Alligators 6х6 and 8х8
Ten years ago, the "future" of armored vehicles looked like hybrid driving machines. The diesel-electric hybrid demonstrator of the SEP technologies of BAE Systems Hagglunds was built both a tracked vehicle and a wheeled vehicle (by the formula 8 x8 or 6 x6). The purpose of the SEP was to demonstrate the flexibility of the hybrid transmission and at the same time the modular approach to constructing the hulls of armored vehicles. Despite the relative success of the project, the hybrid version has not yet found its customers. Since then, BAE Hagglunds has completed the development of the SEP as a more conventional armored vehicle Alligator with the 6x6 drive, which took part in the tender for the supply of Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV).
The Alligator retains the modular approach used in its predecessors, but not the SEP hybrid drive. As a result, where SEP 6х6 could turn around its axis, the usual Alligator has a turning radius of 23 m. Despite changes in the transmission, the Alligator retains the principle of SEP modularity (which may be an advantage for the TAPV tender). The alligator is in fact an attempt to reduce both the cost of SEP and technological risks. The Swedish press claims that the 8x8 Alligator will cost a quarter of the cost of a SEP. In terms of technology, the dominant view in North America is that hybrid systems must first gain a reputation in the civilian market before the military should risk using them for their own needs. However, this was not enough to provide a place for the Alligator (with the formula 8x8) in the domestic market.
There is a lot of media confusion between the SEP and the Alligator. Nevertheless, BAE itself did quite a bit to lift the curtain of secrecy and clarify the picture. BAE Hagglunds was burned by the loss in the tender of the Swedish army to its Finnish competitors with Patria. Looking back, it can be concluded that a more traditional alternative of the Alligator type should have been offered to Sweden along with the expensive SEP. But time does not turn back. It is also a mystery now why BAE does not promote the Alligator to the market in full force or vice versa, it does not freeze the project.
There is a video ad hinting at the 6x6 Alligator functionality, but the official site BAE Hagglunds does not provide any details at all. The location of the crew, at least obvious. Like the 6X6 SEP, the driver and commander are side by side in the bow, behind them the gunner and the 4 infantryman in the stern. Estimated Tactics Specifications 8x8 Alligator are: 2 engine Steyr M16 TCI by 272 hp, seven-speed transmission, curb weight 27 tons, length is about 6.8 m, width 2.8 m, height 2.25 m, speed 100 km / h. The SEP was equipped with two Steyr diesel engines and an Alligator can save them, but one can only guess about the actual transmission. Regarding the actual weight, dimensions and other details, it is necessary to follow the information of the tenders, such as TAPV.
Less mysterious is the weapons offered for the 6x6 Alligator. Like the SEP before it, the Alligator is seen with a remote-controlled turret from another Swedish subsidiary of BAE, Lemur from Bofors. In accordance with the requirements of the tender TAPV, Lemur must install a heavy machine gun or automatic grenade launcher. Given all the unknowns, the Alligator may be larger in size than expected by the TAPV, but this can also be beneficial as it can add additional features that do not interfere in modern combat.
Alligator 6x6
Alligator 8x8
Alligator 8x8
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