereby, reduce the effect of "throwing" down when the car drops sharply to the ground after the explosion. This technology, combined with a new bottom design, provides protection for the 2B Level. The habitable compartment capsule is made of composite armor, which provides ballistic protection for the 3 Level; she can take two crew members and four paratroopers who embark and disembark through the front left door and the rear door. A reconnaissance version with only two rear seats and a supply option in a pickup configuration with a shortened two-seater cab are also available. The protective capsule of the habitable compartment can easily be replaced, since it is attached to the chassis using four connecting nodes. This allows you to apply other solutions, such as the all-steel capsule presented at DSEI 2013. The variant with such a capsule was designated Ocelot-S (S means steel). This cost-effective solution can increase the export potential of the machine, as GDLS / Force Protection conducts a difficult marketing campaign in different regions, for example in South America, North America, as well as in the Middle and Far East. On the other hand, an increase in mass entails a reduction in payload.
Zemanr armored car from Penman
As for the SPV400, Supacat has developed three different crew capsules for it: for the patrol version, the general purpose version and the open-cabin version and the WMIK (Weapons Mount Installation Kit) weapon system. After the acquisition of Creation by the Scottish Penman group of companies, Zephyr’s armored car now received a Scottish “registration” and is Penman’s product, while Creation remained the design company. An agreement with Eraf Industries from Saudi Arabia led to the development of a Zephyr modification, which was designated Metras 4x4. The new model has a total mass of 8 tons and a carrying capacity of two tons, capable of holding two crew members and six paratroopers. The car has a MAN diesel engine with direct fuel injection with an 198 horsepower, thanks to which it develops a speed of 120 km / h. The increase in the total mass on the 500 kg compared with the previous version of Zephyr was the result of the installation of a steel hull guaranteeing ballistic protection of the 3 Level and anti-explosion protection of the 3a / 2b Level. The collaboration between Penman / Creation and Eraf should increase the chances of a new model penetrating the Middle East and other markets.
BTR Scorpion from the company Streit Group
Near East
Having mentioned Eraf a little higher, we are making a smooth transition to other Middle Eastern products.
The international Streit Group, headquartered in Dubai and with factories in Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, Russia, India, Jordan, Pakistan and Turkey, is increasingly active in the field of military vehicles; its armored solutions range from well-defended patrol cars to an armored personnel carrier with a 6xXNNX wheel configuration. The class of light armored vehicles can be attributed (it is worth noting that the word “light” is becoming less and less appropriate even for small patrol cars) Scorpion 6x4 weighing 4 tons with two crew members and four paratroopers. The car is based on a monocoque V-shaped case with independent suspension, providing optimal mobility. It is equipped with a Cummins ISBE 11L hp 6.7 turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which makes it possible to obtain a specific power of more than 300 hp / ton and a maximum speed on the highway over 27 km / h. As stated in the company, the fuel tank on 110 liters ensures a power reserve of 200 km.
The Scorpion model accommodates two crew members and up to four paratroopers, providing them with 3 Level ballistic protection and 2a / b Level mine protection. The car is accessed through two front and two rear doors, there is also an emergency hatch on the roof, and in the rear part there is a cargo compartment for folding equipment. The Scorpion car shown at Eurosatory 2012 is actively promoted around the world, but it is clear that its core business is in the Middle East and Latin America.
Nimr Automotive recently achieved another success when the UAE military signed a contract worth 820 million dollars for another batch of universal combat vehicles 4x4 and armored transporters Nimr 6x6. While the latter is hardly suitable for the framework of this article with its full weight of 15 tons, an armored version of Nimr 4x4 with a permissible weight of nine tons can easily be classified as lightweight. In February, 2013 was announced at the IDEX exhibition to sign a contract and it was soon signed in the number of 800 machines, whereas earlier 500 4x4 vehicles were supplied by the presidential guard.
Of course, Nimr Automotive does not count on just one national customer; in fact, Libya became the first Nimr customer, receiving more 100 machines before the Arab Spring 2011. In 2013, the Emirates presented Libya as a gift some more of these machines. Libyan cars were manufactured in Jordan by Advanced Industries of Arabia, after which production was transferred to the new Nimr Automotive plant in the UAE. The new authorities of the country and their armed forces appear to be eager to comply with the contract signed by Gaddafi; there machines are used by military and paramilitary structures. Another major breakthrough in export opportunities was the formation of Nimr-Algerie, a joint venture between the Algerian Defense Mechanical Industry Promotion Group and Tawazun Holdings, which began production of Nimr at a plant in Algerian Kenchel. Designed and developed by Emirates Defense Technology at the beginning of 2000's, Nimr has now become a technologically mature product, available in 4xXNNXX and 4x6 configurations, and with at least seven different options within each of these configurations. Car Nimr 6x4 is also in service with Lebanon and Jordan.
The new Eagle family, which is being promoted by the GDELS-Mowag group of companies, has achieved another success in connection with the adoption of the Eagle by the Bundeswehr
The new military customer of the new Eagle V (or New Eagle), produced at the Kreitslingen plant, was the Swiss army
Option Eagle 6x6 in the sanitary configuration. Although it originates from a patrol car, it is unlikely that it fits into the “light” category because of its mass.
The Vamtac S3 machine developed by Urovesa is currently being replaced by a very similar version of S5, the weight of which, depending on the level of protection, can reach 9,5 tons
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